Oliveira, André M.

ABSTRACT Myxoid liposarcoma (MLS) accounts for 20%–30% of all liposarcomas, with most cases harboring the fusion gene FUS::DDIT3 , while approximately 5% exhibit the EWSR1::DDIT3 fusion. We report the case of a 26‐year‐old male patient with a right upper arm mass. The tumor displayed the classic histological features of MLS, including small spindle/ovoid cells, variable univacuolated lipoblasts, and a prominent myxoid stroma with delicate arborizing vasculature. Despite these characteristic features, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed no apparent rearrangement of the DDIT3 locus. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) identified a novel fusion transcript in which SMARCA2 exon 4 was fused in‐frame with DDIT3 exon 2. Chromosomal microarray analysis demonstrated the unbalanced nature of the rearrangement, with partial deletions of 0.243 and 0.176 Mb flanking the centromeric end of the DDIT3 locus on 12q13.3 (which also included GLI ) and disrupting the SMARCA2 locus on 9p24, respectively. The resultant chimeric fusion protein is predicted to lack the SMARCA2 DNA‐binding domains while retaining the DDIT3 leucine zipper dimerization domain. These findings indicate an unusual and complex rearrangement, leading to the recruitment of a novel DDIT3 partner gene. Moreover, they emphasize that the functional aspects of myxoid liposarcoma fusion genes depend on the retention of the key DDIT3 domain. Finally, this case illustrates how classic morphology can appropriately trigger reflex molecular analyses, which may, in turn, uncover novel fusion genes or other molecular alterations.

With the first series of PRRX1 -rearranged tumors published in 2019, the spectrum of these so-called fibroblastic tumors has been expanded. Since then, several smaller case series have been published; however, our understanding of them continues to be quite limited given their rarity. We herein studied 18 additional cases, the largest series to date. Eighteen tumors present in 9 male, 8 female, and 1 nonbinary patient with a median age of 35 years (range: 11 to 70 y) and involved the neck (5), the chest region (4), thigh (3), back (1), shoulder (1), forehead (1), lower leg (1), axilla (1), and the parapharyngeal region (1). Clinical follow-up (9/18 tumors; 50%; median: 10 mo; range: 4 to 40 mo) showed consistent indolent behavior without local recurrences or distant metastases. On morphology, these tumors were characterized by well-circumscription and distinctive peripheral crescent-shaped vessels. They were composed of uniform spindle and round cells growing in short fascicles within often densely hyalinized collagen lacking significant mitotic activity, necrosis, or cytologic atypia. Immunohistochemically, about half of the tested tumors expressed focal to rarely diffuse S100 with occasional co-expression of SOX10. Interestingly, almost half of the tested cases also showed complete loss of RB expression. All but 1 tumor harbored a PRRX1::NCOA1 fusion, while 1 case harbored a novel PRRX1::EP300 fusion. We herein provide additional data on these exceptionally uncommon tumors, expand their molecular spectrum, and compare them to their close morphologic mimics to aid in accurate diagnosis and avoid confusion with potentially more aggressive neoplasms.

Abstract Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive pediatric cancer that has remained refractory to current therapeutics. Immunotherapy has been unsuccessful in Ewing sarcoma, largely due to poor understanding of how its immune tumor microenvironment is regulated. We recently demonstrated that ubiquitin-specific protease 6 (USP6) can remodel the Ewing sarcoma immune landscape to engender an antitumorigenic tumor microenvironment. USP6 expression in Ewing sarcoma cells enhances surface expression of immunostimulatory ligands and receptors and induces production of multiple chemokines, driving recruitment and activation of tumor-suppressive immune lineages, including NK cells. We sought to harness this multifaceted immunostimulatory function into a novel therapeutic by delivering in vitro transcribed USP6 mRNA via ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNP). Treatment of Ewing sarcoma cells with USP6 mRNA in vitro is capable of inducing the aforementioned antitumorigenic and immunostimulatory responses. In addition, USP6 mRNA–treated Ewing sarcoma cells elicit cytolytic activation of primary human CD8+ and CD4+ T lymphocytes and NK cells in vitro. Intratumoral delivery of USP6 mRNA LNPs suppresses growth of Ewing sarcoma xenografts, coincident with increased immune infiltration and activation. We further demonstrate that USP6 mRNA is capable of igniting an immunostimulatory program in other cancer types (including acute myeloid leukemia, melanoma, prostate cancer, head and neck cancer, and osteosarcoma) in vitro and suppressing acute myeloid leukemia xenograft growth in vivo. Treatment with USP6 mRNA LNPs was well-tolerated, with no observed gross toxicity. Together, these preclinical studies provide proof-of-concept for the immunogenic and antitumorigenic efficacy of USP6 mRNA LNPs and support its promise as a novel immunotherapeutic in diverse cancer types.

AbstractBackgroundWhile the list of fusion‐driven soft tissue neoplasms is expanding rapidly, their importance among cutaneous and superficial mesenchymal and adnexal neoplasms remains poorly understood. This challenge is especially evident in cases with ambiguous histopathology that are difficult to classify based on morphology.AimsOur goal was to investigate the benefits of next‐generation sequencing in diagnosing complex cutaneous neoplasms.Materials & MethodsDepartmental archives were searched for fusion‐driven cutaneous neoplasms. Slides were retrieved and clinical information including follow‐up was obtained.ResultsFifteen cases occurred in eight female and seven male patients, with a median age of 26 years (range: 1–83) at diagnosis. Tumors involved the extremities (9), scalp (5), and head and neck (1). Predominant features included myoepithelial (5), nested spindled with clear cytoplasm (2), atypical adnexal/squamoid (2), small round blue cell (2), cellular spindled (3), and fibrohistiocytic morphology (1). Most frequently encountered fusions involved EWSR1 (6) fused to ERG (1), FLI1 (1), CREB1 (2), CREM (1), PBX3 (1), followed by PLAG1 (4) with LIFR (2), TRPS1 (1) and CHCHD7. Additional fusions encountered were YAP1::NUTM1, EML4::ALK, SS18::SSX1 (2), and a novel fusion: ACTB::ZMIZ2. Integration of histologic features and molecular findings led to final diagnoses of primary cutaneous Ewing sarcoma (2), soft tissue myoepithelioma (4), cutaneous syncytial myoepithelioma (1), cutaneous adnexal carcinoma (1), porocarcinoma (1), inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (1), synovial sarcoma (2), clear cell sarcoma (2), and angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (1).Discussion and conclusionOur results show that fusion testing can be a helpful diagnostic tool, especially in cases with unusual or uncommon morphology in superficial sites. Furthermore, it can allow for the identification of potential therapeutic targets in some instances.

Abstract Introduction Since its description in 1743 by François de la Peyronie, penile fibromatosis continues to present an elusive pathogenesis. One of its distinguishing characteristics is the excessive proliferation of fibrogenic myofibroblasts, resulting in the formation of dense fibrous plaques that disrupt the normal cytoarchitecture of the tunica albuginea, giving rise to penile abnormalities. The possible clonal nature of the disease has been investigated by many studies and some have identified occasional karyotypic abnormalities, most commonly involving chromosomes 7, 8, 17, 18, X and Y (Mulhal JP et al 2004). Objective This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the genomic landscape of Peyronie's disease in a significant number of cases using a whole genome copy number variation assay (CNV). The objective was to identify any recurrent chromosomal gains or losses that could shed light on the pathogenesis of this disease, including the potential identification of an underlying clonal process. Methods Thirty-nine surgical specimens were retrospectively examined from men diagnosed with Peyronie's disease, collected between 1992 and 2022 (median age: 56 years, range: 17-73). The study was conducted under the approval of the Institutional Review Board (IRB # 22-006924). Tissue samples were fixed in 10% buffered formalin, embedded in paraffin, and subsequently subjected to histologic review and DNA analysis. DNA extraction followed standard protocols. Among the samples, 22 contained high-quality material suitable for CNV array analysis using the OncoScan SNV array, which encompassed approximately 900 genes/loci with a resolution of 50-125 kb. Additionally, the array included a somatic mutation panel targeting nine cancer-related genes. Results No significant loss or gain of chromosomal material was identified in the twenty-two cases analyzed. However, the somatic mutation panel revealed potential unconfirmed DNA mutations in NRAS, EGFR, and TP53. Ongoing studies are being conducted to confirm these mutations. Conclusions The etiology and pathogenesis of Peyronie's disease remain unresolved, presenting a challenging area of research. However, the findings of this study provide evidence that major recurrent losses or gains of chromosomal material are unlikely to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of this disease. While shedding light on this aspect, it is crucial to acknowledge that further research is necessary to confirm and expand upon these initial observations. Disclosure No.

Lepore hemoglobins (Hbs) such as Hb Lepore-Boston-Washington [δ(1-87) β(116-146)], Hb Lepore-Baltimore [δ(1-50) β(86-146)], Hb Lepore-Hollandia [δ(1-22) β(50-146)] are δβ gene fusion/deletion variants (ε- Gγ- Aγ-[δβ] v )(Figure 1). They are controlled by the weak δ-globin gene promoter and synthesized at approximately 10-15% of hemoglobin fractions. This results in a similar phenotype as β +-thalassemia (microcytosis and hypochromia ± mild anemia). Anti-Lepore hemoglobins such as Hb P-Nilotic (β(1-22) δ(50-146) are βδ gene fusion/duplication variants (ε- Gγ- Aγ-δ-[βδ] v-β) associated with normal CBC values. Herein we describe a novel βδβ double fusion variant (ε- Gγ- Aγ-δ-[βδβ] v). Due to high homology between the δ and β genes, this double fusion event encodes an identical protein to Hb Lepore-Hollandia, albeit linked to the β-promoter and therefore expressed at ~40% of hemoglobin fractions, which would be expected to enhance any intrinsic properties of the variant. This novel hemoglobin variant is named Hb Lepore Rochester-MN. Two cases have been identified (Table 1). Case 1 was a 10-month-old Caucasian/Native American infant referred for an abnormal newborn screen and a reported family history of Hb G-Coushatta (β22, GAA>GCA, Glu>Ala; HGVS: c.68A>C, p.E23A). Case 2 was a 3-month-old infant referred for an abnormal newborn screen. CBCs were normal for age including MCV. Cation-exchange high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed a shouldered peak in the Hb A 2 window typical for Hb Lepore (elution time: 3.41-3.46 mins), although the variant percentage was higher than expected, mimicking Hb G-Coushatta (expected elution time: 3.33 mins). Capillary electrophoresis identified a peak in the D zone (Z(D) zone), which is expected for Hb Lepore or Hb G-Coushatta. Intact mass spectrometry was consistent with Hb Lepore-Hollandia at 15836 amu, differing from Hb G-Coushatta (Glu>Ala, 15809 amu). Multiplex ligand probe amplification (MLPA) was normal because the highly variable fusion regions are unsuitable for probe placement. Sanger sequencing of the β-globin gene identified multiple single base substitutions which were challenging to interpret but matched the sequence expected for a complex double crossover event (NM_000518.4:c.28_68delins41 (p.Ser10_Glu23delins14TAVNALWGKVNVDA). The first crossover is located between c.-29 and c.9, the second crossover is located between c.69 and c.92+17. Long-read sequencing was performed (Sequel, Pacific Biosciences) which detected the multiple missense mutations in cis conformation, as was corroborated by the mass spectrometry data. In summary, Hb Lepore Rochester-MN represents a novel double fusion [βδβ] variant class that will pose a diagnostic challenge for laboratories. Although it is likely a result of sequential crossover events (deletion and duplication) between Lepore and anti-Lepore variants, MLPA analysis is normal due to technical constraints and high homology. DNA sequencing (both Sanger and long read methods) yielded complex results that require sophisticated analysis and correlation with protein data including intact mass spectrometry. HPLC and CE data including variant percentage are very similar to Hb G-Coushatta. In addition, although resulting in an identical protein, the variant should not be mistaken for Hb Lepore-Hollandia, which is produced at lower levels and causes a thalassemic phenotype. Hb Lepore Rochester-MN is controlled by the β-promoter and therefore is associated with approximately 40% variant and apparently normal CBC values in the two infants.

Ewing sarcoma is a rare and deadly pediatric bone cancer for which survival rates and treatment options have stagnated for decades. Ewing sarcoma has not benefited from immunotherapy due to poor understanding of how its immune landscape is regulated. We recently reported that ubiquitin-specific protease 6 (USP6) functions as a tumor suppressor in Ewing sarcoma, and identified it as the first cell-intrinsic factor to modulate the Ewing sarcoma immune tumor microenvironment (TME). USP6 induces intratumoral infiltration and activation of multiple innate immune lineages in xenografted nude mice. Here we report that natural killer (NK) cells are essential for its tumor-inhibitory functions, as NK cell depletion reverses USP6-mediated suppression of Ewing sarcoma xenograft growth. USP6 expression in Ewing sarcoma cells directly stimulates NK cell activation and degranulation in vitro, and functions by increasing surface levels of multiple NK cell-activating ligands. USP6 also induces surface upregulation of the receptor for the apoptosis-inducing ligand tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), providing an additional route for enhanced sensitivity to NK cell killing. Furthermore, USP6-expressing Ewing sarcoma and NK cells participate in a paracrine immunostimulatory feedforward loop, wherein IFNγ secreted by activated NK cells feeds back on USP6/Ewing sarcoma cells to induce synergistic expression of chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10. Remarkably, expression of USP6 in subcutaneous Ewing sarcoma xenografts induces systemic activation and maturation of NK cells, and induces an abscopal response in which growth of distal tumors is inhibited, coincident with increased infiltration and activation of NK cells. This work reveals how USP6 reprograms the Ewing sarcoma TME to enhance antitumor immunity, and may be exploited for future therapeutic benefit. Significance: This study provides novel insights into the immunomodulatory functions of USP6, the only cancer cell–intrinsic factor demonstrated to regulate the immune TME in Ewing sarcoma. We demonstrate that USP6-mediated suppression of Ewing sarcoma tumorigenesis is dependent on NK cells. USP6 directly activates NK cell cytolytic function, inducing both intratumoral and systemic activation of NK cells in an Ewing sarcoma xenograft model.

IntroductionAdamantinoma‐like Ewing sarcoma (ALES) is a rare aggressive malignancy occasionally diagnosed in the thyroid gland. ALES shows basaloid cytomorphology, expresses keratins, p63, p40, frequently CD99, and harbours the t(11;22) EWSR1::FLI1 translocation. There is debate on whether ALES resembles more sarcoma or carcinoma.MethodsWe performed RNA sequencing from two ALES cases and compared findings with skeletal Ewing's sarcomas and nonneoplastic thyroid tissue. ALES was investigated by in situ hybridization (ISH) for high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA and immunohistochemistry for the following antigens: keratin 7, keratin 20, keratin 5, keratins (AE1/AE3 and CAM5.2), CD45, CD20, CD5, CD99, chromogranin, synaptophysin, calcitonin, thyroglobulin, PAX8, TTF1, S100, p40, p63, p16, NUT, desmin, ER, FLI1, INI1, and myogenin.ResultsAn uncommon EWSR1::FLI transcript with retained EWSR1 exon 8 was detected in both ALES cases. Regulators of EWSR1::FLI1 splicing (HNRNPH1, SUPT6H, SF3B1) necessary for production of a functional fusion oncoprotein, as well as 53 genes (including TNNT1, NKX2.2) activated downstream to the EWSR1::FLI1 cascade, were overexpressed. Eighty‐six genes were uniquely overexpressed in ALES, most of which were related to squamous differentiation. Immunohistochemically, ALES strongly expressed keratins 5, AE1/AE3 and CAM5.2, p63, p40, p16, and focally CD99. INI1 was retained. The remaining immunostains and HPV DNA ISH were negative.ConclusionComparative transcriptomic profiling reveals overlapping features of ALES with skeletal Ewing's sarcoma and an epithelial carcinoma, as evidenced by immunohistochemical expression of keratin 5, p63, p40, CD99, the transcriptome profile, and detection of EWSR1::FLI1 fusion transcript by RNA sequencing.

Recently, it has been recognized that a subset of primary soft tissue neoplasms with GLI1 gene alterations exhibit nested architecture and can mimic glomus tumors or well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors. Here, we report a series of 20 such neoplasms, which we have provisionally termed “distinctive nested glomoid neoplasm.” Eleven patients (55%) were female and 9 were male. The median age at presentation was 41.5 years (range: congenital to 74 y). The anatomic distribution was wide, with body sites including the trunk (7 tumors), lower extremity (5), tongue (4), upper extremity (3), and neck (1). Excluding tumors of the tongue, 10 tumors (62%) arose in deep soft tissue and 6 (38%) arose primarily in the subcutis. Tumor size ranged from 0.9 to 11.1 cm (median: 3 cm). Distinctive nested glomoid neoplasms are composed of nests of round-to-ovoid cells with scant, palely eosinophilic cytoplasm and monomorphic nuclei with vesicular chromatin and small nucleoli. The nests are invested by prominent capillary networks, and they are situated within large lobules separated by irregular, thick fibrous septa. Among 18 tumors for which adjacent non-neoplastic tissue could be assessed, perivascular proliferation of tumor cells was identified in 16 tumors (89%). Microcystic architecture was present at least focally in 8 tumors (40%), and myxoid stroma was identified at least focally in 5 (25%). Seven tumors (35%) showed clear cell features. By immunohistochemistry, some tumors expressed MDM2 (7/15; 47%), S100 (5 of 19; 26%), STAT6 (2 of 5; 20%), and AE1/AE3 (1/5; 20%). Tumors rarely expressed pan-keratin (1/10; 10%) or CAM5.2 (1/10), and all tumors were negative for β-catenin (12 tumors), chromogranin (12), synaptophysin (11), epithelial membrane antigen (10), desmin (10), smooth muscle actin (9), INSM1 (7), and CD34 (6). GLI1 break-apart fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed on 7 tumors, and next-generation sequencing was performed on 15 tumors (10 DNA sequencing only, 1 RNA sequencing only, 4 both DNA and RNA sequencing). Sixteen tumors, including all 15 tested by next-generation sequencing and an additional case tested by fluorescence in situ hybridization only, were found to harbor GLI1 gene alterations: 10 harbored GLI1 gene rearrangements (3 ACTB::GLI1, 2 PTCH1::GLI1, 1 HNRNPA1::GLI1, 1 NEAT1::GLI1, 1 TXNIP::GLI1, 2 undetermined fusion partners), and 6 harbored GLI1 amplification. Clinical follow-up was available for 10 patients (50%; range: 3 mo to 10 y; median: 6.4 y), including 8 with >1 year of follow-up. Three patients (30%) experienced local recurrence (at intervals of 3 mo to 10 y). None developed distant metastases or died of disease as yet. Overall, our findings support the notion that a subset of GLI1-altered soft tissue neoplasms are indolent, morphologically distinctive nested glomoid neoplasms that should not be classified as sarcomas.