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Response to 5-fluorouracil of orthotopically xenografted human colon cancers with a microsatellite instability: influence of P53 status.

Response to 5-FU of 5 different human colon cancers (hCC) with a DNA microsatellite instability (MSI), xenografted into nude mice, was analysed according to their p53 status. Two hCC (TC82 and TC71) had a mutated p53 (mutp53), while two others (TC33 and LoVo) had a wild type p53 (wtp53); the fifth tumour (X17LoVo) originated from the stable transfection of LoVo cells with a dominant mutp53 (273his) vector. All tumours were implanted onto the caecum of nude mice to induce orthotopic growth of hCC. 5-FU was administered at 40 mg/kg per day for 5 consecutive days. A significant growth inhibition of TC82 and TC71 tumours (of 68 and 60%, p < 0.05 and < 0.01 respectively) was observed, whereas 5-FU had no effect on TC33 and LoVo. Moreover, the mutp53 transfected tumour, X17LoVo, displayed significant sensitivity to 5-FU (p < 0.05). This suggests that distinct genetic alterations influence differently the response of hCC to this antimetabolite.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Morphology of sporadic colorectal cancer with DNA replication errors.

BACKGROUND: Up to 15% of colorectal cancers are characterised by DNA microsatellite instability (MIN), shown by the presence of DNA replication errors (RERs). AIMS: To identify pathological features that are discriminating for colorectal cancer (CRC) showing extensive MIN. SUBJECTS: A prospective series of 303 patients with CRC and no family history of either familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer. METHODS: DNA was extracted from fresh tissue samples and the presence of MIN was studied at nine loci that included TGF beta RII, IGFIIR, and BAX. The 61 cases showing RERs were compared with 63 RER negative cases with respect to a comprehensive set of clinical and pathological variables. Predictive utility of the variables was tested by decision tree analysis. RESULTS: Twenty seven patients with CRC showed extensive RERs (three loci or more) (RER+) and 34 had limited RERs only (28 = one locus; 6 = two loci) (RER+/-), yielding a bimodal distribution. RER+ cancers differed from RER- and RER+/-) cases. Tumour type (adenocarcinoma, mucinous carcinoma, and undifferentiated carcinoma) (p = 0.001), tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (p = 0.001), and anatomical site (p = 0.001) were the most significant of the discriminating variables. Algorithms developed by decision tree analysis allowed cases to be assigned to RER+ versus RER- and +/- status with a global sensitivity of 81.5%, specificity of 96%, and overall accuracy of 93%. CONCLUSIONS: Pathological examination of CRC allows assignment of RER+ status; assignment is specific and relatively sensitive. Conversely RER- and RER+/- CRC are indistinguishable.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Microsatellite instability and MLH1 and MSH2 germline defects are related to clinicopathological features in sporadic colorectal cancer.

Clinical and pathological features were evaluated to predict tumor microsatellite instability (MSI) and germline mutations in MLH1 and MSH2 DNA mismatch repair genes in two patient groups with sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC): 38 young patients (age </=45 years) and 31 old patients (age >/=60 years). Nine (25.7%) young patients out of 35 and five (16%) old patients out of 31 exhibited MSI in their cancers. MSI+ cancers were related to proximal cancer and mucinous carcinoma independently of the age at cancer onset. Three (7.9%) out of 38 young patients had mutations in MLH1 and MSH2 genes that led to truncated protein products; they were all at age <35 years and showed MSI in their tumors, with mucinous histotype in two cases. In conclusion, histopathological and clinical features of CRC allow identification of cancers showing DNA microsatellite instability. MSI in CRC at very early onset (age <35 years) appears useful to predict germline MMR gene defects.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Relationship between mitochondrial DNA instability, mitochondrial DNA large deletions, and nuclear microsatellite instability in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations in coding and noncoding regions have been reported in a variety of human cancers. Despite a greater number of studies, the relationship between such alterations and nuclear microsatellite instability (nMSI) of the tumor cells remains controversial. To contribute new data to this discussion, we investigated head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) for mutations and mitochondrial microsatellite instability (mtMSI) in 2 parts of the mitochondrial D-loop as well as mutations in 2 mitochondrial genes and for the delta4977 mtDNA deletion. These results were compared with data of an analysis for microsatellite instability at IGFIIR, hMSH3, hMSH6, and 5 dinucleotide repeats. We found mtMSI, low nMSI, and high nMSI in 42%, 36%, and 13% of HNSCC primary tumors, respectively. A de novo delta4977 mtDNA deletion could be demonstrated in 25% of HNSCCs. A correlation between mtMSI and nMSI or between a de novo occurrence of the delta4977 mtDNA deletion and nMSI could not be detected in our HNSCC samples (P values 0.527 and 0.078, respectively). Nevertheless, the high rate of mtMSI suggests an involvement of mtDNA alterations in the tumorigenesis of this head and neck cancer and supports the proposal that this aberration may be a new tumor marker.

Adult↗

Characterisation of a subtype of colorectal cancer combining features of the suppressor and mild mutator pathways.

BACKGROUND: 10% of sporadic colorectal cancers are characterised by a low level of microsatellite instability (MSI-L). These are not thought to differ substantially from microsatelite-stable (MSS) cancers, but MSI-L and MSS cancers are distinguished clinicopathologically and in their spectrum of genetic alterations from cancers showing high level microsatellite instability (MSI-H). AIMS: To study the distribution of molecular alterations in a series of colorectal cancers stratified by DNA microsatellite instability. METHODS: A subset of an unselected series of colorectal cancers was grouped by the finding of DNA MSI at 0 loci (MSS) (n = 51), 1-2 loci (MSI-L) (n = 38) and 3-6 loci (MSI-H) (n = 25). The frequency of K-ras mutation, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at 5q, 17p and 18q, and patterns of p53 and beta catenin immunohistochemistry was determined in the three groups. RESULTS: MSI-H cancers had a low frequency of K-ras mutation (7%), LOH on chromosomes 5q (0%), 17p (0%) and 18q (12.5%), and a normal pattern of immunostaining for p53 and beta catenin. MSI-L cancers differed from MSS cancers in terms of a higher frequency of K-ras mutation (54% v 27%) (p = 0.01) and lower frequency of 5q LOH (23% v 48%) (p = 0.047). Whereas aberrant beta catenin expression and 5q LOH were concordant (both present or both absent) in 57% of MSS cancers, concordance was observed in only 20% of MSI-L cancers (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: MSI-L colorectal cancers are distinct from both MSI-H and MSS cancers. This subset combines features of the suppressor and mutator pathways, may be more dependent on K-ras than on the APC gene in the early stages of neoplastic evolution, and a proportion may be related histogenetically to the serrated (hyperplastic) polyp.

Adenoma↗

Morphology and microsatellite instability in sporadic serrated and non-serrated colorectal cancer.

Colorectal serrated adenocarcinoma originates from serrated adenoma, but definite histological criteria have not yet been established. It presents with frequent DNA microsatellite instability (MSI), but the frequency of low-level (MSI-L) and high-level MSI (MSI-H) and the expression of mismatch-repair (MMR) enzymes in serrated adenocarcinoma are not known. To address these questions, morphological criteria for serrated cancers were established, their validity was tested, and MSI analysis was performed with NIH consensus markers and MMR enzyme immunohistochemistry for hMLH1, hMSH2, and hMSH6 in 35 serrated and 75 non-serrated colorectal carcinomas. Serrated carcinomas frequently showed a serrated, mucinous or trabecular growth pattern; abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm; chromatin condensation; preserved polarity; and the absence of necrosis. With these features, it was possible to distinguish them from non-serrated cancers, with the mean kappa score for five observers being 0.509. MSI analysis was successful in 31 serrated and 73 non-serrated carcinomas. 54.8% of serrated carcinomas were microsatellite-stable (MSS), 29.0% presented with MSI-L, and 16.1% presented with MSI-H, whereas 78.1% of non-serrated carcinomas were MSS, 13.7% were MSI-L, and 8.2% were MSI-H. MSI-L was more common in serrated cancers (p=0.035) and it was associated with patchy immunohistochemical staining (33.3%) of MLH1. MSI-H did not differ between serrated and non-serrated cancers (p=0.14). These results suggest that the biological background of serrated carcinomas differs from sporadic non-serrated colorectal cancer, but is not directly related to MSI.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Evolution of colorectal cancer: change of pace and change of direction.

This review compiles evidence for an alternative to the classical adenoma-carcinoma sequence in the evolution of colorectal cancer. It is suggested that between 30 and 50 of colorectal cancers are not initiated by mutation of the tumor suppressor gene APC, but through the epigenetic silencing of genes implicated in the control of differentiation, cell cycle control and DNA repair proficiency. The precursor polyps are often characterized by a serrated architecture, and include hyperplastic polyps, admixed polyps and serrated adenomas. The alternative pathway is heterogeneous and may culminate in cancers showing low or high level DNA microsatellite instability (MSI-L and MSI-H, respectively), and in cancers that are microsatellite stable (MSS). Cancers showing DNA MSI may be characterized by an accelerated evolution. Cancers in hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer show features of both classical (adenoma and APC mutation) and alternative pathways (rapid evolution, MSI-H and lack of chromosomal instability).

Adenoma↗

In a resource-poor country, mutation identification has the potential to reduce the cost of family management for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: Colonoscopic surveillance of family members at risk of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer is difficult in a resource-poor country because of its expense. For family members who live in remote areas, poor communication and limited access to sophisticated medical care make surveillance even more difficult. The identification of the mutation causing the disease will simplify surveillance. Our aim was to assess the impact of mutation analysis on the management of a South African family with more than 150 members at risk for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. METHODS: We studied a family that met the Amsterdam criteria for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer affected 27 members in three generations (evidence from histology in 12, barium enema in 1, and family statements in 14 family members). Leukocyte DNA from family members was tested for linkage to candidate loci for colorectal cancer, and DNA from formalin-fixed cancers from six family members was studied for microsatellite instability. DNA from all available family members was then screened for mutations in the hMLH1 gene. The number of individuals at 50 percent risk was calculated by family pedigree and compared with the number who have the mutation. RESULTS: A disease-causing mutation in exon 13 of hMLH1 segregated with the disorder in members of this kindred. Test results of 100 chromosomes from population-matched controls were negative. Sixty family members between the ages of 16 and 50 years are at 50 percent risk for colon cancer by pedigree analysis, but of these, only 26 (43 percent) have the mutation. CONCLUSION: A mutation in the DNA repair gene hMLH1 was found in family members with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer and in some unaffected relatives previously at 50 percent risk, but not in unrelated subjects. The blood test for the mutation will simplify management, counseling, and surveillance and help to establish prophylactic colectomy.

Chromosome Segregation↗

Neoplastic progression occurs through mutator pathways in hyperplastic polyposis of the colorectum.

AIM: Colorectal cancer has been described in association with hyperplastic polyposis but the mechanism underlying this observation is unknown. The aim of this study was to characterise foci of dysplasia developing in the polyps of subjects with hyperplastic polyposis on the basis of DNA microsatellite status and expression of the DNA mismatch repair proteins hMLH1, hMSH2, and hMSH6. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The material was derived from four patients with hyperplastic polyposis and between one and six synchronous colorectal cancers. Normal (four), hyperplastic (13), dysplastic (13), and malignant (11) samples were microdissected and a PCR based approach was used to identify mutations at 10 microsatellite loci, TGFbetaIIR, IGF2R, BAX, MSH3, and MSH6. Microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) was diagnosed when 40% or more of the microsatellite loci showed mutational bandshifts. Serial sections were stained for hMLH1, hMSH2, and hMSH6. RESULTS: DNA microsatellite instability was found in 1/13 (8%) hyperplastic samples, in 7/13 (54%) dysplastic foci, and in 8/11 (73%) cancers. None of the MSI-low (MSI-L) samples (one hyperplastic, three dysplastic, two cancers) showed loss of hMLH1 expression. All four MSI-H dysplastic foci and six MSI-H cancers showed loss of hMLH1 expression. Loss of hMLH1 in MSI-H but not in MSI-L lesions showing dysplasia or cancer was significant (p<0.001, Fisher's exact test). Loss of hMSH6 occurred in one MSI-H cancer and one MSS focus of dysplasia which also showed loss of hMLH1 staining. CONCLUSION: Neoplastic changes in hyperplastic polyposis may occur within a hyperplastic polyp. Neoplasia may be driven by DNA instability that is present to a low (MSI-L) or high (MSI-H) degree. MSI-H but not MSI-L dysplastic foci are associated with loss of hMLH1 expression. At least two mutator pathways drive neoplasia in hyperplastic polyposis. The role of the hyperplastic polyp in the histogenesis of sporadic DNA microsatellite unstable colorectal cancer should be examined.

Aged↗

Mucin core protein expression in colorectal cancers with high levels of microsatellite instability indicates a novel pathway of morphogenesis.

Particular mucinous phenotypes have been associated with serrated epithelial polyps of the colon. These polyps also show a high frequency of DNA instability. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of mucins in colorectal cancers that arise through the suppressor and mutator pathways. The immunohistochemical distribution of the human apomucins MUC1, MUC2, MUC4, and MUC5AC was determined in 93 sporadic colorectal cancers classified previously (J. R. Jass et al., J. Clin. Pathol., 52: 455-460, 1999) according to levels of DNA microsatellite instability (MSI) as 22 MSI-high (MSI-H), 24 MSI-low (MSI-L), and 47 MS stable (MSS). MUC2 expression was observed in 19 (86%) MSI-H, 10 (42%) MSI-L, and 15 (32%) MSS cancers (P = 0.0001); and MUC5AC expression was observed in 17 (77%) MSI-H, 8 (33%) MSI-L, and 13 (28%) MSS cancers (P = 0.0003). There was no association between MUC1 or MUC4 expression and MSI status. The mucinous phenotype described in serrated polyps (MUC2+/MUC5AC+) was seen in 15 (68%) of 22 MSI-H and only 10 (14%) of 71 MSI-L/MSS cancers (P < 0.0001). Increased expression of the secretory mucins MUC2 and MUC5AC was observed in sporadic MSI-H cancers. Identical mucin changes and DNA MSI occurred in serrated polyps of the colorectum, which suggests that these lesions may represent precursors of MSI-H cancers.

Adult↗

Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer: the rise and fall of a confusing term.

The term Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) is a poor descriptor of the syndrome described by Lynch. Over the last decade, the term has been applied to heterogeneous groups of families meeting limited clinical criteria, for example the Amsterdam criteria. It is now apparent that not all Amsterdam criteria-positive families have the Lynch syndrome. The term HNPCC has also been applied to clinical scenarios in which CRCs with DNA microsatellite instability are diagnosed but in which there is no vertical transmission of an altered DNA mismatch repair (MMR) gene. A term that has multiple, mutually incompatible meanings is highly problematic, particularly when it may influence the management of an individual family. The Lynch syndrome is best understood as a hereditary predisposition to malignancy that is explained by a germline mutation in a DNA MMR gene. The diagnosis does not depend in an absolute sense on any particular family pedigree structure or age of onset of malignancy. Families with a strong family history of colorectal cancer that do not have Lynch syndrome have been grouped as 'Familial Colorectal Cancer Type-X'. The first step in characterizing these cancer families is to distinguish them from Lynch syndrome. The term HNPCC no longer serves any useful purpose and should be phased out.

Alleles↗

Somatic mutation in mitochondrial DNA and nuclear microsatellite instability in gastric cancer.

It was reported that somatic mutations in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are associated with high-frequency microsatellite instability (MSI-H) of the nuclear in gastric cancers. However, no correlation between mtDNA mutations and nuclear MSI-H was found in colorectal, breast, and renal cancers. Therefore, the association between mtDNA mutations and nuclear MSI-H in gastric cancers is controversial. We examined mtDNA mutations and nuclear MSI in a large panel of gastric cancers. One-hundred and five gastric cancers were selected. Mutations in the mononucleotide repeat (D310) of mtDNA and nuclear MSI at 5 microsatellite loci were examined by microsatellite assay. Somatic mutations in the mtDNA and nuclear MSI-H were detected in 16 (15%) and 14 (13%) of the gastric cancers, respectively. mtDNA mutations were detected in 2 of the 14 (14%) and 14 of the 91 (15%) tumors with and without nuclear MSI-H, respectively. There was no significant difference between them. These results suggest that somatic mutations in the mtDNA and nuclear MSI-H play important roles in gastric carcinogenesis, and that mtDNA mutations may not be associated with nuclear MSI-H in gastric cancers.

Adult↗

Colorectal serrated adenocarcinoma.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks among the three most common cancers in terms of both cancer incidence and cancer-related deaths in most Western countries. Serrated adenocarcinoma is a recently described, distinct variant of CRC, accounting for about 7.5% of all CRCs and up to 17.5% of most proximal CRCs. It has been postulated that about 10-15% of sporadic CRCs would have their origin in serrated polyps that harbour a significant malignant potential. These lesions include hyperplastic-type aberrant crypt foci, hyperplastic polyps, sessile serrated adenomas, admixed polyps and serrated adenomas, and constitute the so-called 'serrated pathway', which is distinct from both the conventional adenoma-carcinoma pathway and the mutator pathway of hereditary non-polyposis CRC and is characterized by early involvement of oncogenic BRAF mutations, excess CpG island methylation (CIM) and subsequent low- or high-level DNA microsatellite instability (MSI). Methylation of hMLH1 is likely to explain the increased frequency of high-level MSI (16%) and methylation of MGMT is postulated to explain the low-level MSI (29%) in serrated adenocarcinomas. Reproducible histopathological criteria for serrated adenocarcinoma have recently been established and they have been qualified by DNA expression analysis for 7928 genes, showing clustering of serrated adenocarcinomas into a molecular entity apart from conventional adenocarcinoma, and representing with distinct down-regulation of EPHB2, PTCH and up-regulation of HIF1alpha.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Fas ligand and tumour counter-attack in colorectal cancer stratified according to microsatellite instability status.

Expression of membrane-bound Fas ligand (FasL) by colorectal cancer cells may allow the development of an immune-privileged site by eliminating incoming tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in a Fas-mediated counter-attack. Sporadic colorectal cancer can be subdivided into three groups based on the level of DNA microsatellite instability (MSI). High-level MSI (MSI-High) is characterized by the presence of TILs and a favourable prognosis, while microsatellite-stable (MSS) cancers are TIL-deficient and low-level MSI (MSI-Low) is associated with an intermediate TIL density. The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between MSI status and FasL expression in primary colorectal adenocarcinoma. Using immunohistochemistry and a selected series of 101 cancers previously classified as 31 MSI-High, 30 MSI-Low, and 40 MSS, the present study sought to confirm the hypothesis that increased TIL density in MSI-High cancers is associated with low or absent membrane-bound FasL expression, while increased FasL in MSS cancers allows the killing of host TILs. TUNEL/CD3 double staining was also used to determine whether MSS cancers contain higher numbers of apoptotic TILs in vivo than MSI-High or MSI-Low cancers. Contrary to the initial hypothesis, it was found that MSI-High cancers were associated with higher FasL expression (p = 0.04) and a stronger intensity of FasL staining (p = 0.007). In addition, mucinous carcinomas were independently characterized by increased FasL expression (p = 0.03) and staining intensity (p = 0.0005). Higher FasL expression and staining intensity did not correlate with reduced TIL density or increased numbers of apoptotic TILs. However, consistent with the hypothesis that curtailment of the host anti-tumour immune response contributes to the poor prognosis in MSS cancers, it was found that apoptotic TILs were most abundant in MSS carcinomas and metastatic Dukes' stage C or D tumours (p = 0.004; p = 0.046 respectively). This study therefore suggests that MSS colorectal cancers are killing incoming TILs in an effective tumour counter-attack, but apparently not via membrane-bound FasL.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Classification of colorectal cancer based on correlation of clinical, morphological and molecular features.

Over the last 20 years it has become clear that colorectal cancer (CRC) evolves through multiple pathways. These pathways may be defined on the basis of two molecular features: (i) DNA microsatellite instability (MSI) status stratified as MSI-high (MSI-H), MSI-low (MSI-L) and MS stable (MSS), and (ii) CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) stratified as CIMP-high, CIMP-low and CIMP-negative (CIMP-neg). In this review the morphological correlates of five molecular subtypes are outlined: Type 1 (CIMP-high/MSI-H/BRAF mutation), Type 2 (CIMP-high/MSI-L or MSS/BRAF mutation), Type 3 (CIMP-low/MSS or MSI-L/KRAS mutation), Type 4 (CIMP-neg/MSS) and Type 5 or Lynch syndrome (CIMP-neg/MSI-H). The molecular pathways are determined at an early evolutionary stage and are fully established within precancerous lesions. Serrated polyps are the precursors of Types 1 and 2 CRC, whereas Types 4 and 5 evolve through the adenoma-carcinoma sequence. Type 3 CRC may arise within either type of polyp. Types 1 and 4 are conceived as having few, if any, molecular overlaps with each other, whereas Types 2, 3 and 5 combine the molecular features of Types 1 and 4 in different ways. This approach to the classification of CRC should accelerate understanding of causation and will impact on clinical management in the areas of both prevention and treatment.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Differential rates of frameshift alterations in four repeat sequences of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer tumors.

DNA sequences of mono-, di-, and trinucleotide repeats are prone to replication errors and thus constitute mutational hot spots. This is well illustrated by the occurrence of DNA microsatellite instability in tumors from patients affected by hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) resulting from a defect in a gene that participates in postreplicative DNA mismatch repair (MMR). We selected repeat sequences present within coding regions of four genes involved in either cell proliferation or promotion of apoptosis. These repeats consisted of (A)10 in the TGF beta RII, (G)8 in the BAX, (A)8 in the CASP1, and (CCA)7 in the APP genes. These repeats were analyzed in ten tumors from HNPCC patients carrying a germline pathogenic mutation in the MMR gene MLH1. For each tumor the rate of somatic replication errors was measured by sequencing 20-50 cloned PCR-amplified fragments. Substantial intertumor variations were observed in the pattern of repeat alterations, with error rates varying between 12% and 80% for TGF beta RII, 2% and 84% for BAX, 0% and 30% for CASP1, and 0% to 18% for APP. The BAX repeat error rate did not exceed 20% in nine of the ten tumors, in contrast to results from previous studies. High error rates in more than one gene in a same tumor suggested additive selective effects from inactivation of different pathways influencing tumorigenesis. Our methodology can contribute to define tumor characteristics and may, if applied to genes strongly involved in tumorigenesis, improve tumor classification and outcome prediction.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Microsatellite instability in penile cancer: comparative analysis of primary tumors and metastases.

BACKGROUND: Penile cancer (PeCA) presents high morbidity and mortality and is more prevalent in underdeveloped countries. The presence of nodal metastasis at diagnosis or as early recurrence carries a worse prognosis, making it important to determine whether clinically relevant biomarkers are maintained between primary tumors and corresponding lymph node metastases. We aim to describe the presence of DNA microsatellite instability (MSI) in primary PeCA tumors and locoregional lymph nodes affected by metastatic cells, as well as to assess HPV status through p16 expression. METHODS: A total of 116 patients were comparatively evaluated between the primary tumor and lymph node metastases. The evaluation of p16 and mismatch repair proteins was done by immunohistochemistry, and MSI status was assessed using a hexa-plex marker by polymerase chain reaction, followed by fragment analysis. RESULTS: All patients underwent a standard lymphadenectomy (inguinal or pelvic), with a pN0 frequency of 33.6%. MSI-H was found in three patients (2.6%), with correspondence between the presence of the biomarker in the primary tumors and the lymph node metastases. A second validation was performed using IHC for MMR, with MLH1/PMS2 loss in MSI-H cases. 22.8% of patients expressed p16 by immunohistochemistry. p16 positivity was associated with a 55% reduction in the risk of death. All MSI-H patients were p16 positive. CONCLUSION: MSI-H occurs in 2,6% of the sample and is associated predominantly with MLH1/PMS2 loss and p16 positivity. Together, these findings suggest potential interactions between HPV- associated carcinogenesis and genomic instability. Further prospective, biomarker-driven trials are warranted to define their prognostic and therapeutic relevance in PeCA.

HPV↗

Adenocarcinoma of colon differentiating as dome epithelium of gut-associated lymphoid tissue.

AIMS: An early adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon was confined to a mass of gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). The first description of an adenocarcinoma of colon differentiating as dome epithelium is presented. METHODS AND RESULTS: A plaque-like carcinoma was identified opposite the ileocaecal valve in an asymptomatic 56-year-old man with a family history of colorectal cancer. Malignant epithelium was confined to a mass of GALT filling but limited to the submucosa. Characterization of the neoplasm was undertaken by means of mucin histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy and assessment of DNA microsatellite instability status. The malignant epithelium comprised well differentiated columnar cells with a microvillous brush border and expressing MUC1, but no goblet cells or expression of MUC2. The demonstration of focal clusters of intraepithelial B-lymphocytes supported the presence of functioning M-cells within the malignant neoplasm. The cancer was DNA microsatellite stable despite the finding of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence for the origin of colorectal neoplasia from dome epithelium in both experimental models and microreconstruction studies of early adenomas in nonpolypotic human colorectal mucosa. It is suggested that the lymphocyte-rich subset of colorectal cancer that expresses MUC1 but not MUC2 may be differentiating as dome epithelium of gut-associated lymphoid tissue.

Adenocarcinoma↗