Search

Differentially expressed phosphopeptides associated with a CDDP-resistant phenotype

Top-50 features associated with the CDDP-sensitive and -resistant phenotypes

List of 327 genes covered by tNGS

supplementary information

Purpose: Platinum-based drugs, in particular cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloridoplatinum(II), CDDP), are used for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Despite initial responses, CDDP treatment often results in chemoresistance, leading to therapeutic failure. The role of primary resistance at subclonal level and treatment-induced clonal selection in the development of CDDP resistance remains unknown.Experimental Design: By applying targeted next-generation sequencing, fluorescence in situ hybridization, microarray-based transcriptome, and mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteome analysis to the CDDP-sensitive SCCHN cell line FaDu, a CDDP-resistant subline, and single-cell derived subclones, the molecular basis of CDDP resistance was elucidated. The causal relationship between molecular features and resistant phenotypes was determined by siRNA-based gene silencing. The clinical relevance of molecular findings was validated in patients with SCCHN with recurrence after CDDP-based chemoradiation and the TCGA SCCHN dataset.Results: Evidence of primary resistance at clonal level and clonal selection by long-term CDDP treatment was established in the FaDu model. Resistance was associated with aneuploidy of chromosome 17, increased TP53 copy-numbers and overexpression of the gain-of-function (GOF) mutant variant p53R248L. siRNA-mediated knockdown established a causal relationship between mutant p53R248L and CDDP resistance. Resistant clones were also characterized by increased activity of the PI3K–AKT–mTOR pathway. The poor prognostic value of GOF TP53 variants and mTOR pathway upregulation was confirmed in the TCGA SCCHN cohort.Conclusions: Our study demonstrates a link of intratumoral heterogeneity and clonal evolution as important mechanisms of drug resistance in SCCHN and establishes mutant GOF TP53 variants and the PI3K/mTOR pathway as molecular targets for treatment optimization. Clin Cancer Res; 24(1); 158–68. ©2017 AACR.

Based on new trial data regarding immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), the detection of high-grade microsatellite instability (MSI-H) or underlying deficient mismatch repair protein (dMMR) is now becoming increasingly important for predicting treatment response. For the first time, a PD‑1 ICI (pembrolizumab) has been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for first-line treatment of advanced (stage IV) dMMR/MSI‑H colorectal cancer (CRC). Further indications, such as dMMR/MSI‑H endometrial carcinoma (EC), have already succeeded (Dostarlimab, 2nd line treatment) and others are expected to follow before the end of 2021. The question of optimal testing in routine diagnostics should therefore be re-evaluated. Based on a consideration of the strengths and weaknesses of the widely available methods (immunohistochemistry and PCR), a test algorithm is proposed that allows quality assured, reliable, and cost-effective dMMR/MSI‑H testing. For CRC and EC, testing is therefore already possible at the primary diagnosis stage, in line with international recommendations (NICE, NCCN). The clinician is therefore enabled from the outset to consider not only the predictive but also the prognostic and predispositional implications of such a test when counseling patients and formulating treatment recommendations. As a basis for quality assurance, participation in interlaboratory comparisons and continuous documentation of results (e.g., QuIP Monitor) are strongly recommended.

Glycoprotein 2 (GP2) is an autoantigen in Crohn's (CD) and coeliac disease (CeD). We assessed GP2-isoform (GP2

Based on new trial data regarding immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), the detection of high-grade microsatellite instability (MSI-H) or underlying deficient mismatch repair protein (dMMR) is now becoming increasingly important for predicting treatment response. For the first time, a PD‑1 ICI (pembrolizumab) has been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for first-line treatment of advanced (stage IV) dMMR/MSI‑H colorectal cancer (CRC). Further indications, such as dMMR/MSI‑H endometrial carcinoma (EC), have already succeeded (Dostarlimab, 2nd line treatment) and others are expected to follow before the end of 2021. The question of optimal testing in routine diagnostics should therefore be re-evaluated. Based on a consideration of the strengths and weaknesses of the widely available methods (immunohistochemistry and PCR), a test algorithm is proposed that allows quality assured, reliable, and cost-effective dMMR/MSI‑H testing. For CRC and EC, testing is therefore already possible at the primary diagnosis stage, in line with international recommendations (NICE, NCCN). The clinician is therefore enabled from the outset to consider not only the predictive but also the prognostic and predispositional implications of such a test when counseling patients and formulating treatment recommendations. As a basis for quality assurance, participation in interlaboratory comparisons and continuous documentation of results (e.g., QuIP Monitor) are strongly recommended.

The precise performance of immunohistochemical and molecular examinations of diagnostic and predictive markers is essential for the further therapy of patients. Due to the increasing number of biomarkers and their detection at the immunohistochemical and molecular level in patient tissue, the pathology has a direct influence on the therapy of patients, which increases the value of external quality assurance (EQA). In pathology, various forms are available for this purpose, such as proficiency tests. The standards of both the certification and accreditation procedures of pathology require regular participation in EQA and a statement on the EQA policy of the institutes. The quality of an EQA depends on the scientific concept, the adequate selection of material, the evaluation concept, and the communication of results.Die präzise Durchführung immunhistologischer und molekularer Untersuchungen diagnostischer und prädiktiver Marker ist für die weitere Therapie der Patienten essenziell. Bedingt durch die steigende Anzahl von Biomarkern und deren Nachweis auf immunhistochemischer und molekularer Ebene am Patientengewebe nimmt die Pathologie direkten Einfluss auf die Therapie der Patienten, wodurch die externe Qualitätssicherung an Wertigkeit gewinnt. In der Pathologie stehen hierfür verschiedene Formen, wie z. B. Ringversuche (RV), zur Verfügung. Dabei fordern sowohl die Normen der Zertifizierungs- als auch der Akkreditierungsverfahren der Pathologie eine regelmäßige Teilnahme an RV und eine Stellungnahme zur RV-Politik der Institute. Die Qualität eines Ringversuches ist abhängig von dem wissenschaftlichen Konzept, der adäquaten Auswahl des Material, des Auswertekonzeptes und der Ergebnismitteilung.

Purpose In recent years the tumor microenvironment and its interaction with the tumor has emerged into research focus with increased attention to the composition of Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. We wanted to quantify the composition of Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper 17 cells (Th17 cells) and their prognostic impact in high-grade serous tubo-ovarian carcinoma. Methods Tregs and Th17 cells were determined by immunohistochemical analysis of CD25 FoxP3 and RORγt, respectively on tissue microarrays of a cohort of 222 patients with reviewed histology and available clinical data. Expression was analyzed with Qupath for quantification and integration with clinical data enabled calculation of prognostic impact. For validation FOXP3 and RORC mRNA expression levels from 502 patients with HGSC in publicly available datasets were evaluated. Results An average percentage of 0.93 Tregs and of 0.06 Th17 cells was detected per cells in overall tissue. Optimal cut-offs were determined and higher Tregs were associated with a better overall survival in stroma (p = 0.006), tumor area (p = 0.0012) and overall tissue (p = 0.02). After accounting for well-known prognostic factors age at diagnosis, residual tumor and FIGO stage, this association remained significant for stromal Tregs with overall survival (p = 0.02). Survival analysis for Th17 cells revealed no significant association with survival rates. Moreover, lower Th17/Treg ratios had a positive impact on patient overall survival (p = 0.025 tumor, p = 0.049 stroma and p = 0.016 overall tissue). Conclusion Our results outline a positive prognostic effect for higher Tregs but not for Th17 in high grade serous tubo-ovarian carcinoma.

Introduction: Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are very rare. Thymoma A and AB have a better prognosis than more aggressive thymoma B, thymic carcinoma (TC) and neuroendocrine tumors of the thymus (NET). While previous efforts such as TCGA have mainly characterized thymomas (Radovich et al., Cancer Cell 2018), the molecular landscape of TCs and NETs is still elusive. Patients and Methods: Between 03/2014 and 07/2020, we enrolled 44 TET patients (27 TCs, 11 thymomas, 6 NETs) in a prospective observational study (MASTER) conducted by the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, NCT Dresden and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK). MASTER applied whole genome/exome sequencing (WGS, n=22; WES, n=22), transcriptome (n=40) and germline analysis to inform therapy recommendations by a dedicated molecular tumor board (MTB). We systematically gathered follow-up data to evaluate outcome and compared progression-free survival (PFS) of the first treatment according to an MTB recommendation (PFS2) to the last prior systemic treatment (PFS1) in each patient (PFS ratio). Results: Tumor mutational burden (TMB) was low (median=0.99 mutations/Mb, range 0.08-3.48) but higher than in TCGA (p 6 months and a PFS ratio > 1.3. The best outcome was achieved using imatinib in a patient with a KIT mutation (p.W557R). After progression, the MTB recommended ponatinib based on a secondary KIT mutation (p.V654A). The patient was still on ponatinib when the observation period ended. Conclusion: We demonstrate that comprehensive molecular analysis provides clinically relevant information in a subgroup of TET patients. Thymoma, TCs, and NETs present with different molecular characteristics. Distinction between immunologically hot and cold TCs may have value for risk stratification and therapeutic strategies. PARP inhibition could be a potential new treatment option in a small subgroup of TETs. Molecular testing of KIT, germline analysis and genetic counseling should be recommended for all patients with advanced TETs. Citation Format: Lino Möhrmann, Lysann Rostock, Małgorzata Oleś, Arne Jahn, Marie Arlt, Nagarajan Paramasivam, Korinna Jöhrens, Luise Rupp, Marc Schmitz, Daniela Richter, Sebastian Uhrig, Martina Fröhlich, Barbara Hutter, Jennifer Hüllein, Elena E. Wolf, Dorothea Hanf, Laura Gieldon, Simon Kreutzfeldt, Christoph E. Heilig, Veronica Teleanu, Daniel B. Lipka, Andreas Mock, Ivan Jelas, Damian T. Rieke, Marcel Wiesweg, Melanie Boerries, Anna L. Illert, Alexander Desuki, Thomas Kindler, Angela M. Krackhardt, C. Benedikt Westphalen, Heidrun Grosch, Leonidas Apostolidis, Albrecht Stenzinger, Irina A. Kerle, Christoph Heining, Daniel Hübschmann, Evelin Schröck, Stefan Fröhling, Hanno Glimm. Genomics-based personalized oncology of advanced thymic epithelial tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 926.

Introduction: Selective tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) inhibitors are targeted therapies for patients with solid tumors harboring a neurotrophic-receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK) gene fusion. Estimates of the frequency of NTRK gene fusions and knowledge about characteristics of affected patients from population-based settings are limited. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study using archival tissue samples from patients with histologically-confirmed solid tumors identified from the Auria Biobank in the Turku region of Finland (January 2005-December 2019). We evaluated all solid tumor types in pediatrics, and selected tumor types in adults (colorectal cancer [CRC], non-small cell-lung cancer [NSCLC], sarcoma, and salivary/parotid cancer). Expression of TRK protein was determined by pan-TRK immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of tumor samples scored by a certified pathologist. NTRK gene fusion including fusion partners was then confirmed by next generation sequencing (NGS). Patients’ demographics, clinical characteristics, and survival status were determined through linkage to hospital electronic health records and the national vital statistics database; patients were followed from 1 year before cancer diagnosis until the end of follow-up/death. Results: NTRK gene fusion frequency and descriptions of patient and tumor characteristics are shown in the Table. The number of patients confirmed as NTRK positive after NGS as a proportion of those deemed NTRK positive after IHC staining was 80% (8/10) for CRC, 5% (1/21) for NSCLC, 6% (1/18) for salivary/parotid cancer, 0% (0/21) for sarcoma, and 25% (4/16) for pediatric solid tumors. Conclusions: This study shows that NTRK gene fusions are rare in adult CRC, NSCLC, parotid/salivary tumors, sarcoma, and pediatric solid tumors. Frequency of NTRK gene fusion in pediatric and select adult solid tumors, and characteristics of NTR NTRK gene fusion-positive NTRK gene fusion subtypes Fusion partners Median age (category) at diagnosis (years) Sex Tumor details Treatment/follow-up status Adults CRC (N=1151) 8 (0.7%) NTRK1 (n=6) NTRK2 (n=1) NTRK3 (n=1) NTRK1: TPM3 (n=3), LMNA (n=1), TPR (n=1), IRF2BP2 (n=1) NTRK2*: FXN (n=1), LPPR1 (n=1) NTRK3: GABRG1 (n=1) *In a single patient with two tumor samples NTRK2 was identified in both samples, but the fusion partner (and other genomic co-alterations) were different between the two samples. 60-69 3 male, 5 female All were grade 2-3 ECOG score 1 (n=4)† MSI: abnormal (n=4), normal (n=1), missing (n=1) †ECOG score was missing for the remaining patients. Chemotherapy: n=3 Radiotherapy: n=1 All alive at end of follow-up (range, 0.3-11.5 years) Sarcoma (N=379) 0 (0.0%) - - - - - - NSCLC (N=288) 1 (0.3%) NTRK3 (n=1) SGCZ (n=1) 60-69 Female Stage IVA, grade II, ECOG score 1 Chemotherapy but not radiotherapy Alive at 0.6 years‘ follow-up Salivary/parotid (N=114) 1 (0.9%) NTRK3 (n=1) ETV6 (n=1) 60-69 Male Salivary cancer, stage 1, T2N0M0 ECOG score was missing No chemotherapy/radiotherapy Alive after 13.9 years‘ follow-up Fibrosarcoma (n=1) Primitive neuroectodermal cancer (n=1) Ewing’s sarcoma (n=1) Papillary thyroid cancer (n=1) Pediatric solid tumors (N=127) 4 (3.1%) NTRK1 (n=1) NTRK2 (n=2) NTRK3 (n=1) NTRK1: TPM3 (n=1) NTRK2: DAB2IP (n=1), LPPR1 (n=1) NTRK3: RAD51B (n=1) NTRK1-TPM3; male, age category‡ 2-11 years, tumor stage unknown, no chemotherapy/radiotherapy. Alive at 15.1 years‘ follow-up. ‡According to US FDA age categories for pediatrics. NTRK2-DAB2IP; male, age category‡ 2-11 years, Grade III tumor, received both chemo- and radiotherapy. Died - survival time 0.9 years. ‡According to US FDA age categories for pediatrics. NTRK2-LPPR1; male, age category‡ 12-18 years, stage IV tumor, received both chemo- and radiotherapy. Died - survival time 1.1 years. ‡According to US FDA age categories for pediatrics. NTRK3-RAD51B; female, age category‡ 12-18 years, tumor stage unknown, no chemotherapy/radiotherapy. Alive at 7.4 years‘ follow-up. ‡According to US FDA age categories for pediatrics. Citation Format: Wei Zhang, Merja Perälä, Roosa E. Kallionpää, Niina Pitkänen, Korinna Jöhrens, Renate Schulze-Rath, Arndt A Schmitz, Helen Guo, Jihong Zong. NTRK gene fusion in adults and pediatrics with solid tumors: a record linkage study of expression frequency and patient characteristics using the Auria Biobank in Finland [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 925.

Background/aim The current literature conjectures that oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in younger patients is an entirely separate entity with a different risk profile. We aimed to uncover the potential risk factors of OSCC and evaluated the long-term outcome in such patients. Patients and methods This hospital-based case-control study included 40 patients with OSCC and 40 controls under the age of 46 years. Survival was analyzed via Kaplan-Meier estimates, including a follow-up of up to 24.3 years. Results The patients with OSCC were prone to smoking and drinking heavily and even suffered secondary organ damage to the lungs and the liver at this young age. Early diagnosed as well as surgically treated patients had superior 5-year recurrence-free and overall survival. Conclusion Young patients with OSCC were found to have a traditional risk profile. Secondary organ damage to the liver and the lungs might be considered as a risk indicator. The meticulous screening of every age group with this risk profile is key to early diagnosis and acceptable treatment results.

Die „Qualitatssicherung-Initiative Pathologie“ (QuIP) bietet den Pathologen die Moglichkeit, die methodischen Ablaufe der immunhistologischen und molekularen Diagnostik ergebnisorientiert uberprufen und zertifizieren zu lassen. Fur die In-situ-Hybridisierungs- (ISH-)Diagnostik wurden 2019 5 Ringversuche angeboten, 2 wiederkehrende (HER2-ISH-Magenkarzinome und HER2-ISH-Mammakarzinome) sowie 3 prototypische (ROS1-NSCLC, ALK1-NSCLC, NTRK). Dabei richten sich die angebotenen RV nach der Entwicklung in der Diagnostik und der Bedeutung der therapeutischen Relevanz, die mit den abzufragenden Molekulen und der damit einhergehenden Methoden verbunden ist. Die Ergebnisse der RV zeigten 2019 eine Sensitivitat von mindestens 94,4 % und eine Spezifitat von mindestens 96,6 % sowie einer Erfolgsquote von 85–99 %. Dies spricht fur einen hohen Qualitatsstandard der RV und der teilnehmenden Institute

(1) Background: Patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) who are biologically at high risk for the development of loco–regional recurrences after postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) but at intermediate risk according to clinical risk factors may benefit from additional concurrent chemotherapy. In this matched-pair study, we aimed to identify a corresponding predictive gene signature. (2) Methods: Gene expression analysis was performed on a multicenter retrospective cohort of 221 patients that were treated with postoperative radiochemotherapy (PORT-C) and 283 patients who were treated with PORT alone. Propensity score analysis was used to identify matched patient pairs from both cohorts. From differential gene expression analysis and Cox regression, a predictive gene signature was identified. (3) Results: 108 matched patient pairs were selected. We identified a 2-metagene signature that stratified patients into risk groups in both cohorts. The comparison of the high-risk patients between the two types of treatment showed higher loco–regional control (LRC) after treatment with PORT-C (p < 0.001), which was confirmed by a significant interaction term in Cox regression (p = 0.027), i.e., the 2-metagene signature was indicative for the type of treatment. (4) Conclusion: We have identified a novel gene signature that may be helpful to identify patients with high-risk HNSCC amongst those at intermediate clinical risk treated with PORT, who may benefit from additional concurrent chemotherapy.

Aims To investigate Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) latency types in 19 cases of EBV‐positive nodular lymphocyte‐predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL), as such information is currently incomplete. Methods and results Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for CD20, CD79a, PAX5, OCT2, CD30, CD15, CD3 and programmed cell death protein 1 was performed. For EBV detection, in‐situ hybridisation (ISH) for EBV‐encoded RNA (EBER) was employed combined with IHC for EBV‐encoded latent membrane protein (LMP)‐1, EBV‐encoded nuclear antigen (EBNA)‐2, and EBV‐encoded BZLF1. In 95% of the cases, neoplastic cells with features of Hodgkin and Reed–Sternberg (HRS) cells were present, mostly showing expression of CD30. In all cases, the B‐cell phenotype was largely intact, and delineation from classic Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) was further supported by myocyte enhancer factor 2B (MEF2B) detection. All tumour cells were EBER‐positive except in two cases. EBV latency type II was most frequent (89%) and type I was rare. Cases with latency type I were CD30‐negative. Five cases contained some BZLF1‐positive and/or EBNA‐2‐positive bystander lymphocytes. Conclusions As HRS morphology of neoplastic cells and CD30 expression are frequent features of EBV‐positive NLPHL, preservation of the B‐cell transcription programme, MEF2B expression combined with NLPHL‐typical architecture and background composition facilitate distinction from CHL. EBER ISH is the method of choice to identify these cases. The majority present with EBV latency type II, and only rare cases present with latency type I, which can be associated with missing CD30 expression. The presence of occasional bystander lymphocytes expressing BZLF1 and/or EBNA‐2 and the partial EBV infection of neoplastic cells in some cases could indicate that EBV is either not primarily involved or is only a transient driver in the pathogenesis of EBV‐positive NLPHL.

Purpose: We tested the hypothesis that gene expressions from biopsies of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients can supplement dose-volume parameters to predict dysphagia and xerostomia following primary radiochemotherapy (RCTx). Material and methods: A panel of 178 genes previously related to radiochemosensitivity of HNSCC was considered for nanoString analysis based on tumour biopsies of 90 patients with locally advanced HNSCC treated by primary RCTx. Dose-volume parameters were extracted from the parotid, subman- dibular glands, oral cavity, larynx, buccal mucosa, and lips. Normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models were developed for acute, late, and for the improvement of xerostomia grade ≥2 and dysphagia grade ≥3 using a cross-validation-based least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) approach combined with stepwise logistic regression for feature selection. The final signatures were included in a logistic regression model with optimism correction. Performance was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: NTCP models for acute and late xerostomia and the improvement of dysphagia resulted in optimism-corrected AUC values of 0.84, 0.76, and 0.70, respectively. The minimum dose to the contra-lateral parotid was selected for both acute and late xerostomia and the minimum dose to the larynx was selected for dysphagia improvement. For the xerostomia endpoints, the following gene expressions were selected: RPA2 (cellular response to DNA damage), TCF3 (salivary gland cells development), GBE1 (glycogen storage and regulation), and MAPK3 (regulation of cellular processes). No gene expression features were selected for the prediction of dysphagia. Conclusion: This hypothesis-generating study showed the potential of improving NTCP models using gene expression data for HNSCC patients. The presented models require independent validation before potential application in clinical practice.

We report about a female toddler congenitally deaf and diagnosed with a non-metastatic desmoplastic medulloblastoma (SHH activated, TP53-wt, variant in LDB1 gene). No tumor predisposition syndrome was found. After complete tumor resection the patient was treated according to I-HIT-MED-Guidance protocol. Five months later an asymptomatic localised relapse (same histology, PTEN frameshift deletion, TERT mutation, LDB1 mutation) detected by routine MRI was treated by complete resection, craniospinal irradiation and an antiangiogenic regimen adapted from the MEMMAT scheme including fenofibrate, thalidomide, celecoxib, topotecan, temozolomide, bevacizumab and intraventricular cytarabine. Before start of systemic treatment blood cell counts were normal. In the second cycle we had to interrupt chemotherapy due to a leukopenia while continuing the antiangiogenic treatment. In order to avoid relevant bone marrow toxicity chemotherapy doses were reduced. Nevertheless we had to stop the fourth cycle because of a severe pancytopenia. Same time the girl presented with fever, neck and leg pain. A full blood count showed: hemoglobin 6.92 g/dl, leukocytes 640/µl, platelets 8,000/µl. Suspecting an infection supported by the presence of a high CrP value of 230 mg/l the patient was treated with i.v. antibiotics. MRI showed an unspecific retropharyngeal soft tissue augmentation, a pleural effusion and high T2 signals in multiple vertebral bodies but no central tumor relapse. The bone marrow diagnostics revealed a diffuse medulloblastoma cell infiltration with the known PTEN frameshift deletion and LDB1 mutation. The liquor was tumor-cell free. We report on an extremely rare case of an early local relapse of desmoplastic medulloblastoma progressing to a diffuse bone marrow infiltration in a toddler. The girl died due to therapy resistance 9 weeks after bone marrow relapse. It remains unclear whether the fatal course was related to the hereditary deafness syndrome and the molecular alterations of the tumor.

Liposarcomas (LPS) are the most frequent malignancies in the soft tissue sarcoma family and consist of five distinctive histological subtypes, termed well-differentiated LPS, dedifferentiated LPS (DDLPS), myxoid LPS (MLPS), pleomorphic LPS, and myxoid pleomorphic LPS. They display variations in genetic alterations, clinical behavior, and prognostic course. While accumulating evidence implicates a crucial role of the tumor immune contexture in shaping the response to anticancer treatments, the immunological landscape of LPS is highly variable across different subtypes. Thus, DDLPS is characterized by a higher abundance of infiltrating T cells, yet the opposite was reported for MLPS. Interestingly, a recent study indicated that the frequency of pre-existing T cells in soft tissue sarcomas has a predictive value for immune checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) therapy. Additionally, B cells and tertiary lymphoid structures were identified as potential biomarkers for the clinical outcome of LPS patients and response to CPI therapy. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that macrophages, predominantly of M2 polarization, are frequently associated with poor prognosis. An improved understanding of the complex LPS immune contexture enables the design and refinement of novel immunotherapeutic approaches. Here, we summarize recent studies focusing on the clinicopathological, genetic, and immunological determinants of LPS.

In 50–60% of cases, systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is characterized by the t(2, 5)(p23, q35) or one of its variants, considered to be causative for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive (ALK+) ALCL. Key pathogenic events in ALK-negative (ALK−) ALCL are less well defined. We have previously shown that deregulation of oncogenic genes surrounding the chromosomal breakpoints on 2p and 5q is a unifying feature of both ALK+ and ALK− ALCL and predisposes for occurrence of t(2, 5). Here, we report that the invariant chain of the MHC-II complex CD74 or li, which is encoded on 5q32, can act as signaling molecule, and whose expression in lymphoid cells is usually restricted to B cells, is aberrantly expressed in T cell-derived ALCL. Accordingly, ALCL shows an altered DNA methylation pattern of the CD74 locus compared to benign T cells. Functionally, CD74 ligation induces cell death of ALCL cells. Furthermore, CD74 engagement enhances the cytotoxic effects of conventional chemotherapeutics in ALCL cell lines, as well as the action of the ALK-inhibitor crizotinib in ALK+ ALCL or of CD95 death-receptor signaling in ALK− ALCL. Additionally, a subset of ALCL cases expresses the proto-oncogene MET, which can form signaling complexes together with CD74. Finally, we demonstrate that the CD74-targeting antibody-drug conjugate STRO-001 efficiently and specifically kills CD74-positive ALCL cell lines in vitro. Taken together, these findings enabled us to demonstrate aberrant CD74-expression in ALCL cells, which might serve as tool for the development of new treatment strategies for this lymphoma entity.

Round robin testing is an important instrument for quality assurance. Increasingly, this also applies to the results of molecular diagnostics in pathology, which directly influence therapy decisions in precision oncology. In metastatic colorectal carcinoma (mCRC), the focus has been on detecting KRAS and NRAS mutations, whose absence allows therapy with EGFR blocking antibodies. Recently, BRAF has been added as another predictive marker, since mCRC patients with BRAF V600E mutation benefit significantly from treatment with encorafenib (a BRAF inhibitor) in combination with cetuximab (anti-EGFR antibody) after systemic therapy. Due to the approval of this treatment in 2020, it is a pre-requisite that BRAF V600E mutation detection in diagnostic pathologies is reliably performed. Therefore, this round robin test with BRAF V600E testing either by immunohistochemistry or molecular methods was performed. The round robin test results demonstrate that molecular BRAF V600E detection is currently clearly superior to immunohistochemical detection.Ringversuche sind ein wichtiges Instrument zur Qualitätssicherung. Dies betrifft in zunehmendem Maße auch die molekulare Diagnostik in der Pathologie, von deren Ergebnissen Therapieentscheidungen in der Präzisionsonkologie direkt abhängen. Beim metastasierten kolorektalen Karzinom (mKRK) stand bisher der Nachweis von KRAS-und NRAS-Mutationen im Vordergrund, deren Abwesenheit eine Therapie mit EGFR-blockierenden Antikörpern ermöglicht. Nun ist BRAF als weiterer prädiktiver Marker hinzugekommen, da mKRK Patienten mit einer BRAF-V600E-Mutation nach systemischer Vortherapie von einer Behandlung mit Encorafenib (einem BRAF-Inhibitor) in Kombination mit Cetuximab (Anti-EGFR-Antikörper) profitieren. Aufgrund der 2020 erfolgten Zulassung für diese Behandlung ist es wichtig, dass der diagnostische Nachweis einer BRAF-V600E-Mutation zuverlässig in den Pathologien durchgeführt werden kann. Daher wurde dieser Ringversuch durchgeführt, bei dem der Nachweis der BRAF-V600E-Mutation entweder mittels Immunhistochemie oder molekularer Verfahren erfolgen konnte. Die Ergebnisse des Ringversuchs belegen eindeutig, dass derzeit die molekulare BRAF-V600E-Bestimmung dem immunhistologischen Nachweis überlegen ist.

Based on new trial data regarding immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), the detection of high-grade microsatellite instability (MSI-H) or underlying deficient mismatch repair protein (dMMR) is now becoming increasingly important for predicting treatment response. For the first time, a PD‑1 ICI (pembrolizumab) has been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for first-line treatment of advanced (stage IV) dMMR/MSI‑H colorectal cancer (CRC). Further indications, such as dMMR/MSI‑H endometrial carcinoma (EC), have already succeeded (Dostarlimab, 2nd line treatment) and others are expected to follow before the end of 2021. The question of optimal testing in routine diagnostics should therefore be re-evaluated. Based on a consideration of the strengths and weaknesses of the widely available methods (immunohistochemistry and PCR), a test algorithm is proposed that allows quality assured, reliable, and cost-effective dMMR/MSI‑H testing. For CRC and EC, testing is therefore already possible at the primary diagnosis stage, in line with international recommendations (NICE, NCCN). The clinician is therefore enabled from the outset to consider not only the predictive but also the prognostic and predispositional implications of such a test when counseling patients and formulating treatment recommendations. As a basis for quality assurance, participation in interlaboratory comparisons and continuous documentation of results (e.g., QuIP Monitor) are strongly recommended.Aufgrund neuer Studiendaten mit Immuncheckpoint-Inhibitoren (ICI) gewinnt der Nachweis einer hochgradigen Mikrosatelliteninstabilität (MSI-H) bzw. der zugrunde liegenden Mismatch-Repair-Protein-Defizienz (dMMR) nun auch zur Prädiktion von Therapieansprechen zunehmend an Bedeutung. Aktuell wurde von der Europäischen Medizinischen Agentur (EMA) erstmals ein PD-1-ICI (Pembrolizumab) für die Erstlinientherapie des fortgeschrittenen (Stadium IV) dMMR/MSI‑H kolorektalen Karzinoms (KRK) zugelassen. Weitere Indikationen, wie z. B. für das metastastasierte dMMR/MSI-H-Endometriumkarzinom (EK) in der Zweitlinientherapie (Dostarlimab) sind bereits gefolgt, andere werden noch im laufenden Jahr 2021 erwartet. Dies erfordert eine Neubewertung der Frage nach der optimalen Testung in der Routinediagnostik. Auf Basis einer Abwägung von Stärken und Schwächen der in der Breite zur Verfügung stehenden Methoden (Immunhistochemie und PCR) wird ein Testalgorithmus vorgeschlagen, der qualitätsgesichert eine zuverlässige und kosteneffektive dMMR/MSI-H-Testung erlaubt. Für das KRK und EK ist damit analog internationaler Empfehlungen (NICE, NCCN) eine Testung bereits bei der Primärdiagnose möglich. Somit wird der Kliniker von vornherein in die Lage versetzt, neben den prädiktiven auch die prognostischen und prädispositionsbedingten Implikationen eines solchen Tests bei der Beratung von Patienten und Erarbeitung von Therapieempfehlungen zu berücksichtigen. Als Grundlage der Qualitätssicherung wird die Teilnahme an Ringversuchen und eine fortlaufende Ergebnisdokumentation (z. B. QuIP-Monitor) empfohlen.

Hintergrund und zielsetzung Patienten mit malignen Melanomen im Fruhstadium haben ein unterschiedliches Gesamtuberleben. Derzeit existieren keine etablierten prognostischen Marker. Unser Ziel war es, zu einem besseren Verstandnis der potenziell prognostischen immunhistochemischen Marker fur die Risikostratifizierung beizutragen. Patienten und methoden 161 operativ entfernte maligne Melanome (Stadien pT1 und pT2) wurden immunhistochemisch auf die Expression von 20 verschiedenen Proteinen untersucht. Die Ergebnisse wurden mit dem Gesamtuberleben korreliert. Die Kohorte wurde randomisiert in eine Entdeckungs- und eine Validierungskohorte aufgeteilt. Ergebnisse Eine hohe Bcl-2-Expression, eine hohe nukleare S100A4-Expression und ein Ki67-Proliferationsindex von ≥ 20 % waren mit einem kurzeren Gesamtuberleben assoziiert. Eine starke MITF-Immunreaktivitat erwies sich als pradiktiv fur eine gute Prognose. Die Kombination dieser vier Marker ergab einen Multimarker-Score mit signifikantem prognostischem Wert in der multivariaten Uberlebensanalyse (HR: 3,704; 95 %-KI 1,484-9,246; p = 0,005). Zusatzlich gelang es mit dem Score, drei prognostische Gruppen zu identifizieren: eine Niedrigrisikogruppe mit sehr guten Gesamtuberlebensraten (Funf-Jahres-Uberlebensrate 100 %), eine Gruppe mit mittlerem Risiko (Funf-Jahres-Uberlebensrate 81,8 %) und eine Hochrisikogruppe (Funf-Jahres-Uberlebensrate 52,6 %). Der prognostische Aussagewert bestatigte sich in der Validierungskohorte. Schlussfolgerungen Die kombinierte immunhistochemische Analyse von Bcl-2, nuklearem S100A4, Ki67 und MITF konnte zu einer besseren Risikostratifizierung bei Patienten mit malignen Melanomen im Fruhstadium beitragen.

Bone defects of the craniofacial skeleton are often associated with aesthetic and functional impairment as well as loss of protection to intra- and extracranial structures. Solid titanium plates and individually adapted bone cements have been the materials of choice, but may lead to foreign-body reactions and insufficient osseointegration. In contrast, porous scaffolds are thought to exhibit osteoconductive properties to support bone ingrowth. Here, we analyse in critical size defects of the calvaria in sheep whether different bone replacement materials may overcome those remaining challenges. In a critical size defect model, bilateral 20 × 20 × 5-mm craniectomies were performed on either side of the sagittal sinus in 24 adult female blackheaded sheep. Bony defects were randomised to one of five different bone replacement materials (BRMs): titanium scaffold, biodegradable poly(d,l-lactic acid) calcium carbonate scaffold (PDLLA/CC), polyethylene 1 (0.71 mm mean pore size) or 2 (0.515 mm mean pore size) scaffolds and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-based bone cement block. Empty controls (n = 3) served as references. To evaluate bone growth over time, three different fluorochromes were administered at different time points. At 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery, animals were sacrificed and the BRMs and surrounding bone analysed by micro-CT and histomorphometry. The empty control group verified that the calvaria defect in this study was a reliable critical size defect model. Bone formation in vivo was detectable in all BRMs after 12 months by micro-CT and histomorphometric analysis, except for the non-porous PMMA group. A maximum of bone formation was detected in the 12-months group for titanium and PDLLA/CC. Bone formation in PDLLA/CC starts to increase rapidly between 6 and 12 months, as the BRM resorbs over time. Contact between bone and BRM influenced bone formation inside the BRM. Empty controls exhibited bone formation solely at the periphery. Overall, porous BRMs offered bone integration to different extent over 12 months in the tested calvaria defect model. Titanium and PDLLA/CC scaffolds showed remarkable osseointegration properties by micro-CT and histomorphometric analysis. PDLLA/CC scaffolds degraded over time without major residues. Pore size influenced bone ingrowth in polyethylene, emphasising the importance of porous scaffold structure.

Mismatch-Repair-Defizienz (dMMR) und Mikrosatelliteninstabilitat (MSI) haben nicht nur bei kolorektalen Karzinomen, sondern auch bei Karzinomen anderer Entitaten (Endometrium, Gallenwege, Pankreas) eine therapeutische Relevanz. Um die Kenntnisse und gute technische Qualitat, die fur die adaquate Durchfuhrung der entsprechenden Analysen notig sind, in den Instituten gewahrleisten zu konnen, bietet die „Die Qualitatssicherung-Initiative Pathologie“ seit Jahren Ringversuche (RV) an. Dabei hat sich gezeigt, dass beim dMMR-RV verschiedene Antikorperklone von unterschiedlichen Herstellern bis auf leichte Schwankungen vergleichbare Ergebnisse bei immunhistologischen Untersuchungen liefern. Die Schwierigkeit liegt hier eher im Farbeprotokoll (Intensitat der Farbung) und der Interpretation der Farbeergebnisse. Der molekularpathologische MSI-RV zeigt uber die letzten 3 Jahre einen positiven Trend auf hohem Qualitatsniveau. Die Erfolgsraten steigerten sich von 89 (2018) auf 97 % (2019/20). Die Wahl der Assays, ob kommerziell oder In-house-Tests, mit den dazu vorgesehenen Cut-Offs hat in den ausgewahlten Ringversuchsproben keinen signifikanten Einfluss auf das Bestehen des RV gezeigt.

With this external quality assessment (EQA) scheme, we aim to investigate the diagnostic performance of the currently available methods for the detection of ALK alterations in non-small cell lung cancer on a national scale, namely, in situ hybridization (ISH), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and RNA/DNA sequencing (NGS). The EQA scheme cohort consisted of ten specimens, including four ALK positive and six ALK negative samples, which were thoroughly pretested using IHC, ISH, and RNA/DNA NGS. Unstained tumor sections were provided to the 57 participants, and the results were retrieved via an online questionnaire. ISH was used by 29, IHC by 38, and RNA/DNA sequencing by 19 participants. Twenty-eight institutions (97%) passed the ring trial using ISH, 33 (87%) by using IHC, and 18 (95%) by using NGS. The highest sensitivity and interrater agreement (Fleiss ‘ kappa) was observed for RNA/DNA sequencing (99%, 0.975), followed by ISH (94%, 0.898) and IHC (92%, 0.888). However, the proportion of samples that were not evaluable due to bad tissue quality was also higher for RNA/DNA sequencing (4%) compared with ISH (0.7%) and IHC (0.5%). While all three methods produced reliable results between the different institutions, the highest sensitivity and concordance were observed for RNA/DNA sequencing. These findings encourage the broad implementation of this method in routine diagnostic, although the application might be limited by technical capacity, economical restrictions, and tissue quality of formalin-fixed samples. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00428-021-03106-5.