Clinicopathological features of gastric carcinomas with NTRK-rearrangement/amplification: report of four cases / 中华病理学杂志

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular genetic characteristics of gastric carcinoma with NTRK-rearrangement/amplification. Methods: The clinicopathological data of gastric carcinoma cases with NTRK-rearrangement/amplification diagnosed from January 2011 to September 2020 at the Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, China, were collected. The clinicopathological, immunophenotypic and molecular pathological features were analyzed. The relevant literature was reviewed. Results: There were 4 cases of gastric carcinoma with NTRK-rearrangement/amplification. All 4 patients were male, aged 57-67 years (average, 63 years). Tumor sizes ranged from 3.5 to 5.2 cm (average, 4.8 cm). All tumors were in the antrum. All 4 patients underwent radical gastrectomy and were followed up after the surgery. Morphologically, all tumors showed histological features with enteroblastic-differentiated gastric carcinoma. Tumor cells showed predominantly tubular/papillary architecture, with conspicuous vesicular nuclei and pale staining or transparent cytoplasm. Immunohistochemistry showed pan-TRK expression in all cases, with various degrees of positivity in the cytoplasm. All cases were subject to NTRK1/2/3 detection using fluorescence in situ hybridization. There were NTRK translocations in 2 cases and NTRK amplifications in 2 cases. These cases were further verified by RNAseq next generation sequencing which confirmed that NTRK1 gene translocation (TPM3-NTRK1) and NTRK2 gene translocation (NTRK2-SMCHD1) occurred in two cases, respectively. Conclusions: NTRK mutation occurs less frequently in gastric cancer. In this study, the cases mainly occur in the antrum. The morphology has the characteristics of enteroblastic differentiation. The tumors have unique histological, immunophenotypic and molecular characteristics, which require much attention from pathologists to effectively guide clinicians to choose the best treatment.

Expression of GPNMB in renal eosinophilic tumors and its value in differential diagnosis / 中华病理学杂志

Objective: To investigate the expression of glycoprotein non metastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB) in renal eosinophilic tumors and to compare the value of GPNMB with CK20, CK7 and CD117 in the differential diagnosis of renal eosinophilic tumors. Methods: Traditional renal tumor eosinophil subtypes, including 22 cases of renal clear cell carcinoma eosinophil subtype (e-ccRCC), 19 cases of renal papillary cell carcinoma eosinophil subtype (e-papRCC), 17 cases of renal chromophobe cell carcinoma eosinophil subtype (e-chRCC), 12 cases of renal oncocytoma (RO) and emerging renal tumor types with eosinophil characteristics [3 cases of eosinophilic solid cystic renal cell carcinoma (ESC RCC), 3 cases of renal low-grade eosinophil tumor (LOT), 4 cases of fumarate hydratase-deficient renal cell carcinoma (FH-dRCC) and 5 cases of renal epithelioid angiomyolipoma (E-AML)], were collected at the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School from January 2017 to March 2022. The expression of GPNMB, CK20, CK7 and CD117 was detected by immunohistochemistry and statistically analyzed. Results: GPNMB was expressed in all emerging renal tumor types with eosinophil characteristics (ESC RCC, LOT, FH-dRCC) and E-AML, while the expression rates in traditional renal eosinophil subtypes e-papRCC, e-chRCC, e-ccRCC and RO were very low or zero (1/19, 1/17, 0/22 and 0/12, respectively); the expression rate of CK7 in LOT (3/3), e-chRCC (15/17), e-ccRCC (4/22), e-papRCC (2/19), ESC RCC (0/3), RO (4/12), E-AML(1/5), and FH-dRCC (2/4) variedly; the expression of CK20 was different in ESC RCC (3/3), LOT(3/3), e-chRCC(1/17), RO(9/12), e-papRCC(4/19), FH-dRCC(1/4), e-ccRCC(0/22) and E-AML(0/5), and so did that of CD117 in e-ccRCC(2/22), e-papRCC(1/19), e-chRCC(16/17), RO(10/12), ESC RCC(0/3), LOT(1/3), E-AML(2/5) and FH-dRCC(1/4). GPNMB had 100% sensitivity and 97.1% specificity in distinguishing E-AML and emerging renal tumor types (such as ESC RCC, LOT, FH-dRCC) from traditional renal tumor types (such as e-ccRCC, e-papRCC, e-chRCC, RO),respectively. Compared with CK7, CK20 and CD117 antibodies, GPNMB was more effective in the differential diagnosis (P<0.05). Conclusion: As a new renal tumor marker, GPNMB can effectively distinguish E-AML and emerging renal tumor types with eosinophil characteristics such as ESC RCC, LOT, FH-dRCC from traditional renal tumor eosinophil subtypes such as e-ccRCC, e-papRCC, e-chRCC and RO, which is helpful for the differential diagnosis of renal eosinophilic tumors.

Concordance between three integrated scores based on prostate biopsy and grade-grouping of radical prostatectomy specimen / 中华病理学杂志

Objective: To analyze three different integrated scoring schemes of prostate biopsy and to compare their concordance with the scoring of radical prostatectomy specimens. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 556 patients with radical prostatectomy performed in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China from 2017 to 2020. In these cases, whole organ sections were performed, the pathological data based on biopsy and radical prostatectomy specimens were summarized, and 3 integrated scores of prostate biopsy were calculated, namely the global score, the highest score and score of the largest volume. Results: Among the 556 patients, 104 cases (18.7%) were classified as WHO/ISUP grade group 1, 227 cases (40.8%) as grade group 2 (3+4=7); 143 cases (25.7%) as grade group 3 (4+3=7); 44 cases (7.9%) as grade group 4 (4+4=8) and 38 cases (6.8%) as grade group 5. Among the three comprehensive scoring methods for prostate cancer biopsy, the consistency of global score was the highest (62.4%). In the correlation analysis, the correlation between the scores of radical specimens and the global scores was highest (R=0.730, P<0.01), while the correlations of the scores based on radical specimens with highest scores and scores of the largest volume based on biopsy were insignificant (R=0.719, P<0.01; R=0.631, P<0.01, respectively). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed tPSA group and the three integrated scores of prostate biopsy were statistically correlated with extraglandular invasion, lymph node metastasis, perineural invasion and biochemical recurrence. Elevated global score was an independent prognostic risk factor for extraglandular invasion and biochemical recurrence in patients; increased serum tPSA was an independent prognostic risk factor for extraglandular invasion; increased hjighest score was an independent risk factor for perineural invasion. Conclusions: In this study, among the three different integrated scores, the overall score is most likely corresponded to the radical specimen grade group, but there is difference in various subgroup analyses. Integrated score of prostate biopsy can reflect grade group of radical prostatectomy specimens, thereby providing more clinical information for assisting in optimal patient management and consultation.

Correlation of NTRK genetic fusions with mismatch repair protein deletion in patients with colorectal cancer / 中华病理学杂志

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the expression of four mismatch repair proteins (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2) and NTRK genetic fusions in colorectal cancer. Methods: The paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of 830 cases of colorectal cancer were collected at the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, China, from 2015 to 2019. Immunohistochemical and fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH) method were used respectively to detect the expression of mismatch repair proteins and the break-apart of NTRKs; and the relationship between the expression of mismatch repair proteins and the NTRK genetic fusions was analyzed. Results: The overall mismatch repair protein deficiency (dMMR) rate was 9.88% (82/830), the mismatch repair proteins proficiency (pMMR) rate was 90.12%(748/830). The total deficiency rate of MLH1 protein was 9.04% (75/830), hPMS2 protein deficiency rate was 9.04% (75/830), MSH2 protein deficiency rate was 2.53% (21/830), MSH6 protein deficiency rate was 4.10% (34/830), the deficiency rate of synchronous MLH1 and PMS2 were 8.67% (72/830) and the deficiency rate of synchronous MSH2 and MSH6 were 2.17% (18/830). The dMMR group was associated with tumor location, different histological subgroups, tumor differentiation, AJCC stage and N stage (P<0.05). There were six cases (7.32%) carrying NTRK fusion by FISH among the 82 cases of dMMR, but only seven cases (0.94%) carrying NTRK fusion among the 748 cases of PMMR. The NTRKs translocation by FISH in all 13 cases were further confirmed by next generation sequencing. Among the clinicopathological characteristics, only differentiation showed significant difference between NTRK fusion positive and negative groups (P<0.05). More importantly, NTRK fusion was enriched in dMMR group (7.32% vs. 0.94%). Conclusion: In dMMR colorectal cancer group, the prevalence of NTRK fusion is higher than that in pMMR group.

Primary gastric Burkitt's lymphoma: a clinicopathological analysis of four cases / 临床与实验病理学杂志

Purpose To investigate the clinicopathological features,diagnosis,treatment and prognosis of primary gastric Burkitt's lymphoma. Methods The clinical and pathological features were retrospectively analyzed in 4 case of primary gastric Burkitt's lymphoma. The endoscopic features,immunophenotype and molecular pathology were also analyzed and discussed with review of the literatures. Results Primary gastric Burkitt' s lymphoma mainly occurred in children,with an average age of 8 years (3～15 years) . Endoscopic findings were tuberous protuberance with surface ulcers (3 cases) . The diffuse distribution of atypical lymphoid cells with"starry sky"phenomenon in gastric mucosa was observed under microscope,the cells were of medium size and single shape,the nucleus was round or oval and the shape was uniform,the chromatin was thicker,and there were several small nucleoli,the cytoplasm was rare and slightly basophilic,and the nuclear mitosis was more frequently noted. Immunophenotyping showed that both CD20 and CD79a were all strongly positive,and the Ki-67 proliferative index was higher than 95％. The positive intensity of CD10 and BCL-6 varied from one to another. MUM1 and CD3 were all negative. One case was positive for EBER (in situ hybridization) . Meanwhile, all of these cases showed MYC gene breakage,one of them was detected by IGH/BCL-2 fusion gene but no fusion was found. Conclusion Primary gastric Burkitt's lymphoma is rare. Its endoscopic features,histomorphology,immunophenotype and molecular pathology are relatively typical and it is mainly distinguished from high-grade B cell lymphoma,lymphoblastic lymphoma and myeloid sarcoma. Burkitt's lymphoma is a highly malignant tumor,but the current treatment is relatively mature. Early diagnosis and early treatment can significantly improve the prognosis of these patients.

Expression of c-MET, EGFR and HER-2 of human gastric adenocarcinoma / 临床与实验病理学杂志

Purpose To investigate the expression status and their clinical significances of c-MET, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) in gastric adenocarcinoma (GC). Methods Tissue samples from 442 cases of GC in patients who accepted D2/D3 radical gastrectomy with R0 resection were stained by immunohistochemistry against c-MET, EGFR and HER-2.Results Over expression of c-MET, EGFR and HER-2 was identified in 195/442 (44.1％), 47/442 (10.6％) and 152/442 (34.4％) GC patients, respectively. Over expression of cMET was more often identified in GC patients with deeper T (P= 0.016), nerve involvement (P = 0.006) and the Lauren diffuse type (P = 0.029). EGFR in cases with vessel permeation (P = 0.012), and HER-2 in cases of distant metastasis (P =0.031), non-nerve involvement (P = 0.024), the Lauren intestinal type (P < 0.001) and G1/G2 grade (P < 0.001). Conclusion The receptors tyrosine kinase (RTKs) markers of cMET, EGFR and HER-2 might involve in the advance of GC, such as invasion and metastasis. The expression status of them could be used as the risk prediction and even the basis for future personalized therapy, especially for tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy, for GC patients.

Immunohistochemistry using epidermal growth factor receptor mutation-specific antibodies of delE746-A750 and L858R in lung adenocarcinomas / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the immunohistochemical detection of epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) mutations using two EGFR mutation-specific monoclonal antibodies: delE746-A750 and L858R.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 175 paraffin-embedded lung adenocarcinoma tissue samples previously genotyped by directive DNA sequencing were subject to immunostaining using delE746-A750 and L858R antibodies.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was no significant difference of mutation detection between DNA sequence analysis and delE746-A750 and/or L858R immunostaining (33.7% vs 30.9%, P > 0.05). The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of immunostaining using these two EGFR mutation-specific antibodies were 83.1%, 95.7%, 90.7% and 90.9%, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>With high sensitivity and good specificity, immunohistochemistry using EGFR mutation-specific monoclonal antibodies is an adequate, easy and cost-effective prescreening method to detect EGFR mutations using paraffin-embedded tissue specimens of lung adenocarcinomas.</p>

prevalence of Barrett's esophagus remains low in Eastern China Single-Center 7-year descriptive study

To detect Barrett's esophagus [BE] prevalence in patients undergoing gastroscopy in Eastern China. This study was carried out in Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated Medical College of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China from January 2005 to January 2012. All BE patients were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of BE were calculated generally in different age grades, calendar year, and by gender. The relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD] symptoms and BE were also studied. During the study period, 139,416 patients were studied and 234 patients [0.168%, 95% confidence interval, 0.146%-0.189%] were identified as BE. The mean age was 61.00 +/- 13.98 years, and the male to female ratio was 130:104. Most cases [173] were diagnosed due to endoscopic BE features; however, 61 were diagnosed with esophagitis, esophageal ulcer, esophagopolypus, and esophageal mucosa erosion. The prevalence increased with aging [chi-square= 9.25, p<0.0001]. Most BE were located in the lower segment of the esophagus [92.7%] and short-segment BE. Gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms were found in 131 patients [56%] and acid regurgitation was the most common symptom. Over a follow-up period, no BE developed to esophageal adenocarcinoma. The prevalence of BE in the studied population was very low. Approximately half of them show no signs of GERD symptoms

EZH2 expression in human prostate cancer and its clinicopathologic significance / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expressions of the EZH2 protein and EZH2 mRNA in human prostate cancer (PCa) and their correlation with the clinicopathologic parameters.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A tissue microarray (TMA) was constructed, which contained 48 dots of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples of human PCa. The expressions of the EZH2 protein and EZH2 mRNA in the samples were detected by immunohistochemistry (EnVision) and in situ hybridization (ISH). Another 15 cases of human benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and 12 cases of human prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) were taken as controls.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positive rates of the EZH2 protein and mRNA were significantly higher in PCa than in BPH and HGPIN (87.5% vs 13.33% and 16.67%, 81.25% vs 6.67% and 16.67%, P < 0.05). The positive expression of the EZH2 protein was 96.67% and 72.22% in the Gleason score > or = 7 and Gleason score < or = 6 groups, respectively, with significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.05). The positivity of the EZH2 protein was significantly related to the TNM stage, increasing with tumor progression (P < 0.05), but not to age and serum PSA (P > 0.05), and so was that of EZH2 mRNA to TNM stage (P < 0.05), but not to age, serum PSA and Gleason score (P > 0.05). When the above characteristics were regarded as two-level discrete variables, both the EZH2 protein and EZH2 mRNA showed statistically significant differences in the positive expression rate (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The over-expressions of the EZH2 protein and EZH2 mRNA may play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of PCa and provide some reference indexes for estimating the malignancy, progression and prognosis of PCa.</p>