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This article in the journal Histopathology examines the recognition of poroid tumors with NUTM1 rearrangements. Poromas are adnexal tumors that can be eccrine or apocrine, and they have different histologic variants. The study aims to identify morphological clues that can distinguish between YAP1:MAML2 and YAP1:NUTM1 fused poroid tumors. The study analyzes clinical, microscopic, and genetic features of the tumors and finds no significant differences in age, sex, or anatomical location between the two groups. The study confirms previous findings of high frequencies of YAP1:NUTM1 fusions in poroid hidradenoma and provides insights into the microscopic features of poroid tumors with different genetic rearrangements. [Extracted from the article]

Poroma is a benign sweat gland tumour showing morphological features recapitulating the superficial portion of the eccrine sweat coil. A subset of poromas may transform into porocarcinoma, its malignant counterpart. Poroma and porocarcinoma are characterised by recurrent gene fusions involving YAP1, a transcriptional co‐activator, which is controlled by the Hippo signalling pathway. The fusion genes frequently involve MAML2 and NUTM1, which are also rearranged in other cutaneous and extracutaneous neoplasms. We aimed to review the clinical, morphological and molecular features of this category of adnexal neoplasms with a special focus upon emerging differential diagnoses, and discuss how their systematic molecular characterisation may contribute to a standardisation of diagnosis, more accurate classification and, ultimately, refinement of their prognosis and therapeutic modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sebaceous neoplasms (SNs) always raise the possibility of an association with Muir-Torre syndrome (MTS) and permit to screen internal malignancies, colorectal and endometrial carcinomas, before they become symptomatic. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), molecular biology, and clinical examination are different approaches for detection of MTS. We conducted a retrospective analysis of non-selected SNs in order to determine the optimal tools to implement for MTS screening. Methods: Deficient MMR phenotype (dMMR) was determined by either IHC using antibodies directed to four mismatch repair (MMR) antigens on tissue microarray or molecular biology using pentaplex PCR. The Mayo Clinic risk score of MTS was calculated from medical records. Sensibility and specificity of each test for the detection of MTS were determined. Results: We included 107 patients, 8 with multiple SNs, for a total of 123 SNs (43 sebaceous adenomas, 19 sebaceomas, and 61 sebaceous carcinomas (SC)). Loss of at least one MMR protein was observed in 70.7% of tumors, while 48% had a microsatellite instable phenotype. Concordance between both techniques was 92.9%, with a 0.85 Cohen's kappa coefficient. Nineteen patients (20.2%) had a ≥2 points Mayo Clinic risk score, one having a pMMR SC. Among the 13 patients with confirmed MTS, 2 had a low Mayo Clinic risk score (1 point). IHC had the highest sensitivity for MTS screening (100%) with a specificity of 34.1%, while a >2-point Mayo Clinic risk score had a lower sensitivity (92%) but a higher specificity (89%). Conclusion: To detect MTS in SN patients, the first-line Mayo Clinic risk score followed by IHC appears to be the most accurate strategy with lower cost for society. This strategy should be adapted to the medico-economic resources of each country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Poroma is a benign adnexal neoplasm with differentiation towards the upper portion of the sweat gland apparatus. In 2019, Sekine et al. demonstrated recurrent YAP1::MAML2 and YAP1::NUTM1 fusion in poroma and porocarcinoma. Follicular, sebaceous and/or apocrine differentiation has been reported in rare cases of poroma and whether these tumours constitute a variant of poroma or represent a distinctive tumour is a matter to debate. Herein we describe the clinical, immunophenotypic, and molecular features of 13 cases of poroma with folliculo‐sebaceous differentiation. Methods and results: Most of the tumours were located on the head and neck region (n = 7), and on the thigh (n = 3). All presented were adults with a slight male predilection. The median tumour size was 10 mm (range: 4–25). Microscopically, lesions displayed features of poroma with nodules of monotonous basophilic cells associated with a second population of larger eosinophilic cells. In all cases, ducts and scattered sebocytes were identified. Infundibular cysts were present in 10 cases. In two cases high mitotic activity was noted, and in three cases cytologic atypia and areas of necrosis were identified. Whole transcriptome RNA sequencing demonstrated in‐frame fusion transcripts involving RNF13::PAK2 (n = 4), EPHB3::PAK2 (n = 2), DLG1::PAK2 (n = 2), LRIG1::PAK2 (n = 1), ATP1B3::PAK2 (n = 1), TM9SF4::PAK2 (n = 1), and CTNNA1::PAK2 (n = 1). Moreover, fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) analysis revealed PAK2 rearrangement in an additional case. No YAP1::MAML2 or YAP1::NUTM1 fusion was detected. Conclusion: Recurrent fusions involving the PAK2 gene in all analysed poroma with folliculo‐sebaceous differentiation in this study confirms that this neoplasm represents a separate tumour entity distinct from YAP1::MAML2 or YAP1::NUTM1 rearranged poromas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The immune microenvironment of sebaceous neoplasms (SNs) has been poorly explored, especially in benign lesions, and never correlated to the mismatch repair (MMR) status. Methods: We conducted an immuno-histological study to analyze the immune microenvironment of SNs. A tissue microarray was constructed including sebaceous adenomas (SAs), sebaceomas (Ss) and sebaceous carcinomas (SCs) to performed immuno-histological analysis of T cells, B cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and expression of Programmed Death-1 (PD-1) and Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1). An automatized count was performed using the QuPath® software. Composition of the cellular microenvironment was compared to the aggressiveness, the MMR status, and to Muir–Torre syndrome (MTS). Results: We included 123 SNs (43 SAs, 19 Ss and 61 SCs) for which 71.5% had a dMMR phenotype. A higher infiltration of macrophages (CD68 +) of M2 phenotype (CD163 +) and dendritic cells (CD11c +) was noticed in SCs compared to benign SNs (SAs and Ss). Programmed cell death ligand-1 but not PD-1 was expressed by more immune cells in SCs compared to benign SNs. No difference in the immune cell composition regarding the MMR status, or to MTS was observed. Conclusion: In SNs, M2 macrophages and dendritic cells infiltrates are associated with the progression and the malignant transformation of tumors. High PD-L1 expression in immune cells in SCs is an argument for the use of immunotherapy by anti-PD1 or PD-L1 in metastatic patients. The lack of correlation between the composition of immune cells in SNs and the MMR status emphasizes the singularity of SNs among MMR-associated malignancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Recently, YAP1 fusion genes have been demonstrated in eccrine poroma and porocarcinoma, and the diagnostic use of YAP1 immunohistochemistry has been highlighted in this setting. In other organs, loss of YAP1 expression can reflect YAP1 rearrangement or transcriptional repression, notably through RB1 inactivation. In this context, our objective was to re‐evaluate the performance of YAP1 immunohistochemistry for the diagnosis of poroma and porocarcinoma. Methods and results: The expression of the C‐terminal part of the YAP1 protein was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 543 cutaneous epithelial tumours, including 27 poromas, 14 porocarcinomas and 502 other cutaneous tumours. Tumours that showed a lack of expression of YAP1 were further investigated for Rb by immunohistochemistry and for fusion transcripts by real‐time PCR (YAP1::MAML2 and YAP1::NUTM1). The absence of YAP1 expression was observed in 24 cases of poroma (89%), 10 porocarcinoma (72%), 162 Merkel cell carcinoma (98%), 14 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (15%), one trichoblastoma and one sebaceoma. Fusions of YAP1 were detected in only 16 cases of poroma (n = 66%), 10 porocarcinoma (71%) all lacking YAP1 expression, and in one sebaceoma. The loss of Rb expression was detected in all cases except one of YAP1‐deficient SCC (n = 14), such tumours showing significant morphological overlap with porocarcinoma. In‐vitro experiments in HaCat cells showed that RB1 knockdown resulted in repression of YAP1 protein expression. Conclusion: In addition to gene fusion, we report that transcriptional repression of YAP1 can be observed in skin tumours with RB1 inactivation, including MCC and a subset of SCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common cancer, with a high risk of local recurrence. A quantifiable measurement of the histological margins of BCC in excisions is a recurrent demand of clinicians; however, there are currently no international guidelines indicating its value. Methods and results: A questionnaire validated by four experts in dermatopathology and formatted under a 'Google Forms'‐type interface was sent by e‐mail to physicians specializing in surgical pathology or dermatopathology and practising in France from 20 March 2018 to 20 May 2018. The results were compared between subgroups according to age and subspecialisation, especially dermatopathology. The questionnaire was completed by 225 practitioners. Microscopic margins were systematically measured in 77.3% of cases, sometimes in 19.6% and never in 3.1%. The main reason was to report factually insufficient margins (66.5%), followed by laboratory routine (45%) or clinician requests (43.1%). For 72% of respondents, the clinical or histopathological criteria did not influence their practice. The most used tool was a graduated ruler placed under a microscope (44.3% of cases). Compared to other groups, dermatopathologists measured BCC margins less systematically [only in certain situations (33.3 versus 14.9%) or never (10.5 versus 0.6%) (P < 0.001)] and used an eyepiece reticle more extensively (53.1 versus 29.8%; P = 0.0029). Conclusion: The measurement of histological margins in BCC is common practice in France, although there are no recommendations. Our survey suggests that it represents a way for pathologists to specify an insufficient margin and therefore the need for scar revision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incidence of brain metastases has increased in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) as their survival has improved. CD3 T-cells and, lately, DGMate (DiGital tuMor pArameTErs) score, have been identified as prognostic factors in locally advanced CRC. Until now, there is no data concerning the prognostic value of these markers in patients with CRC-derived brain metastases. All consecutive patients with CRC-derived brain metastases diagnosed between 2000 and 2017 were retrospectively included. Staining for CD3, CD8, PD-1, PD-L1 and DGMate analyses were performed using tissue micro-array from primary tumors and, if available, brain metastases. All in all, 83 patients were included with 80 primary tumor samples and 37 brain metastases samples available. CD3 and CD8 T-cell infiltration was higher in primary tumors compared to brain metastases. We observed a significant higher DGMate score in rectal tumors compared to colon tumors (p=0.03). We also noted a trend of higher CD3 T-cell infiltration in primary tumors when brain metastases were both supra and subtentorial compared to brain metastases that were only subtentorial or supratentorial (p=0.36 and p=0.03, respectively). No correlation was found between CD3 or CD8 infiltration or DGMate score in primary tumors or brain metastases and overall survival (OS) in the overall population. In patients with rectal tumors, a high DGMate score in brain metastases was associated with longer OS (13.4 ± 6.1 months versus 6.1 ± 1.4 months, p=0.02). High CD3 T-cell infiltration in brain metastases was associated with lower OS in patients with supratentorial brain metastases (9.8 ± 3.3 months versus 16.7 ± 5.9 months, p=0.03). PD-L1 overexpression was rare, both in primary tumors and brain metastases, but PD-L1 positive primary tumors were associated with worse OS (p=0.01). In contrast to breast and lung cancer derived brain metastases, CD3 and CD8 infiltration and DGMate score are not major prognostic factors in patients with CRC-derived brain metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Schnitzler syndrome (SchS) is a rare autoinflammatory disease characterized by urticarial exanthema, bone and joint alterations, fever and monoclonal IgM gammopathy. Overactivation of the interleukin(IL)-1 system is reported, even though the exact pathophysiological pathways remain unknown. Objective: To determine ex v ivo cytokine profiles of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) from SchS patients prior to treatment and after initiation of anti-IL-1 therapy (anakinra). The sera cytokine profile was studied in parallel. Methods: We collected blood samples from thirty-six untreated or treated SchS. PBMCs were cultured with and without LPS or anti-CD3/CD28. Cytokine levels were evaluated in serum and cell culture supernatants using Luminex technology. Results: Spontaneous TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-1α, and IL-1RA release by PBMCs of SchS patients were higher than in controls. LPS-stimulation further induced the secretion of these cytokines. In contrast, after T-cell stimulation, TNFα, IL-10, IFNγ, IL-17A, and IL-4 production decreased in SchS patients compared to healthy controls, but less in treated patients. Whereas IL-1β serum level was not detected in most sera, IL-6, IL-10, and TNFα serum levels were higher in patients with SchS and IFNγ and IL-4 levels were lower. Of note, IL-6 decreased after treatment in SchS (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Our data strengthen the hypothesis of myeloid inflammation in SchS, mediated in particular by IL-1β, TNFα, and IL-6, associated with overproduction of the inhibitors IL-1RA and IL-10. In contrast, we observed a loss of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cell functionalities that tends to be reversed by anakinra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody is a standard treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and its most common adverse effect is a papulopustular acneiform rash. The aim of the CUTACETUX study was to characterize the skin inflammatory response associated with this rash and its relation to treatment efficacy. This prospective study included patients with mCRC treated with first-line chemotherapy plus cetuximab. Patients underwent skin biopsies before the initiation of cetuximab (D0) and before the third infusion (D28), one in a rash zone and one in an unaffected zone. Expression of Th17-related cytokines (IL-17A, IL-21, IL-22), antimicrobial peptides (S100A7 and BD-2), innate response-related cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and OSM), T-reg-related cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β), Th1-related cytokine (IFN-γ), Th2-related cytokine (IL-4), Thymic stromal lymphopoietin and keratinocyte-derived cytokines (IL-8, IL-23 and CCL20) were determined by RT-PCR. Twenty-seven patients were included. Levels of most of the cytokines increased at D28 in the rash zone compared to D0. No significant association was observed between variations of cytokines levels and treatment response in the rash zone and only the increase of IL-4 (p =.04) and IL-23 (p =.02) levels between D0 and D28 in the unaffected zone was significantly associated with treatment response. Increased levels of IL-8 (p =.02), BD-2 (p =.02), IL-1β (p =.004) and OSM (p =.02) in the rash zone were associated with longer progression-free survival. Expression of Th2-related and keratinocyte-derived cytokines in the skin was associated with anti-EGFR efficacy. If this inflammatory signature can explain the rash, the exact mechanism by which these cytokines are involved in anti-EGFR tumor response remains to be studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This is a clinical case of secondary corneal myxoma, which developed 18 months after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). The DMEK was performed to treat viral endotheliitis and, postoperatively, a diagnosis of Crohn's disease was made. Case Report: A 52-year-old male, with no prior clinical history, presented with an endotheliitis in the left eye. The hypothesis of an undetected herpes infection was favored, and an antiviral treatment was prescribed using valacyclovir (1 g orally, 3 times daily). After 3 months of antiviral treatment, the endotheliitis was successfully controlled and a combined intervention of DMEK endothelial graft and phacoemulsification was performed. A corneal tumor was found 18 months after a successful DMEK procedure and was surgically removed. A pathological examination revealed a secondary corneal myxoma. Conclusions: Corneal myxomas are rare lesions, often secondary to trauma in the Bowman's membrane, which is why it is often called a myxomatous corneal degeneration. In this instance, there is no link with Carney complex. However, myxomas under the eyelid or within the orbit are often associated with cardiac myxomas. Treatment is strictly surgical, either by simple excision or by surgical excision followed by graft. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that such an association between DMEK and secondary corneal myxoma has been described in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positron-emission tomography (PET) with fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose revealed hypermetabolism of cutaneous lesions (Figure D) and of the proximal femoral arteries (Figure S1). The hypermetabolism of the skin and proximal femoral arteries observed on PET imaging was markedly improved (Figure F). The primary differential diagnosis was granulomas annulare, a palisading granulomatous disease, which is rarely photoinduced and rarely associated with uveitis.[8] However, the pulmonary changes, hypercalciuria and predominant sarcoid granulomas were in favour of the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.[7] Microscopic findings of sarcoidosis are often varied.[9] Typical sarcoid granulomas are almost always present, but other observations such as palisading granulomas, focal necrosis and lichenoid inflammation have also been described.[9]. [Extracted from the article]

We hypothesise that granular cell tumour may arise in surgical scars as a rare complication of neural cell regeneration. Most cases of surgical scar-related granular cell tumour have been reported following gynaecological surgery.[[2]] This may be explained by a confounding bias as granular cell tumour preferentially affects women in their third to fifth decades,[[2], [5]] who are more likely to undergo gynaecological surgery. Abrikossoff's tumor mimicking endometrial tumor-literature review and case report of the first described granular cell tumor in scar tissue after caesarean section. [Extracted from the article]

Aims Distinction between primary cutaneous follicular lymphoma ( PCFL) and primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma ( PCMZL) is challenging, as clear-cut immunophenotypical and cytogenetic criteria to segregate both entities are lacking. Methods and results To characterize PCFL and PCMZL more clearly and to define criteria helpful for the differential diagnosis, we compared expression of immunohistochemical markers [ LIM-only transcription factor 2 ( LMO2), human germinal centre-associated lymphoma ( HGAL), stathmin 1 ( STMN1), activation-induced cytidine deaminase ( AID), myeloid cell nuclear differentiation antigen ( MNDA)] and the presence of cytogenetic abnormalities described previously in nodal follicular lymphoma [B cell lymphoma 2 ( BCL2) and BCL6 breaks, 1p36 chromosomal region deletion (del 1p36)] in a series of 48 cutaneous follicular and marginal zone lymphomas [cutaneous follicular lymphoma ( CFL) and cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma ( CMZL)]. Immunostaining for STMN1, LMO2, HGAL and AID allowed the distinction between CFL and CMZL, and STMN1 was the most sensitive marker (100% CFL, 0% CMZL). LMO2, HGAL and AID were positive in 93.2%, 82.1% and 86.2% CFL (all CMZL-negative). MNDA was expressed in both entities without significant difference (10.3% CFL, 30.8% CMZL, P = 0.18). BCL2, BCL6 breaks and the del 1p36 were present in 16.7%, 10.7% and 18.5% CFL and no CMZL. Finally, three and 29 CFL were reclassified as secondary cutaneous follicular lymphomas ( SCFL) and PCFL without significant differences concerning phenotypical and cytogenetic features. BCL2, BCL6 breaks and the del 1p36 were present in 11.1%, 8% and 16.7% PCFL and did not impact the prognosis. Conclusion LMO2, HGAL, STMN1 and AID, but not MNDA, are discriminant for the recognition between CFL and CMZL. BCL2, BCL6 rearrangements and the del 1p36 have a role in the pathogenesis of PCFL, the latest being the most common alteration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes that sense pathogens and trigger biological mechanisms to control infection. Nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain-like receptor (NLR) containing a PYRIN domain 1 (NLRP1), NLRP3 and NLRC4 plays a key role in this innate immune system by directly assembling in inflammasomes and regulating inflammation. Mutations in NLRP3 and NLRC4 are linked to hereditary autoinflammatory diseases, whereas polymorphisms in NLRP1 are associated with autoimmune disorders such as vitiligo and rheumatoid arthritis. Whether human NLRP1 mutation is associated with autoinflammation remains to be determined.Methods: To search for novel genes involved in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, we performed homozygosity mapping and exome sequencing to identify causative genes. Immunoassays were performed with blood samples from patients.Results: We identified a novel disease in three patients from two unrelated families presenting diffuse skin dyskeratosis, autoinflammation, autoimmunity, arthritis and high transitional B-cell level. Molecular screening revealed a non-synonymous homozygous mutation in NLRP1 (c.2176C>T; p.Arg726Trp) in two cousins born of related parents originating from Algeria and a de novo heterozygous mutation (c.3641C>G, p.Pro1214Arg) in a girl of Dutch origin. The three patients showed elevated systemic levels of caspase-1 and interleukin 18, which suggested involvement of NLRP1 inflammasome.Conclusions: We demonstrate the responsibility of human NLRP1 in a novel autoinflammatory disorder that we propose to call NAIAD for NLRP1-associated autoinflammation with arthritis and dyskeratosis. This disease could be a novel autoimmuno-inflammatory disease combining autoinflammatory and autoimmune features. Our data, combined with that in the literature, highlight the pleomorphic role of NLRP1 in inflammation and immunity.Trial Registration Number: NCT02067962; Results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous clear cell hidradenoma is an uncommon benign adnexal tumor which is not supposed to metastasize, contrary to its rare malignant counterpart, hidradenocarcinoma. We report the case of a 49-year-old man, who had had a stable inguinal lymph node enlargement for 6 years. An excision was performed and revealed an intra-nodal tumor, made of large clear cells with abundant cytoplasm and round nuclei without atypia or mitosis. The immunohistochemical staining showed diffuse positivity for keratin AE1/AE3, keratin 5/6 and p63, and focal staining with keratin 7, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and carcinous epithelial antigen (CEA), which underlined some ductular structures. Tumor cells were negative for renal markers PAX8 and CD10. Ki67 stained less than 1% of tumor cells. A translocation involving MAML2 gene was evidenced by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. No primary cutaneous tumor was found after extensive examination. Altogether, these results are in favor of an isolated nodal hidradenoma, for which we discuss two hypothesis: a primary nodal lesion, or a 'benign metastasis' of a cutaneous tumor. Cases of morphologically benign hidradenoma with lymph node involvement are exceptional. Our case, similar to every other reported case, was associated with an excellent prognosis, supporting the idea that these patients should not be overtreated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eccrine nevi are rare hamartomas characterized by an increase in the number or size of eccrine glands. A polypoid form located in the coccygeal area has been described in a few cases and termed coccygeal polypoid eccrine nevus ( CPEN). No association with internal malformations was reported in any of these cases. We describe herein a case of CPEN associated with imperforate anus and unilateral multicystic kidney dysplasia. We review the clinical and pathological characteristics of CPENs and discuss the differential diagnoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genotyping BRAF in melanoma samples is often challenging. The presence of melanin greatly interferes with thermostable DNA polymerases and/or nucleic acids in traditional polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods. In the present work, we evaluated three easy-to-use strategies to improve the detection of pigmented DNA refractory to PCR amplification. These pre-PCR processing methods include the addition of bovine serum albumin (BSA), the dilution of DNA, and the purification of DNA using the NucleoSpin® gDNA Clean-up XS Kit. We found that BRAF genotyping in weakly and moderately pigmented samples was more efficient when the sample was processed with BSA or purified with a NucleoSpin® gDNA Clean-up XS Kit prior to PCR amplification. In addition, the combination of both methods resulted in successful detection of BRAF mutation in pigmented specimens, including highly pigmented samples, thereby increasing the chance of patients being elicited for anti-BRAF treatment. These solutions to overcome melanin-induced PCR inhibition are of tremendous value and provide a simple solution for clinical chemistry and routine laboratory medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertrophic scars (HTS) are characterized by excessive amount of collagen deposition and principally occur following burn injuries or surgeries. In absence of effective treatments, the use of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells, which have been shown to attenuate fibrosis in various applications, seems of interest. The objectives of the present study were therefore to evaluate the effect of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASC) on a pre-existing HTS in a humanized skin graft model in Nude mice and to compare the efficacy of hASCs versus stromal vascular fraction (SVF). We found that injection of SVF or hASCs resulted in an attenuation of HTS as noticed after clinical evaluation of skin thickness, which was associated with lower total collagen contents in the skins of treated mice and a reduced dermis thickness after histological analysis. Although both SVF and hASCs were able to significantly reduce the clinical and histological parameters of HTS, hASCs appeared to be more efficient than SVF. The therapeutic effect of hASCs was attributed to higher expression of TGFβ3 and HGF, which are important anti-fibrotic mediators, and to higher levels of MMP-2 and MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio, which reflect the remodelling activity responsible for fibrosis resorption. These results demonstrated the therapeutic potential of hASCs for clinical applications of hypertrophic scarring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis involves the release of numerous proinflammatory cytokines, including members of the IL-1 family. Here we report overexpression of IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-1 receptor antagonist mRNA, associated to expression of IL-23p19, IL-17A, and IL-22 in skin cells, upon topical application of the TLR7 agonist imiquimod (IMQ) in C57BL/6J mice. IMQ-induced skin inflammation was partially reduced in mice deficient for both IL-1α/IL-1β or for IL-1 receptor type 1 (IL-1R1), but not in IL-1α- or IL-1β-deficient mice, demonstrating the redundant activity of IL-1α and IL-1β for skin inflammation. NLRP3 or apoptosis-associated Speck-like protein containing a Caspase recruitment domain-deficient mice had no significant reduction of skin inflammation in response to IMQ treatment, mainly due to the redundancy of IL-1α. However, IMQ-induced skin inflammation was abolished in the absence of MyD88, the adaptor protein shared by IL-1R and TLR signaling pathways. These results are consistent with the TLR7 dependence of IMQ-induced skin inflammation. Thus, IL-1R1 contributes to the IMQ-induced skin inflammation, and disruption of MyD88 signaling completely abrogates this response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Many cases of familial renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remain unexplained by mutations in the known predisposing genes or shared environmental factors. There are therefore additional, still unidentified genes involved in familial RCC. PBRM1 is a tumour suppressor gene and somatic mutations are found in 30-45% of sporadic clear cell (cc) RCC. Methods We selected 35 unrelated patients with unexplained personal history of ccRCC and at least one affected first-degree relative, and sequenced the PBRM1 gene. Results A germline frameshift mutation (c.3998_4005del [p.Asp1333Glyfs]) was found in one patient. The patient's mother, his sister and one niece also had ccRCC. The mutation co-segregated with the disease as the three affected relatives were carriers, while an unaffected sister was not, according with autosomal-dominant transmission. Somatic studies supported these findings, as we observed both loss of heterozygosity for the mutation and loss of protein expression in renal tumours. Conclusions We show for the first time that an inherited mutation in PBRM1 predisposes to RCC. International studies are necessary to estimate the contribution of PBRM1 to RCC susceptibility, estimate penetrance and then integrate the gene into routine clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inhibitors of mutant BRAF that are used to treat metastatic melanoma induce squamoproliferative lesions. We conducted a prospective histopathological and molecular study on 27 skin lesions from 12 patients treated with vemurafenib. Mutation hot spots in HRAS, NRAS, KRAS, BRAF, and Pi3KCA were screened. HPV and HPyV infection status were also determined. The lesions consisted of 19 verrucal papillomas, 1 keratoacanthoma and 7 squamous cell carcinomas. No mutations were found within BRAF and NRAS. KRAS, HRAS, and Pi3KCA oncogenic mutations were found in 10 (83.3%), 7 (58.3%), and 4 (33.3%) patients respectively; however, these mutations were not consistent within all tumors of a given patient. Pi3KCA mutation was always associated with a mutation in HRAS. Finally, no correlation was found between the mutated gene or type of mutation and the type of cutaneous tumor or clinical response to vemurafenib. P16 protein level was not indicative of HPV infection. HPV was detected in only two lesions. Two cases had MCPyV, and one had HPyV7. In conclusion, neither HPV nor HPyV seem to be involved in the development of squamoproliferative lesions induced by verumafenib. By contrast, HRAS and KRAS play a predominant role in the physiopathology of these tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conjunctival melanoma (CM) iss a rare and aggressive tumour that is increasing in frequency. The prognostic value of PD-L1 expression, alone or in combination with CD8 and PD-1 expression and the BRAF and NRAS status, has not been determined in CM to date. We evaluated the expression of PD-L1, CD8, PD-1 in CM and investigated whether there was an association between the expression of these markers and the BRAF and NRAS molecular profile as well as some clinico-pathological criteria. A total of sixty-five CM were assessed for PD-L1, PD-1, and CD8 expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and for BRAF and NRAS genomic alterations using molecular biology techniques and anti-BRAF and anti-NRAS antibodies. PD-L1 expression in tumour cells (TC) was very low or absent but detected in tumour-infiltrating immune cells (IC). A correlation was observed between the expression of PD-L1, CD8, and PD-1 in IC. No correlation between PD-L1 expression (in tumour and/or immune cells) and BRAF or NRAS mutations was observed. PD-L1 expression in IC correlated with a higher pTNM stage and PD-L1 expression in TC with worse disease-specific survival. PD-L1 expression is a potential prognostic biomarker that correlates with poor prognosis in CM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In most countries, participation in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs with the immunological fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) is low. Mutations of RAS and BRAF occur early in colorectal carcinogenesis and "liquid biopsy" allows detection of mutated circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). This prospective study aims to evaluate the performance of RAS and BRAF-mutated ctDNA in detecting CRC and advanced adenomas (AA). Methods: One hundred and thirty patients who underwent colonoscopy for suspicion of colorectal lesion were included and divided into four groups: 20 CRC, 39 AA, 31 non-advanced adenoma and/or hyperplastic polyp(s) (NAA) and 40 with no lesion. Mutated ctDNA was analyzed by droplet digital PCR. Results: ctDNA was detected in 45.0% of CRC, in 2.6% of AA and none of the NAA and "no-lesion" groups. All patients with stage II to IV mutated CRC had detectable ctDNA (n = 8/8). Among the mutated AA, only one patient had detectable ctDNA (4.3%), maybe due to limited technical sensitivity or to a low rate of ctDNA or even the absence ctDNA in plasma. Specificity and sensitivity of KRAS- and BRAF-mutated ctDNA for the detection of all CRC and AA were 100% and 16.9%, respectively. Conclusions: ctDNA had high sensitivity in detection of advanced mutated CRC but was unable to sensitively detect AA. ctDNA analysis was easy to perform and readily accepted by the population but requires combination with other circulating biomarkers before replacing iFOBT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quiz about the case of a woman investigated for multiple, slightly erythematous or flesh-coloured asymptomatic papules located on the chin and the lower part of both cheeks which was diagnosed as primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (PCMZL) is presented.

Background: Colorectal cancers (CRC) with brain metastases (BM) are scarcely described. The main objective of this study was to determine the molecular profile of CRC with BM. Methods: We included 82 CRC patients with BM. KRAS, NRAS, BRAF and mismatch repair (MMR) status were investigated on primary tumors (n = 82) and BM (n = 38). ALK, ROS1, cMET, HER-2, PD-1, PD-L1, CD3 and CD8 status were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and when recommended, by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Results: In primary tumors, KRAS, NRAS and BRAF mutations were observed in 56%, 6%, and 6% of cases, respectively. No ROS1, ALK and cMET rearrangement was detected. Only one tumor presented HER-2 amplification. Molecular profiles were mostly concordant between BM and paired primary tumors, except for 9% of discordances for RAS mutation. CD3, CD8, PD-1 and PD-L1 expressions presented some discordance between primary tumors and BM. In multivariate analysis, multiple BM, lung metastases and PD-L1+ tumor were predictive of poor overall survival. Conclusions: CRCs with BM are associated with high frequency of RAS mutations and significant discordance for RAS mutational status between BM and paired primary tumors. Multiple BM, lung metastases and PD-L1+ have been identified as prognostic factors and can guide therapeutic decisions for CRC patients with BM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]