Prevalence of ALK gene alterations among the spectrum of plexiform spitzoid lesions - 19/09/18
Abstract |
Background |
ALK receptor tyrosine kinase gene (ALK) rearrangements have been described in spitzoid lesions with a plexiform growth pattern.
Objective |
To investigate the prevalence of ALK alterations in a large series of spitzoid lesions.
Methods |
ALK immunohistochemical and fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses of 78 spitzoid plexiform lesions including 41 Spitz nevi, 29 atypical Spitz tumors (ASTs), and 8 spitzoid melanomas.
Results |
ALK immunohistochemical staining was observed in 14.6% of Spitz nevi (6 of 41) and 13.8% of ASTs (4 of 29); the spitzoid melanomas were ALK negative. Fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed ALK translocation in 9 cases and amplification in 1 case. In 2 of the translocated cases it was possible to determine the fusion partner gene (ie, tropomyosin 3 gene [TPM3] or dynactin 1 gene [DCTN1]). Of the 4 cases of AST examined, 2 carried the B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase gene (BRAF) V600E mutation. The 10 patients had a mean age of 18.7 years (range, 1-39) and a female predominance (female-to-male ratio, 7:3). Seven lesions arose on the extremities; the 2 lesions occurring in infants were located on the face. The lesions' mean diameter was 6.2 mm (range, 3-13), and their mean Breslow thickness was 1.83 mm (range, 0.6-3.6). The results of sentinel node biopsy were negative in 2 ASTs.
Limitations |
BRAF status was tested in only 4 of 10 samples because of the limited amount of material.
Conclusion |
ALK alterations characterize a significant subset of spitzoid lesions.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Key words : ALK, atypical Spitz tumor, plexiform melanocytic lesions
Abbreviations used : AST, FFPE, FISH, IHC, RT-PCR, SM, SN
Plan
Drs Saraggi and Salmaso contributed equally to this article. |
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Funding sources: Supported by a grant from the University of Padua (DOR 2016). |
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Conflicts of interest: None disclosed. |
Vol 79 - N° 4
P. 728-735 - octobre 2018 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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