Molecular Characterization of Juxtaglomerular Cell Tumors: Evidence of Alterations in MAPK-RAS Pathway.

Juxtaglomerular cell tumor (JGCT) is a rare neoplasm, part of the family of mesenchymal tumors of the kidney. Although the pathophysiological and clinical correlates of JGCT are well known, as these tumors are an important cause of early-onset arterial hypertension refractory to medical treatment, their molecular background is unknown, with only few small studies investigating their karyotype. Herein we describe a multi-institutional cohort of JGCTs diagnosed by experienced genitourinary pathologists, evaluating clinical presentation and outcome, morphologic diversity, and, importantly, the molecular features. Ten JGCTs were collected from 9 institutions, studied by immunohistochemistry, and submitted to whole exome sequencing. Our findings highlight the morphologic heterogeneity of JGCT, which can mimic several kidney tumor entities. Three cases showed concerning histologic features, but the patient course was unremarkable, which suggests that morphologic evaluation alone cannot reliably predict the clinical behavior. Gain-of-function variants in RAS GTPases were detected in JGCTs, with no evidence of additional recurrent genomic alterations. In conclusion, we present the largest series of JGCT characterized by whole exome sequencing, highlighting the putative role of the MAPK-RAS pathway.

Nested and Large Nested Subtypes of Urothelial Carcinoma of the Upper Urinary Tract: A Multi-institutional Study.

Nested urothelial carcinoma (NUC) and large nested urothelial carcinoma (LNUC) of the upper urinary tract are exceedingly rare. This has contributed to the paucity of information regarding their clinicopathological and molecular characteristics. To address this knowledge gap, we explored the largest cohort to date of these rare tumors, comprising resection specimens of 10 LNUC and 7 NUC, from 7 participating institutions. Clinicopathological data were retrieved and documented. Whole exome sequencing and RNA sequencing were performed on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencer. The data generated were analyzed using the genome analysis toolkit pipeline. Somatic mutations were annotated using funcotator tool to identify pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants. Tumor mutational burden was calculated using python-based "pyTMB" tool. Microsatellite instability analysis was done using MSIsensor2 and the Idylla platform. Differential expression analysis of genes in LNUC and NUC along with mRNA expression-based molecular subtyping was performed by analyzing expression pattern of markers used in The Cancer Genome Atlas subclassification of bladder carcinoma. Both tumor types were more common in older males, were unifocal, and occurred more commonly mixed with minor components of predominantly conventional urothelial carcinoma. Overlying low-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma was significantly more common in LNUC (P = .034). On follow-up (LNUC: median, 10 months; range, 3-84 months; NUC: median, 9 months; range, 2-48 months), LNUC had better clinical outcomes (P = .031). Pathogenic mutations in FGFR3 and PIK3CA were significantly more common in LNUC (P = .049 and P = .044, respectively), with the latter present exclusively in LNUC. Seventy-five percent of the cases showed tumor mutational burden of <10, and all cases were microsatellite-stable. FGFR3 mutations were also more common in low-stage tumors. This study expands on the clinicopathological spectrum of NUC and LNUC of the upper urinary tract and is the first to comprehensively analyze the molecular profile of these tumors, highlighting pathogenic genetic alterations of potential therapeutic and prognostic value.

PD-L1 (22C3) Expression Correlates with Clinical and Molecular Features of Lung Adenocarcinomas in Cytological Samples.

INTRODUCTION: PD-L1 expression is the most widely used predictive marker for immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. However, the current understanding of the association between PD-L1 expression and treatment response is suboptimal. A significant percentage of patients have only a cytological specimen available for clinical management. Therefore, it is relevant to examine the impact of molecular features on PD-L1 expression in cytological samples and how it might correlate with a therapeutic response. METHODS: We evaluated patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the lung who had both in-house targeted next-generation sequencing analysis and paired PD-L1 (22C3) immunohistochemical staining performed on the same cell blocks. We explored the association between molecular features and PD-L1 expression. In patients who underwent ICIs therapy, we assessed how a specific gene mutation impacted a therapeutic response. RESULTS: 145 patients with lung adenocarcinoma were included in this study. PD-L1-high expression was found to be more common in pleural fluid than in other sample sites. Regional lymph node samples showed a higher proportion of PD-L1-high expression (29%) compared with lung samples (6%). The predictive value of PD-L1 expression was retained in cytological samples. Mutations in KRAS were also associated with a PD-L1-high expression. However, tumors with TP53 or KRAS mutations showed a lower therapy response rate regardless of the PD-L1 expression. CONCLUSION: Cytological samples maintain a predictive value for PD-L1 expression in patients with lung adenocarcinoma as regards the benefit of ICI treatment. Specific molecular alterations additionally impact PD-L1 expression and its predictive value.

Spindle Cell Sarcoma of the Uterus Harboring MEIS1::NCOA1 Fusion Gene and Mimicking Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma.

MEIS1::NCOA1/2 sarcomas are a newly recognized group of exceedingly rare low-grade spindle cell sarcomas that often involve the genitourinary and gynecologic tracts. Due to its deceptively low-grade morphology and the non-specific immunoprofile, these neoplasms may pose a diagnostic challenge by histologically mimicking other entities such as endometrial stromal sarcoma, smooth muscle tumor, or uterine perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa). Histologically, MEIS1::NCOA1/2 sarcomas typically show spindle cell proliferation with hyperchromatic nuclei and a generalized cytologic uniformity, arranged in short fascicles and exhibiting alternating zones of hypo- and hypercellularity. Among the previously reported cases, molecular analysis revealed the MEIS1::NCOA2 fusion as the most commonly detected fusion gene, whereas the MEIS1::NCOA1 fusion gene has been reported in only a single case that involved kidney. Herein we report the first case of uterine sarcoma harboring the MEIS1::NCOA1 fusion gene that was initially misclassified as low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma, demonstrating its clinicopathologic features, and highlighting the essential role of molecular pathology to arrive at the accurate diagnosis that may alter disease classification and inform therapy.

Oral and Inhaled Fosamprenavir Reverses Pepsin-Induced Damage in a Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Mouse Model.

OBJECTIVE: More than 20% of the US population suffers from laryngopharyngeal reflux. Although dietary/lifestyle modifications and alginates provide benefit to some, there is no gold standard medical therapy. Increasing evidence suggests that pepsin is partly, if not wholly, responsible for damage and inflammation caused by laryngopharyngeal reflux. A treatment specifically targeting pepsin would be amenable to local, inhaled delivery, and could prove effective for endoscopic signs and symptoms associated with nonacid reflux. The aim herein was to identify small molecule inhibitors of pepsin and test their efficacy to prevent pepsin-mediated laryngeal damage in vivo. METHODS: Drug and pepsin binding and inhibition were screened by high-throughput assays and crystallography. A mouse model of laryngopharyngeal reflux (mechanical laryngeal injury once weekly for 2 weeks and pH 7 solvent/pepsin instillation 3 days/week for 4 weeks) was provided inhibitor by gavage or aerosol (fosamprenavir or darunavir; 5 days/week for 4 weeks; n = 3). Larynges were collected for histopathologic analysis. RESULTS: HIV protease inhibitors amprenavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, and darunavir bound and inhibited pepsin with IC50 in the low micromolar range. Gavage and aerosol fosamprenavir prevented pepsin-mediated laryngeal damage (i.e., reactive epithelia, increased intraepithelial inflammatory cells, and cell apoptosis). Darunavir gavage elicited mild reactivity and no discernable protection; aerosol protected against apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Fosamprenavir and darunavir, FDA-approved therapies for HIV/AIDS, bind and inhibit pepsin, abrogating pepsin-mediated laryngeal damage in a laryngopharyngeal reflux mouse model. These drugs target a foreign virus, making them ideal to repurpose. Reformulation for local inhaled delivery could further improve outcomes and limit side effects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA. Laryngoscope, 133:S1-S11, 2023.

Epithelioid and Clear Cell Solitary Fibrous Tumors: Clinicopathologic, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Genetic Study of 13 Cases.

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are ubiquitous soft tissue neoplasms known for their protean histology and potentially aggressive behavior. Although most cases are composed of a monotonous proliferation of spindle cells, some tumors show unusual cytologic features. We have studied 13 SFTs that were characterized by a predominant population of round epithelioid cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and clear cell changes. The tumors occurred in 8 women and 5 men, aged 36 to 80 years (mean=63 y), and were located within the orbit (3), lower extremity (3), retroperitoneum (2), abdominal cavity (2), and superficial soft tissues of the neck, pelvis, and pubis (1 each). The tumors measured from 3.5 to 24.5 cm. Using a risk assessment system, 6 cases were stratified as low-risk tumors; 3 of these showed no evidence of recurrence or metastases from 6 to 18 years, and 1 tumor in the orbit recurred and led to the patient's demise. Five cases were of intermediate risk; clinical follow-up showed no evidence of recurrence or metastases from 3 to 4 years in 3 patients, and 1 patient suffered a recurrence 4 years after diagnosis. Two cases were high risk; 1 patient died after 1 year and the second patient experienced local recurrence at 4 years. Immunohistochemical studies showed nuclear positivity for STAT6 in 10 cases. CD34 immunohistochemistry was positive in 11 cases. A NAB2::STAT6 rearrangement was present in all cases. Epithelioid and clear cell SFT should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue neoplasms with epithelioid and clear cell morphology.

Utility of Single-Gene Testing in Cancer Specimens.

Molecular testing is now considered the standard of care to screen for disease, confirm the diagnosis, guide management, and use target therapy. Currently, several testing strategies are being used. One of the most common strategies is single-gene testing, which is often conducted for known mutations, such as BRAF in melanoma and EGFR in lung cancer. Subsequently, next-generation sequencing (NGS), which tests many genes simultaneously, was developed using targeted gene panels, whole-exome, or whole-genome sequencing. Ordering the best diagnostic tool and choosing between single-gene testing and NGS depends on several factors. In this review, we discuss different single-gene testing methodologies and the impact of using them in comparison to NGS/multigene panel.

Desmoplastic Adamantinoma-like Thymic Carcinoma: Clinicopathologic, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Study of 5 Cases.

Five cases of a heretofore unreported rare variant of thymic carcinoma characterized by a striking resemblance to adamantinoma of the mandible are described. The tumors occurred in 4 women and 1 man aged 58 to 76 years (mean: 67.8 y); they arose in the anterior mediastinum and measured from 5.3 to 12.0 cm in greatest diameter (mean: 8.9 cm). Presenting symptoms included chest pain, shortness of breath, and in 2 patients, pleural effusion. One tumor was asymptomatic and discovered incidentally. Histologically, the tumors were extensively desmoplastic, and the cellular proliferation was characterized by multiple islands of squamous epithelium with striking peripheral palisading of nuclei and central areas containing clear cells resembling a stellate reticulum. Areas of preexisting spindle cell thymoma were identified in 2 cases; these areas gradually merged with the higher-grade component of the lesion. Cystic changes were noted in 3 cases. Immunohistochemical studies in 3 cases showed the tumor cells were positive for cytokeratins, p40 and p63, and all showed a high proliferation rate (>50% nuclear positivity) with Ki-67. Next-generation sequencing was performed in 2 cases that showed amplification of the AKT1 gene (copy numbers 6 and 13). Clinical follow-up in 3 patients showed recurrence and metastasis after 1 and 2 years; 1 patient passed away 2 years after diagnosis due to the tumor. Desmoplastic adamantinoma-like thymic carcinoma represents an unusual histologic variant of thymic carcinoma that needs to be distinguished from metastases from similar tumors to the mediastinum.

Immature Chondroid Choristoma: Clinicopathologic, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Study of an Unusual Benign Skin Tumor.

ABSTRACT: An unusual benign skin tumor is reported occurring in a 68-year-old woman with no significant medical history. The lesion presented as a small skin nodule in the neck. Histologic examination showed a well-circumscribed superficial dermal nodule composed of a solid proliferation of large, round cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and small centrally placed nuclei displaying a vaguely chondroid appearance. Immunohistochemical studies showed strong positivity of the tumor cells for S100 protein and vimentin and negative staining for SOX10, melanoma cocktail, HMB45, Melan-A, cytokeratin AE1/AE3, inhibin, desmin, smooth muscle actin, CD68, CD164, and neuron specific enolase. Next-generation sequencing using a panel of 50 actionable genes commonly encountered in human neoplasia did not reveal the presence of any mutations. Owing to the remarkable similarity of the lesion to immature cartilage, we consider this to be a benign tumor, most likely resulting from an embryologic defect. We propose the term immature chondroid choristoma to designate this lesion.

Diagnostic utility of one-stop fusion gene panel to detect TFE3/TFEB gene rearrangement and amplification in renal cell carcinomas.

MiT family translocation renal cell carcinoma (MiT-RCC) harbors translocations involving the TFE3 or TFEB genes. RCC with TFEB amplification is also identified and is associated with a more aggressive clinical course. Accurate diagnosis of MiT-RCC is crucial for patient management. In this study, we evaluated the performance of the Archer FusionPlex assay for detection of MiT-RCC with TFE3 or TFEB translocations and TFEB amplifications. RNA was extracted from 49 RCC FFPE tissue samples with known TFE3/TFEB status (26 TFE3 FISH positive, 12 TFEB FISH positive, 4 TFEB amplified (1 case both split and amplified), and 8 FISH negative) using the Covaris extraction kit. Target enriched cDNA libraries were prepared using the Archer FusionPlex kit and sequenced on the Illumina NextSeq 550. We demonstrate that the age of the specimen, quality of RNA, and sequencing metrics are important for fusion detection. Fusions were identified in 20 of 21 cases less than 2 years old, and TFE3/TFEB rearrangements were detected in all cases with Fusion QC ≥ 100. The assay identified intrachromosomal inversions in two cases (TFE3-RBM10 and NONO-TFE3), usually difficult to identify by FISH assays. TFEB mRNA expression and the TFEB/TFE3 mRNA expression ratio were significantly higher in RCCs with TFEB fusion and TFEB gene amplification compared to tumors without TFEB fusion or amplification. A cutoff TFEB/TFE3 ratio of 0.5 resulted in 97.3% concordance to FISH results with no false negatives. Our study demonstrates that the FusionPlex assay successfully identifies TFE3 and TFEB fusions including intrachromosomal inversions. Age of the specimen and certain sequencing metrics are important for successful fusion detection. Furthermore, mRNA expression levels may be used for predicting cases harboring TFEB amplification, thereby streamlining testing. This assay enables accurate molecular detection of multiple subtypes of MiT-RCCs in a convenient workflow.

TFEB rearranged renal cell carcinoma. A clinicopathologic and molecular study of 13 cases. Tumors harboring MALAT1-TFEB, ACTB-TFEB, and the novel NEAT1-TFEB translocations constantly express PDL1.

Renal cell carcinomas with t(6;11) chromosome translocation has been classically characterized by the rearrangement of the TFEB gene, located on chromosome 6, and MALAT1 gene, located on chromosome 11. Recently, a few other genes have been described as fusion partners in TFEB rearranged renal cell carcinomas. Although most of TFEB rearranged renal cell carcinomas have an indolent behavior, in the rare cases of advanced metastatic disease targeted therapy and predictive markers remain lacking. In the present study, we collected 13 TFEB rearranged renal cell carcinomas, confirmed by FISH, analyzing their morphology and exploring the novel gene partners. Looking for predictive markers, we have also performed PDL1 immunohistochemical analysis by using four different assays (E1L3N, 22C3, SP142, and SP263). MALAT1 gene rearrangement has been found in ten tumors, five cases showing classical biphasic morphology with "rosettes", five cases without "rosettes" mimicking other renal cell carcinomas or epithelioid angiomyolipoma/pure epithelioid PEComa. We identified two different partner genes, ACTB and NEAT1, the latter previously unreported and occurring in a tumor with an unusual solid and cystic appearance. In both cases, the "rosettes" were absent. In one case no gene partner was identified. Overall, in 12 of 13 TFEB-rearranged renal cell carcinomas staining for PDL1 SP263 was observed, whereas the other antibodies were less reliable or more difficult to interpret. In conclusion, we described the third case of ACTB-TFEB rearranged renal cell carcinoma and a novel NEAT1-TFEB rearranged renal cell carcinoma, both without the distinctive biphasic morphology typical of t(6;11) renal cell carcinoma. Finally, PDL1 SP263 was constantly expressed in TFEB rearranged renal cell carcinoma with possible clinical benefit which requires further investigations.

Comparison of Tissue Molecular Biomarker Testing Turnaround Times and Concordance Between Standard of Care and the Biocartis Idylla Platform in Patients With Colorectal Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Management of colorectal cancer warrants mutational analysis of KRAS/NRAS when considering anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapy and BRAF testing for prognostic stratification. In this multicenter study, we compared a fully integrated, cartridge-based system to standard-of-care assays used by participating laboratories. METHODS: Twenty laboratories enrolled 874 colorectal cancer cases between November 2017 and December 2018. Testing was performed on the Idylla automated system (Biocartis) using the KRAS and NRAS-BRAF cartridges (research use only) and results compared with in-house standard-of-care testing methods. RESULTS: There were sufficient data on 780 cases to measure turnaround time compared with standard assays. In-house polymerase chain reaction (PCR) had an average testing turnaround time of 5.6 days, send-out PCR of 22.5 days, in-house Sanger sequencing of 14.7 days, send-out Sanger of 17.8 days, in-house next-generation sequencing (NGS) of 12.5 days, and send-out NGS of 20.0 days. Standard testing had an average turnaround time of 11 days. Idylla average time to results was 4.9 days with a range of 0.4 to 13.5 days. CONCLUSIONS: The described cartridge-based system offers rapid and reliable testing of clinically actionable mutation in colorectal cancer specimens directly from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections. Its simplicity and ease of use compared with other molecular techniques make it suitable for routine clinical laboratory testing.

Evaluation, Validation, and Implementation of the Idylla System as Rapid Molecular Testing for Precision Medicine.

The Idylla Mutation Test System is an automated, PCR-based mutation testing system. The advantages of this system can greatly impact the delivery of precision medicine. We describe our evaluation, validation, and implementation of this system for routine testing of BRAF, EGFR, KRAS, and NRAS using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded cancer samples. All four Idylla test systems showed excellent concordance with reference methods. The analytical sensitivity ranged from 94.66% to 100%, depending on the cartridge, and specificity was 100%. A few discordant results were noted and further investigated: KRAS Q61L was misclassified as Q61H; KRAS Q61R was not identified; there was a false-negative EGFR double mutation (L861Q and G719A); and there was a false-negative EGFR double mutation (T790M and exon 19 deletion). The limit of detection was determined to be 1% or 5% for the variants with available reference material. The turnaround time was shortened by 7 days on average. Idylla testing of a cohort of 25 non-small-cell lung cancer samples with insufficient material for next-generation sequencing testing delivered results for all cases and identified actionable results for eight cases. In addition, patient care would have been changed in four of these cases: targeted therapies were identified in two cases, and repeated biopsies would have been avoided in two cases. The Idylla molecular testing system is an accessible, rapid, robust, and reliable testing option for both routine and challenging formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens.

Antibiotic modulation of mucins in otitis media; should this change our approach to watchful waiting?

BACKGROUND: Gel-forming mucins (GFMs) play important roles in otitis media (OM) pathogenesis. Increased mucin expression is activated by pathogens and proinflammatory cytokines. Bacterial biofilms influence inflammation and resolution of OM and may contribute to prolonged mucin production. The influence of specific pathogens on mucin expression and development of chronic OM with effusion (OME) remains an area of significant knowledge deficit. OBJECTIVES: To assess the relationship between GFM expression, specific pathogens, middle ear mucosal (MEM) changes, biofilm formation, and antibiotic utilization. METHODS: Mixed gender chinchillas were inoculated with nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) strain 86028NP or Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) strain TIGR4 via transbulla injection. Antibiotic was administered on day 3-5 post inoculation. GFM expression was measured by quantitative PCR. Biofilm formation was identified and middle ear histologic changes were measured. RESULTS: SP infection resulted in higher incidence of biofilm and ME effusion compared with NTHi infection. However, NTHi persisted in the ME longer than SP with no substantive bacterial clearance detected on day 10 compared with complete bacterial clearance on day 10 for 50-60% of the SP-infected chinchillas. Both infections increased MEM inflammatory cell infiltration and thickening. NTHi upregulated the Muc5AC, Muc5B and Muc19 expression on day 10 (p = 0.0004, 0.003, and 0.002 respectively). SP-induced GFM upregulations were trended toward significant. In both NTHi and SP infections, the degree of GFM upregulation had a direct relationship to increased MEM hypertrophy, inflammatory cell infiltration and biofilm formation. Antibiotic treatment reduced the incidence of ME effusion and biofilm, limited the MEM changes and reversed the GFM upregulation. In NTHi infection, the rate of returning to baseline level of GFMs in treated chinchillas was quicker than those without treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In an animal model of OM, GFM genes are upregulated in conjunction with MEM hypertrophy and biofilm formation. This upregulation is less robust and more quickly ameliorated to a significant degree in the NTHi infection with appropriate antibiotic therapy. These findings contribute to the understanding of pathogen specific influences on mucin expression during OM pathogenesis and provide new data which may have implications in clinical approach for OM treatment.

MDM2 amplification and immunohistochemical expression in sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma.

The sarcomatoid variant of renal cell carcinoma is a highly aggressive tumor with propensity for metastasis and limited therapeutic options. Metastases of sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma can sometimes be mistaken for a variety of spindle cell sarcomas, particularly at soft tissue sites in the absence of a history of a kidney tumor. Immunoreactivity for markers associated with certain types of soft tissue sarcomas can, therefore, pose a pitfall for diagnosis under such circumstances. We evaluated the immunohistochemical and molecular features of 49 cases of sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma with special emphasis on the expression of MDM2 by immunohistochemistry and MDM2 amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Of the 49 sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma cases evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization, 5 (10%) were positive for MDM2 gene amplification and 5 (10%) contained polysomy 12. Immunohistochemical nuclear expression for MDM2 was also observed in 30/49 (61%) cases; of these, 15/19 (78%) were metastatic and 15/30 (50%) were primary. MDM2 expression by immunohistochemistry has been previously reported in conventional clear cell renal cell carcinoma; however, occurrence of this phenomenon has not yet been properly assessed in the sarcomatoid variant of renal cell carcinoma. Our study demonstrates that alterations of the MDM2 pathway are relatively frequent in sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma, and nuclear positivity for MDM2 by immunohistochemistry, as well as MDM2 amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization may pose a potential pitfall for diagnosis with dedifferentiated liposarcoma at metastatic sites. A panel approach to immunohistochemical testing is recommended for the diagnosis of these lesions. Also, identification of cases of sarcomatoid renal cell carcinomas harboring MDM2 copy number gain or gene amplification may also have potential therapeutic implications.

Next generation sequencing of PD-L1 for predicting response to immune checkpoint inhibitors.

BACKGROUND: PD-L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) has been traditionally used for predicting clinical responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, there are at least 4 different assays and antibodies used for PD-L1 IHC, each developed with a different ICI. We set to test if next generation RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is a robust method to determine PD-L1 mRNA expression levels and furthermore, efficacy of predicting response to ICIs as compared to routinely used, standardized IHC procedures. METHODS: A total of 209 cancer patients treated on-label by FDA-approved ICIs, with evaluable responses were assessed for PD-L1 expression by RNA-seq and IHC, based on tumor proportion score (TPS) and immune cell staining (ICS). A subset of serially diluted cases was evaluated for RNA-seq assay performance across a broad range of PD-L1 expression levels. RESULTS: Assessment of PD-L1 mRNA levels by RNA-seq demonstrated robust linearity across high and low expression ranges. PD-L1 mRNA levels assessed by RNA-seq and IHC (TPS and ICS) were highly correlated (p < 2e-16). Sub-analyses showed sustained correlation when IHC results were classified as high or low by clinically accepted cut-offs (p < 0.01), and results did not differ by tumor type or anti-PD-L1 antibody used. Overall, a combined positive PD-L1 result (≥1% IHC TPS and high PD-L1 expression by RNA-Seq) was associated with a 2-to-5-fold higher overall response rate (ORR) compared to a double negative result. Standard assessments of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) showed that a PD-L1 positive assessment for melanoma samples by RNA-seq had the lowest sensitivity (25%) but the highest PPV (72.7%). Among the three tumor types analyzed in this study, the only non-overlapping confidence interval for predicting response was for "RNA-seq low vs high" in melanoma. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of PD-L1 mRNA expression by RNA-seq is comparable to PD-L1 expression by IHC both analytically and clinically in predicting ICI response. RNA-seq has the added advantages of being amenable to standardization and avoidance of interpretation bias. PD-L1 by RNA-seq needs to be validated in future prospective ICI clinical studies across multiple histologies.

Immunogenomic Landscape Contributes to Hyperprogressive Disease after Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy for Cancer.

Although PD-1-blocking immunotherapies demonstrate significant therapeutic promise, a subset of the patients could develop hyperprogressive disease (HPD) with accelerated tumor growth after anti-PD1 immunotherapy. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we compared the mutational and transcriptional landscapes between the pre- and post-therapy tumors of two patients developing HPD after anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. In post-therapy HPD tumors, somatic mutations were found in known cancer genes, including tumor suppressor genes such as TSC2 and VHL, along with transcriptional upregulation of oncogenic pathways, including IGF-1, ERK/MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and TGF-ß. We found that post-therapy HPD tumors were less immunogenic than pre-therapy tumors, concurrent with an increased presence of ILC3 cells, a subset of innate lymphoid cells. We also developed a gene expression signature predictive of HPD. In summary, we identified the genomics and immune features associated with HPD, which may help identify patients at risk of adverse clinical outcome after anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.

Expression of PD-L1/PD-1 in lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the thymus.

Poorly differentiated non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma of the thymus, also known as lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma, is a rare primary malignant neoplasm of thymic origin. The mainstay of treatment for these tumors is surgical and they tend to respond poorly to chemotherapy. The checkpoint programmed cell death ligand-1 protein (PD-L1) bound to its receptor (PD-1) has been demonstrated to be an important therapeutic target for many different tumors. Expression of PD-L1/PD-1 in lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the thymus may indicate that these tumors are potential targets for inhibitor therapy. Twenty-one cases of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the thymus were collected and reviewed. Tissue microarrays were created using triplicate 2 mm cores for each case. PD-L1/PD-1 staining pattern (neoplastic cells versus tumor infiltrating lymphocytes) was documented for each case. Out of 21 cases, 15 (71.4%) showed various degrees of membranous PD-L1 staining. Of the positive cases, 48% showed high expression of PD-L1 (>50% of tumor cells) and 24% showed low expression (<50%). PD-1 staining showed focal positivity in 12/20 (60%) cases among tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. PD-L1/PD-1 inhibitor therapy has been applied successfully in other solid malignant tumors with high expression of PD-L1/PD-1. The high level of PD-L1 expression in our cases indicates that PD-L1 may play a role in the pathogenesis of these tumors and that PD-L1/PD-1 blockade may be a viable therapeutic option for patients with lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the thymus who have failed other first-line therapies.