Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine

Case Study

Colorectal cancer with a germline BRCA1 variant inherited paternally: a case report: Kyoung Min Kim, Min Ro Lee, Ae Ri Ahn, Myoung Ja Chung; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(6):341-345. Published online September 5, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.08.14; Funded: Biomedical Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University Hospital

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Abstract PDF: BRCA genes have well-known associations with breast and ovarian cancers. However, variations in the BRCA gene, especially germline variations, have also been reported in colorectal cancer (CRC). We present the case of a rectal cancer with a germline BRCA1 variation inherited from the paternal side. A 39-year-old male was admitted with rectal cancer. The patient underwent surgical resection and the pathologic diagnosis was adenocarcinoma. Next-generation sequencing was performed and a BRCA1 variant was detected. Reviewing the public database and considering the young age of the patient, the variant was suggested to be germline. The patient’s father had had prostate cancer and next-generation sequencing testing revealed an identical BRCA1 variant. In the BRCA cancer group, there is relatively little attention paid to male cancers. The accumulation of male CRC cases linked to BRCA variations may help clarify the potential pathological relationship between the two.

Original Articles

Histopathologic classification and immunohistochemical features of papillary renal neoplasm with potential therapeutic targets: Jeong Hwan Park, Su-Jin Shin, Hyun-Jung Kim, Sohee Oh, Yong Mee Cho; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(6):321-330. Published online September 12, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.07.31; Funded: Korean Society of Pathologists

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Abstract PDF: Background
Papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) is the second most common histological subtype of renal cell carcinoma and is considered a morphologically and molecularly heterogeneous tumor. Accurate classification and assessment of the immunohistochemical features of possible therapeutic targets are needed for precise patient care. We aimed to evaluate immunohistochemical features and possible therapeutic targets of papillary renal neoplasms
Methods
We collected 140 papillary renal neoplasms from three different hospitals and conducted immunohistochemical studies on tissue microarray slides. We performed succinate dehydrogenase B, fumarate hydratase, and transcription factor E3 immunohistochemical studies for differential diagnosis and re-classified five cases (3.6%) of papillary renal neoplasms. In addition, we conducted c-MET, p16, c-Myc, Ki-67, p53, and stimulator of interferon genes (STING) immunohistochemical studies to evaluate their pathogenesis and value for therapeutic targets.
Results
We found that c-MET expression was more common in pRCC (classic) (p = .021) among papillary renal neoplasms and Ki-67 proliferation index was higher in pRCC (not otherwise specified, NOS) compared to that of pRCC (classic) and papillary neoplasm with reverse polarity (marginal significance, p = .080). Small subsets of cases with p16 block positivity (4.5%) (pRCC [NOS] only) and c-Myc expression (7.1%) (pRCC [classic] only) were found. Also, there were some cases showing STING expression and those cases were associated with increased Ki-67 proliferation index (marginal significance, p = .063).
Conclusions
Our findings suggested that there are subsets of pRCC with c-MET, p16, c-MYC, and STING expression and those cases could be potential candidates for targeted therapy.

Diagnostic challenges in the assessment of thyroid neoplasms using nuclear features and vascular and capsular invasion: a multi-center interobserver agreement study: Agnes Stephanie Harahap, Mutiah Mutmainnah, Maria Francisca Ham, Dina Khoirunnisa, Abdillah Hasbi Assadyk, Husni Cangara, Aswiyanti Asri, Diah Prabawati Retnani, Fairuz Quzwain, Hasrayati Agustina, Hermawan Istiadi, Indri Windarti, Krisna Murti, Muhammad Takbir, Ni Made Mahastuti, Nila Kurniasari, Nungki Anggorowati, Pamela Abineno, Yulita Pundewi Setyorini, Kennichi Kakudo; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(6):299-309. Published online September 12, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.07.25; Funded: Universitas Indonesia

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
The diagnosis of thyroid neoplasms necessitates the identification of distinct histological features. Various education/hospital centers located in cities across Indonesia likely result in discordances among pathologists when diagnosing thyroid neoplasms.
Methods
This study examined the concordance among Indonesian pathologists in assessing nuclear features and capsular and vascular invasion of thyroid tumors. Fifteen pathologists from different centers independently assessed the same 14 digital slides of thyroid tumor specimens. All the specimens were thyroid neoplasms with known BRAFV600E and RAS mutational status, from a single center. We evaluated the pre- and post-training agreement using the Fleiss kappa. The significance of the training was evaluated using a paired T-test.
Results
Baseline agreement on nuclear features was slight to fair based on a 3-point scoring system (k = 0.14 to 0.28) and poor to fair based on an eight-point system (k = –0.02 to 0.24). Agreements on vascular (κ = 0.35) and capsular invasion (κ = 0.27) were fair, whereas the estimated molecular type showed substantial agreement (κ = 0.74). Following the training, agreement using the eight-point system significantly improved (p = 0.001).
Conclusions
The level of concordance among Indonesian pathologists in diagnosing thyroid neoplasm was relatively poor. Consensus in pathology assessment requires ongoing collaboration and education to refine diagnostic criteria.

Review

Cytologic hallmarks and differential diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma subtypes: Agnes Stephanie Harahap, Chan Kwon Jung; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(6):265-282. Published online November 7, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.10.11; Funded: Korea Health Industry Development Institute, Ministry of Health and Welfare

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Abstract PDF: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common thyroid malignancy, characterized by a range of subtypes that differ in their cytologic features, clinical behavior, and prognosis. Accurate cytologic evaluation of PTC using fine-needle aspiration is essential but can be challenging due to the morphologic diversity among subtypes. This review focuses on the distinct cytologic characteristics of various PTC subtypes, including the classic type, follicular variant, tall cell, columnar cell, hobnail, diffuse sclerosing, Warthin-like, solid/trabecular, and oncocytic PTCs. Each subtype demonstrates unique nuclear features, architectural patterns, and background elements essential for diagnosis and differentiation from other thyroid lesions. Recognizing these distinct cytologic patterns is essential for identifying aggressive subtypes like tall cell, hobnail, and columnar cell PTCs, which have a higher risk of recurrence, metastasis, and poorer clinical outcomes. Additionally, rare subtypes such as diffuse sclerosing and Warthin-like PTCs present unique cytologic profiles that must be carefully interpreted to avoid diagnostic errors. The review also highlights the cytologic indicators of lymph node metastasis and high-grade features, such as differentiated high-grade thyroid carcinoma. The integration of molecular testing can further refine subtype diagnosis by identifying specific genetic mutations. A thorough understanding of these subtype-specific cytologic features and molecular profiles is vital for accurate diagnosis, risk stratification, and personalized management of PTC patients. Future improvements in diagnostic techniques and standardization are needed to enhance cytologic evaluation and clinical decision-making in thyroid cancer.

Original Articles

Educational exchange in thyroid core needle biopsy diagnosis: enhancing pathological interpretation through guideline integration and peer learning: Agnes Stephanie Harahap, Chan Kwon Jung; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(5):205-213. Published online July 24, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.06.24; Funded: Korea Health Industry Development Institute, Ministry of Health and Welfare

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Abstract PDF: Background
While fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) plays an essential role in the screening of thyroid nodules, core needle biopsy (CNB) acts as an alternative method to address FNAC limitations. However, diagnosing thyroid CNB samples can be challenging due to variations in background and levels of experience. Effective training is indispensable to mitigate this challenge. We aim to evaluate the impact of an educational program on improving the accuracy of CNB diagnostics.
Methods
The 2-week observational program included a host mentor pathologist with extensive experience and a visiting pathologist. The CNB classification by The Practice Guidelines Committee of the Korean Thyroid Association was used for the report. Two rounds of reviewing the case were carried out, and the level of agreement between the reviewers was analyzed.
Results
The first-round assessment showed a concordance between two pathologists for 247 thyroid CNB specimens by 84.2%, with a kappa coefficient of 0.74 (indicating substantial agreement). This finding was attributed to the discordance in the use of categories III and V. After peer learning, the two pathologists evaluated 30 new cases, which showed an overall improvement in the level of agreement. The percentage of agreement between pathologists on thyroid CNB diagnosis was 86.7%, as measured by kappa coefficient of 0.80.
Conclusions
This educational program, consisting of guided mentorship and peer learning, can substantially enhance the diagnostic accuracy of thyroid CNB. It is useful in promoting consistent diagnostic standards and contributes to the ongoing development of global pathology practices.

Artificial intelligence algorithm for neoplastic cell percentage estimation and its application to copy number variation in urinary tract cancer: Jinahn Jeong, Deokhoon Kim, Yeon-Mi Ryu, Ja-Min Park, Sun Young Yoon, Bokyung Ahn, Gi Hwan Kim, Se Un Jeong, Hyun-Jung Sung, Yong Il Lee, Sang-Yeob Kim, Yong Mee Cho; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(5):229-240. Published online August 9, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.07.13; Funded: Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Bladder cancer is characterized by frequent mutations, which provide potential therapeutic targets for most patients. The effectiveness of emerging personalized therapies depends on an accurate molecular diagnosis, for which the accurate estimation of the neoplastic cell percentage (NCP) is a crucial initial step. However, the established method for determining the NCP, manual counting by a pathologist, is time-consuming and not easily executable.
Methods
To address this, artificial intelligence (AI) models were developed to estimate the NCP using nine convolutional neural networks and the scanned images of 39 cases of urinary tract cancer. The performance of the AI models was compared to that of six pathologists for 119 cases in the validation cohort. The ground truth value was obtained through multiplexed immunofluorescence. The AI model was then applied to 41 cases in the application cohort that underwent next-generation sequencing testing, and its impact on the copy number variation (CNV) was analyzed.
Results
Each AI model demonstrated high reliability, with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ranging from 0.82 to 0.88. These values were comparable or better to those of pathologists, whose ICCs ranged from 0.78 to 0.91 in urothelial carcinoma cases, both with and without divergent differentiation/ subtypes. After applying AI-driven NCP, 190 CNV (24.2%) were reclassified with 66 (8.4%) and 78 (9.9%) moved to amplification and loss, respectively, from neutral/minor CNV. The neutral/minor CNV proportion decreased by 6%.
Conclusions
These results suggest that AI models could assist human pathologists in repetitive and cumbersome NCP calculations.

Paricalcitol prevents MAPK pathway activation and inflammation in adriamycin-induced kidney injury in rats: Amanda Lima Deluque, Lucas Ferreira de Almeida, Beatriz Magalhães Oliveira, Cláudia Silva Souza, Ana Lívia Dias Maciel, Heloísa Della Coletta Francescato, Cleonice Giovanini, Roberto Silva Costa, Terezila Machado Coimbra; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(5):219-228. Published online August 27, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.07.12; Funded: Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superi-or, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico

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Abstract PDF: Background
Activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway induces uncontrolled cell proliferation in response to inflammatory stimuli. Adriamycin (ADR)-induced nephropathy (ADRN) in rats triggers MAPK activation and pro-inflammatory mechanisms by increasing cytokine secretion, similar to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Activation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) plays a crucial role in suppressing the expression of inflammatory markers in the kidney and may contribute to reducing cellular proliferation. This study evaluated the effect of pre-treatment with paricalcitol on ADRN in renal inflammation mechanisms.
Methods
Male Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with an osmotic minipump containing activated vitamin D (paricalcitol, Zemplar, 6 ng/day) or vehicle (NaCl 0.9%). Two days after implantation, ADR (Fauldoxo, 3.5 mg/kg) or vehicle (NaCl 0.9%) was injected. The rats were divided into four experimental groups: control, n = 6; paricalcitol, n = 6; ADR, n = 7 and, ADR + paricalcitol, n = 7.
Results
VDR activation was demonstrated by increased CYP24A1 in renal tissue. Paricalcitol prevented macrophage infiltration in the glomeruli, cortex, and outer medulla, prevented secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β, increased arginase I and decreased arginase II tissue expressions, effects associated with attenuation of MAPK pathways, increased zonula occludens-1, and reduced cell proliferation associated with proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression. Paricalcitol treatment decreased the stromal cell-derived factor 1α/chemokine C-X-C receptor type 4/β-catenin pathway.
Conclusions
Paricalcitol plays a renoprotective role by modulating renal inflammation and cell proliferation. These results highlight potential targets for treating CKD.

Review

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; Funded: National Cancer Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare

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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.

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; Funded: University of Medicine and Pharmacy at HoChi Minh City

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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.

Clinicopathological implications of immunohistochemical expression of TBX21, CXCR3, GATA3, CCR4, and TCF1 in nodal follicular helper T-cell lymphoma and peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified: Bogyeong Han, Sojung Lim, Jeemin Yim, Young Keun Song, Jiwon Koh, Sehui Kim, Cheol Lee, Young A Kim, Yoon Kyung Jeon; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(2):59-71. Published online January 22, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.01.04; Funded: Seoul National University, HUNKIM FAMILY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
The classification of nodal peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) has evolved according to histology, cell-of-origin, and genetic alterations. However, the comprehensive expression pattern of follicular helper T-cell (Tfh) markers, T-cell factor-1 (TCF1), and Th1- and Th2-like molecules in nodal PTCL is unclear.
Methods
Eighty-two cases of nodal PTCL were classified into 53 angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphomas (AITLs)/nodal T-follicular helper cell lymphoma (nTFHL)-AI, 18 PTCLs-Tfh/nTFHL–not otherwise specified (NOS), and 11 PTCLs-NOS according to the revised 4th/5th World Health Organization classifications. Immunohistochemistry for TCF1, TBX21, CXCR3, GATA3, and CCR4 was performed.
Results
TCF1 was highly expressed in up to 68% of patients with nTFHL but also in 44% of patients with PTCL-NOS (p > .05). CXCR3 expression was higher in AITLs than in non-AITLs (p = .035), whereas GATA3 expression was higher in non-AITL than in AITL (p = .007) and in PTCL-Tfh compared to AITL (p = .010). Of the cases, 70% of AITL, 44% of PTCLTfh/ nTFHL-NOS, and 36% of PTCL-NOS were subclassified as the TBX21 subtype; and 15% of AITL, 38% of PTCL-Tfh/nTFHL-NOS, and 36% of PTCL-NOS were subclassified as the GATA3 subtype. The others were an unclassified subtype. CCR4 expression was associated with poor progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with PTCL-Tfh (p < .001) and nTFHL (p = .023). The GATA3 subtype showed poor overall survival in PTCL-NOS compared to TBX21 (p = .046) and tended to be associated with poor PFS in patients with non-AITL (p = .054).
Conclusions
The TBX21 subtype was more prevalent than the GATA3 subtype in AITL. The GATA3 subtype was associated with poor prognosis in patients with non-AITL and PTCL-NOS.

TRPS1 expression in non-melanocytic cutaneous neoplasms: an immunohistochemical analysis of 200 cases: Yi A. Liu, Phyu P. Aung, Yunyi Wang, Jing Ning, Priyadharsini Nagarajan, Jonathan L. Curry, Carlos A. Torres-Cabala, Doina Ivan, Victor G. Prieto, Qingqing Ding, Woo Cheal Cho; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(2):72-80. Published online February 26, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.01.23; Funded: University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Background
Although trichorhinophalangeal syndrome type 1 (TRPS1) was initially thought to be highly sensitive and specific for carcinomas and mesenchymal tumors of mammary origin, more recent data suggest its expression is not limited to breast neoplasms but also can be seen in other cutaneous neoplasms, such as extramammary Paget disease and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ.
Methods
Two-hundred cases of non-melanocytic cutaneous neoplasm, including basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) (n = 41), SCCs (n = 35), Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) (n = 25), and adnexal neoplasms (n = 99), were tested for TRPS1 expression using a monoclonal anti- TRPS1 rabbit anti-human antibody.
Results
TRPS1 expression was present in almost all cases of SCC (94%), with a median H-score of 200, while it was either absent or only focally present in most BCCs (90%), with a median H-score of 5. The difference between BCCs and SCCs in H-score was significant (p < .001). All MCCs (100%) lacked TRPS1 expression. TRPS1 expression was frequently seen in most adnexal neoplasms, benign and malignant, in variable intensity and proportion but was consistently absent in apocrine carcinomas. All endocrine mucin-producing sweat gland carcinomas (EMPSGCs) (100%, 6/6) showed diffuse and strong TRPS1 immunoreactivity, with a median H-score of 300, which was significantly different (p < .001) than that of BCCs.
Conclusions
Our study shows that TRPS1 may be an effective discriminatory marker for BCCs and SCCs. It also has a role in distinguishing BCCs from EMPSGCs.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

TRPS1 Expression Is Frequently Seen in a Subset of Cutaneous Mesenchymal Neoplasms and Tumors of Uncertain Differentiation: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall
Moon Joo Kim, Yi A. Liu, Yunyi Wang, Jing Ning, Woo Cheal Cho
Dermatopathology.2024; 11(3): 200. CrossRef
TRPS1 expression in MPNST is correlated with PRC2 inactivation and loss of H3K27me3
Rossana Lazcano, Davis R. Ingram, Gauri Panse, Alexander J. Lazar, Wei-Lien Wang, Jeffrey M. Cloutier
Human Pathology.2024; 151: 105632. CrossRef
Syringocystadenoma Papilliferum-Like Features in Poroma: An Unusual Morphologic Pattern of Poroma or True Synchronous Occurrence of 2 Distinct Neoplasms?
Mouaz Alsawas, Fiorinda F. Muhaj, Phyu P. Aung, Priyadharsini Nagarajan, Woo Cheal Cho
The American Journal of Dermatopathology.2024; 46(12): 871. CrossRef
A Comprehensive Review of TRPS1 as a Diagnostic Immunohistochemical Marker for Primary Breast Carcinoma: Latest Insights and Diagnostic Pitfalls
Antonia-Carmen Georgescu, Tiberiu-Augustin Georgescu, Simona-Alina Duca-Barbu, Lucian Gheorghe Pop, Daniela Oana Toader, Nicolae Suciu, Dragos Cretoiu
Cancers.2024; 16(21): 3568. CrossRef
Expression of TRPS1 in Metastatic Tumors of the Skin: An Immunohistochemical Study of 72 Cases
Kassiani Boulogeorgou, Christos Topalidis, Triantafyllia Koletsa, Georgia Karayannopoulou, Jean Kanitakis
Dermatopathology.2024; 11(4): 293. CrossRef

Review

Exploring histological predictive biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy response in non–small cell lung cancer: Uiju Cho, Soyoung Im, Hyung Soon Park; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(2):49-58. Published online February 26, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.01.31; Funded: National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Education

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Abstract PDF: Treatment challenges persist in advanced lung cancer despite the development of therapies beyond the traditional platinum-based chemotherapy. The early 2000s marked a shift to tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting epidermal growth factor receptor, ushering in personalized genetic-based treatment. A further significant advance was the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), especially for non–small cell lung cancer. These target programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4, which enhanced the immune response against tumor cells. However, not all patients respond, and immune-related toxicities arise. This review emphasizes identifying biomarkers for ICI response prediction. While PD-L1 is a widely used, validated biomarker, its predictive accuracy is imperfect. Investigating tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, tertiary lymphoid structure, and emerging biomarkers such as high endothelial venule, Human leukocyte antigen class I, T-cell immunoreceptors with Ig and ITIM domains, and lymphocyte activation gene-3 counts is promising. Understanding and exploring additional predictive biomarkers for ICI response are crucial for enhancing patient stratification and overall care in lung cancer treatment.

Original Articles

Identification of invasive subpopulations using spatial transcriptome analysis in thyroid follicular tumors: Ayana Suzuki, Satoshi Nojima, Shinichiro Tahara, Daisuke Motooka, Masaharu Kohara, Daisuke Okuzaki, Mitsuyoshi Hirokawa, Eiichi Morii; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(1):22-28. Published online January 10, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2023.11.21; Funded: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development

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Abstract PDF: Background
Follicular tumors include follicular thyroid adenomas and carcinomas; however, it is difficult to distinguish between the two when the cytology or biopsy material is obtained from a portion of the tumor. The presence or absence of invasion in the resected material is used to differentiate between adenomas and carcinomas, which often results in the unnecessary removal of the adenomas. If nodules that may be follicular thyroid carcinomas are identified preoperatively, active surveillance of other nodules as adenomas is possible, which reduces the risk of surgical complications and the expenses incurred during medical treatment. Therefore, we aimed to identify biomarkers in the invasive subpopulation of follicular tumor cells.
Methods
We performed a spatial transcriptome analysis of a case of follicular thyroid carcinoma and examined the dynamics of CD74 expression in 36 cases.
Results
We identified a subpopulation in a region close to the invasive area, and this subpopulation expressed high levels of CD74. Immunohistochemically, CD74 was highly expressed in the invasive and peripheral areas of the tumor.
Conclusions
Although high CD74 expression has been reported in papillary and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas, it has not been analyzed in follicular thyroid carcinomas. Furthermore, the heterogeneity of CD74 expression in thyroid tumors has not yet been reported. The CD74-positive subpopulation identified in this study may be useful in predicting invasion of follicular thyroid carcinomas.

Immunohistochemical expression of anaplastic lymphoma kinase in neuroblastoma and its relations with some clinical and histopathological features: Thu Dang Anh Phan, Thao Quyen Nguyen, Nhi Thuy To, Thien Ly Thanh, Dat Quoc Ngo; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(1):29-34. Published online January 10, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2023.12.07; Funded: University of Medicine and Pharmacy Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

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Abstract PDF: Background
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) mutations have been identified as a prominent cause of some familial and sporadic neuroblastoma (NB). ALK expression in NB and its relationship with clinical and histopathological features remains controversial. This study investigated ALK expression and its potential relations with these features in NB.
Methods
Ninety cases of NB at the Department of Pathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam from 01/01/2018 to 12/31/2021, were immunohistochemically stained with ALK (D5F3) antibody. The ALK expression and its relations with some clinical and histopathological features were investigated.
Results
The rate of ALK expression in NB was 91.1%. High ALK expression (over 50% of tumor cells were positive with moderate-strong intensity) accounted for 65.6%, and low ALK expression accounted for 34.4%. All the MYCN-amplified NB patients had ALK immunohistochemistry positivity, most cases had high ALK protein expression. The undifferentiated subtype of NB had a lower ALK-positive rate than the poorly differentiated and differentiated subtype. The percentages of ALK positivity were significantly higher in more differentiated histological types of NB (p = .024). There was no relation between ALK expression and: age group, sex, primary tumor location, tumor stage, MYCN status, clinical risk, Mitotic-Karyorrhectic Index, prognostic group, necrosis, and calcification.
Conclusions
ALK was highly expressed in NB. ALK expression was not related to several clinical and histopathological features. More studies are needed to elucidate the association between ALK expression and ALK gene status and to investigate disease progression, especially the oncogenesis of ALK-positive NB.

Senescent tumor cells in colorectal cancer are characterized by elevated enzymatic activity of complexes 1 and 2 in oxidative phosphorylation: Jun Sang Shin, Tae-Gyu Kim, Young Hwa Kim, So Yeong Eom, So Hyun Park, Dong Hyun Lee, Tae Jun Park, Soon Sang Park, Jang-Hee Kim; J Pathol Transl Med. 2023;57(6):305-314. Published online November 7, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2023.10.09; Funded: National Research Foundation of Korea, Korea Health Industry Development Institute, Ajou University Hospital

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Background
Cellular senescence is defined as an irreversible cell cycle arrest caused by various internal and external insults. While the metabolic dysfunction of senescent cells in normal tissue is relatively well-established, there is a lack of information regarding the metabolic features of senescent tumor cells.
Methods
Publicly available single-cell RNA-sequencing data from the GSE166555 and GSE178341 datasets were utilized to investigate the metabolic features of senescent tumor cells. To validate the single-cell RNA-sequencing data, we performed senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining to identify senescent tumor cells in fresh frozen colorectal cancer tissue. We also evaluated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase–tetrazolium reductase (NADH-TR) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity using enzyme histochemical methods and compared the staining with SA-β-Gal staining. MTT assay was performed to reveal the complex 1 activity of the respiratory chain in in-vitro senescence model.
Results
Single-cell RNA-sequencing data revealed an upregulation in the activity of complexes 1 and 2 in oxidative phosphorylation, despite overall mitochondrial dysfunction in senescent tumor cells. Both SA-β-Gal and enzyme histochemical staining using fresh frozen colorectal cancer tissues indicated a high correlation between SA-β-Gal positivity and NADH-TR/SDH staining positivity. MTT assay showed that senescent colorectal cancer cells exhibit higher absorbance in 600 nm wavelength.
Conclusions
Senescent tumor cells exhibit distinct metabolic features, characterized by upregulation of complexes 1 and 2 in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway. NADH-TR and SDH staining represent efficient methods for detecting senescent tumor cells in colorectal cancer.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Cellular Aging and Senescence in Cancer: A Holistic Review of Cellular Fate Determinants
Muhammad Tufail, Yu-Qi Huang, Jia-Ju Hu, Jie Liang, Cai-Yun He, Wen-Dong Wan, Can-Hua Jiang, Hong Wu, Ning Li
Aging and disease.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Real-time assessment of relative mitochondrial ATP synthesis response against inhibiting and stimulating substrates (MitoRAISE)
Eun Sol Chang, Kyoung Song, Ji-Young Song, Minjung Sung, Mi-Sook Lee, Jung Han Oh, Ji-Yeon Kim, Yeon Hee Park, Kyungsoo Jung, Yoon-La Choi
Cancer & Metabolism.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

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