Prognostic value of BCL2 and TP53 genetic alterations for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients treated with R-CHOP

Objective:Limited data about the prognostic significance of BCL2 mutations and BCL2 copy number variations in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)are available.This study aimed to comprehensively describe BCL2 genetic alterations in DLBCL patients,and examine correlation of BCL2,TP53 and other genetic alterations with outcomes in patients treated with R-CHOP.Methods:Probe capture-based high-resolution sequencing was performed on 191 patients diagnosed with de novo DLBCL.MYC,BCL2,and BCL6 protein expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry.Results:The presence of BCL2 alterations significantly correlated with poor progression-free survival(PFS)(5-year PFS:13.7%vs.40.8%;P=0.003)and overall survival(OS)(5-year OS:34.0%vs.70.9%;P=0.036).Importantly,patients who harbored BCL2 gain/amplifications(BCL2GA/AMP)also had a remarkably inferior 5-year PFS(11.1%vs.38.3%;P<0.001)and OS(22.1%vs.69.6%;P=0.009).In contrast,neither BCL2 mutations nor BCL2 translocations were significantly prognostic for survival.Multivariable analyses showed that the presence of BCL2 alterations,especially BCL2GA/AMP,TP53 mutations,and International Prognostic Index(IPI)were significantly associated with inferior PFS and OS.Novel prognostic models for OS were constructed based on 3 risk factors,including BCL2 alterations(Model 1)or BCL2GA/AMP(Model 2),TP53 mutations,and IPI,to stratify patients into 4 risk groups with different survival outcomes.Conclusions:This study showed that DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP,BCL2 alterations,especially BCL2GA/AMP and TP53 mutations were significantly associated with inferior outcomes,which were independent of the IPI.The novel prognostic models we proposed predicted outcomes for DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP,but further validation of the prognostic models is still warranted.

Efficacy Differences of First-line EGFR-TKIs Alone vs in Combination with Chemotherapy in Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients with Sensitive EGFR Mutation and Concomitant Non-EGFR Genetic Alterations

Background and objective:Epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)mutations are often associated with non-EGFR genetic alterations,which maybe a reason for the poor efficacy of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKIs).Here we conducted this study to explore whether EGFR-TKIs combined with chemotherapy would benefit advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients with both sensitive EGFR mutation and concomitant non-EGFR genetic alterations.Materials and methods:Cases of advanced lung adenocarcinoma with EGFR mutation combined with concomitant nonEGFR genetic alterations were retrospectively collected.And the patients were required to receive first-line EGFR-TKIs and chemotherapy combination or EGFR-TKIs monotherapy.Demographic,clinical and pathological data were collected,and the electronic imaging data were retrieved to evaluate the efficacy and time of disease progression.Survival data were obtained through face-to-face or telephone follow-up.The differences between the two groups in objective response rate(ORR),disease control rate(DCR),progression-free survival(PFS)and overall survival(OS)were investigated.Results:107 patients were included,including 63 cases in the combination group and 44 cases in the monotherapy group.The ORR were 78%and 50%(P=0.003),and DCR were 97%and 77%(P=0.002),respectively.At a median follow-up of 13.7 mon,a PFS event occurred in 38.1%and 81.8%of patients in the two groups,with median PFS of18.8 mon and 5.3 mon,respectively(P<0.000,1).Median OS was unreached in the combination group,and 27.8 mon in the monotherapy group(P=0.31).According to the Cox multivariate regression analysis,combination therapy was an independent prognostic factor of PFS.Conclusion:In patients with EGFR-mutant advanced lung adenocarcinoma with concomitant non-EGFR genetic alterations,combination of TKIs and chemotherapy was significantly superior to EGFR-TKIs monotherapy,which should be the preferred treatment option.

Risk stratification for radioactive iodine refractoriness using molecular alterations in distant metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer

Objective: Patients with radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer(RAIR-DTC) are often diagnosed with delay and constrained to limited treatment options. The correlation between RAI refractoriness and the underlying genetic characteristics has not been extensively studied.Methods: Adult patients with distant metastatic DTC were enrolled and assigned to undergo next-generation sequencing of a customized 26-gene panel(Thyro Lead). Patients were classified into RAIR-DTC or non-RAIR groups to determine the differences in clinicopathological and molecular characteristics. Molecular risk stratification(MRS) was constructed based on the association between molecular alterations identified and RAI refractoriness, and the results were classified as high, intermediate or low MRS.Results: A total of 220 patients with distant metastases were included, 63.2% of whom were identified as RAIRDTC. Genetic alterations were identified in 90% of all the patients, with BRAF(59.7% vs. 17.3%), TERT promoter(43.9% vs. 7.4%), and TP53 mutations(11.5% vs. 3.7%) being more prevalent in the RAIR-DTC group than in the non-RAIR group, except for RET fusions(15.8% vs. 39.5%), which had the opposite pattern. BRAF and TERT promoter are independent predictors of RAIR-DTC, accounting for 67.6% of patients with RAIR-DTC. MRS was strongly associated with RAI refractoriness(P<0.001), with an odds ratio(OR) of high to low MRS of 7.52 [95%confidence interval(95% CI), 3.96-14.28;P<0.001] and an OR of intermediate to low MRS of 3.20(95% CI,1.01-10.14;P=0.041).Conclusions: Molecular alterations were associated with RAI refractoriness, with BRAF and TERT promoter mutations being the predominant contributors, followed by TP53 and DICER1 mutations. MRS might serve as a valuable tool for both prognosticating clinical outcomes and directing precision-based therapeutic interventions.

Mediator complex components are frequent targets for genetic alterations in various types of human cancer

The Mediator co-activator complex is a highly conserved,multisubunit protein complex required for gene transcription by RNA polymerase Ⅱ（RNAPⅡ）in all eukaryotes（Allen and Taatjes,2015）.This complex,which consists of at least 30 polypeptides,can be divided into four structurally distinct sub-modules including the head,middle,tail,and cyclin-dependent kinase 8（CDK8）modules （CKM） （Fig. 1A） （Yin and Wang, 2014; Allen and Taatjes, 2015）.

Molecular features of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma: A comparative analysis with lung neuroendocrine carcinoma and digestive adenocarcinomas

Objective: There is an ongoing debate about whether the management of gastroenteropancreatic(GEP)neuroendocrine carcinoma(NEC) should follow the guidelines of small-cell lung cancer(SCLC). We aim to identify the genetic differences of GEPNEC and its counterpart.Methods: We recruited GEPNEC patients as the main cohort, with lung NEC and digestive adenocarcinomas as comparative cohorts. All patients undergone next-generation sequencing(NGS). Different gene alterations were compared and analyzed between GEPNEC and lung NEC(LNEC), GEPNEC and adenocarcinoma to yield the remarkable genes.Results: We recruited 257 patients, including 99 GEPNEC, 57 LNEC, and 101 digestive adenocarcinomas.Among the mutations, KRAS, RB1, TERT, IL7R, and CTNNB1 were found to have different gene alterations between GEPNEC and LNEC samples. Specific genes for each site were revealed: gastric NEC(TERT amplification),colorectal NEC(KRAS mutation), and bile tract NEC(ARID1A mutation). The gene disparities between small-cell NEC(SCNEC) and large-cell NEC(LCNEC) were KEAP1 and CDH1. Digestive adenocarcinoma was also compared with GEPNEC and suggested RB1, APC, and KRAS as significant genes. The TP53/RB1 mutation pattern was associated with first-line effectiveness. Putative targetable genes and biomarkers in GEPNEC were identified in22.2% of the patients, and they had longer progression-free survival(PFS) upon targetable treatment [12.5 months vs. 3.0 months, HR=0.40(0.21-0.75), P=0.006].Conclusions: This work demonstrated striking gene distinctions in GEPNEC compared with LNEC and adenocarcinoma and their clinical utility.

Realizing the potential of exploiting human IPSCs and their derivatives in research of Down syndrome

Down syndrome(DS)is a genetic condition characterized by intellectual disability,delayed brain development,and early onset Alzheimer’s disease.The use of primary neural cells and tissues is important for understanding this disease,but there are ethical and practical issues,including availability from patients and experimental manipulability.Moreover,there are significant genetic and physiological differences between animal models and humans,which limits the translation of the findings in animal studies to humans.Advancements in induced pluripotent stem cells(iPSC)technology have revolutionized DS research by providing a valuable tool for studying the cellular and molecular pathologies associated with DS.Induced pluripotent stem cells derived from cells obtained from DS patients contain the patient’s entire genome including trisomy 21.Trisomic iPSCs as well as their derived cells or organoids can be useful for disease modeling,investigating the molecular mechanisms,and developing potential strategies for treating or alleviating DS.In this review,we focus on the use of iPSCs and their derivatives obtained from DS individuals and healthy humans for DS research.We summarize the findings from the past decade of DS studies using iPSCs and their derivatives.We also discuss studies using iPSC technology to investigate DS-associated genes(e.g.,APP,OLIG1,OLIG2,RUNX1,and DYRK1A)and abnormal phenotypes(e.g.,dysregulated mitochondria and leukemia risk).Lastly,we review the different strategies for mitigating the limitations of iPSCs and their derivatives,for alleviating the phenotypes,and for developing therapies.

Synchronous manifestation of colorectal cancer and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms

High rates of extrapancreatic malignancies,in particular colorectal cancer(CRC),have been detected in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm(IPMN).So far,there is no distinct explanation in the literature for the development of secondary or synchronous malignancies in patients with IPMN.In the past few years,some data related to common genetic alterations in IPMN and other affiliated cancers have been published.This review elucidated the association between IPMN and CRC,shedding light on the most relevant genetic alterations that may explain the possible relationship between these entities.In keeping with our findings,we suggested that once the diagnosis of IPMN is made,special consideration of CRC should be undertaken.Presently,there are no specific guidelines regarding colorectal screening programs for patients with IPMN.We recommend that patients with IPMNs are at high-risk for CRC,and a more rigorous colorectal surveillance program should be implemented.

Asian variant intravascular large B-cell lymphoma with highly suspected central nervous system involvement:A case report

BACKGROUND Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma(IVLBCL)is a rare subtype of extranodal lymphoma.In particular,the Asian variant of IVLBCL is characterized by hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis along with bone marrow involvement.However,central nervous system(CNS)involvement is uncommon in this variant compared to the Western variant.Here,we report a case of typical Asian variant IVLBCL with highly suspected CNS involvement and discuss the nature of the disease and its genetic aberration.CASE SUMMARY A 67-year-old female patient complained of gradually worsening cognitive impairment.While hospitalized,she developed a high fever and showed marked bicytopenia.Intracranial imaging revealed a suspected leptomeningeal disease.Although no malignant cells were found in the cerebrospinal fluid(CSF),the protein and lactate dehydrogenase levels in CSF were increased.Bone marrow examination revealed an increased number of hemophagocytic histiocytes,and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose(FDG)positron emission tomography with computerized tomography scan revealed increased FDG uptake in both adrenal glands,the liver,and the right ethmoid sinus.A tissue biopsy showed atypical large lymphoid cells with prominent nucleoli in the vessels,and the tumor cells were positive for CD20,BCL2,BCL6,and IRF4/MUM1.In addition,targeted sequencing identified MYD88,TET2,and PIM1 mutations.Consequently,we diagnosed the patient with the Asian variant of IVLBCL with highly suspected CNS involvement.CONCLUSION Suspicion of IVLBCL and immediate diagnosis lead to timely treatment.Moreover,careful CNS examination at diagnosis is recommended.

Comprehensive Analysis of the Role of Forkhead Box J3(FOXJ3)in Human Cancers

Forkhead box J3(FOXJ3)is a member of the forkhead box(Fox)family.Recently,increasing evidence has revealed the relationship between Fox family members and cancer.FOXJ3 is involved in various types of cancer,including lung cancer,tongue squamous carcinoma,and prostate cancer;however,a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of FOXJ3 remains lacking.Here,we explored the function of FOXJ3 across cancers using online websites and databases including TIMER2.0,Sanger Box,UALCAN,GEPIA2.0,c Bio Portal,CancerSEA,STRING,Bio GRID and Metascape to analyze the role of FOXJ3 in cancers.Abnormal expression of FOXJ3 was found in various tumors.The genetic alteration percentage in tumors was determined,and elevated FOXJ3 expression was found to be associated with worse overall survival in brain lower grade glioma(LGG),liver hepatocellular carcinoma(LIHC),sarcoma(SARC)and thyroid carcinoma.Elevated FOXJ3 expression was related to worse prognosis with disease-free survival in adrenocortical carcinoma,LGG and LIHC.FOXJ3 expression was related to immune infiltration in several cancers.Enrichment analysis showed that histone modification,the TGF-βsignaling pathway,and chromatin organization were the top three enriched ontology clusters of the top 100 similar genes of FOXJ3.Our pancancer analysis provides comprehensive insights into FOXJ3 from the perspective of bioinformatics in different cancers,where it serves as a potential biomarker for prognosis,especially in LGG and LIHC.FOXJ3 is also correlated with immune infiltrates in certain human tumors.

Risk factors and molecular mechanisms of esophageal cancer: differences between the histologic subtypes

The two major histologic subtypes of esophageal cancer have different risk factors as well as different molecular mechanisms.In this review,the differences in risk factors and genetic/epigenetic alterations between esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)and esophageal adenocarcinoma(EAC)will be discussed.Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption are risk factors for ESCC,while gastroesophageal refl ux,cigarette smoking,and obesity are the main EAC risk factors.Commonly mutated genes of both subtypes are TP53 and PIK3CA.Recent genome-wide analysis revealed that the activation of the RAC1 pathway may contribute to EAC tumorigenesis.Clustered abnormality in copy number was observed in several genes in ESCC,whereas a few genes were specifically altered at high frequency in EAC.Epigenetic changes,such as DNA methylation,histone modifications,and altered expression of microRNAs,have been revealed to influence carcinogenesis and progression of both ESCC and EAC.

Molecular pathogenesis of lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue-from(auto)antigen driven selection to the activation of NF-_(k)B signaling

Lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue(MALT) are typically present at sites such as the stomach, lung or urinary tract, where lymphoid tissues scatter in mucosa lamina propria, intra- or sub-epithelial cells. The infection of certain pathogens, such as Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydophila psittaci, Borrelia burgdorferi, hepatitis C virus, or certain autoantigens cause these sites to generate a germinal center called the "acquired lymphoid tissue". The molecular pathogenesis of MALT lymphoma is a multi-step process. Receptor signaling, such as the contact stimulation of B cell receptors and CD4 positive T cells mediated by CD40/CD40-ligand and T helper cell type 2 cytokines like interleukin-4, contributes to tumor cell proliferation. A number of genetic alterations have been identified in MALT lymphoma, and among them are important translocations, such as t(11;18)(q21;q21), t(1;14)(p22;q32), t(14;18)(q32;q21) and t(3;14)(p13;q32). Fusion proteins generated by these translocations share the same NF-?B signaling pathway, which is activated by the caspase activation and recruitment domain containing molecules of the membrane associated guanylate kinase family, B cell lymphoma-10 and MALT1(CBM) protein complex. They act downstream of cell surface receptors, such as B cell receptors, T cell receptors, B cell activating factors and Toll-like receptors, and participate in the biological process of MALT lymphoma. The discovery of therapeutic drugs that exclusively inhibit the antigen receptor signaling pathway will be beneficial for the treatment of B cell lymphomas in the future.