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Introduction: Patients with metastatic NSCLC (mNSCLC) treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors in clinical practice may often not meet the strict inclusion criteria of clinical trials. Our aim was to assess the trial eligibility of patients with mNSCLC treated with pembrolizumab monotherapy in real-world and to compare the outcome of “trial-ineligible” and “potentially trial-eligible” patients. Methods: Data from the prospective, clinical research platform CRISP were used to compare patient characteristics, treatment, and outcome of patients with programmed cell death-ligand 1 tumor proportion score greater than or equal to 50% tumors treated with pembrolizumab monotherapy who are deemed either “potentially trial-eligible” or “trial-ineligible” according to inclusion and exclusion criteria of the registrational studies (KEYNOTE-024 and -042). Results: Of 746 patients included, 343 patients (46.0%) were classified as “trial-ineligible” and had significantly worse outcomes compared with “potentially trial-eligible” patients (n = 403, 54.0%): median progression-free survival: 6.2 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.2–8.4) versus 10.3 (95% CI: 8.4–13.8) months, hazard ratio (trial-ineligible versus potentially trial-eligible) of 1.43 (95% CI: 1.19–1.72), p less than 0.001; median overall survival: 15.9 (95% CI: 11.4–20.3) versus 25.3 (95% CI: 19.8–30.4) months, hazard ratio of 1.36 (95% CI: 1.10–1.67), p equals 0.004. Conclusions: Our data reveal that a considerable proportion of patients with mNSCLC are not eligible to participate in a clinical trial and were found to have worse outcomes than potentially trial-eligible patients, whose outcomes were comparable with those obtained from pivotal clinical trials. This is of substantial clinical relevance for physicians discussing outcomes to be expected with their patients and stresses the need for real-world effectiveness analyses.

Abstract Background Targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has been highly successful for imaging and treatment of prostate cancer. However, heterogeneity in immunohistochemistry indicates limitations in the effect of imaging and radionuclide therapy of multifocal disease. 99mTc-PSMA-I&S is a γ-emitting probe, which can be used for intraoperative lesion detection and postsurgical autoradiography (ARG). We aimed to study its intraprostatic distribution and compared it with (immuno)-histopathology. Results Seventeen patients who underwent RGS between 11/2018 and 01/2020 with a total of 4660 grids were included in the preliminary analysis. Marked intratumor and intra-patient heterogeneity of PSMA expression was detected, and PSMA negative foci were observed in all samples (100%). Heterogeneous intra-patient PSMA-ligand uptake was observed, and no significant correlation was present between the degree of heterogeneity of PSMA expression and PSMA-ligand uptake. Higher PSMA-ligand uptake was observed in GS ≥ 8 than GS

Abstract Complementary to synaptophysin and chromogranin A, insulinoma‐associated protein 1 (INSM1) has emerged as a sensitive marker for the diagnosis of neuroendocrine neoplasms. Since there are no comparative data regarding INSM1 expression in conventional colorectal adenocarcinomas (CRCs) and colorectal mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas/neuroendocrine carcinomas (MANECs/NECs), we examined INSM1 in a large cohort of conventional CRCs and MANECs/NECs. In conventional CRC, we put a special focus on conventional CRC with diffuse expression of synaptophysin, which carry the risk of being misinterpreted as a MANEC or a NEC. We investigated INSM1 according to the immunoreactive score in our main cohort of 1,033 conventional CRCs and 21 MANECs/NECs in comparison to the expression of synaptophysin and chromogranin A and correlated the results with clinicopathological parameters and patient survival. All MANECs/NECs expressed INSM1, usually showing high or moderate expression (57% high, 34% moderate, and 9% low), which distinguished them from conventional CRCs, which were usually INSM1 negative or low, even if they diffusely expressed synaptophysin. High expression of INSM1 was not observed in conventional CRCs. Chromogranin A was negative/low in most conventional CRCs (99%), but also in most MANECs/NECs (66%). Comparable results were observed in our independent validation cohorts of conventional CRC (n = 274) and MANEC/NEC (n = 19). Similar to synaptophysin, INSM1 expression had no prognostic relevance in conventional CRCs, while true MANEC/NEC showed a highly impaired survival in univariate and multivariate analyses (e.g. disease‐specific survival: p

Abstract Systemic pan-tumor analyses may reveal the significance of common features implicated in cancer immunogenicity and patient survival. Here, we provide a comprehensive multi-omics data set for 32 patients across 25 tumor types for proteogenomic-based discovery of neoantigens. By using an optimized computational approach, we discover a large number of tumor-specific and tumor-associated antigens. To create a pipeline for the identification of neoantigens in our cohort, we combine DNA and RNA sequencing with MS-based immunopeptidomics of tumor specimens, followed by the assessment of their immunogenicity and an in-depth validation process. We detect a broad variety of non-canonical HLA-binding peptides in the majority of patients demonstrating partially immunogenicity. Our validation process allows for the selection of 32 potential neoantigen candidates. The majority of neoantigen candidates originates from variants identified in the RNA data set, illustrating the relevance of RNA as a still understudied source of cancer antigens. This study underlines the importance of RNA-centered variant detection for the identification of shared biomarkers and potentially relevant neoantigen candidates.

Abstract Background The prognostic value of Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is still unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic impact of HGF expression in a large cohort of chromophobe RCC (chRCC). Methods Patients who underwent renal surgery due to chRCC were recruited. Clinical data was retrospectively evaluated. Tumor specimen were analyzed for HGF expression by immunohistochemistry. Results 81 chRCC patients were eligible for analysis, thereof 37 (45.7%) patients were positive for HGF. No significant associations were found for HGF expression and clinical attributes in patients with chRCC. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed no differences in 5-year overall survival (OS) for patients with HGF− compared to HGF+ tumors (95.0% versus 90.9%; p = 0.410). Conclusions In chRCC HGF expression is not associated with parameters of aggressiveness or survival.

Abstract Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma harbours druggable genetic lesions including FGFR2 gene fusions. Reliable and accurate detection of these fusions is becoming a critical component of the molecular work‐up, but real‐world data on the performance of fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and targeted RNA‐based next‐generation sequencing (NGS) are very limited. Bridging this gap, we report results of the first round robin test for FGFR2 fusions in cholangiocarcinoma and contextualise test data with genomic architecture. A cohort of 10 cholangiocarcinoma (4 fusion positive and 6 fusion negative) was tested by the Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany. Data were validated by four academic pathology departments in Germany. Fusion‐positive cases comprised FGFR2::BICC1, FGFR2::DBP, FGFR2::TRIM8, and FGFR2::ATE1 fusions. In a second step, a round robin test involving 21 academic and non‐academic centres testing with RNA‐based NGS approaches was carried out; five participants performed FISH testing in addition. Thirteen of 16 (81%) centres successfully passed the NGS only and 3 of 5 (60%) centres passed the combined NGS + FISH round robin test. Identified obstacles were bioinformatic pipelines not optimised for the detection of FGFR2 fusions and assays not capable of detecting unknown fusion partners. This study shows the benefit of targeted RNA‐NGS for the detection of FGFR2 gene fusions. Due to the marked heterogeneity of the genomic architecture of these fusions, fusion partner agnostic (i.e. open) methodological approaches that are capable of identifying yet unknown fusion partners are superior. Furthermore, we highlight pitfalls in subsequent bioinformatic analysis and limitations of FISH‐based tests.

Summary: Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is associated with reduced allograft survival, and each additional hour of cold ischemia time increases the risk of graft failure and mortality following renal transplantation. Receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) is a key effector of necroptosis, a regulated form of cell death. Here, we evaluate the first-in-human RIPK3 expression dataset following IRI in kidney transplantation. The primary analysis included 374 baseline biopsy samples obtained from renal allografts 10 minutes after onset of reperfusion. RIPK3 was primarily detected in proximal tubular cells and distal tubular cells, both of which are affected by IRI. Time-to-event analysis revealed that high RIPK3 expression is associated with a significantly higher risk of one-year transplant failure and prognostic for one-year (death-censored) transplant failure independent of donor and recipient associated risk factors in multivariable analyses. The RIPK3 score also correlated with deceased donation, cold ischemia time and the extent of tubular injury.

Abstract Background Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) lacks effective treatment options beyond chemotherapy. Although molecular subtypes such as classical and QM (quasi-mesenchymal)/basal-like with transcriptome-based distinct signatures have been identified, deduced therapeutic strategies and targets remain elusive. Gene expression data show enrichment of glycolytic genes in the more aggressive and therapy-resistant QM subtype. However, whether the glycolytic transcripts are translated into functional glycolysis that could further be explored for metabolic targeting in QM subtype is still not known. Methods We used different patient-derived PDAC model systems (conventional and primary patient-derived cells, patient-derived xenografts (PDX), and patient samples) and performed transcriptional and functional metabolic analysis. These included RNAseq and Illumina HT12 bead array, in vitro Seahorse metabolic flux assays and metabolic drug targeting, and in vivo hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate and [1-13C]lactate magnetic resonance spectroscopy (HP-MRS) in PDAC xenografts. Results We found that glycolytic metabolic dependencies are not unambiguously functionally exposed in all QM PDACs. Metabolic analysis demonstrated functional metabolic heterogeneity in patient-derived primary cells and less so in conventional cell lines independent of molecular subtype. Importantly, we observed that the glycolytic product lactate is actively imported into the PDAC cells and used in mitochondrial oxidation in both classical and QM PDAC cells, although more actively in the QM cell lines. By using HP-MRS, we were able to noninvasively identify highly glycolytic PDAC xenografts by detecting the last glycolytic enzymatic step and prominent intra-tumoral [1-13C]pyruvate and [1-13C]lactate interconversion in vivo. Conclusion Our study adds functional metabolic phenotyping to transcriptome-based analysis and proposes a functional approach to identify highly glycolytic PDACs as candidates for antimetabolic therapeutic avenues.

Abstract To guide the choice of treatment, every new breast cancer is assessed for aggressiveness (i.e., graded) by an experienced histopathologist. Typically, this tumor grade consists of three components, one of which is the nuclear pleomorphism score (the extent of abnormalities in the overall appearance of tumor nuclei). The degree of nuclear pleomorphism is subjectively classified from 1 to 3, where a score of 1 most closely resembles epithelial cells of normal breast epithelium and 3 shows the greatest abnormalities. Establishing numerical criteria for grading nuclear pleomorphism is challenging, and inter-observer agreement is poor. Therefore, we studied the use of deep learning to develop fully automated nuclear pleomorphism scoring in breast cancer. The reference standard used for training the algorithm consisted of the collective knowledge of an international panel of 10 pathologists on a curated set of regions of interest covering the entire spectrum of tumor morphology in breast cancer. To fully exploit the information provided by the pathologists, a first-of-its-kind deep regression model was trained to yield a continuous scoring rather than limiting the pleomorphism scoring to the standard three-tiered system. Our approach preserves the continuum of nuclear pleomorphism without necessitating a large data set with explicit annotations of tumor nuclei. Once translated to the traditional system, our approach achieves top pathologist-level performance in multiple experiments on regions of interest and whole-slide images, compared to a panel of 10 and 4 pathologists, respectively.

Abstract Grading of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) based on tumour budding and cell nest size has been termed cellular dissociation grading (CDG) and was suggested as a robust outcome predictor when assessed in biopsies and resections of various extrapulmonary SCCs. In pulmonary SCC (pSCC), this has so far been shown only for resected cancers. As most lung cancers are inoperable, it is of utmost importance to clarify whether the prognostic impact of CDG is retained in the biopsy setting. Two independent pSCC biopsy cohorts from Munich (n = 134, non‐resected) and Heidelberg (n = 135, resected) were assessed. Tumour budding and cell nest size measures were assembled into the three‐tiered CDG system (G1–G3). Data were correlated with clinicopathological parameters and overall‐ (OS), disease‐specific‐ (DSS), and disease‐free survival (DFS). Interobserver variability and concordance between biopsy and resection specimen were also investigated. CDG was highly congruent between biopsy and resection specimens (κ = 0.77, p

Abstract Tumour budding (TB) has been associated with adverse clinicopathological factors and poor survival in a plethora of therapy‐naïve carcinoma entities including gastric adenocarcinoma (GC). As conventional histopathological grading is usually omitted in the post‐neoadjuvant setting of GC, our study aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of TB in GCs resected after neoadjuvant therapy. We evaluated TB according to the criteria from the International Tumour Budding Consensus Conference (ITBCC) in 167 post‐neoadjuvant resections of intestinal‐type GC and correlated the results with overall survival (OS) and clinicopathological parameters. GCs were categorised into Bd1 (0–4 buds, low TB), Bd2 (5–9 buds, intermediate TB), and Bd3 (≥10 buds, high TB). Carcinomas with intermediate and high TB were significantly enriched in higher ypTNM stages and strongly associated with reduced 5‐year OS in univariable analyses (p

Prostate cancer represents one of the most common malignant tumors in male patients in Germany. The pathological reporting of radical prostatectomy specimens following a structured process constitutes an excellent prototype for the introduction of software-based standardized structured reporting in pathology. This can lead to reports of higher quality and could create a fundamental improvement for future AI applications. A software-based reporting template was used to generate standardized structured pathological reports of radical prostatectomy specimens of patients treated at the University Hospital Klinikum rechts der Isar of Technische Universität München, Germany. Narrative reports (NR) and standardized structured reports (SSR) were analyzed with regard to completeness, and clinicians’ satisfaction with each report type was evaluated. SSR show considerably higher completeness than NR. A total of 10 categories out of 32 were significantly more complete in SSR than in NR (p < 0.05). Clinicians awarded overall high scores in NR and SSR reports. One rater acknowledged a significantly higher level of clarity and time saving when comparing SSR to NR. Our findings highlight that the standardized structured reporting of radical prostatectomy specimens, qualifying as level 5 reports, significantly increases objectively measured content quality and the level of completeness. The implementation of nationwide SSR in Germany, particularly in oncologic pathology, can serve pathologists, clinicians, and patients.

Background: Economic restrictions and workforce cuts have continually challenged conventional autopsies. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has added tissue quality and safety requirements to the investigation of this disease, thereby launching efforts to upgrade autopsy strategies. Methods: In this proof-of-concept study, we performed bedside ultrasound-guided minimally invasive autopsy (US-MIA) in the ICU of critically ill COVID-19 patients using a structured protocol to obtain non-autolyzed tissue. Biopsies were assessed for their quality (vitality) and length of biopsy (mm) and for diagnosis. The efficiency of the procedure was monitored in five cases by recording the time of each step and safety issues by swabbing personal protective equipment and devices for viral contamination. Findings: Ultrasound examination and tissue procurement required a mean time period of 13 min and 54 min, respectively. A total of 318 multiorgan biopsies were obtained from five patients. Quality and vitality standards were fulfilled, which not only allowed for specific histopathological diagnosis but also the reliable detection of SARS-CoV-2 virions in unexpected organs using electronic microscopy and RNA-expressing techniques. Interpretation: Bedside multidisciplinary US-MIA allows for the fast and efficient acquisition of autolytic-free tissue and offers unappreciated potential to overcome the limitations of research in postmortem studies.

The identification of molecular biomarkers in cancer of unknown primary site (CUP) cases may enable the improvement of prognosis in these patients. Here, the authors integrate whole genome/exome, transcriptome and methylome data in 70 CUP patients, recommend therapies based on their analysis and report clinical outcome data.

Summary: A major evolution from purely clinical diagnoses to biomarker supported clinical diagnosing has been occurring over the past years in neurology. High-throughput methods, such as next-generation sequencing and mass spectrometry-based proteomics along with improved neuroimaging methods, are accelerating this development. This calls for a consensus framework that is broadly applicable and provides a spot-on overview of the clinical validity of novel biomarkers. We propose a harmonized terminology and a uniform concept that stratifies biomarkers according to clinical context of use and evidence levels, adapted from existing frameworks in oncology with a strong focus on (epi)genetic markers and treatment context. We demonstrate that this framework allows for a consistent assessment of clinical validity across disease entities and that sufficient evidence for many clinical applications of protein biomarkers is lacking. Our framework may help to identify promising biomarker candidates and classify their applications by clinical context, aiming for routine clinical use of (protein) biomarkers in neurology.

Abstract We investigated the clinical impact of elevated microsatellite instability at selected tetranucleotide (EMAST) repeats in the context of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CTx) in gastric/gastro‐oesophageal adenocarcinomas. We analysed 583 resected tumours (272 without and 311 after CTx) and 142 tumour biopsies before CTx. If at least two or three of the five tetranucleotide repeat markers tested showed instability, the tumours were defined as EMAST (2+) or EMAST (3+), respectively. Expression of mismatch repair proteins including MSH3 was analysed using immunohistochemistry. Microsatellite instability (MSI) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) positivity were determined using standard assays. EMAST (2+) and (3+) were detected in 17.8 and 11.5% of the tumours, respectively. The frequency of EMAST (2+) or (3+) in MSI‐high (MSI‐H) tumours was 96.2 or 92.5%, respectively, demonstrating a high overlap with this molecular subtype, and the association of EMAST and MSI status was significant (each overall p

Abstract Despite the advance and success of precision oncology in gastrointestinal cancers, the frequency of molecular‐informed therapy decisions in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is currently neglectable. We present a longitudinal precision oncology platform based on functional model systems, including patient‐derived organoids, to identify chemotherapy‐induced vulnerabilities. We demonstrate that treatment‐induced tumor cell plasticity in vivo distinctly changes responsiveness to targeted therapies, without the presence of a selectable genetic marker, indicating that tumor cell plasticity can be functionalized. By adding a mechanistic layer to precision oncology, adaptive processes of tumors under therapy can be exploited, particularly in highly plastic tumors, such as pancreatic cancer.

Microvascular immunothrombotic dysregulation is a critical process in the pathogenesis of severe systemic inflammatory diseases. The mechanisms controlling immunothrombosis in inflamed microvessels, however, remain poorly understood. Here, we report that under systemic inflammatory conditions the matricellular glycoproteinvitronectin (VN) establishes an intravascular scaffold, supporting interactions of aggregating platelets with immune cells and the venular endothelium. Blockade of the VN receptor glycoprotein (GP)IIb/IIIa interfered with this multicellular interplay and effectively prevented microvascular clot formation. In line with these experimental data, particularly VN was found to be enriched in the pulmonary microvasculature of patients with non-infectious (pancreatitis-associated) or infectious (coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated) severe systemic inflammatory responses. Targeting the VN-GPIIb/IIIa axis hence appears as a promising, already feasible strategy to counteract microvascular immunothrombotic dysregulation in systemic inflammatory pathologies.

Abstract Background Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the deadliest malignancies to date. The impressively developed stroma that surrounds and modulates the behavior of cancer cells is one of the main factors regulating the PDAC growth, metastasis and therapy resistance. Here, we postulate that stromal and cancer cell compartments differentiate in protein/lipid glycosylation patterns and analyze differences in glycan fragments in those compartments with clinicopathologic correlates. Results We analyzed native glycan fragments in 109 human FFPE PDAC samples using high mass resolution matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometric imaging (MALDI-FT-ICR-MSI). Our method allows detection of native glycan fragments without previous digestion with PNGase or any other biochemical reaction. With this method, 8 and 18 native glycans were identified as uniquely expressed in only stromal or only cancer cell compartment, respectively. Kaplan–Meier survival model identified glycan fragments that are expressed in cancer cell or stromal compartment and significantly associated with patient outcome. Among cancer cell region-specific glycans, 10 predicted better and 6 worse patient survival. In the stroma, 1 glycan predicted good and 4 poor patient survival. Using factor analysis as a dimension reduction method, we were able to group the identified glycans in 2 factors. Multivariate analysis revealed that these factors can be used as independent survival prognostic elements with regard to the established Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) classification both in tumor and stroma regions. Conclusion Our method allows in situ detection of naturally occurring glycans in FFPE samples of human PDAC tissue and highlights the differences among glycans found in stromal and cancer cell compartment offering a basis for further exploration on the role of specific glycans in cancer–stroma communication.

Different immunohistochemical programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) assays and scorings have been reported to yield variable results in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We compared the analytical concordance and reproducibility of four clinically relevant PD-L1 assays assessing immune cell (IC) score, tumor proportion score (TPS), and combined positive score (CPS) in TNBC. Primary TNBC resection specimens (n = 104) were stained for PD-L1 using VENTANA SP142, VENTANA SP263, DAKO 22C3, and DAKO 28–8. PD-L1 expression was scored according to guidelines on virtual whole slide images by four trained readers.The mean PD-L1 positivity at IC-score ≥1% and CPS ≥1 ranged between 53% and 75% with the highest positivity for SP263 and comparable levels for 22C3, 28–8, and SP142. Inter-assay agreement was good between 28–8 and 22C3 across all scores and cut-offs (kappa 0.68–0.74) and for both assays with SP142 at IC-score ≥1% and CPS ≥1 (kappa 0.61–0.67). The agreement between SP263 and all other assays was substantially lower for all scores. Inter-reader agreement for each assay was good to excellent for IC-score ≥1% (kappa 0.73–0.78) and CPS ≥1 (kappa 0.68–0.74), fair to good for CPS ≥10 (kappa 0.52–0.67) and TPS ≥1% (kappa 0.53–0.72). The percentage of overlapping cases in the positive/negative category was >90% between IC-score ≥1% and CPS ≥1 but below when comparing IC-score ≥1% with CPS ≥10. We demonstrate an overall good inter-reader agreement for all PD-L1 assays in TNBC along with assay specific differences in positivity and concordances, which may aid to select the right test strategy in routine diagnostics.

Abstract Background In the context of nuclear medicine and theranostics, integrin-related research and development was, for most of the time, focused predominantly on 'RGD peptides' and the subtype αvβ3-integrin. However, there are no less than 24 known integrins, and peptides without the RGD sequence as well as non-peptidic ligands play an equally important role as selective integrin ligands. On the other hand, multimerization is a well-established method to increase the avidity of binding structures, but multimeric radiopharmaceuticals have not made their way into clinics yet. In this review, we describe how these aspects have been interwoven in the framework of the German Research Foundation's multi-group interdisciplinary funding scheme CRC 824, yielding a series of potent PET imaging agents for selective imaging of various integrin subtypes. Results The gallium-68 chelator TRAP was utilized to elaborate symmetrical trimers of various peptidic and non-peptidic integrin ligands. Preclinical data suggested a high potential of the resulting Ga-68-tracers for PET-imaging of the integrins α5β1, αvβ8, αvβ6, and αvβ3. For the first three, we provide some additional immunohistochemistry data in human cancers, which suggest several future clinical applications. Finally, application of αvβ3- and αvβ6-integrin tracers in pancreatic carcinoma patients revealed that unlike αvβ3-targeted PET, αvβ6-integrin PET is not characterized by off-target uptake and thus, enables a substantially improved imaging of this type of cancer. Conclusions Novel radiopharmaceuticals targeting a number of different integrins, above all, αvβ6, have proven their clinical potential and will play an increasingly important role in future theranostics.

Abstract Correlation of in vivo imaging to histomorphological pathology in animal models requires comparative interdisciplinary expertise of different fields of medicine. From the morphological point of view, there is an urgent need to improve histopathological evaluation in animal model-based research to expedite translation into clinical applications. While different other fields of translational science were standardized over the last years, little was done to improve the pipeline of experimental pathology to ensure reproducibility based on pathological expertise in experimental animal models with respect to defined guidelines and classifications. Additionally, longitudinal analyses of preclinical models often use a variety of imaging methods and much more attention should be drawn to enable for proper co-registration of in vivo imaging methods with the ex vivo morphological read-outs. Here we present the development of the Comparative Experimental Pathology (CEP) unit embedded in the Institute of Pathology of the Technical University of Munich during the Collaborative Research Center 824 (CRC824) funding period together with selected approaches of histomorphological techniques for correlation of in vivo imaging to morphomolecular pathology.

Abstract Purpose In this prospective exploratory study, we evaluated the feasibility of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) PET/MRI-based chemotherapy response prediction in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma at two weeks upon therapy onset. Material and methods In a mixed cohort, seventeen patients treated with chemotherapy in neoadjuvant or palliative intent were enrolled. All patients were imaged by [18F]FDG PET/MRI before and two weeks after onset of chemotherapy. Response per RECIST1.1 was then assessed at 3 months [18F]FDG PET/MRI-derived parameters (MTV50%, TLG50%, MTV2.5, TLG2.5, SUVmax, SUVpeak, ADCmax, ADCmean and ADCmin) were assessed, using multiple t-test, Man–Whitney-U test and Fisher’s exact test for binary features. Results At 72 ± 43 days, twelve patients were classified as responders and five patients as non-responders. An increase in ∆MTV50% and ∆ADC (≥ 20% and 15%, respectively) and a decrease in ∆TLG50% (≤ 20%) at 2 weeks after chemotherapy onset enabled prediction of responders and non-responders, respectively. Parameter combinations (∆TLG50% and ∆ADCmax or ∆MTV50% and ∆ADCmax) further improved discrimination. Conclusion Multiparametric [18F]FDG PET/MRI-derived parameters, in particular indicators of a change in tumor glycolysis and cellularity, may enable very early chemotherapy response prediction. Further prospective studies in larger patient cohorts are recommended to their clinical impact.

Abstract High intratumoral levels of urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA)‐plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) heteromers predict impaired survival and treatment response in early breast cancer. The pathogenetic role of this protein complex remains obscure. Here, we demonstrate that heteromerization of uPA and PAI‐1 multiplies the potential of the single proteins to attract pro‐tumorigenic neutrophils. To this end, tumor‐released uPA‐PAI‐1 utilizes very low‐density lipoprotein receptor and mitogen‐activated protein kinases to initiate a pro‐inflammatory program in perivascular macrophages. This enforces neutrophil trafficking to cancerous lesions and skews these immune cells toward a pro‐tumorigenic phenotype, thus supporting tumor growth and metastasis. Blockade of uPA‐PAI‐1 heteromerization by a novel small‐molecule inhibitor interfered with these events and effectively prevented tumor progression. Our findings identify a therapeutically targetable, hitherto unknown interplay between hemostasis and innate immunity that drives breast cancer progression. As a personalized immunotherapeutic strategy, blockade of uPA‐PAI‐1 heteromerization might be particularly beneficial for patients with highly aggressive uPA‐PAI‐1high tumors.

Abstract Background Gene fusions represent promising targets for cancer therapy in lung cancer. Reliable detection of multiple gene fusions is therefore essential. Methods Five commercially available parallel sequencing assays were evaluated for their ability to detect gene fusions in eight cell lines and 18 FFPE tissue samples carrying a variety of known gene fusions. Four RNA-based assays and one DNA-based assay were compared; two were hybrid capture-based, TruSight Tumor 170 Assay (Illumina) and SureSelect XT HS Custom Panel (Agilent), and three were amplicon-based, Archer FusionPlex Lung Panel (ArcherDX), QIAseq RNAscan Custom Panel (Qiagen) and Oncomine Focus Assay (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Results The Illumina assay detected all tested fusions and showed the smallest number of false positive results. Both, the ArcherDX and Qiagen panels missed only one fusion event. Among the RNA-based assays, the Qiagen panel had the highest number of false positive events. The Oncomine Focus Assay (Thermo Fisher Scientific) was the least adequate assay for our purposes, seven fusions were not covered by the assay and two fusions were classified as uncertain. The DNA-based SureSelect XT HS Custom Panel (Agilent) missed three fusions and nine fusions were only called by one software version. Additionally, many false positive fusions were observed. Conclusions In summary, especially RNA-based parallel sequencing approaches are potent tools for reliable detection of targetable gene fusions in clinical diagnostics.

Background & Aims: RING finger protein 43 (RNF43) is a tumor suppressor that frequently is mutated in gastric tumors. The link between RNF43 and modulation of Wingless-related integration site (WNT) signaling has not been shown clearly in the stomach. Because mutations in RNF43 are highly enriched in microsatellite-unstable gastric tumors, which show defects in DNA damage response (DDR), we investigated whether RNF43 is involved in DDR in the stomach. Methods: DDR activation and cell viability upon γ-radiation was analyzed in gastric cells where expression of RNF43 was depleted. Response to chemotherapeutic agents 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin was analyzed in gastric cancer cell lines and xenograft tumors. In addition, involvement of RNF43 in DDR activation was analyzed upon Helicobacter pylori infection in wild-type and Rnf43ΔEx8 mice. Furthermore, a cohort of human gastric biopsy specimens was analyzed for RNF43 expression and mutation status as well as for activation of DDR. Results: RNF43 depletion conferred resistance to γ-radiation and chemotherapy by dampening the activation of DDR, thereby preventing apoptosis in gastric cells. Upon Helicobacter pylori infection, RNF43 loss of function reduced activation of DDR and apoptosis. Furthermore, RNF43 expression correlated with DDR activation in human gastric biopsy specimens, and RNF43 mutations found in gastric tumors conferred resistance to DNA damage. When exploring the molecular mechanisms behind these findings, a direct interaction between RNF43 and phosphorylated H2A histone family member X (γH2AX) was observed. Conclusions: We identified a novel function for RNF43 in the stomach as a regulator of DDR. Loss of RNF43 function in gastric cells confers resistance to DNA damage-inducing radiotherapy and chemotherapy, suggesting RNF43 as a possible biomarker for therapy selection.

Purpose The association of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression levels with the clinical course of many malignancies reflects their crucial role in the recognition and elimination of malignant cells by cognate T cells and NK cells. In colorectal cancer, results regarding this association are conflicting. The potential pathogenetic and therapeutic implications of this association prompted us to perform a large patient-level pooled analysis assessing the role of the expression level of HLA class I loci gene products in colon and rectal cancer.Experimental design Included studies provided patient-level data on HLA class I expression levels determined by immunohistochemistry on surgical specimens. Expression levels of the HLA class I loci gene products (HLA-A, HLA-B/C) were correlated with common genetic events and survival.Results Data from 5 studies including 2863 patients were used. In the 1620 colon cancer patients, lower HLA-A, HLA-B/C and total HLA class I expression levels were associated with microsatellite instability (p=0.044, p=0.008 and p=0.022, respectively), higher frequency of BRAF mutations (p

Abstract The presence of lymph node (LN) metastases is one of the most important negative prognostic factors in upper gastrointestinal carcinomas. Tumour regression similar to that in primary tumours can be observed in LN metastases after neoadjuvant therapy. We evaluated the prognostic impact of histological regression in LNs in 480 adenocarcinomas of the stomach and gastro‐oesophageal junction after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Regressive changes in LNs (nodular and/or hyaline fibrosis, sheets of foamy histiocytes or acellular mucin) were assessed by histology. In total, regressive changes were observed in 128 of 480 patients. LNs were categorised according to the absence or presence of both residual tumour and regressive changes (LN−/+ and Reg−/+). 139 cases were LN−/Reg−, 28 cases without viable LN metastases revealed regressive changes (LN−/Reg+), 100 of 313 cases with LN metastases showed regressive changes (LN+/Reg+), and 213 of 313 metastatic LN had no signs of regression (LN+/Reg−). Overall, LN/Reg categorisation correlated with overall survival with the best prognosis for LN−/Reg− and the worst prognosis for LN+/Reg− (p

Abstract Purpose As a major activator of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), the RGD receptor αvβ8-integrin is involved in pathogenic processes related to TGF-β dysregulation, such as tumor growth, invasion, and radiochemoresistance, metastasis and tumor cell stemness, as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The novel positron emission tomography (PET) radiopharmaceutical Ga-68-Triveoctin for in vivo mapping of αvβ8-integrin expression might enhance the prognosis of certain tumor entities, as well as support and augment TGF-β-targeted therapeutic approaches. Methods Monomeric and trimeric conjugates of cyclo(GLRGDLp(NMe)K(pent-4-ynoic amide)) were synthesized by click chemistry (CuAAC), labeled with Ga-68, and evaluated in MeWo (human melanoma) xenografted SCID mice by means of PET and ex-vivo biodistribution. αvβ8-integrin expression in murine tissues was determined by β8-IHC. A human subject received a single injection of 173 MBq of Ga-68-Triveoctin and underwent 3 subsequent PET/CT scans at 25, 45, and 90 min p.i.. Results The trimer Ga-68-Triveoctin exhibits a 6.7-fold higher αvβ8-integrin affinity than the monomer (IC50 of 5.7 vs. 38 nM, respectively). Accordingly, biodistribution showed a higher tumor uptake (1.9 vs. 1.0%IA/g, respectively) but a similar baseline upon blockade (0.25%IA/g for both). IHC showed an intermediate β8-expression in the tumor while most organs and tissues were found β8-negative. Low non-target tissue uptakes (

Cancer cells frequently harbour genetic aberrations that protect them from programmed cell death. Here, the authors show in non-small cell lung cancer that the anti-apoptotic gene MCL-1 is subject to copy number gains and that deletion of MCL-1 reduces tumour formation.

Proteome activity has a major role in cancer progression and response to drugs. Here, the authors use comprehensive proteomic and phosphoproteomic data, in conjunction with drug-sensitivity screens, to generate a community resource consisting of landscapes of pathway and kinase activity across different cell lines

Objectives: Adjuvant chemotherapy decision in patients with hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative breast cancer (BC) is challenging. Ki-67 is widely used for adjuvant therapy decision in BC. The multigene assay EndoPredict (EP) has shown to provide valid and additional information about the risk of recurrence compared to traditional pathological factors. In this study, we compared Ki-67 with EP assay generated risk groups. Methods: We analyzed the results from prospective EP testing (n = 373) and tumor proliferation assessed by Ki-67 staining in luminal breast cancer. We statistically investigated the association of both parameters and probed for equivalence in risk stratification. Results: Evaluation of Ki-67 was feasible in 307 (82%) BC specimens with known EP test results. The EPscore (now called 12-gene molecular score) delineated 140 low and 167 high scores. After combining the EPscore with pathological tumor stage and nodal status, we received 203 EPclin low-risk and 104 EPclin high-risk classifications. EPscore and EPclin were significantly associated with Ki-67 indices and tumor grade (p

Background Teratoma is a tumor derived from fetal germ cells with aberrant differentiation. Case Description A 3-month-old infant with a mediastinal tumor was referred to our heart center. She presented with progressive dyspnea, cyanosis, and the need to be manually ventilated. The computed tomography scan displayed a huge tumor restricting the distal trachea including the bifurcation. An emergent operation was performed and the tumor was completely removed. Histological examination confirmed a mature teratoma. Conclusion In such life-threatening situation, the early detection and the immediate operation are very important for the management of rapidly-progressing mediastinal teratomas compressing the respiratory tract.

Immunohistochemical evaluation of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 status stratify the different subtypes of breast cancer and define the treatment course. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which does not register receptor overexpression, is often associated with worse patient prognosis. Mass spectrometry imaging transcribes the molecular content of tissue specimens without requiring additional tags or preliminary analysis of the samples, being therefore an excellent methodology for an unbiased determination of tissue constituents, in particular tumor markers. In this study, the proteomic content of 1191 human breast cancer samples was characterized by mass spectrometry imaging and the epithelial regions were employed to train and test machine-learning models to characterize the individual receptor status and to classify TNBC. The classification models presented yielded high accuracies for estrogen and progesterone receptors and over 95% accuracy for classification of TNBC. Analysis of the molecular features revealed that vimentin overexpression is associated with TNBC, supported by immunohistochemistry validation, revealing a new potential target for diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract Background Adjuvant (ART) and salvage radiotherapy (SRT) are two common concepts to enhance biochemical relapse free survival (BCRFS) in patients with prostate cancer (PC). We analyzed differences in outcome between ART and SRT in patients with steep decline of PSA-levels after surgery to compare outcome. Methods We evaluated 253 patients treated with postoperative RT with a median age of 66 years (range 42–85 years) treated between 2004 and 2014. Patients with additive radiotherapy due to PSA persistence and patients in the SRT group, who did not achieve a postoperative PSA level

Abstract Epstein–Barr virus positivity (EBV(+)) and high‐microsatellite instability (MSI‐H) have been identified as molecular subgroups in gastric carcinoma. The aim of our study was to determine the prognostic and predictive relevance of these subgroups in the context of platinum/5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) based preoperative chemotherapy (CTx). Additionally, we investigated the clinical relevance of the low‐MSI (MSI‐L) phenotype. We analysed 760 adenocarcinomas of the stomach or the gastro‐oesophageal junction encompassing 143 biopsies before CTx and 617 resected tumours (291 without and 326 after CTx). EBV was determined by PCR and in situ hybridisation for selected cases. MSI was analysed by PCR using five microsatellite markers and classified as MSI‐H and MSI‐L. Frequencies of EBV(+), MSI‐H and MSI‐L in the biopsies before CTx were 4.2, 10.5 and 4.9% respectively. EBV(+) or MSI‐H did not correlate with response, but MSI‐L was associated with better response (p = 0.011). In the resected tumours, frequencies of EBV(+), MSI‐H and MSI‐L were 3.9, 9.6 and 4.5% respectively. Overall survival (OS) was significantly different in the non‐CTx group (p = 0.014). Patients with EBV(+) tumours showed the best OS, followed by MSI‐H. MSI‐L was significantly associated with worse OS (hazard ratio [HR], 2.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21–4.04, p = 0.01). In the resected tumours after CTx, MSI‐H was also associated with increased OS (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.26–1.09, p = 0.085). In multivariable analysis, molecular classification was an independent prognostic factor in the completely resected (R0) non‐CTx group (p = 0.035). In conclusion, MSI‐H and EBV(+) are not predictive of response to neoadjuvant platinum/5‐FU based CTx, but they are indicative of a good prognosis. In particular, MSI‐H indicates a favourable prognosis irrespective of treatment with CTx. MSI‐L predicts good response to CTx and its negative prognostic effect for patients treated with surgery alone suggests that MSI‐L might help to identify patients with potentially high‐benefit from preoperative CTx.

Abstract Background To develop a supervised machine learning (ML) algorithm predicting above- versus below-median overall survival (OS) from diffusion-weighted imaging-derived radiomic features in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Methods One hundred two patients with histopathologically proven PDAC were retrospectively assessed as training cohort, and 30 prospectively accrued and retrospectively enrolled patients served as independent validation cohort (IVC). Tumors were segmented on preoperative apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps, and radiomic features were extracted. A random forest ML algorithm was fit to the training cohort and tested in the IVC. Histopathological subtype of tumor samples was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 21 IVC patients. Individual radiomic feature importance was evaluated by assessment of tree node Gini impurity decrease and recursive feature elimination. Fisher’s exact test, 95% confidence intervals (CI), and receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (ROC-AUC) were used. Results The ML algorithm achieved 87% sensitivity (95% IC 67.3–92.7), 80% specificity (95% CI 74.0–86.7), and ROC-AUC 90% for the prediction of above- versus below-median OS in the IVC. Heterogeneity-related features were highly ranked by the model. Of the 21 patients with determined histopathological subtype, 8/9 patients predicted to experience below-median OS exhibited the quasi-mesenchymal subtype, whilst 11/12 patients predicted to experience above-median OS exhibited a non-quasi-mesenchymal subtype (p < 0.001). Conclusion ML application to ADC radiomics allowed OS prediction with a high diagnostic accuracy in an IVC. The high overlap of clinically relevant histopathological subtypes with model predictions underlines the potential of quantitative imaging in PDAC pre-operative subtyping and prognosis.

Abstract Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common rheumatic diseases. Joint inflammation and pathological growth of joint cartilage cause swollen and painful joints, which severely diminishes the patients’ life quality. There is no causal treatment. Symptomatic therapies should start as early as possible to take maximal effect. Hence, diagnostic procedures capable of detecting affected joints before the onset of clinical symptoms are highly desirable. We explored the value of PET imaging of integrin subtypes αvβ3 and α5β1 for early detection of RA foci in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse models. Results Development of RA in CIA mice was monitored by paw scoring, and αvβ3- and α5β1-integrin expression was quantified by μPET using 68Ga-Avebetrin and 68Ga-Aquibeprin. For consecutive sections of selected decalcified joints (knee, ankle), arthritic degeneration and integrin expression were assessed by MOVAT staining and β3/α5 immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. β3- and α5-IHC revealed elevated levels of both αvβ3- and α5β1-integrin in arthritic joints. Unlike αvβ3, α5β1 is strongly expressed in the proliferating synovial lining layer, which suggests that its presence is directly related to RA development. For mice with advanced RA (6 weeks after CIA), PET signals for α5β1-integrin were substantially stronger (> 300% of baseline) than that of αvβ3-integrin (

The differentiation and function of regulatory T (Treg) cells are critically controlled by T cell receptor (TCR) signaling. Here the authors show that CARD11-BCL10-MALT1 (CBM) complexes are dispensable for effector Treg conversion under inflammatory conditions but are critical for mediating Treg suppressive activity in a MALT1 paracaspase-dependent manner.

Chordomas are rare bone tumors with limited therapeutic options. Here, the authors identify molecular alterations associated with defective homologous recombination DNA repair in advanced chordomas and report prolonged response in a patient treated with a PARP inhibitor, which later acquired resistance due to a newly gained PARP1 mutation.

Abstract Background Multimodal treatment with neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery (nCRT + S) is the treatment of choice for patients with locally advanced or node-positive esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (E-SCC). Those who are unsuitable or who decline surgery can be treated with definitive chemoradiation (dCRT). This study compares the oncologic outcome of nCRT + S and dCRT in E-SCC patients. Methods Between 2011 and 2017, 95 patients with E-SCC were scheduled for dCRT or nCRT+ S with IMRT at our department. Patients undergoing dCRT received at least 50 Gy and those undergoing nCRT + S received at least 41.4 Gy. All patients received simultaneous chemotherapy with either carboplatin and paclitaxel or cisplatin and 5-fluoruracil. We retrospectively compared baseline characteristics and oncologic outcome including overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and site of failure between both treatment groups. Results Patients undergoing dCRT were less likely to have clinically suspected lymph node metastases (85% vs. 100%, p = 0.019) than patients undergoing nCRT + S and had more proximally located tumors (median distance from dental arch to cranial tumor border 20 cm vs. 26 cm, p

Abstract Background Advanced radiotherapy (RT) techniques allow normal tissue to be spared in patients with extremity soft tissue sarcoma (STS). This work aims to evaluate toxicity and outcome after neoadjuvant image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) as helical intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with reduced margins based on MRI-based target definition in patients with STS. Methods Between 2010 to 2014, 41 patients with extremity STS were treated with IGRT delivered as helical IMRT on a tomotherapy machine. The tumor site was in the upper extremity in 6 patients (15%) and lower extremity in 35 patients (85%). Reduced margins of 2.5 cm in longitudinal direction and 1.0 cm in axial direction were used to expand the MRI-defined gross tumor volume, including peritumoral edema, to the clinical target volume. An additional margin of 5 mm was added to receive the planning target volume. The full total dose of 50 Gy in 2 Gy fractions was sucessfully applied in 40 patients. Two patients received chemotherapy instead of surgery due to systemic progression. All patients were included into a strict follow-up program and were seen interdisciplinarily by the Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Radiation Oncology. Results Thirty eight patients that received total RT total dose and subsequent resection were analyzed for outcome. After a median follow-up of 38.5 months cumulative OS, local PFS and systemic PFS at 2 years were determined at 78.2, 85.2 and 54.5%, respectively. Two of 6 local recurrences were proximal marginal misses. Negative resection margins were achieved in 84% of patients. The rate of major wound complications was comparable to previous IMRT studies with 36.8%. RT was overall tolerable with low toxicity rates. Conclusions IMRT-IGRT offers neoadjuvant treatment for extremity STS with reduced safety margins and thus low toxicity rates. Wound complication rates were comparable to previously reported frequencies. Two reported marginal misses suggest a word of caution for reduction of longitudinal safety margins.

The investigation of hepatocarcinogenesis is a major field of interest in oncology research and rodent models are commonly used to unravel the pathophysiology of onset and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. HCC is a highly vascularized tumor and vascular remodeling is one of the hallmarks of tumor progression. To date, only a few detailed data exist about the vasculature and vascular remodeling in rodent models used for hepatocarcinogenesis. In this study, the vasculature of HCC and the preneoplastic foci of alteration (FCA) of different mouse models with varying genetic backgrounds were comprehensively characterized by using immunohistochemistry (CD31, Collagen IV, αSMA, Desmin and LYVE1) and RNA in situ hybridization (VEGF-A). Computational image analysis was performed to evaluate selected parameters including microvessel density, pericyte coverage, vessel size, intratumoral vessel distribution and architecture using the Aperio ImageScope and Definiens software programs. HCC presented with a significantly lower number of vessels, but larger vessel size and increased coverage, leading to a higher degree of maturation, whereas FCA lesions presented with a higher microvessel density and a higher amount of smaller but more immature vessels. Our results clearly demonstrate that vascular remodeling is present and crucial in early stages of experimental hepatocarcinogenesis. In addition, our detailed characterization provides a strong basis for further angiogenesis studies in these experimental models.

Cancer-related deaths are very commonly attributed to complications from metastases to neighboring as well as distant organs. Dissociate response in the treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma is one of the main causes of low treatment success and low survival rates. This behavior could not be explained by transcriptomics or genomics; however, differences in the composition at the protein level could be observed. We have characterized the proteomic composition of primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma and distant metastasis directly in human tissue samples, utilizing mass spectrometry imaging. The mass spectrometry data was used to train and validate machine learning models that could distinguish both tissue entities with an accuracy above 90%. Model validation on samples from another collection yielded a correct classification of both entities. Tentative identification of the discriminative molecular features showed that collagen fragments (COL1A1, COL1A2, and COL3A1) play a fundamental role in tumor development. From the analysis of the receiver operating characteristic, we could further advance some potential targets, such as histone and histone variations, that could provide a better understanding of tumor development, and consequently, more effective treatments.

BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, with low long-term survival rates. Despite recent advances in treatment, it is important to identify and screen high-risk individuals for cancer prevention. Familial pancreatic cancer (FPC) accounts for 4%–10% of pancreatic cancers. Several germline mutations are related to an increased risk and might offer screening and therapy options. In this study, we aimed to identity of a susceptibility gene in a family with FPC.METHODS Whole exome sequencing and PCR confirmation was performed on the surgical specimen and peripheral blood of an index patient and her sister in a family with high incidence of pancreatic cancer, to identify somatic and germline mutations associated with familial pancreatic cancer. Compartment-specific gene expression data and immunohistochemistry were also queried.RESULTS The identical germline mutation of the PALLD gene (NM_001166108.1:c.G154A:p.D52N) was detected in the index patient with pancreatic cancer and the tumor tissue of her sister. Whole genome sequencing showed similar somatic mutation patterns between the 2 sisters. Apart from the PALLD mutation, commonly mutated genes that characterize pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were found in both tumor samples. However, the 2 patients harbored different somatic KRAS mutations (G12D and G12V). Healthy siblings did not have the PALLD mutation, indicating a disease-specific impact. Compartment-specific gene expression data and IHC showed expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs).CONCLUSION We identified a germline mutation of the palladin (PALLD) gene in 2 siblings in Europe, affected by familial pancreatic cancer, with a significant overexpression in CAFs, suggesting that stromal palladin could play a role in the development, maintenance, and/or progression of pancreatic cancer.FUNDING DFG SFB 1321

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma constitute two aggressive tumor types that originate from the epithelial lining of the excretory ducts of the pancreatobiliary tract. Given their close histomorphological resemblance, a correct diagnosis can be challenging and almost impossible without clinical information. In this study, we investigated whether mass spectrometric peptide features could be employed to distinguish pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma from cholangiocarcinoma. Three tissue microarrays of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded material (FFPE) comprising 41 cases of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and 41 cases of cholangiocarcinoma were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI). The derived peptide features and respective intensities were used to build different supervised classification algorithms: gradient boosting (GB), support vector machine (SVM), and k-nearest neighbors (KNN). On a pixel-by-pixel level, a classification accuracy of up to 95% could be achieved. The tentative identification of discriminative tryptic peptide signatures revealed proteins that are involved in the epigenetic regulation of the genome and tumor microenvironment. Despite their histomorphological similarities, mass spectrometry imaging represents an efficient and reliable approach for the distinction of PDAC from CC, offering a promising complementary or alternative approach to the existing tools used in diagnostics such as immunohistochemistry.

Abstract Background While neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (nCRT) with subsequent surgery is the treatment of choice for patients with locally advanced or node-positive squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (SCC) suitable for surgery, patients who are unsuitable for surgery or who refuse surgery should be treated with definite chemoradiation therapy (dCRT). Purpose of this study was to compare toxicity and oncologic outcome of dCRT with either cisplatin and 5-fluoruracil (CDDP/5FU) or carboplatin and paclitaxel (Carb/TAX) in patients with SCC. Methods Twenty-two patients who received dCRT with carboplatin (AUC2, weekly) and paclitaxel (50 mg per square meter of body-surface area, weekly) were retrospectively compared to 25 patients who were scheduled for dCRT with cisplatin (20 mg/m2/d) and 5-fluoruracil (500 mg/m2/d) on day 1–5 and day 29–33. For the per-protocol (PP) analysis, PP treatment was defined as complete radiation therapy with at least 54Gy and at least three complete cycles of Carb/TAX or complete radiation therapy with at least 54Gy and at least one complete cycle of CDDP/5FU. While patients who were scheduled for dCRT with Carb/TAX received a significantly higher total radiation dose (median dose 59.4Gy vs. 54Gy, p

Abstract Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in cancer biology. Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy followed by surgery is a standard treatment for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, a subset of patients do not respond. We evaluated whether miRNA profiles can predict resistance to radiochemotherapy. Methods Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded pretherapeutic biopsies of patients treated by radiochemotherapy followed by esophagectomy were analyzed. The response was determined by histopathological tumor regression grading. miRNA profiling was performed by microarray analysis (Agilent platform) in 16 non-responders and 15 responders. Differentially expressed miRNAs were confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) in an expanded cohort of 53 cases. Results The miRNA profiles within and between non-responders and responders were highly similar (r = 0.96, 0.94 and 0.95). However, 12 miRNAs were differentially expressed (> twofold; p ≤ 0.025): non-responders showed upregulation of hsa-miR-1323, hsa-miR-3678-3p, hsv2-miR-H7-3p, hsa-miR-194*, hsa-miR-3152, kshv-miR-K12-4-3p, hsa-miR-665 and hsa-miR-3659 and downregulation of hsa-miR-126*, hsa-miR-484, hsa-miR-330-3p and hsa-miR-3653. qRT-PCR analysis confirmed the microarray findings for hsa-miR-194* and hsa-miR-665 (p