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Kerr, Sarah E.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4760-2231

Mayo Clinic

Allina Health

Citations 25

Multisite validation of a 92-gene molecular classifier: Diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility in metastatic cancer.
Schnabel, Catherine A. , Kerr, Sarah E. , Sullivan, Peggy , Singh, Veena , Carey, Brittany, Erlander, Mark G. , Highsmith, W. Edward, Brachtel, Elena F. , Sullivan, Peggy S, Zhang, Yi , Dry, Sarah

Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 11, 2020 | Volume: 30 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 10588-10588

10.1200/jco.2012.30.15_suppl.10588 Get It

10588 Background: Accurate tumor classification is increasingly critical to individualized care as patient outcomes improve with use of targeted cancer therapies and predictive biomarkers. In metastatic cancers of uncertain or unknown origin, identification of a primary site remains equivocal in a significant number of cases. Gene expression signatures may improve accuracy and specificity of tumor classification, however, large-scale, blinded validation studies that demonstrate stable performance in metastatic and poorly differentiated cases are currently lacking. Methods: Seven hundred and ninety cases (51% female, 44% metastatic, 63% grade 2 and 3, 14% limited tissue specimens) representing 28 tumor types and 50 subtypes were processed and adjudicated between Mayo Clinic, UCLA and Massachusetts General Hospital. Blinded FFPE tumor sections were submitted and tested using a 92-gene RT-PCR assay (CancerTYPE ID, bioTheranostics Inc.). Molecular predictions were evaluated for concordance with the reference diagnosis; diagnostic accuracy between clinical subsets was compared. Results: The 92-gene assay demonstrated overall sensitivities of 87% for tumor classification and 82% for subtyping. Forty-seven (5.9%) cases were considered unclassifiable. Comparative analysis of performance between metastatic (n=329) and primary (n=414) tumors showed no statistically significant difference in accuracy (85% vs 88%, p=0.16). Similarly, no significant decreases in performance were observed across histological grades (p=0.58) and when comparing limited tissue to excisional biopsy specimens (p=0.16). Strong precision was demonstrated for accurate identification of a primary tumor in tissues biopsied from common metastatic sites, reported as positive predictive values of 100% for lung, brain and peritoneum, 92% for ovary and 80% for liver. Conclusions: Results from this multisite, blinded study validate the diagnostic accuracy of the 92-gene assay for classifying a diverse set of tumors, and support its clinical utility in the diagnosis of metastatic tumors to determine tissue of origin, and in the differential diagnosis of metastatic vs new primary disease.
Clinicopathologic, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Characteristics of Ovarian Serous Carcinoma With Mixed Morphologic Features of High-grade and Low-grade Serous Carcinoma
Zarei, Shabnam , Jenkins, Sarah M. , Voss, Jesse S. , Kerr, Sarah E. , Bell, Debra A., Wang, Yan

American Journal of Surgical Pathology | December 24, 2019 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 316-328

10.1097/pas.0000000000001419 Get It

Despite the current classification of high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSCA) and low-grade serous carcinoma (LGSCA) as mutually exclusive diseases based on morphology and molecular pathogenesis, cases with mixed morphologic features of HGSCA and LGSCA have been reported. Herein we assess the clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical (IHC), and molecular genetic characteristics of a group of these cases, which we termed indeterminate grade serous carcinoma (IGSCA) in comparison with groups of HGSCA and LGSCA. Using the World Health Organization (WHO) classification criteria, we selected 27 LGSCA and 19 IGSCA for detailed morphologic study. Thirteen classic HGSCA, 19 classic LGSCA, and 19 IGSCA were selected for p53 and BRAF V600E IHC and molecular genetic testing by next-generation sequencing. IGSCA showed the architectural patterns of invasion of LGSCA, but with higher grade nuclear features focally and a mitotic index intermediate between LGSCA and HGSCA. Few cases in the IGSCA group showed mutant TP53 by IHC or sequencing (4/18, 22.2%), 1 case had mutant BRAF non-V600E by sequencing, and 1 had an NRAS mutation. When present, the mutations were identical in the low-grade and high-grade areas. The IGSCA group had a long-term survival similar to the classic HGSCA group. IGSCA with mixed morphologic features of HGSCA and LGSCA is a rare and potentially clinically aggressive variant of serous carcinoma. Their distinct morphologic, but heterogenous molecular features, including low frequency of TP53 and BRAF mutations suggest that these rare tumors may have a different pathogenesis pathway compared with classic HGSCA and classic LGSCA.
Does Transfusion of Red Blood Cells Impact Germline Genetic Test Results?
DiGuardo, Margaret , Hammel, Scott A., Heaser, Kate, Mahaffey, Victor, Hofich, Christopher, Kester, Sarah, Kerr, Sarah E. , Oliveira, Jennifer L. , Jacob, Eapen K., Moyer, Ann M.

Blood | November 14, 2019 | Volume: 134 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: 3698-3698

10.1182/blood-2019-128576 Get It

Background: Molecular genetic testing is increasingly utilized in clinical care, typically with peripheral blood as the preferred specimen. Despite the prevalence of therapeutic blood transfusions, whether donor DNA is present in a sufficient quantity to interfere with recipient genetic testing has not been systematically studied. Microchimerism secondary to transfusion of blood products with donor leukocytes has been well-documented in trauma patients receiving whole blood; however, most medical centers currently transfuse leukoreduced (LR) red blood cell products for non-trauma patients. The degree of leukoreduction varies among centers, but to meet AABB standards must be <5x106 white blood cells (WBC) in 95% of units tested. We sought to determine what quantity, if any, of infused LR or non-LR (NLR) products leads to detectable microchimerism that may impact genetic test results. Methods: We performed an in vitro spiking study utilizing four whole blood units collected from different anonymous donors. Three were leukoreduced at varying levels in order to establish a LR (per our institutional guidelines and standards), a partially leukoreduced (PLR) and a NLR unit, which were then considered "donors". The 4th unit was divided to generate two separate "recipients". The first half was left untreated simulating an immunocompetent recipient while the other was leukoreduced to mimic a leukopenic recipient. Based on a 70 kg patient, we calculated the volume of blood from each "donor" to mix with aliquots of each "recipient" to represent a transfusion of 2, 5, or 16 units, with 2 units corresponding to a double apheresis red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and 16 units corresponding to a near total volume transfusion. DNA was extracted from each individual unit as well as all "transfused" combinations within 24 hours of mixing. Chimerism analysis was then performed by STR analysis using the GlobalFiler PCR amplification kit followed by ChimerMarker analysis software. Results: None of the LR units, despite volume transfused, revealed any level of microchimerism in either the immunocompetent or leukopenic "recipients". The PLR transfused combinations displayed levels ranging from 0.14% to 1.52% of donor chimerism for the immunocompetent "recipient", which is below the limit of detection for most clinical assays evaluating germline genetic variation, and 6.3% to 27.78% of donor chimerism for the leukopenic "recipient", which would be expected to impact a subset of clinical genetic assays. The NLR transfused combinations displayed levels ranging from 13.28% to 95.66% of donor chimerism. Discussion:In vitro "transfusion" of LR RBCs into simulated immunocompetent or leukopenic samples does not lead to detectable donor DNA. However, "transfusion" of PLR and NLR units in an in vitro model reveals significant levels of microchimerism dependent on volume transfused and immune status of the "recipient" which implies possible risk for impact on clinical genetic tests. The minimum time required for clearance of donor leukocytes in the recipient is unknown; we were unable to fully evaluate this and other variables in our in vitro system, but follow-up in vivo studies addressing this question are planned. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Assessment of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor cytologic genotype diversity to guide personalized medicine using a custom gastroenteropancreatic next-generation sequencing panel
Gleeson, Ferga C. , Voss, Jesse S. , Kipp, Benjamin R. , Kerr, Sarah E. , Arnam, John S. Van , Mills, John R. , Marcou, Cherisse A. , Schneider, Amber, Tu, Zheng Jin, Henry, Michael , Levy, Michael J. , Van Arnam, John S, Schneider, Amber R, Henry, Michael R, Levy, Michael J.

Oncotarget | June 28, 2017 | Volume: 8 | Issue: 55 | Pages: 93464-93475

10.18632/oncotarget.18750 Get It

Abstract 4513: A prognostic model for pulmonary carcinoid tumors based on large chromosomal alterations
Leventakos, Konstantinos , Johnson, Sarah H. , Kerr, Sarah E. , Aubry, Marie Christine, Vasmatzis, George , Molina, Julian R. , Mansfield, Aaron S. , Murphy, Stephen J.

Cancer Research | July 26, 2016 | Volume: 76 | Issue: 14_Supplement | Pages: 4513-4513

10.1158/1538-7445.am2016-4513 Get It

Abstract PURPOSE: Previous mutational analyses have failed to identify a predictive or prognostic marker for pulmonary carcinoid tumors (PCT). The heterogeneity of PCTs coupled with a lack of detailed information about the tumor biology, impedes patient stratification into groups based on tumor phenotypes or treatment response. We sought to use high-throughput next-generation sequencing to improve prognostication. METHODS: We stratified 37 patients with resected PCTs as low risk (n = 17) and high risk (n = 20) based on a 5 year long follow up for recurrence. Patients with no recurrence within 5 years from initial treatment were deemed low risk. Macrodissection was followed by genomic DNA isolation and next-generation sequencing was performed using an Illumina Mate Pair library protocol. Sequence reads were mapped to the human genome, and primers spanning the fusion junctions were used for validation polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Carcinoids commonly harbor rearrangements (median 3.5, range 1-167). Large chromosomal gains or losses were found in 24 of the cases (64.8%). We developed a prognostic score that included the total amount of genetic alterations (deletions and translocations). ROC analysis revealed an AUC of 0.76. High risk patients had a mean score of 20 and low risk patients had a mean score of 5.45 (p value = 0.03, Welch Two Sample t-test). Further analysis of the specific genetic alterations harbored by high and low risk PCTs and correlation with the pathologic and immunohistochemical information is currently underway. CONCLUSION: Large chromosomal rearrangements and aneuploidy portend a poor prognosis for patients with PCTs. Mate Pair sequencing of PCTs provides valuable prognostic information for this highly heterogeneous group of cancers. Citation Format: Konstantinos Leventakos, Aaron S. Mansfield, Stephen J. Murphy, Sarah H. Johnson, Sarah E. Kerr, Marie Christine Aubry, George Vasmatzis, Julian R. Molina. A prognostic model for pulmonary carcinoid tumors based on large chromosomal alterations. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4513.
Targeted next generation sequencing of endoscopic ultrasound acquired cytology from ampullary and pancreatic adenocarcinoma has the potential to aid patient stratification for optimal therapy selection
Gleeson, Ferga C. , Kerr, Sarah E. , Kipp, Benjamin R. , Voss, Jesse S. , Minot, Douglas M., Tu, Zheng Jin, Henry, Michael , Graham, Rondell P. , Vasmatzis, George , Cheville, John C. , Levy, Michael J. , Henry, Michael R, Lazaridis, Konstantinos N. , Graham, Rondell P

Oncotarget | May 22, 2016 | Volume: 7 | Issue: 34 | Pages: 54526-54536

10.18632/oncotarget.9440 Get It

Molecular classification of cancer with the 92-gene assay in cytology and limited tissue samples
Brachtel, Elena F. , Operaña, Theresa N., Sullivan, Peggy , Kerr, Sarah E. , Cherkis, Karen, Schroeder, Brock E. , Schnabel, Catherine A. , Dry, Sarah

Oncotarget | March 29, 2016 | Volume: 7 | Issue: 19 | Pages: 27220-27231

10.18632/oncotarget.8449 Get It

False Negative Cell-Free DNA Screening Result in a Newborn with Trisomy 13
Cao, Yang , Hoppman, Nicole L., Kerr, Sarah E. , Sattler, Christopher A., Borowski, Kristi, Wick, Myra , Highsmith, W. Edward, Borowski, Kristi S, Wick, Myra J, Aypar, Umut

Case Reports in Genetics | February 22, 2016 | Volume: 2016 | Issue: No issue available | Pages: 1-5

10.1155/2016/7397405 Get It

Background.Noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) is revolutionizing prenatal screening as a result of its increased sensitivity, specificity. NIPS analyzes cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) circulating in maternal plasma to detect fetal chromosome abnormalities. However, cffDNA originates from apoptotic placental trophoblast; therefore cffDNA is not always representative of the fetus. Although the published data for NIPS testing states that the current technique ensures high sensitivity and specificity for aneuploidy detection, false positives are possible due to isolated placental mosaicism, vanishing twin or cotwin demise, and maternal chromosome abnormalities or malignancy.Results.We report a case of false negative cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening due to fetoplacental mosaicism. An infant male with negative cfDNA screening result was born with multiple congenital abnormalities. Postnatal chromosome and FISH studies on a blood specimen revealed trisomy 13 in 20/20 metaphases and 100% interphase nuclei, respectively. FISH analysis on tissues collected after delivery revealed extraembryonic mosaicism.Conclusions.Extraembryonic tissue mosaicism is likely responsible for the false negative cfDNA screening result. This case illustrates that a negative result does not rule out the possibility of a fetus affected with a trisomy, as cffDNA is derived from the placenta and therefore may not accurately represent the fetal genetic information.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of a pulmonary artery malignant thrombus
Gincul, Rodica , Gómez, Victoria , Kerr, Sarah E. , Levy, Michael J. , Zhang, Jun , Levy, Michael J.

Endoscopy | November 5, 2015 | Volume: 47 | Issue: S 01 | Pages: E547-E549

10.1055/s-0034-1393319 Get It