Optical genomic mapping is a helpful tool for detecting CCND1 rearrangements in CD5-negative small B-cell lymphoma: Two cases of leukemic non-nodal mantle cell lymphoma.

Optical genome mapping (OGM) is a new DNA-based technology which provides comprehensive examination of the entire genome. We report two patients who presented with splenomegaly and leukocytosis with lymphocytosis including villous lymphocytes. Neither patient had lymphadenopathy. Bone marrow evaluation showed involvement by small B-cell lymphoma in a sinusoidal and interstitial distribution, and immunophenotypic analysis showed that the neoplastic cells were positive for B-cell markers and cyclin D1 but were negative for SOX11 and CD5. Initially, the clinicopathologic features in both patients were thought to be suspicious for hairy cell leukemia variant or splenic marginal zone lymphoma. However, OGM detected CCND1 rearrangement: t(2;11)/IGK::CCND1 in one case and t(11;14)/IGH::CCND1 in the other case. These cases illustrate the valuable role OGM can play in establishing the diagnosis of MCL. Case 1 also contributes to the paucity of literature on the rare occurrence of IGK::CCND1 in MCL.

Detection of clinically actionable gene fusions by next-generation sequencing-based RNA sequencing of non-small cell lung cancer cytology specimens: A single-center experience with comparison to fluorescence in situ hybridization.

BACKGROUND: Genomic profiling is needed to identify actionable alterations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Panel-based testing such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) is often preferred to interrogate multiple alterations simultaneously. In this study, we evaluate the utility of an RNA-based NGS assay to detect genomic alterations in NSCLC cytology specimens and compare these results to fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) testing. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 264 NSCLC cytology specimens that were concurrently tested for gene fusions by RNA-based NGS and ALK, RET, and/or ROS1 by FISH. RESULTS: Genomic alterations were detected in 29 cases by NGS, including ALK, RET, ROS1, NTRK, NUTM1, and FGFR3 fusions and MET exon 14 skipping alterations. Of the 20 cases with ALK, RET, and ROS1 fusions detected by NGS, 16 (80%) were concordant with the corresponding FISH results. Three cases showed discordance, where EML4::ALK (n = 2) and SLC34A2::ROS1 (n = 1) fusions were not detected by the corresponding FISH assay; one case with EZR::ROS1 was inadequate for FISH. No gene fusions were detected in 181 cases by NGS and 54 cases failed testing. The concordance rates for detecting ALK, RET, and ROS1 fusions using NGS and FISH were 97%, 100%, and 99.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: RNA-based NGS can be used to detect gene fusions in NSCLC cytology cases with high concordance with FISH results. However, RNA-based NGS may have high failure rates and therefore a low threshold for reflexing inadequate cases to an orthogonal testing method is essential for comprehensive genomic profiling.

Cytogenetic Profile in Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance, Smoldering and Symptomatic Multiple Myeloma: A Study of 1087 Patients with Highly Purified Plasma Cells.

The aim of this study was to examine the cytogenetic profiles of plasma cell neoplasms (PCNs) at various disease stages, encompassing 1087 patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM), and refractory/relapsed multiple myeloma (RRMM). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses were conducted on highly purified plasma cell samples, revealing that 96% of patients exhibited at least one cytogenetic abnormality. The genomic complexity escalated from MGUS to SMM and further to NDMM and RRMM, largely driven by 1q gain, del(17p), MYC-rearrangement (MYC-R), del(1p), and tetraploidy. Elevated frequencies of high-risk cytogenetics (59%), 1q gain (44%), and del(17p) (23%), as well as the presence of subclones (48%), were particularly notable in RRMM cases. IGH::CCND1 was observed in 26% of the cases, with no apparent variations across races, ages, or disease groups. Concurrent chromosomal analysis with FISH revealed that the incidence of abnormal karyotypes was strongly correlated with the extent of neoplastic plasma cell infiltration, genomic complexity, and the presence of specific abnormalities like del(17p) and MYC-R. Approximately 98% of the cases with abnormal karyotypes were complex, with most featuring five or more abnormalities. Chromosome 1 structural abnormalities were the most prevalent, found in 65% of cases. The frequent presence of subclones and composite karyotypes underscored the genomic heterogeneity and instability in this cohort.

Optical Genome Mapping Helps to Identify BCR::JAK2 Rearrangement Arising from Cryptic Complex Chromosomal Aberrations: A Case Report and Literature Review.

We report a case of myeloproliferative neoplasm, not otherwise specified (MPN-NOS)-transformed AML with BCR::JAK2 rearrangement. Chromosomal analysis indicated a simple abnormal karyotype 46,XY,t(7;17)(q21;q24),t(9;22)(p24;q11.2). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using a BCR/ABL1/ASS1 probe set suggested a possible BCR rearrangement and a reflex JAK2 breakapart probe indicated JAK2 rearrangement, most likely partnered with BCR. Optical genome mapping (OGM) analysis confirmed BCR::JAK2 derived through an inv(9)(p24p13) after a t(9;22)(p13;q11.2) in this case. Due to the complexity of chromosomal aberrations, disruption and/or rearrangement of other genes such as KIF24::BCR, JAK2::KIF24/UBAP1, and CDK6:SOX9 were also identified by OGM. Although the functionality and clinical importance of these novel rearrangements were unknown, disruption of these genes might be associated with a poorer response to chemotherapy and disease progression. We also reviewed all cases with BCR::JAK2 rearrangement reported in the literature. In conclusion, a suspected t(9;22)/BCR::JAK2 rearrangement warrants further characterization with genomic assays such as OGM, whole chromosome sequencing, and RNA sequencing to explore other gene disruptions and/or rearrangements.

Recurrent Somatic Copy Number Alterations and Their Association with Oncogene Expression Levels in High-Grade Ovarian Serous Carcinoma.

Somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) are frequently observed in high-grade ovarian serous carcinoma (HGOSC). However, their impact on gene expression levels has not been systematically assessed. In this study, we explored the relationship between recurrent SCNA and gene expression using The Cancer Genome Atlas Pan Cancer dataset (OSC, TCGA, PanCancer Atlas) to identify cancer-related genes in HGOSC. We then investigated any association between highly correlated cancer genes and clinicopathological parameters, including age of diagnosis, disease stage, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). A total of 772 genes with recurrent SCNAs were observed. SCNA and mRNA expression levels were highly correlated for 274 genes; 24 genes were classified as a Tier 1 gene in the Cancer Gene Census in the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (CGC-COSMIC). Of these, 11 Tier 1 genes had highly correlated SCNA and mRNA expression levels: TBL1XR1, PIK3CA, UBR5, EIF3E, RAD21, EXT1, RECQL4, KRAS, PRKACA, BRD4, and TPM4. There was no association between gene amplification and disease stage or PFS. EIF3E, RAD21, and EXT1 were more frequently amplified in younger patients, specifically those under the age of 55 years. Patients with tumors carrying PRKACA, BRD4, or TPM4 amplification were associated with a significantly shorter OS. RECQL4 amplification was more frequent in younger patients, and tumors with this amplification were associated with a significantly better OS.

3q26.2/MECOM Rearrangements by Pericentric Inv(3): Diagnostic Challenges and Clinicopathologic Features.

MECOM rearrangement (MECOM-R) resulting from 3q26.2 aberrations is often associated with myeloid neoplasms and inferior prognosis in affected patients. Uncommonly, certain 3q26.2/MECOM-R can be subtle/cryptic and consequently overlooked by karyotyping. We identified 17 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients (male/female: 13/4 with a median age of 67 years, range 42 to 85 years) with a pericentric inv(3) leading to MECOM-R, with breakpoints at 3p23 (n = 11), 3p25 (n = 3), 3p21 (n = 2) and 3p13 (n = 1) on 3p and 3q26.2 on 3q. These pericentric inv(3)s were overlooked by karyotyping initially in 16 of 17 cases and later detected by metaphase FISH analysis. Similar to the patients with classic/paracentric inv(3)(q21q26.2), patients with pericentric inv(3) exhibited frequent cytopenia, morphological dysplasia (especially megakaryocytes), -7/del(7q), frequent NRAS (n = 6), RUNX1 (n = 5) and FLT-3 (n = 4) mutations and dismal outcomes (median overall survival: 14 months). However, patients with pericentric inv(3) more frequently had AML with thrombocytopenia (n = 15, 88%), relative monocytosis in peripheral blood (n = 15, 88%), decreased megakaryocytes (n = 11, 65%), and lower SF3B1 mutation. We conclude that AML with pericentric inv(3) shares some similarities with AML associated with classic/paracentric inv(3)/GATA2::MECOM but also shows certain unique features. Pericentric inv(3)s are often subtle/cryptic by chromosomal analysis. A reflex FISH analysis for MECOM-R is recommended in myeloid neoplasms showing -7/del(7q).

Clinical impact of 5'MYC or 3'MYC gain/loss detected by FISH in patients with aggressive B-cell lymphomas.

FISH analysis using MYC break-apart probes is a widely used technique to assess for MYC rearrangement (MYC-R). Occasionally, FISH results in atypical signal patterns, such as gain or loss of 5'MYC or 3'MYC. The clinical impact and/or relationship of these atypical signal patterns to MYC-R are unknown. In this study, we assessed 35 patients who had aggressive B-cell lymphomas and exhibited atypical FISH signal patterns: 3'MYC deletion (n = 16) or 3'MYC deletion plus 5'MYC amplification (n = 5), 5'MYC gain (n = 10), 5'MYC deletion (n = 3), and 3'MYC gain (n = 1). For comparison, we also included 9 patients who showed an unbalanced MYC-R. Patients with 5'MYC gain showed MYC expression and were often refractory to chemotherapy (n = 7) or had early relapse (n = 2). By contrast, lymphomas with 3'MYC deletion were negative or had low expression of MYC (16 of 18), and patients often responded to chemotherapy (16 of 19). The median event-free survival was 24, 6, and 4 months for patients with 3'MYC deletion, 5'MYC gain and unbalanced MYC-R, respectively (p = 0.0048). We conclude that 5'MYC gain is associated with MYC expression and a poorer prognosis and likely represents an unbalanced MYC-R. By contrast, 3'MYC deletions are not associated with MYC expression or a poorer prognosis and this finding may be unrelated to MYC-R.

Clinical Testing for Mismatch Repair in Neoplasms Using Multiple Laboratory Methods.

Background: A deficiency in DNA mismatch repair function in neoplasms can be assessed by an immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of the deficiency/loss of the mismatch repair proteins (dMMR) or by PCR-based methods to assess high microsatellite instability (MSI-H). In some cases, however, there is a discrepancy between the IHC and MSI analyses. Several studies have addressed the issue of discrepancy between IHC and MSI deficiency assessment, but there are limited studies that also incorporate genetic/epigenetic alterations. Methods: In this single-institution retrospective chart-review study, we reviewed 706 neoplasms assessed between 2015 and 2021. All eligible neoplasms were assessed by IHC testing, MSI analysis by PCR-based assay, and tumor-normal paired next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis. Eighty percent of neoplasms with MLH1 protein loss had a concurrent MLH1 promoter methylation analysis. Mutation data for MMR genes, IHC, MSI analysis, and tumor histology were correlated with each other. Results: Fifty-eight (8.2%) of 706 neoplasms had MSI-H by PCR and/or dMMR by IHC. Of the 706 analyzed neoplasms, 688 neoplasms (98%) had concordant results: MSI-H/dMMR (n = 44), microsatellite-stable (MSS)/proficient MMR (pMMR) (n = 625), and MSI-Low (L)/pMMR (n = 19). Of the remaining 18 neoplasms, 9 had a major discordance: MSS/loss of MSH2 and MSH6 (n = 3), MSS/loss of MSH6 (n = 2), MSS/Loss of MLH1 and PMS2 (n = 1), and MSI-High/pMMR (n = 3). In total, 57% of cases with dMMR and 61% of cases with MSI-H had a null mutation of an MMR gene mutation (or methylation of the MLH1 promoter), whereas this figure was 1% for neoplasms with a normal IHC or MSI pattern (p < 0.001). Among 9 cases with major discordance between MSI and IHC, only 3 cases (33%) had an underlying genetic/epigenetic etiology, whereas 37 (76%) of 49 cases with MSI-H and/or dMMR and without major discordance had an underlying genetic abnormality (p = 0.02). Discussion: For most neoplasms, IHC and PCR-based MSI testing results are concordant. In addition, an underlying genetic abnormality (a null mutation of an MMR gene or MLH1 promoter methylation) was attributable to dMMR and/or MSI-H findings. For neoplasms with major discordance in IHC and MSI testing, the addition and integration of NGS results and MLH1 promoter methylation analyses can be beneficial for resolving borderline cases, thereby facilitating patient management.

A rare case of complex variant translocation of t(9;22;16)(q34;q11.2;q24) in a newly diagnosed patient with chronic myeloid leukemia.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm associated with the dysregulated production of myeloid cells. The Philadelphia chromosome (Ph), t(9;22)(q34;q11), is a hallmark of the disease and found in 90-95% of diagnosed CML patients. The balanced, reciprocal translocation places the genes BCR and ABL1, next to each other, resulting in an increase of kinase activity. Additional cases involve complex variants, including translocation events involving an additional chromosome with the creation of the Ph chromosome. A rare three-way Ph chromosome complex variant, t(9;22;16)(q34;q11.2;q24), was identified in a 40-year-old female who presented with visual changes and leukocytosis. Cytogenetic analysis by G-banding revealed the presence of a three-way translocation involving the long arms of chromosomes 9, 22, and 16. Fluorescence in situ hybridization with a dual-color fusion probe confirmed the presence of the BCR::ABL1 fusion.

PPP1R7 Is a Novel Translocation Partner of CBFB via t(2;16)(q37;q22) in Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

In a subset of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases, the core binding factor beta subunit gene (CBFB) was rearranged via inv(16)(p13.1q22) or t(16;16)(p13.1;q22), in which the smooth muscle myosin heavy chain 11 gene (MYH11) was the partner (CBFB::MYH11). Rare variants of CBFB rearrangement occurring via non-classic chromosomal aberrations have been reported, such as t(1;16), t(2;16), t(3;16), t(5;16), and t(16;19), but the partners of CBFB have not been characterized. We report a case of AML with a complex karyotype, including t(2;16)(q37;q22), in which the protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 7 gene (PPP1R7) at chromosome 2q37 was rearranged with CBFB (CBFB::PPP1R7). This abnormality was inconspicuous by conventional karyotype and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), thus leading to an initial interpretation of inv(16)(p13.1q22); however, metaphase FISH showed that the CBFB rearrangement involved chromosome 2. Using whole genome and Sanger sequencing, the breakpoints were identified as being located in intron 5 of CBFB and intron 7 of PPP1R7. A microhomology of CAG was found in the break and reconnection sites of CBFB and PPP1R7, thus supporting the formation of CBFB::PPP1R7 by microhomology-mediated end joining.

MET Expression Level in Lung Adenocarcinoma Loosely Correlates with MET Copy Number Gain/Amplification and Is a Poor Predictor of Patient Outcome.

MET amplification has been associated with shorter survival in cancer patients, however, the potential correlation of MET overexpression with either MET amplification or patient outcome is controversial. The aim of this study was to address these questions by correlating MET expression level with MET copy number and patient outcome in a cohort of 446 patients who had a lung adenocarcinoma: 88 with MET amplification, 118 with polysomy 7, and 240 with negative results by fluorescence in situ hybridization. MET expression assessed by immunohistochemistry was semi-quantified by expression level: absent (0+), weak (1+), moderate (2+) and strong (3+); or by H-score: 0-99, 100-199, and ≥200. MET expression level or H-score was positively but weakly correlated with MET copy number or MET/CEP7 ratio. Strong expression of MET (3+ or H-score ≥ 200) was associated with a shorter overall survival, but it was not an independent hazard for survival by multivariant analysis. We conclude that MET expression is loosely correlated with MET copy number gain/amplification. Strong expression of MET does not independently predict patient outcome.

Primary mediastinal germ cell tumor and clonally related and unique hematologic neoplasms with i(12p) and TP53 mutation: A report of two cases.

The development of clonally related hematologic neoplasms in the setting of primary mediastinal germ cell tumors (PMGCTs) has been recognized previously and is associated with a dismal prognosis. However, the presentation of hematologic neoplasms as chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) has been rarely reported. Here we report two patients with PMGCTs and hematologic neoplasms. The PMGCT was composed mostly of yolk sac tumor whereas the hematologic neoplasms had morphologic features that resembled CMML and HLH. The hematologic neoplasms from both patients harbored isochromosome 12p [i(12p)] and TP53 mutations, supporting a clonal relationship between these tumors. This association represents a unique clinical syndrome that likely contributes to the poor clinical outcome of these patients.

3'CBFB deletion in CBFB-rearranged acute myeloid leukemia retains morphological features associated with inv(16), but patients have higher risk of relapse and may require stem cell transplant.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis (FISH) using a CBFB breakapart probe is widely used to detect CBFB rearrangement (CBFBr) in cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, detection of 3'CBFB deletion (3'CBFBdel) often poses a challenge for interpretation, and the clinical importance of 3'CBFBdel associated CBFBr remains largely unknown. We identified 16 AML patients with 3'CBFBdel, 11 (69%) of which were confirmed to have CBFB::MYH11 fusion. These 11 patients presented with de novo AML; 10 showed myelomonocytic differentiation, 8 had a prominent eosinophilic component, and 7 showed characteristic eosinophils with basophilic granules. Next generation sequencing showed mutations in 7/8 patients, 5 with KRAS/NRAS, 3 with FLT3-TKD, but none with KIT mutations. Except for one patient who died 5 days after diagnosis of AML, all 10 patients received chemotherapy and achieved remission initially. However, within 3 years, 5 (50%) patients had relapsed, of whom, 1 died and 4 received hematopoietic stem cell transplant. After a median follow-up of 76 months, 3 patients died and 8 were alive in complete remission. Our study shows that detection of 3'CBFBdel is not equivalent to unbalanced CBFB rearrangement, and therefore, an alternative confirmatory test is warranted. AML with 3'CBFBdel/CBFBr often shows similar pathological features to AML with inv(16), but appears to have different mutation profiles and a higher risk of relapse requiring hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

Expression of epigenetic pathway related genes in association with PD-L1, ER/PgR and MLH1 in endometrial carcinoma.

The distribution of Endometrial Cancer (EC)-related deaths is uneven among the morphologic subtypes of EC. Serous Cancer (SC) makes 10% of all EC and accounts for 40% of EC-related deaths. We investigated expression of selected genes involved in epigenetic pathways by immunohistochemistry in a cohort of 106 EC patients and analyzed mRNA-based expression levels for the same set of genes in EC samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. A tissue microarray was constructed using low-grade (n = 30) and high-grade (n = 28) endometrioid, serous (n = 31) and clear cell carcinoma (n = 17) samples. Epigenetic marker levels were associated with PD-L1, ER/PgR, and MLH1 expression. Epigenetic markers were evaluated by H-score and PD-L1 expression was recorded by using Combined Positive Score. Results were correlated with disease stage and survival outcome. BRD4, KAT6a and HDAC9 levels were higher in SC compared to other histologic subtypes (p<0.001-0.038). After adjusting for multiple comparisons, DNMT3b expression was higher in SC compared to endometrioid-type but not between SC and CCC. The expression levels of BRD4 (p = 0.021) and KAT6a (p = 0.0027) were positively associated with PD-L abundance, while PgR (p = 0.029) and PD-L1 expression were negatively associated. In addition, BRD4 expression was low in specimens with loss of MLH1 expression (p = 0.02). More importantly, BRD4 abundance had a negative impact on disease outcome (p = 0.02). Transcriptionally, BRD4, KAT6a and DNMT3b expression levels were higher in SC in TCGA dataset. The median PD-L1 expression was marginally associated with BRD4, a transcriptional activator of CD274/PD-L1 (p = 0.069) and positively with KAT6a (p = 0.0095). In conclusion, the protein expression levels of epigenetic markers involved in cancer pathogenesis are increased by immunohistochemistry in SC. PD-L1 levels are associated with BRD4 and KAT6a in EC samples. A combination therapy with BRD4/PD-L1 or KAT6a/PD-L1 inhibitors might have a potential use in EC, in particular serous-type carcinoma.

Newly designed breakapart FISH probe helps to identify cases with true MECOM rearrangement in myeloid malignancies.

A home-brew, tri-color MECOM breakapart FISH probe with a full MECOM coverage labeled with a separate dye is compared in parallel with a 2-color commercial MECOM breakapart probe in 17 cases of hematologic malignancies. Cases with a typical positive signal pattern (or "balanced" signal pattern) (n = 2) and a negative result (n = 3) using the commercial probe achieved the same results using the new probe (100% concordance), whereas 9 of 12 (75%) remaining cases with an atypical signal pattern (or "unbalanced" signal pattern) using the commercial probe showed a "balanced" signal pattern using the new probe. Three cases with undetermined MECOM rearrangement status by the commercial probe were further clarified with no MECOM rearrangement in 2 cases and presence of a subclone with simultaneous gain and rearrangement of MECOM in 1 case. More importantly, the new probe is capable of determining the presence, location and integrity of MECOM after rearrangement. In conclusion, atypical signal patterns obtained using a commercial FISH probe for MECOM can be solved through re-design and optimization of a new BAP probe, especially in those cases with a true MECOM rearrangement. The potential of the new probe for use in the clinical laboratory will be further investigated. (Word count: 196).

Statins enhance the chemosensitivity of R-CHOP in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

The beneficial effect of statins on the anti-lymphoma activity of the rituximab-based chemotherapy regimen is controversial. Here, we retrospectively reviewed patients with naïve-treated advanced diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) receiving frontline R-CHOP, and for whom data regarding differential statins use was available at the time of initiation of treatment. We observe that patients treated with statins and R-CHOP experienced a significantly higher CR rate as compared to those who received R-CHOP only. We further show that patients receiving medium or high intensity statins and R-CHOP experienced a significantly higher CR as compared to those treated with R-CHOP. Six-year progression free survival was higher for patients who received medium or higher intensity statins as compared to low or no statins. The potential contribution of cholesterol pathway in doxorubicin sensitivity was supported by in vitro/in vivo studies. Our study suggests that targeting cholesterol-using lovastatin could be a therapeutic strategy to enhance responses to R-CHOP in DLBCL patients.