Science, Medicine, and Cytology: an educational program of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the American Society of Cytopathology.

INTRODUCTION: As our field of pathology continues to grow, our trainee numbers are on the decline. To combat this trend, the ASC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee established the Science, Medicine, and Cytology SumMer Certificate program to improve exposure to pathology/cytopathology with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Herein, we report our findings of the first 2 years of the program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online course was developed targeting students who are underrepresented in medicine at the high school and college level. It consisted of several didactic sessions, presenting the common procedures involving cytopathologists and cytologists. Interviews with cytopathologists were also included. Participants were surveyed for demographic information and provided course evaluations. RESULTS: In the first year of the program (2021), 34 participants completed the program, which increased to 103 in 2022. In both years there was a diversity in participant demographic backgrounds; however, only a minority of participants self-identified as being underrepresented in medicine. A vast majority (>85%) of participants in both years were high school or college students. In 2021, 100% of participants stated that the program format was effective and 94% thought the content was appropriate for their level of education; in 2022 the results were similar. In 2021, 66% considered health care as a potential career; this value increased in 2022 to 83%. In 2021 and 2022, 31% and 38%, respectively, considered cytology as a career. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluations were excellent, generating interest in cytopathology. Barriers in reaching underrepresented minorities exist and additional work is needed. Expansion to a wider audience may increase outreach.

Habitat escalated adaptive therapy (HEAT): a phase 2 trial utilizing radiomic habitat-directed and genomic-adjusted radiation dose (GARD) optimization for high-grade soft tissue sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue sarcomas (STS), have significant inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity, with poor response to standard neoadjuvant radiotherapy (RT). Achieving a favorable pathologic response (FPR ≥ 95%) from RT is associated with improved patient outcome. Genomic adjusted radiation dose (GARD), a radiation-specific metric that quantifies the expected RT treatment effect as a function of tumor dose and genomics, proposed that STS is significantly underdosed. STS have significant radiomic heterogeneity, where radiomic habitats can delineate regions of intra-tumoral hypoxia and radioresistance. We designed a novel clinical trial, Habitat Escalated Adaptive Therapy (HEAT), utilizing radiomic habitats to identify areas of radioresistance within the tumor and targeting them with GARD-optimized doses, to improve FPR in high-grade STS. METHODS: Phase 2 non-randomized single-arm clinical trial includes non-metastatic, resectable high-grade STS patients. Pre-treatment multiparametric MRIs (mpMRI) delineate three distinct intra-tumoral habitats based on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) sequences. GARD estimates that simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) doses of 70 and 60 Gy in 25 fractions to the highest and intermediate radioresistant habitats, while the remaining volume receives standard 50 Gy, would lead to a > 3 fold FPR increase to 24%. Pre-treatment CT guided biopsies of each habitat along with clip placement will be performed for pathologic evaluation, future genomic studies, and response assessment. An mpMRI taken between weeks two and three of treatment will be used for biological plan adaptation to account for tumor response, in addition to an mpMRI after the completion of radiotherapy in addition to pathologic response, toxicity, radiomic response, disease control, and survival will be evaluated as secondary endpoints. Furthermore, liquid biopsy will be performed with mpMRI for future ancillary studies. DISCUSSION: This is the first clinical trial to test a novel genomic-based RT dose optimization (GARD) and to utilize radiomic habitats to identify and target radioresistance regions, as a strategy to improve the outcome of RT-treated STS patients. Its success could usher in a new phase in radiation oncology, integrating genomic and radiomic insights into clinical practice and trial designs, and may reveal new radiomic and genomic biomarkers, refining personalized treatment strategies for STS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05301283. TRIAL STATUS: The trial started recruitment on March 17, 2022.

Pathology Residents' Perceptions and Attitudes Toward Breast Pathology: A National Survey.

CONTEXT.­: Breast pathology (BP) is considered to be subject to interobserver variability among pathologists, emphasizing the need for adequate training. However, specifics of BP residency training have not been elucidated. OBJECTIVE.­: To assess the characteristics of BP residency training in the United States. DESIGN.­: A Qualtrics-managed online survey was emailed to program directors of all US pathology residency programs, requesting them to forward the survey link to their pathology residents. RESULTS.­: One hundred seventeen residents' survey responses were evaluable. Most responses (92; 79%) came from residents in university hospital-based programs. Thirty-five respondents (30%) had a dedicated BP rotation in their program. Most respondents believed that BP was an important part of training (96 of 100; 96%) and pathology practice (95 of 100; 95%). Seventy-one respondents believed that their BP training was adequate overall (71 of 100; 71%). Forty-one percent of respondents indicated that they would not like BP to be a significant part of their future practice. The main reasons given were that they had a different preferred area of interest, that they lacked interest in BP, or that breast cases were time-consuming to sign out. CONCLUSIONS.­: Our results show that in the United States, most programs do not offer a dedicated BP rotation, but breast cases are signed out by subspecialized or experienced breast pathologists. In addition, most respondents believed that they received adequate training and would be competent to independently sign out BP in the future. Additional studies addressing new-in-practice pathologists' proficiency in BP will further help elucidate the quality of BP training in the United States.

p21 Protein Outperforms Clinico-pathological Criteria in Predicting Liver Metastases in Pancreatic Endocrine Tumors.

BACKGROUND/AIM: P21 is a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor regulating the cell cycle as a tumor suppressor. Using a p21 immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay, we compared tumor p21 levels with conventional clinico-pathological criteria in primary pancreatic endocrine tumor subsets with and without liver metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sections from tissue microarray (TMA) including 13 archival metastatic primary and 18 non-metastatic primary pancreatic endocrine carcinomas/tumors (MP-PECAs/NMP-PETs) were stained with a monoclonal anti-p21WAFI,CIP primary antibody. Tumor p21 IHCs were scored as the sum of intensity (0-3) and proportion scores (0-5) (Total Allred score: 0-8), and as p21% labelling index in the tumor. ROC curve analysis was used for most optimal p21 score cut-off (4 or >) and Fisher's exact test was used to compare the association among tumor p21 scores, conventional prognostic criteria, and liver metastases. RESULTS: For PET/PECA patients, mean ages were 55.6 years (27-73) and 49.3 years (28-71), M/F ratios were 7/11 and 7/6. Mean p21 labelling index (%) for MP- PECAs was 24% (range=3-63%) vs. 9% for NMP-PETs (range=1-25%) (p=0.022). The mean p21 index in MP-PECAs was significantly higher (24%) as compared to PIs (7%) (p=0.0047). Using a p21 Allred score of ≥4, high p21 IHC score had strong association with the presence of liver metastases (p-value <0.001). High tumor p21 IHC score had a 93% sensitivity, 68% specificity, 78% predictive accuracy, 66% positive, and 94% negative predictive values. CONCLUSION: In patients with primary PETs, p21 IHC is superior to conventional criteria in predicting presence or absence of liver metastases.

A Case of Hepatic Malignant Solitary Fibrous Tumor: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

A 73-year-old man with a history of atrial myxoma and basal cell carcinoma presented with unexplained fever. Contrast-enhanced CT abdomen showed a large left hepatic lobe mass with early enhancement and delayed venous washout, concerning for hepatocellular carcinoma. Fine needle aspiration showed numerous spindle cells with malignant nuclear features, suggestive of malignant spindle cell neoplasm. The patient underwent left hepatectomy. The surgical specimen showed a well-circumscribe solid mass (14.6 × 13.0 × 10.0 cm) with necrosis. Histopathological examination revealed a proliferation of spindle tumor cells with characteristic staghorn-shaped blood vessels, frequent mitoses, and necrosis. The tumor cells showed strong and diffuse expression of CD34 and STAT6, confirming the diagnosis of malignant solitary fibrous tumor. Solitary fibrous tumor is a rare fibroblastic tumor characterized by a staghorn vasculature and NAB2-STAT6 gene rearrangement. Solitary fibrous tumor of the liver is a rare occurrence. Although most solitary fibrous tumors behave in a benign fashion, solitary fibrous tumors might act aggressively. This case is unique in that it demonstrates an excellent correlation between radiologic, macroscopic, and microscopic features which can contribute to the improvement of radiologic and pathologic diagnostic accuracy.

Assessing ROSE for adequacy of EBUS-TBNA compared with a direct-to-cell block approach as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) has been used during the endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) procedure as standard practice. Because of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, our institute had had to discontinue ROSE and adopt a direct-to-cell block approach. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether this change has had significant effects on the cytopathology quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1903 EBUS-TBNA cases from 734 patients were collected (1097 cases with ROSE for 452 patients; 806 cases without ROSE but with direct-to-cell block for 282 patients). The clinical and cytology data were analyzed using SAS, version 9.4, software to render calculated standardized residuals and a fitted multivariate generalized linear model. RESULTS: On average, a biopsy from a patient with ROSE was 0.936 (=exp -0.066) times less likely to be reported as satisfactory compared with a biopsy from a patient without ROSE, although the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.785). The inadequacy rate of EBUS-TBNA was 6.4% higher on average for cases with ROSE compared with a direct-to-cell block approach. However, this difference was also not statistically significant. The proportions of biopsies reported as diagnostic for malignancy and other were significantly different between the ROSE and no-ROSE groups with a standardized residual of 1.80 (P = 0.036) and -2.27 (P = 0.012), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Discontinuing ROSE and using a direct-to-cell block approach had no negative effects on cytopathology quality. This practice can be considered acceptable during the COVID-19 pandemic when social distancing and the shortage of staff and supplies have resulted in challenges to delivering quality care to cancer patients whose treatment cannot be postponed.

A Case of Retroperitoneal Synovial Sarcoma in Pregnancy Treated with Antepartum Doxorubicin plus Ifosfamide Chemotherapy.

We report a case of a 25-year-old pregnant woman diagnosed with a large, unresectable retroperitoneal synovial sarcoma. Successful neoadjuvant treatment with doxorubicin plus ifosfamide prepartum and continuing postpartum resulted in significant disease response allowing for later tumor resection. Following the first prepartum chemotherapy cycle, a decreased amniotic fluid index was noted, representing a potential complication of chemotherapy. Induction of labor was performed at 33 weeks gestation with excellent outcome in the newborn. This case highlights the complex medical decision-making process in the setting of cancer diagnosed during pregnancy, balancing oncologic and obstetric concerns, and to our knowledge is only the second reported case of synovial sarcoma treated with neoadjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy in the antepartum period.

ACGME Milestones 2.0: why and what's new for cytopathology?

BACKGROUND: Primary stakeholders in the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Milestones Project are: ACGME, Residency Programs, Residents, Fellowship Programs, Fellows, and Certification Boards. The intent of the Milestones is to describe the educational and professional developmental trajectory of a trainee from the first stages of their postgraduate education through the completion of their clinical training. The Milestones 2.0 project includes changes made based on experience with Milestones 1.0. METHODS: The ACGME solicited volunteers to participate in the development of subspecialty Milestones 2.0. The workgroup was charged with reviewing/making any additions to the four "Harmonized Milestones", developing subspecialty specific milestones for the Patient Care and Medical Knowledge competencies, and creating a supplemental guide. The Milestones were finalized following review of input from an open comment period. RESULTS: The Cytopathology Milestones 2.0 will go into effect July 2021. They include additional subcompetencies in the 4 harmonized competency areas and cytopathology-specific edits to the patient care and medical knowledge subcompetencies. Although the number of subcompetencies has increased from 18 to 21, within each subcompetency, the number of milestone trajectories has decreased. Additionally, within each subcompetency, the wording has been streamlined. A supplemental guide was created and Milestones 1.0 were compared to 2.0; however, curriculum mapping has been left to programs to develop. CONCLUSIONS: The ultimate goal of the Cytopathology Milestones 2.0 is to provide better real-time documentation of the progress of cytopathology fellows. The expected outcome is to produce highly competent cytopathologists, improving the care they provide, regardless of the program at which they trained.

Results of treating primary pulmonary sarcomas and pulmonary carcinosarcomas.

OBJECTIVE: Primary pulmonary sarcomas (PPS) and pulmonary carcinosarcomas (PCS) are rare aggressive lung malignancies. We reviewed our 21-year experience with the surgical and nonsurgical treatment of both tumors, comparing their clinical, histopathologic, and treatment results. METHODS: All patients with PPS or PCS who underwent surgical and nonsurgical treatment between 1998 and 2019 at our cancer center were retrospectively reviewed. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was constructed. RESULTS: In total, 100 patients were analyzed: 45 with PPS and 55 with PCS. Among patients with PPS, 31 of 45 (69%) underwent surgery with 1 (3%) operative mortality. For patients with PCS, 29 of 55 (53%) underwent surgery with no operative mortality. Patients with PPS were younger than PCS (P < .01). Fewer patients were smokers among PPS (58%) versus PCS (93%) (P < .01). For resected PPS, mean tumor size was 8.2 ± 4.1 cm (range 2.2-18.0) compared with 10.1 ± 5.0 cm (range 3.9-17.0) for unresected PPS. Tumor size for resected PCS was 6.2 ± 2.6 cm (range 2.0-10.5) versus 6.8 ± 3.5 cm (range 1.2-13.5) for unresected PCS. Of resected patients, 5 of 31 (16%) with PPS and 9 of 29 (31%) with PCS were node positive. Overall survival estimates were as follows: for PPS, median survival and 5-year overall survival for resected versus unresected cases were 39.6 months/28.7% versus 4.9 months/7.8%. For PCS, survival estimates were 23.6 months/31.0% versus 14.9 months/28.2%, respectively. In multivariable analyses (N = 100), age, smoking history, histology, and surgery were risk factors of survival. CONCLUSIONS: At initial evaluation, PPS and PCS presented with large-sized tumors and usually were not stage I. Surgery had a positive impact on survival among patients with PPS. Whenever feasible, surgical resection, even in locally advanced disease, may yield long-term survival in these aggressive lung tumors, although the level of evidence is low.

Intrapelvic melanocytic schwannoma resection with computer-assisted navigation.

Melanocytic schwannoma is a rare nerve tumor characterized by melanin-producing neoplastic Schwann cells. Wide surgical resection is the management of choice for this tumor; however, anatomical location and proximity to nerve roots can make locating this tumor and the surgical resection challenging. Here we describe the case of 49-year-old male with a melanocytic schwannoma in the presacral area adjacent to the second sacral nerve root that was managed by wide resection aided by computer-assisted navigation due to the difficulty in identifying its location intraoperatively. The utilization of computer-assisted navigation improves accuracy and precision through the creation of a virtual continuous tridimensional map, particularly useful when oftentimes tumor margins may seem equivocal and further resection would compromise the patient's functionality. The value of computer-assisted navigation for soft tissue tumor resections in orthopedic oncology is still in its infancy, though, in certain scenarios it may advance the technique for some soft tissue resections.

Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma: cytologic characterization with histologic, immunohistologic, molecular, and clinical correlation of 8 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF) is an uncommon malignant fibroblastic neoplasm. The diagnosis is typically made on core needle biopsy or resection specimens. Cytomorphologic characterization of SEF has been limited to rare case reports in the literature. The goal of this study was to review a series of cases of SEF and to determine the feasibility of cytologic diagnosis of this rare tumor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight SEF cases from 2009 to 2019 were identified in a retrospective review of 3 participating institutions. Cytomorphologic and corresponding histologic, immunophenotypic, molecular, and clinical data were examined and described. RESULTS: Patients were of median age 41 years old at diagnosis with a median follow-up of 35.5 months. These tumors, with a median greatest dimension of 13.4 cm, were located in the lower extremities, abdomen, retroperitoneum, head, groin, sacrum, and lung. The tumor cells ranged from small round, medium-sized ovoid/short spindle, to epithelioid/plasmacytoid cells. A sclerotic, fibrous to myxoid stroma was seen. Most samples revealed low-grade cytology. Two cases showed tumor necrosis. Only 3 cases with cell block/positive MUC4 immunostain were diagnostic. Corresponding molecular testing for EWSR1 gene rearrangement and/or EWSR1-CREB3L1 fusion were positive in 5 of 8 cases on biopsy or surgical samples. An additional case was positive for FUS-CREB3L2 fusion. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of SEF based solely upon cytologic features remains challenging. Epithelioid or plasmacytoid morphology mimics common malignancies. A supportive clinical history, MUC4 immunohistochemistry, and characteristic molecular result should be used to aid the diagnosis.

Intraosseous lipoma of the clavicle with extraosseous extension.

Intraosseous lipomas are rare primary benign bone tumors which present with highly nonspecific radiographic features that may lead to equivocal diagnoses. Advanced imaging studies such as MRI with and without contrast and, in some selected cases, tissue sample analyses are required in the diagnostic pathway. Here we describe the second case in the literature of an intraosseous lipoma of the clavicle and the first with extraosseous extension. Subsequent to histologic confirmation the lesion was monitored with clinical and radiologic evaluation.

Metastatic vertebral lesion mimicking an atypical hemangioma with negative 18F-FDG positron emission tomography-computed tomography.

Atypical hemangiomas of the spine can mimic metastatic lesions on magnetic resonance imaging, therefore making this distinction is a diagnostic challenge. In most cases, this conundrum can usually be solved with positron emission tomography/computed tomography images, because hemangiomas do not usually present with increased uptake while metastatic lesions do. Here we present a case of a patient with a unique diagnosis, myxoid liposarcoma, in which the vertebral metastatic lesion did not present with increased uptake in positron emission tomography/computed tomography scans. While keeping the imaging particularity of this rare sarcoma in mind, proceeding with a biopsy when the suspicion of metastasis remains high will help elucidate the diagnosis and allow for proper management.

Clinical, pathological, and genomic features of EWSR1-PATZ1 fusion sarcoma.

Molecular diagnostics of sarcoma subtypes commonly involve the identification of characteristic oncogenic fusions. EWSR1-PATZ1 is a rare fusion partnering in sarcoma, with few cases reported in the literature. In the current study, a series of 11 cases of EWSR1-PATZ1 fusion positive malignancies are described. EWSR1-PATZ1-related sarcomas occur across a wide age range and have a strong predilection for chest wall primary site. Secondary driver mutations in cell-cycle genes, and in particular CDKN2A (71%), are common in EWSR1-PATZ1 sarcomas in this series. In a subset of cases, an extended clinical and histopathological review was performed, as was confirmation and characterization of the fusion breakpoint revealing a novel intronic pseudoexon sequence insertion. Unified by a shared gene fusion, EWSR1-PATZ1 sarcomas otherwise appear to exhibit divergent morphology, a polyphenotypic immunoprofile, and variable clinical behavior posing challenges for precise classification.

Synovial sarcoma of bone: Sarcoma typically of soft tissues presenting as a primary bone tumor.

Synovial sarcoma typically presents as periarticular soft tissue mass in adolescent and young adult patients. Very rarely, soft tissue sarcomas may arise primarily within bone posing a significant diagnostic challenge as primary osseous malignancies such as osteosarcoma and metastatic disease are much more common. While tissue sampling with immunohistochemical and genetic testing are required for definitive diagnosis, radiologists and orthopedic oncologists should consider alternate etiologies when typical imaging features of more common bone tumors are not identified. As an example, we present a 33-year-old male referred with a pathologic hip fracture proven to represent primary synovial sarcoma of bone.

Identification of a novel MTAP-RAF1 fusion in a soft tissue sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: RAF family activating fusions have been described as a potentially targetable molecular finding in a subset of soft tissue sarcomas. To further expand upon the landscape of this genetic feature, we describe a novel MTAP-RAF1 activating fusion identified in a S100 positive soft tissue sarcoma. CASE PRESENTATION: A 51 year old man underwent excision of a soft tissue mass in his foot. Pathology revealed a spindle cell neoplasm with S100 positivity, ultimately classified as a soft tissue sarcoma, not otherwise specified. Comprehensive molecular profiling was performed to help establish the diagnosis and revealed a novel MTAP-RAF1 fusion that includes the tyrosine kinase domain of RAF1. CONCLUSIONS: Our report adds to the spectrum of fusion-driven RAF activation observed in soft tissue sarcomas and lends additional evidence that RAF activation plays an important role in some soft tissue sarcomas. Identification of novel fusions involving the MAPK/ERK pathway in sarcomas may provide new avenues for precision medicine strategies involving targeted kinase inhibitors.

Response to Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy in Advanced Classic Kaposi Sarcoma: A Case Report and Immunogenomic Study.

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is an uncommon angioproliferative malignancy that is associated with human herpesvirus 8. Although there has been recent enthusiasm for evaluating immune checkpoint inhibition as a therapeutic option for viral-associated tumors, the clinical utility in this disease is currently unknown. We report a case of advanced classic KS refractory to multiple lines of chemotherapy that experienced a partial response to anti-PD-1 therapy. Comprehensive molecular profiling was performed on a diagnostic tumor biopsy sample. Molecular profiling data from 8 additional male patients with KS were reviewed and compared with those of the index case. The genomic profile of the index case was notable for higher-than-typical somatic mutational burden, including pathogenic mutation in multiple well-described cancer genes, such as TP53, CDKN2A, NOTCH1, and KRAS Our case suggests that further clinical study of checkpoint inhibitor therapy in classic KS is warranted, and provides a hypothesis for future immunogenomic biomarker analysis in this disease.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis of bone in an adult: A case report.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) may clinically manifest in a variety of ways due to its ability to involve nearly every organ system. LCH may present as a single bone lesion, skin rash, or as invasive disseminated disease and occurs typically in the pediatric and adolescent population, affecting both males and females. Independent of its clinical presentation and severity, LCH lesions share the common histology of CD1a+/CD207+ dendritic cells along with an inflammatory infiltrate, and, based upon improved scientific understanding, is now classified as a myeloproliferative neoplasm. We present a case report of an adult diagnosed with LCH of the pelvis.

Myopericytoma/myopericytomatosis of the lower extremity in two young patients: a recently designated rare soft tissue neoplasm.

Myopericytomas are rare, slow-growing benign perivascular tumors most commonly arising within the superficial subcutaneous soft tissues of the lower extremity. They represent one of several related perivascular tumors of myoid lineage with similar morphology and shared immunohistochemical profile including positive staining for smooth muscle actin. Histologically, myopericytoma exhibit concentric, perivascular proliferation of spindled myoid cells with bland elongated nuclei and associated blood vessels. A solitary well-demarcated nodule or mass is typically referred to as myopericytoma, whereas an infiltrative multinodular lesion has more recently been termed myopericytomatosis. At magnetic resonance imaging, tumors are most commonly superficial, may be well-defined (myopericytoma) or ill-defined (myopericytomatosis), and demonstrate highly vascularized, avidly enhancing soft tissue often with areas of internal hemorrhage. We report 2 cases involving the lower extremity (1 myopericytoma and 1 myopericytomatosis) occurring in young patients, focusing on the clinical, histopathologic, and radiologic characteristics of this relatively new distinct entity.