Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine

Volume 58(4); July 2024

Reviews

Clinical practice recommendations for the use of next-generation sequencing in patients with solid cancer: a joint report from KSMO and KSP: Miso Kim, Hyo Sup Shim, Sheehyun Kim, In Hee Lee, Jihun Kim, Shinkyo Yoon, Hyung-Don Kim, Inkeun Park, Jae Ho Jeong, Changhoon Yoo, Jaekyung Cheon, In-Ho Kim, Jieun Lee, Sook Hee Hong, Sehhoon Park, Hyun Ae Jung, Jin Won Kim, Han Jo Kim, Yongjun Cha, Sun Min Lim, Han Sang Kim, Choong-Kun Lee, Jee Hung Kim, Sang Hoon Chun, Jina Yun, So Yeon Park, Hye Seung Lee, Yong Mee Cho, Soo Jeong Nam, Kiyong Na, Sun Och Yoon, Ahwon Lee, Kee-Taek Jang, Hongseok Yun, Sungyoung Lee, Jee Hyun Kim, Wan-Seop Kim; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(4):147-164. Published online January 10, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2023.11.01

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Abstract PDF: In recent years, next-generation sequencing (NGS)–based genetic testing has become crucial in cancer care. While its primary objective is to identify actionable genetic alterations to guide treatment decisions, its scope has broadened to encompass aiding in pathological diagnosis and exploring resistance mechanisms. With the ongoing expansion in NGS application and reliance, a compelling necessity arises for expert consensus on its application in solid cancers. To address this demand, the forthcoming recommendations not only provide pragmatic guidance for the clinical use of NGS but also systematically classify actionable genes based on specific cancer types. Additionally, these recommendations will incorporate expert perspectives on crucial biomarkers, ensuring informed decisions regarding circulating tumor DNA panel testing.

Welcoming the new, revisiting the old: a brief glance at cytopathology reporting systems for lung, pancreas, and thyroid: Rita Luis, Balamurugan Thirunavukkarasu, Deepali Jain, Sule Canberk; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(4):165-173. Published online July 15, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.06.11

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Abstract PDF: This review addresses new reporting systems for lung and pancreatobiliary cytopathology as well as the most recent edition of The Bethesda Reporting System for Thyroid Cytopathology. The review spans past, present, and future aspects within the context of the intricate interplay between traditional morphological assessments and cutting-edge molecular diagnostics. For lung and pancreas, the authors discuss the evolution of reporting systems, emphasizing the bridge between past directives and more recent collaborative efforts of the International Academy of Cytology and the World Health Organization in shaping universal reporting systems. The review offers a brief overview of the structure of these novel systems, highlighting their strengths and pinpointing areas that require further refinement. For thyroid, the authors primarily focus on the third edition of The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology, also considering the two preceding editions. This review serves as an invaluable resource for cytopathologists, offering a panoramic view of the evolving landscape of cytopathology reporting and pointing out the integrative role of the cytopathologist in an era of rapid diagnostic and therapeutic advancements.

Original Articles

Immunohistochemical expression in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies at a single center in Vietnam: Dat Quoc Ngo, Si Tri Le, Khanh Hoang Phuong Phan, Thao Thi Phuong Doan, Linh Ngoc Khanh Nguyen, Minh Hoang Dang, Thien Thanh Ly, Thu Dang Anh Phan; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(4):174-181. Published online June 25, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.05.02

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Abstract PDF: Background
The identification of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) requires a comprehensive analysis involving clinical manifestations and histological findings. This study aims to provide insights into the histopathological and immunohistochemical aspects of IIMs.
Methods
This retrospective case series involved 56 patients diagnosed with IIMs at the Department of Pathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, from 2019 to 2023. The histology and immunohistochemical expression of HLA-ABC, HLA-DR, C5b-9, Mx1/2/3, and p62 were detected.
Results
We examined six categories of inflammatory myopathy, including immunemediated necrotizing myopathy (58.9%), dermatomyositis (DM; 23.2%), overlap myositis (8.9%), antisynthetase syndrome (5.4%), inclusion body myositis (IBM; 1.8%), and polymyositis (1.8%). The average age of the patients was 49.7 ± 16.1 years, with a female-to-male ratio of 3:1. Inflammatory cell infiltration in the endomysium was present in 62.5% of cases, perifascicular atrophy was found in 17.8%, and fiber necrosis was observed in 42 cases (75.0%). Rimmed vacuoles were present in 100% of cases in the IBM group. Immunohistochemistry showed the following positivity rates: HLA-ABC (89.2%), HLA-DR (19.6%), C5b-9 (57.1%), and Mx1/2/3 (10.7%). Mx1/2/3 expression was high in DM cases. p62 vacuole deposits were noted in the IBM case. The combination of membrane attack complex and major histocompatibility complex I helped detect IIMs in 96% of cases.
Conclusions
The diagnosis of IIMs and their subtypes should be based on clinical features and histopathological characteristics. Immunohistochemistry plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and differentiation of these subgroups.

Liquid-based cytology features of pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma: comparison with other non-ductal neoplasms of the pancreas: Minji Kwon, Seung-Mo Hong, Kyoungbun Lee, Haeryoung Kim; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(4):182-190. Published online July 9, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.06.25

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Abstract PDF: Background
Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignant epithelial neoplasm, which shares many cytomorphological features with other non-ductal pancreatic neoplasms such as pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm (PanNEN) and solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN). Due to the relative rarity of these tumors, pathologists are less familiar with the cytological features, especially on liquid-based cytology (LBC) which has been relatively recently introduced for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration specimens.
Methods
We evaluated the detailed cytological features of 15 histologically confirmed ACC (7 conventional smears [CS], 8 LBC), and compared them with the LBC features of SPN (n = 9) and PanNEN (n = 9).
Results
Compared with CS, LBCs of ACC demonstrated significantly less bloody background. All ACCs demonstrated prominent nucleoli and macronucleoli on LBC. On comparison with the LBC features of SPN and PanNEN, most ACCs demonstrated a necrotic background with apoptotic debris while PanNEN and SPN did not show these features. Acinar structures were predominantly observed in ACC, while frequent pseudopapillary structures were seen only in SPN. Prominent nucleoli and macronucleoli were only seen in ACC.
Conclusions
ACC had characteristic cytological features that could be observed on LBC preparations, such as high cellularity, necrotic/apoptotic background, nuclear tangles, acinar arrangement of cells, and macronucleoli. These findings also help distinguish ACC from PanNEN and SPN on LBC. It is important to be familiar with these features, as an accurate diagnosis on endoscopic ultrasound–guided fine needle aspiration cytology would have impact on the management of the patient.

Case Studies

Concurrent intestinal plasmablastic lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with a clonal relationship: a case report and literature review: Nao Imuta, Kosuke Miyai, Motohiro Tsuchiya, Mariko Saito, Takehiro Sone, Shinichi Kobayashi, Sho Ogata, Fumihiko Kimura, Susumu Matsukuma; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(4):191-197. Published online June 25, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.05.14

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Abstract PDF: Herein, we report a case of plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that occurred concurrently in the large intestine. An 84-year-old female presented with a palpable rectal tumor and ileocecal tumor observed on imaging analyses. Endoscopic biopsy of both lesions revealed lymphomatous round cells. Hartmann’s operation and ileocecal resection were performed for regional control. The ileocecal lesion consisted of a proliferation of CD20/CD79a-positive lymphoid cells, indicative of DLBCL. In contrast, the rectal tumor showed proliferation of atypical cells with pleomorphic nuclei and abundant amphophilic cytoplasm, with immunohistochemical findings of CD38/CD79a/MUM1/MYC (+) and CD20/CD3/CD138/PAX5 (–). Tumor cells were positive for Epstein-Barr virus– encoded RNA based on in situ hybridization and MYC rearrangement in fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. These findings indicated the rectal tumor was most likely a PBL. Sequencing analysis for immunoglobulin heavy variable genes indicated a common B-cell origin of the two sets of lymphoma cells. This case report and literature review provide new insights into PBL tumorigenesis.

Tubular adenoma arising in tubular colonic duplication: a case report: Heonwoo Lee, Hyeong Rok An, Chan Wook Kim, Young Soo Park; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(4):198-200. Published online July 3, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.06.04

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Abstract PDF: Colonic duplication constitutes a rare congenital anomaly, characterized by the presence of hollow cystic or tubular structures exhibiting an epithelial-lined intestinal wall. Diagnostic challenges persist due to its low incidence and manifestation of nonspecific symptoms such as abdominal pain or constipation, resulting in a reluctance to pursue surgical resection. As associated malignancies in colonic duplication are rare, the inherent malignant potential of these anomalies remains undetermined. Additionally, despite reported instances of associated malignancies in colonic duplication, there is an absence of reports in the literature detailing tubular adenoma within these cases. The histologic features of the presented case are particularly noteworthy, situated at the precancerous stage, intimating potential progression towards adenocarcinoma within colonic duplication.

Newsletter

What’s new in adrenal gland pathology: WHO 5th edition for adrenal cortex: Carol N. Rizkalla, Maria Tretiakova; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(4):201-204. Published online June 25, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.06.07

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Abstract PDF: The 5th edition of WHO Classification of Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Tumors (2022) introduced many significant changes relevant to endocrine daily practice. In this newsletter, we summarize the notable changes to the adrenal cortex based on the 5th edition of the WHO classification [1].

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