Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine

Original Articles

Characteristics of RET gene mutations in Vietnamese medullary thyroid carcinoma patients: a single-center analysis: Van Hung Pham, Quoc Thang Pham, Minh Nguyen, Hoa Nhat Ngo, Thao Thi Thu Luu, Nha Dao Thi Minh, Trâm Đặng, Anh Tu Thai, Hoang Anh Vu, Dat Quoc Ngo; J Pathol Transl Med. 2025;59(2):125-132. Published online March 14, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2025.01.18

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
The RET gene point mutation is the main molecular alteration involved in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) tumorigenesis. Previous studies in Vietnam mainly consisted of case reports, with limited data on larger sample sizes. In this study, we investigated RET gene mutations in exons 10, 11, and 16 and analyzed clinicopathological features of a series of Vietnamese MTC patients. Methods: We collected 33 tissue samples from patients with MTC and analyzed RET mutations using the Sanger sequencing method. The relationship between hotspot RET mutations (exons 10, 11, 16) and clinicopathological features were investigated. Results: Among the 33 analyzed cases, 17 tumors (52%) harbored RET mutations in exon 10, 11, or 16. A total of 10 distinct genetic alterations were identified, including eight missense mutations and two short indels. Of these, seven were classified as pathogenic mutations based on previous publications, with p.M918T being the most frequent (4 cases), followed by p.C634R (3 cases) and p.C618R (3 cases). Mutations were significantly associated with specific histological patterns, such as the nested/insular pattern (p=.026), giant cells (p=.007), nuclear pleomorphism (p=.018), stippled chromatin (p=.044), and amyloid deposits (p=.024). No mutations were found in germline analyses, suggesting these were somatic alterations. Conclusions: Our results provided the first comprehensive analysis of RET mutations in Vietnamese MTC patients. The most frequent mutation was p.M918T, followed by p.C634R and p.C618R. Mutations in these three exons were linked to specific histopathological features. Information on mutational profiles of patients with MTC will further aid in the development of targeted therapeutics to ensure effective disease management.

Categorizing high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma into clinically relevant subgroups using deep learning–based histomic clusters: Byungsoo Ahn, Eunhyang Park; J Pathol Transl Med. 2025;59(2):91-104. Published online February 18, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.10.23

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC) exhibits significant heterogeneity, posing challenges for effective clinical categorization. Understanding the histomorphological diversity within HGSC could lead to improved prognostic stratification and personalized treatment approaches. Methods: We applied the Histomic Atlases of Variation Of Cancers model to whole slide images from The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset for ovarian cancer. Histologically distinct tumor clones were grouped into common histomic clusters. Principal component analysis and K-means clustering classified HGSC samples into three groups: highly differentiated (HD), intermediately differentiated (ID), and lowly differentiated (LD). Results: HD tumors showed diverse patterns, lower densities, and stronger eosin staining. ID tumors had intermediate densities and balanced staining, while LD tumors were dense, patternless, and strongly hematoxylin-stained. RNA sequencing revealed distinct patterns in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and energy metabolism, with upregulation in the HD, downregulation in the LD, and the ID positioned in between. Survival analysis showed significantly lower overall survival for the LD compared to the HD and ID, underscoring the critical role of mitochondrial dynamics and energy metabolism in HGSC progression. Conclusions: Deep learning-based histologic analysis effectively stratifies HGSC into clinically relevant prognostic groups, highlighting the role of mitochondrial dynamics and energy metabolism in disease progression. This method offers a novel approach to HGSC categorization.

PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Ranran Feng, Yilin Guo, Meilin Chen, Ziying Tian, Yijun Liu, Su Jiang, Jieyu Zhou, Qingluan Liu, Xiayu Li, Wei Xiong, Lei Shi, Songqing Fan, Guiyuan Li, Wenling Zhang; J Pathol Transl Med. 2025;59(1):68-83. Published online January 15, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.11.27

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear.
Methods
We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP).
Results
We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin.
Conclusions
PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

Fine needle aspiration cytology diagnoses of follicular thyroid carcinoma: results from a multicenter study in Asia: Hee Young Na, Miyoko Higuchi, Shinya Satoh, Kaori Kameyama, Chan Kwon Jung, Su-Jin Shin, Shipra Agarwal, Jen-Fan Hang, Yun Zhu, Zhiyan Liu, Andrey Bychkov, Kennichi Kakudo, So Yeon Park; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(6):331-340. Published online November 7, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.10.12

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
This study was designed to compare diagnostic categories of thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and incidence of thyroid tumors in the multi-institutional Asian series with a special focus on diagnostic category IV (suspicious for a follicular neoplasm) and follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTCs). Methods: Distribution of FNAC categories, incidence of thyroid tumors in resection specimens and cytologic diagnoses of surgically confirmed follicular adenomas (FAs) and FTCs were collected from 10 institutes from five Asian countries and were compared among countries and between FAs and FTCs. Results: The frequency of category IV diagnoses (3.0%) in preoperative FNAC were significantly lower compared to those in Western countries (10.1%). When comparing diagnostic categories among Asian countries, category IV was more frequent in Japan (4.6%) and India (7.9%) than in Taiwan (1.4%), Korea (1.4%), and China (3.6%). Similarly, incidence of FAs and FTCs in surgical resection specimens was significantly higher in Japan (10.9%) and India (10.1%) than in Taiwan (5.5%), Korea (3.0%), and China (2.5%). FTCs were more commonly diagnosed as category IV in Japan (77.5%) than in Korea (33.3%) and China (35.0%). Nuclear pleomorphism, nuclear crowding, microfollicular pattern, and dyshesive cell pattern were more common in FTCs compared with FAs. Conclusions: Our study highlighted the difference in FNAC diagnostic categories of FTCs among Asian countries, which is likely related to different reporting systems and thyroid cancer incidence. Cytologic features such as nuclear pleomorphism, nuclear crowding, microfollicular pattern, and dyshesive cell pattern were found to be useful in diagnosing FTCs more effectively.

Diagnosis of invasive encapsulated follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinoma by protein-based machine learning: Truong Phan-Xuan Nguyen, Minh-Khang Le, Sittiruk Roytrakul, Shanop Shuangshoti, Nakarin Kitkumthorn, Somboon Keelawat; J Pathol Transl Med. 2025;59(1):39-49. Published online October 24, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.09.14

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Although the criteria for follicular-pattern thyroid tumors are well-established, diagnosing these lesions remains challenging in some cases. In the recent World Health Organization Classification of Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Tumors (5th edition), the invasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma was reclassified as its own entity. It is crucial to differentiate this variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma from low-risk follicular pattern tumors due to their shared morphological characteristics. Proteomics holds significant promise for detecting and quantifying protein biomarkers. We investigated the potential value of a protein biomarker panel defined by machine learning for identifying the invasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma, initially using formalin- fixed paraffin-embedded samples.
Methods
We developed a supervised machine-learning model and tested its performance using proteomics data from 46 thyroid tissue samples.
Results
We applied a random forest classifier utilizing five protein biomarkers (ZEB1, NUP98, C2C2L, NPAP1, and KCNJ3). This classifier achieved areas under the curve (AUCs) of 1.00 and accuracy rates of 1.00 in training samples for distinguishing the invasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma from non-malignant samples. Additionally, we analyzed the performance of single-protein/gene receiver operating characteristic in differentiating the invasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma from others within The Cancer Genome Atlas projects, which yielded an AUC >0.5.
Conclusions
We demonstrated that integration of high-throughput proteomics with machine learning can effectively differentiate the invasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma from other follicular pattern thyroid tumors.

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

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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.

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Tissue-Based Biomarkers Important for Prognostication and Management of Genitourinary Tumors, Including Surrogate Markers of Genomic Alterations
Leonie Beauchamp, Shreeya Indulkar, Eric Erak, Mohammad Salimian, Andres Matoso
Surgical Pathology Clinics.2025; 18(1): 175. CrossRef

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.

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

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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.

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Machine learning methods for histopathological image analysis: Updates in 2024
Daisuke Komura, Mieko Ochi, Shumpei Ishikawa
Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal.2025; 27: 383. CrossRef

Original Articles

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

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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

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Trichorhinophalangeal syndrome type 1 (TRPS1) in breast pathology: diagnostic utility and pitfalls
Atif Ali Hashmi, Edi Brogi, Hannah Y. Wen
Diagnostic Pathology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Refining NTRK Fusion Detection in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Through Pan-TRK Immunohistochemistry and Histopathologic Features
Hyun Lee, Sue Youn Kim, Ji Min Park, Seung-Hyun Jung, Ozgur Mete, Chan Kwon Jung
Endocrine Pathology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Endocrine mucin-producing sweat gland carcinoma: Case report and literature review
Nan Guo, Zhenlin Fan, Yitong Chen, Qian Li, Limin Guo
European Journal of Ophthalmology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
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

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

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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.

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Diagnosis of invasive encapsulated follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinoma by protein-based machine learning
Truong Phan-Xuan Nguyen, Minh-Khang Le, Sittiruk Roytrakul, Shanop Shuangshoti, Nakarin Kitkumthorn, Somboon Keelawat
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine.2025; 59(1): 39. CrossRef

Case Study

A rare goblet cell adenocarcinoma arising from Barrett’s esophagus: the first reported case in the esophagus: Chi Eun Oh, Sung Eun Kim, Sun-Ju Oh; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(2):81-86. Published online January 8, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2023.12.26

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Abstract PDF: Goblet cell adenocarcinoma (GCA) is a rare and distinctive amphicrine tumor comprised of goblet-like mucinous cells and neuroendocrine cells. It is believed to originate from pluripotent stem cells located at the base of crypts. GCA predominantly arises from the appendix, with a few reported cases in extra-appendiceal locations such as the colorectum, small intestine, and stomach. In this case report, we present a unique instance of a 64-year-old male who initially received a diagnosis of neuroendocrine carcinoma in the distal esophagus based on biopsy but, following resection, was subsequently re-diagnosed with GCA arising from Barrett’s esophagus.

Original Article

Elevated expression of Axin2 in intestinal metaplasia and gastric cancers: Dong Hui Lee, In Ho Jeong, Bogun Jang; J Pathol Transl Med. 2023;57(6):315-322. Published online November 7, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2023.10.12

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Abstract PDF

Background
The Wnt signaling pathway regulates crucial cellular processes, including stem cell development and tissue repair. Dysregulation of this pathway, particularly β-catenin stabilization, is linked to colorectal carcinoma and other tumors. Axin2, a critical component in the pathway, plays a role in β-catenin regulation. This study examines Axin2 expression in normal gastric mucosa and various gastric pathologies.
Methods
Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue samples from normal stomach, gastritis, intestinal metaplasia (IM), and gastric carcinoma were collected. Axin2 and β-catenin expression were evaluated using RNA in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Histo-scores (H-scores) were calculated to quantify expression levels of Axin2. Associations between Axin2 expression and clinicopathological variables were examined.
Results
Axin2 expression was examined in normal stomach, gastritis, and IM tissues. Axin2 expression was mainly observed in the surface and isthmus areas in the normal stomach and gastritis, whereas Axin2 expression was markedly higher at the bases of IM. Axin2 H-scores were significantly elevated in IM (mean ± standard deviation [SD], 87.0 ± 38.9) compared to normal (mean ± SD, 18.0 ± 4.5) and gastritis tissues (mean ± SD, 33.0 ± 18.6). In total, 30% of gastric carcinomas showed higher Axin2 expression. Axin2 expression did not have significant associations with age, sex, Lauren classification, histological differentiation, invasion depth, and lymph node metastasis. However, a strong positive correlation was observed between Axin2 and nuclear β-catenin in gastric carcinomas (p < .001).
Conclusions
Axin2 expression was significantly increased in IM compared to normal and gastritis cases. In addition, Axin2 showed a strong positive association with nuclear β-catenin expression in gastric carcinomas, demonstrating a close relationship with abnormal Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

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Refining NTRK Fusion Detection in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Through Pan-TRK Immunohistochemistry and Histopathologic Features
Hyun Lee, Sue Youn Kim, Ji Min Park, Seung-Hyun Jung, Ozgur Mete, Chan Kwon Jung
Endocrine Pathology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
A review of potential mechanisms and treatments of gastric intestinal metaplasia
Yueyao Wu, Kehan Zhang, Yichao Zheng, Haifeng Jin
European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Case Study

EWSR1 rearranged primary renal myoepithelial carcinoma: a diagnostic conundrum: Nilay Nishith, Zachariah Chowdhury; J Pathol Transl Med. 2023;57(5):284-288. Published online September 15, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2023.08.08

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Abstract PDF: Primary renal myoepithelial carcinoma is an exceedingly rare neoplasm with an aggressive phenotype and Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 (EWSR1) rearrangement in a small fraction of cases. In addition to its rarity, the diagnosis can be challenging for the pathologist due to morphologic heterogeneity, particularly on the biopsy specimen. At times, immunohistochemistry may be indecisive; therefore, molecular studies should be undertaken for clinching the diagnosis. We aim to illustrate a case of primary myoepithelial carcinoma of the kidney with EWSR1-rearrangement in a 67-year-old male patient who presented with right supraclavicular mass, which was clinically diagnosed as carcinoma of an unknown primary. An elaborate immunohistochemical work-up aided by fluorescent in-situ hybridization allowed us to reach a conclusive diagnosis. This unusual case report advocates that one should be aware of the histological mimickers and begin with broad differential diagnoses alongside sporadic ones and then narrow them down with appropriate ancillary studies.

Original Article

Loss of aquaporin-1 expression is associated with worse clinical outcomes in clear cell renal cell carcinoma: an immunohistochemical study: Seokhyeon Lee, Bohyun Kim, Minsun Jung, Kyung Chul Moon; J Pathol Transl Med. 2023;57(4):232-237. Published online July 11, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2023.06.17

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Abstract PDF

Background
Aquaporin (AQP) expression has been investigated in various malignant neoplasms, and the overexpression of AQP is related to poor prognosis in some malignancies. However, the expression of AQP protein in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) has not been extensively investigated by immunohistochemistry with large sample size.
Methods
We evaluated the AQP expression in 827 ccRCC with immunohistochemical staining in tissue microarray blocks and classified the cases into two categories, high and low expression.
Results
High expression of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) was found in 320 cases (38.7%), but aquaporin-3 was not expressed in ccRCC. High AQP1 expression was significantly related to younger age, low TNM stage, low World Health Organization/International Society of Urologic Pathology nuclear grade, and absence of distant metastasis. Furthermore, high AQP1 expression was also significantly associated with longer overall survival (OS; p<.001) and progression-specific survival (PFS; p<.001) and was an independent predictor of OS and PFS in ccRCC.
Conclusions
Our study revealed the prognostic significance of AQP1 protein expression in ccRCC. These findings could be applied to predict the prognosis of ccRCC.

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Serum Exosomal MiR-874 as a Potential Biomarker for Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Prognosis
Amal F. Gharib, Saad S. Al-Shehri, Abdulraheem Almalki, Ayman Alhazmi, Mamdouh Allahyani, Ahmed Alghamdi, Amani A. Alrehaili, Maha M. Bakhuraysah, Althobaiti Naif Saad M., Weal H. Elsawy
Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Case Study

Intrathyroidal metastasis of tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma masquerading as a primary thyroid tumor: Jai-Hyang Go; J Pathol Transl Med. 2023;57(4):242-245. Published online July 11, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2023.06.16

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Abstract PDF

Intrathyroidal metastasis of tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma is rare. To date, only six cases have been reported in the literature. This case was unusual and presented with thyromegaly before the diagnosis of the primary tumor. A 55-year-old male patient was suspected to have a primary thyroid tumor with nodal metastasis. The thyroid gland was diffusely enlarged, with no discernible mass. Histologically, the thyroid parenchyma revealed extensive endolymphatic tumor emboli, which were positive for p40 and p16 in a background of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. Positron emission tomography–computed tomography revealed hypermetabolic activity in the right tonsillar region. Tonsillar biopsy revealed human papillomavirus–positive squamous cell carcinoma. The present case is the first reported case of intrathyroidal metastasis of tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma with an initial clinical presentation of thyroid enlargement before the primary tumor of tonsillar cancer was diagnosed.

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Metastasis to Thyroid from Recurrent Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Series and Review of Literature
Avneet Kaur, Rohit Nayyar, Harit Kumar Chaturvedi, Akshat Malik
Indian Journal of Surgical Oncology.2025; 16(1): 122. CrossRef
Metastatic oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma to the thyroid: A case report and review of literature
Hannah Walker, Jed Speers, Milena Fabry, Sameep Kadakia
American Journal of Otolaryngology.2024; 45(4): 104306. CrossRef

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