Squamous Cell Differentiation Research Articles

Role of the epithelium in human papillomavirus and human immunodeficiency virus infections in the female genital tract.

Two-thirds of people living with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection reside in Sub-Saharan Africa, where there are the highest prevalence and incidence rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Both infections are sexually transmitted and enter the body via the epithelium. This review describes the extent of involvement of the epithelium in each infection in the female genital tract. A narrative review was conducted on the role of the epithelium in HPV and HIV-1 infections. An intact epithelial barrier is the predominant form of protection against viral entry and infection, including from HIV-1 and HPV. HPV is an intraepithelial pathogen, and thus, its growth and amplification, which are dependent on squamous cell differentiation, occur in the epithelium. It gains entry to the basal cells of the stratified squamous epithelium via micro-abrasions or other epithelial injuries that expose the basement membrane. HIV-1, conversely, passes through the epithelium to infect subepithelial tissues. Following deposition of the HIV-1-containing inoculum into the lumen, the virus enters the mucosa through breaks in the epithelial barrier within hours of infection. Further, HIV-1 penetrates the epithelium via various mechanisms, including paracellular passage or across epithelial cells through transcytosis. The capture of the virus from the mucosal surface by intraepithelial and/or subepithelial target cells has also been documented. Epithelial disruption is the major pathogenetic pathway in HIV-1 and HPV infections. Therefore, biochemical compounds that strengthen the epithelial barrier must be prioritized to prevent these infections.

Abstract PO3-03-04: Metaplastic breast cancer: a single center retrospective study

Abstract Background: Metaplastic breast cancer (MBC) is a rare malignancy that accounts for up to 1% of all primary invasive breast carcinomas (BC). It is histologically heterogeneous, usually presents with a triple-negative phenotype and comprises low-grade and high-grade (HG) variants. HG variants have a higher risk of recurrence and a shorter disease-free and overall survival compared to other BC subtypes. Our research aimed to estimate the prevalence of HG-MBC among the Slovenian population and determine the characteristics of patients (pts) and tumours and the disease outcome. Patients and methods: Our retrospective study included pts diagnosed with HG-MBC at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana from January 1983 until January 2021. Clinicopathologic characteristics such as tumour subtype, size and grade, nodal status, hormonal receptors (HR) and HER-2 status, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and presence of germline BRCA mutation status were determined. The survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. The Cox proportional hazard model examined the association between risk factors and survival outcomes. Results: We evaluated 113 HG-MBC pts among a total of 27700 pts diagnosed with BC over 38 years (0.41%). The median age was 61.6 years (range 29.7 -93.9), majority of pts were postmenopausal (78.69%). The median follow-up was 15.5 years. The most common tumour subtype in our cohort was mixed MBC (53 cases, 46.9%), followed by MBC with mesenchymal differentiation (24 cases, 21.2%), squamous cell carcinoma (20 cases, 17.7%) and spindle cell carcinoma (16 cases, 14.2%). From the 113 evaluated pts, we obtained data about the stage in 105 pts, pathological tumour size in 100 pts, number of positive lymph nodes in 99 pts, HR status in 95 pts, HER2 status in 76 pts, grade in 97 pts, LVI in 85 pts, MIB-1 in 41 pts and TIL in 77 pts. At diagnosis, 17/105 pts (16.2%) had stage I disease, 59/105 pts (56.2%) stage II, 25/105 pts (23.8%) stage III and 4/105 pts (3,8%) stage IV. Most tumours were poorly differentiated (90/97, 92.2%) without LVI (60/85, 70.6%). Only 6/95 (6,3%) pts had positive HR, 7/76 (9.2%) pts had positive HER-2 status and 8/77(10.4%) pts intensive TIL. Overall, 13 pts were tested for BRCA germline mutation, among which only 1 (7,7%) had BRCA1 mutation. Modified radical mastectomy was the most frequent type of surgery (63.5%); 49.5% of the patients received radiotherapy. In total, 66/113 pts received CT: from 1983 to 2000, 16/36 (44.4%), and after 2000 50/77 (74.9%). In the first period, most pts received CMF (14/16; 87.5%) and anthracyclines and taxanes (27/50; 54%) in the second period. The disease progressed at 37 pts. At 19 pts, new malignancies were found. 55 pts died, 37 of them because of BC. Five- and 10-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 61.7% and 54.1%, while 5-and 10-year overall survival (OS) was 67.1 % and 56.7%, respectively. However, DFS and OS did not differ between the pre-2000 and post-2000 periods. The best outcome was found in pts with squamous cell carcinoma (5- and 10-year DFS 83.5% and 77.0% and 5-and 10- year OS 89.4 % and 83.0%). A subtype of MBC (squamous cell vs other) was the only predictive factor in multivariate analysis for both DFS (HR 0.21; 95% CI 0.05-0.92; p = 0.038 and OS (HR 0.27; 95%CI 0.09-0.78; p = 0.016), no association was seen between survival and tumour size, nodal status, stage, HR and HER2 status, grade, LVI and TILs. Visceral organs were the most common localization of distant metastases (21/37, 56.8%). Metastases in CNS occurred in 9/37 (24.3%) pts. Median OS after the first progression was only 0.9 years. Conclusions: The proportion of HG-MBC in our cohort of pts is 0.41%. Disease outcomes are poor; the 10-year OS of pts with early HG-MBC is only 56.6% and has not improved during the last decades. Squamous cell differentiation predicts a better outcome and is the only independent predictive factor of DFS and OS among HG-MBC pts. Citation Format: Maša Auprih, Gorana Gasljevic, Eva Setina, Anja Zizek, Simona Borstnar. Metaplastic breast cancer: a single center retrospective study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-03-04.

Modeling Radiation-Induced Epithelial Cell Injury in Murine Three-Dimensional Esophageal Organoids.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a deadly consequence of radiation exposure to the esophagus. ESCC arises from esophageal epithelial cells that undergo malignant transformation and features a perturbed squamous cell differentiation program. Understanding the dose- and radiation quality-dependence of the esophageal epithelium response to radiation may provide insights into the ability of radiation to promote ESCC. We have explored factors that may play a role in esophageal epithelial radiosensitivity and their potential relationship to ESCC risk. We have utilized a murine three-dimensional (3D) organoid model that recapitulates the morphology and functions of the stratified squamous epithelium of the esophagus to study persistent dose- and radiation quality-dependent changes. Interestingly, although high-linear energy transfer (LET) Fe ion exposure induced a more intense and persistent alteration of squamous differentiation and 53BP1 DNA damage foci levels as compared to Cs, the MAPK/SAPK stress pathway signaling showed similar altered levels for most phospho-proteins with both radiation qualities. In addition, the lower dose of high-LET exposure also revealed nearly the same degree of morphological changes, even though only ~36% of the cells were predicted to be hit at the lower 0.1 Gy dose, suggesting that a bystander effect may be induced. Although p38 and ERK/MAPK revealed the highest levels following high-LET exposure, the findings reveal that even a low dose (0.1 Gy) of both radiation qualities can elicit a persistent stress signaling response that may critically impact the differentiation gradient of the esophageal epithelium, providing novel insights into the pathogenesis of radiation-induced esophageal injury and early stage esophageal carcinogenesis.

Abstract P50: PAX9 Activates Cell Death via Autophagic Degradation of EGFR in Oral squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract PAired boX 9 (PAX9) gene belongs to the PAX family and is critically essential for physiology and development. It has a significant role in maintaining squamous cell differentiation, and its downregulation is associated with tumor initiation and malignant transformation. In this study, we have analyzed the tumor suppressive potential of PAX9 by activating autophagy-dependent apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). PAX9 overexpression inhibited cell growth and triggered apoptosis in OSCC. Moreover, PAX9 restricted orosphere formation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in OSCC. Similarly, overexpression of PAX9 in OSCC induced autophagy activation and displayed enhanced lysosomal function in the transcriptional-dependent mechanism. Interestingly, PAX9-activated autophagy caused EGFR degradation leading to OSCC inhibition, thus establishing that PAX9 could induce lethal autophagy. In addition, PAX9 involves chemosensitizing OSCC to anticancer drugs, which exhibited profound growth inhibitory potential in OSCC. To check the status of PAX9 expression in OSCC in patient tissue, we performed IHC, and surprisingly, the expression of PAX9 was found to decreased in a higher grade of cancer tissues compared to the normal tissues. Further, we established a DMBA-induced oral carcinoma in hamster model, and it was observed that the expression of PAX9 was decreased in the 12th and 16th weeks of DMBA-exposed tissue compared to the normal tissue. On a mechanistic view, PAX9 expression was reduced with enhanced expression of DNMT1 in exposure to carcinogen in OSCC in vitro, indicating a potential association of methylation in controlling the expression of PAX9 during carcinogenesis. Citation Format: Chandra Sekhar Bhol, Gautam Sethi, Sujit Kumar Bhutia. PAX9 Activates Cell Death via Autophagic Degradation of EGFR in Oral squamous Cell Carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of Frontiers in Cancer Science; 2023 Nov 6-8; Singapore. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(8_Suppl):Abstract nr P50.

Evaluation of histological variants of upper tract urothelial carcinoma as prognostic factor after radical nephroureterectomy

PurposeTo evaluate the impact of variant histology on patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) survival outcomes.Materials and methodsA total of 519 patients underwent radical nephroureterectomy without neoadjuvant therapy for UTUC at a single institution between May 2003 and December 2019. Multivariate Cox regression analysis evaluated the impact of variant histology on progression-free survival (PFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS).ResultsAmong 84 patients (16.2%) with variant histology, the most frequent variant type was squamous cell differentiation (64.3%), followed by glandular differentiation (25.0%) and sarcomatoid variant (2.4%). They showed pathologically advanced T stage (for ≥ T3, 59.5% vs 33.3%, p < 0.001), higher tumor grade (96.4% vs 85.7%, p = 0.025), and higher rates of lymph node metastasis (17.9% vs 7.8%, p = 0.015), angiolymphatic invasion (41.7% vs 25.7%, p = 0.003), tumor necrosis (57.1% vs 29.0%, p < 0.001) and positive surgical margin (13.1% vs 5.7%, p = 0.015). On multivariate Cox regression analyses, variant histology was significantly associated with worse PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55–3.21; p < 0.001), CSS (HR 2.67; 95% CI 1.35–5.30; p = 0.005) and OS (HR 2.22; 95% CI 1.27–3.88; p = 0.005). In subgroup analysis, no significant survival gains of adjuvant chemotherapy occurred in patients with variant histology.ConclusionsVariant histology was associated with adverse pathologic features and poor survival outcomes. Our results suggest that patients with variant histology may require a close follow-up schedule and novel adjuvant therapy other than chemotherapy postoperatively.

MicroRNAs: A novel signature in the metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a malignant epithelial tumor, characterized by squamous cell differentiation, it is the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. The increased mortality rate of ESCC patients is predominantly due to the advanced stage of the disease when discovered, coupled with higher risk of metastasis, which is an exceedingly malignant characteristic of cancer, frequently leading to a high mortality rate. Unfortunately, there is currently no specific and effective marker to predict and treat metastasis in ESCC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNA molecules, approximately 22 nucleotides in length. miRNAs are vital in modulating gene expression and serve pivotal regulatory roles in the occurrence, progression, and prognosis of cancer. Here, we have examined the literature to highlight the intimate correlations between miRNAs and ESCC metastasis, and show that ESCC metastasis is predominantly regulated or regulated by genetic and epigenetic factors. This review proposes a potential role for miRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for metastasis in ESCC metastasis, with the ultimate aim of reducing the mortality rate among patients with ESCC.

Survival impact of variant histology in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma after radical nephroureterectomy

ObjectiveTo investigate the prognostic impact of variant histology (VH) on survival outcomes in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) patients after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). Materials and methodsData from 635 UTUC patients who underwent RNU at our institution from May 2003 to June 2019 were retrospectively acquired and analyzed. After propensity score matching (PSM), we investigated the impact of VH on overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) by using cumulative incidence plots with the log-rank test, Cox regression models, and competing risk regression models. ResultsOverall, 121 (19.1%) patients were diagnosed with VH, including 68 (10.7%) with squamous cell differentiation (SCD) and 28 (4.4%) with adenocarcinoma differentiation (AD). After PSM, the presence of VH was significantly associated with worse OS (HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.25–2.32) and CSS (HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.17–2.31) only in locally advanced UTUC patients (pT>2). In the subgroup analysis, SCD revealed inferior outcomes (OS: HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.28–2.57; CSS: HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.18–2.54) compared with pure urothelial carcinoma (pUC), whereas AD conferred comparable outcomes. In addition, compared with pUC patients, SCD patients with extensive squamous components had significantly decreased OS (HR 4.17, 95% CI 1.84–9.44) and CSS (HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.61–1.99), whereas those with regional squamous components had similar survival outcomes. ConclusionFor UTUC patients after RNU, the presence of VH is associated with aggressive clinicopathological features and inferior survival outcomes. However, the survival outcomes of localized UTUC patients (pT≤2) with VH, and patients with the AD or regional SCD subtype are comparable to those of patients with pUC.

Consideration of the process of lymph node metastasis in invasive breast cancer with squamous cell differentiation

Abstract Background Breast cancer with squamous differentiation is a relatively rare condition. Clinically, lymph node metastasis is uncommon in metaplastic carcinoma We treated a patient with lymph node metastasis of the ductal carcinoma component of invasive ductal carcinoma with squamous cell differentiation. Case Report An 84-year-old postmenopausal Japanese woman had a left-breast mass with an enlarged lymph node in the left axilla. A biopsy revealed an invasive ductal carcinoma with squamous cell differentiation. A left mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection was performed. The Histological evaluation revealed invasive ductal carcinoma with squamous cell differentiation. One lymph node was positive for metastasis consisting of ductal carcinoma without squamous cell differentiation. Conclusion This case suggests that lymph node metastasis in ductal carcinoma with squamous differentiation may first involve the ductal carcinoma component and then differentiation may occur in the in volved lymph nodes. This is an interesting case highlighting the process of the progression of lymph node metastasis in cases with breast cancer with squamous cell differentiation.

Case Report: A complete pathologic response in pancreatic cancer with squamous cell differentiation

Primary pancreatic malignancies are mostly composed of the adenocarcinoma histological subtype. However, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounts for approximately 0.5%–1% of all malignant pancreatic cancers. Because of the rarity of SCC of the pancreas, guideline-directed treatment is lacking, treatment response is difficult to access, and treatment options are poorly defined. Here, we report a case of a 65-year-old man diagnosed with pancreatic carcinoma with dominant squamous cell differentiation, who achieved complete pathologic response (CPR) after treatment with gemcitabine, cisplatin, and nab-paclitaxel every 14 days for six cycles and who continues to lead a high quality of life 7 months later. To our knowledge, this is the first case of CPR in a case of SCC of the pancreas. To highlight the ambiguity and the need for further studies, we also performed a narrative review analyzing recent cases and compared them to our case.

Case report: Squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate-a clinicopathological and genomic sequencing-based investigation

Squamous differentiation of prostate cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of all cases, is typically associated with androgen deprivation treatment (ADT) or radiotherapy. This entity is aggressive and exhibits poor prognosis due to limited response to traditional treatment. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms and etiology are not fully understood. Previous findings suggest that squamous cell differentiation may potentially arise from prostate adenocarcinoma (AC), but further validation is required to confirm this hypothesis. This paper presents a case of advanced prostate cancer with a combined histologic pattern, including keratinizing SCC and AC. The study utilized whole-exome sequencing (WES) data to analyze both subtypes and identified a significant overlap in driver gene mutations between them. This suggests that the two components shared a common origin of clones. These findings emphasize the importance of personalized clinical management for prostate SCC, and specific molecular findings can help optimize treatment strategies.

Malignancy-related Hypercalcemia Caused by Metameric Cutaneous Metastasis of Parathyroid Hormone-related Protein-producing Bladder Carcinoma with Squamous Cell Differentiation: An Autopsy Case of Cobb Syndrome.

A 74-year-old woman was admitted with hypercalcemia and prolonged disturbance of consciousness. The left buttock to the anterior aspect of the left thigh was swollen and erythematous, with a collection of 1.0-cm large, firm, elastic nodules distributed in a zosteriform pattern in the L1-L4 region. Based on autopsy findings, a very rare case of Cobb syndrome was diagnosed due to a spinal vascular malformation at the Th12-L4 level and L5 vertebral hemangioma. Cobb syndrome-associated cutaneous metastasis extending along the same metamere was complicated by immunohistochemically proven parathyroid hormone-related protein-producing advanced bladder carcinoma in this case.

Laporan Kasus Karsinoma Sel Skuamosa Nasofaring

Nasopharyngeal cancer is a cancer that occurs in the nasopharyngeal mucosa which shows squamous cell differentiation. The nasopharynx is a musculoskeletal and cuboid-shaped tube structure behind the nasal cavity. The cause of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and / or Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), with risk factors for smoking, consuming alcohol, genetics, exposure to radiation rays, and decreased body resistance Early detection in KNF cases, with physical examination and support, is expected to provide fast, appropriate and effective treatment as soon as possible, so as to improve cancer survival. A patient Mr.M, a 23-year-old male ca The lump is accompanied by pain and the color of the lump is not reddish. Complaints of swallowing pain and difficulty breathing are denied. Diagnosis of KNF is carried out by anamnesis of clinical symptoms and signs, physical examination, and supporting examinations. Endoscopy can assess abnormalities of the nasopharyngeal mucosa and support biopsy. A biopsy is the definitive way to establish the diagnosis of KNF. Imaging modalities, such as MRI and CT scans, look for tumors that are not visible to the endoscopy and assess tumor extension.

Analisis Multi Slice Computed Tomography (MSCT) Nasofaring Dengan Klinis Karsinoma Nasofaring Di Instalasi Radiodiagnostik RSUP Dr. Hasan Sadikin Bandung

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is cancer that occurs in the nasopharyngeal mucosa which shows squamous cell differentiation. MSCT has become a reliable imaging technique for assessing the extent of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Nasopharyngeal MSCT examination procedure with clinical nasopharyngeal carcinoma at the Radiodiagnostic Installation of Dr. RSUP. Hasan Sadikin Bandung uses a head protocol and slice thickness of 3-5 mm. This study aims to determine the Nasopharyngeal MSCT examination procedure for clinical nasopharyngeal carcinoma using a head protocol with manual intravenous contrast injection.&#x0D; Method: The type of research used is descriptive qualitative research with a case study approach. This research was conducted at the Radiodiagnostic Installation of RSUP Dr. Hasan Sadikin Bandung The subjects in this study consisted of three patients, two radiographers and three radiologists. Data collection methods are carried out through observation, interviews and documentation. The data analysis technique used is an interactive analysis model.

A rare presentation of orbital spindle cell carcinoma a case report and brief review of the literature

BackgroundTo describe a case of orbital spindle cell carcinoma which presented with limbal ischemia and briefly review the literature.MethodsRetrospective case report and brief literature review.ResultsA 61-year old man presented with blepharoptosis, periorbital pain, decreased vision and limbal ischemia. He did not mention any previous illness and did not take any kind of drugs. Imaging revealed an orbital mass that was positive for SMA, Vimentin and CD99 and negative for S100. We treated the patient with chemotherapy and followed him for other complications that occurred throughout disease course.ConclusionSpindle cell carcinomas are a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with dual malignant histologic differentiation of squamous and mesenchymal cells. Few cases of orbital spindle cell carcinoma have been reported, which have been either secondary to distant metastasis or regional spread. In this study, we have reported the first case of primary orbital spindle cell carcinoma presenting with limbal ischemia. Further studies are needed to describe the different clinical presentations and management strategies of this rare clinical entity.

Utility of GLI1 RNA Chromogenic in Situ Hybridization in Distinguishing Basal Cell Carcinoma From Histopathologic Mimics

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common human malignancy and is a leading cause of nonmelanoma skin cancer-related morbidity. BCC has several histologic mimics which may have treatment and prognostic implications. Furthermore, BCC may show alternative differentiation toward a variety of cutaneous structures. The vast majority of BCCs harbor mutations in the hedgehog signaling pathway, resulting in increased expression of the GLI family of transcription factors. GLI1 immunohistochemistry has been shown to discriminate between several tumor types but demonstrates high background signal and lack of specificity. In this study, we evaluated the utility of GLI1 RNA chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) as a novel method of distinguishing between BCC and other epithelial neoplasms. Expression of GLI1 by RNA CISH was retrospectively evaluated in a total of 220 cases, including 60 BCCs, 37 squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) including conventional, basaloid, and human papillomavirus infection (HPV)-associated tumors, 16 sebaceous neoplasms, 10 Merkel cell carcinomas, 58 benign follicular tumors, and 39 ductal tumors. The threshold for positivity was determined to be greater than or equal to 3 GLI1 signals in at least 50% of tumor cells. Positive GLI1 expression was identified in 57/60 BCCs, including metastatic BCC, collision lesions with SCC, and BCCs with squamous, ductal, or clear cell differentiation or with other unusual features compared to 1/37 SCCs, 0/11 sebaceous carcinomas, 0/5 sebaceomas, 1/10 Merkel cell carcinomas, 0/39 ductal tumors, and 28/58 follicular tumors. With careful evaluation, GLI1 RNA CISH is highly sensitive (95%) and specific (98%) in distinguishing between BCC and nonfollicular epithelial neoplasms. However, GLI1 CISH is not specific for distinguishing BCC from most benign follicular tumors. Overall, detection of GLI1 RNA by CISH may be a useful tool for precise classification of histologically challenging basaloid tumors, particularly in the setting of small biopsy specimens, metaplastic differentiation, or metastatic disease.

Molecular Characterization of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using Quantitative Proteomics

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a heterogeneous cancer associated with a poor prognosis in advanced stages. In India, it is the sixth most common cause of cancer-related mortality. In this study, we employed high-resolution mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics to characterize the differential protein expression pattern associated with ESCC. We identified several differentially expressed proteins including PDPN, TOP2A, POSTN and MMP2 that were overexpressed in ESCC. In addition, we identified downregulation of esophagus tissue-enriched proteins such as SLURP1, PADI1, CSTA, small proline-rich proteins such as SPRR3, SPRR2A, SPRR1A, KRT4, and KRT13, involved in squamous cell differentiation. We identified several overexpressed proteins mapped to the 3q24-29 chromosomal region, aligning with CNV alterations in this region reported in several published studies. Among these, we identified overexpression of SOX2, TP63, IGF2BP2 and RNF13 that are encoded by genes in the 3q26 region. Functional enrichment analysis revealed proteins involved in cell cycle pathways, DNA replication, spliceosome, and DNA repair pathways. We identified the overexpression of multiple proteins that play a major role in alleviating ER stress, including SYVN1 and SEL1L. The SYVN1/SEL1L complex is an essential part of the ER quality control machinery clearing misfolded proteins from the ER. SYVN1 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that ubiquitinates ER-resident proteins. Interestingly, there are also other non-canonical substrates of SYVN1 which are known to play a crucial role in tumor progression. Thus, SYVN1 could be a potential therapeutic target in ESCC.

Metaplastic breast cancer: A case report and literature review

Introduction: Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. Metaplastic breast cancer is characterized by two or more poorly differentiated cellular types, with epithelial or mesenchymal components. Metaplastic breast carcinoma is a rare and aggressive entity, accounting for less than 1% of invasive breast cancers. Hence, there is insignificant literature and research. Few cases are described in the literature. We report a rare case of metaplastic breast carcinoma with squamous and spindle cell differentiation. Case Report: An 82-year-old female was diagnosed with metaplastic breast cancer with squamous and spindled differentiation based on histological appearance. She underwent mastectomy, and we track her radiation follow-up. Conclusion: The report reviews and corroborates existing literature regarding clinical features, histologic characteristics, and treatment methods, and explores genetic components and clinical trials underway.

A Hint from Wnt: Squamous Cell Differentiation in the Airways.

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Adenosquamous carcinoma coexisting with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas: a case report

BackgroundAdenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas is a rare variant, with a worse prognosis than pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; moreover, it has characteristic clinical and histopathological features. Studies have mentioned the differentiation of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms into mucinous/tubular adenocarcinomas; however, their transdifferentiation into adenosquamous carcinoma remains unclear.Case presentationAn 80-year-old Japanese woman was referred to our hospital for further examination of multiple pancreatic cysts. Enhanced computed tomography after close follow-up for 6 years revealed a new nodule with poor enhancement on the pancreatic body. Distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy were performed. Histopathological examination revealed an adenosquamous carcinoma with coexisting intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms; moreover, the intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms lacked continuity with the adenosquamous carcinoma. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed squamous cell carcinoma and differentiation from adenocarcinoma to squamous cell carcinoma. Gene mutation analysis revealed KRASG12D and KRASG12R mutations in adenosquamous carcinoma components and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm lesions, respectively, with none showing the mutation of GNAS codon 201. The final histopathological diagnosis was adenosquamous carcinoma with coexisting intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas.ConclusionsThis is the rare case of adenosquamous carcinoma with coexisting intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas. To investigate the underlying transdifferentiation pathway of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms into this rare subtype of pancreatic cancer, we explored gene mutation differences as a clinicopathological parameter.

Intrathyroidal thymic carcinoma not so indolent a neoplasm?

Intrathyroidal thymic carcinoma (ITC) is a very rare malignant epithelial tumor of the thyroid gland with thymic epithelial differentiation. Here, we are reporting the case of an eighty-year-old man who at presentation had extrathyroidal spread to the larynx and metastasis to regional lymph nodes. Though the tumor had a relatively low-grade morphology, there were areas of high mitotic activity with areas of necrosis. The classically described ivory-white gross appearance of the tumor, histomorphology of thick bands dividing the tumor into lobules, squamous cell differentiation, tight whorls of cells resembling Hassall's corpuscle, and areas showing dense lymphocytic infiltration, together with an immunoprofile of CD5, Ckit, Tumor protein 63 (p63), and B-cell lymphoma 2 gene (bcl2) positivity, helped in diagnosing this rare entity. Though classically ITC is said to have a good prognosis, cases with spread to adjacent organs and lymph node metastasis may not have an indolent course.