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Oncogene Apr 2022Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive, invasive cancer that comprise around 10% of all soft tissue sarcomas and develop in about 8-13% of... (Review)
Review
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive, invasive cancer that comprise around 10% of all soft tissue sarcomas and develop in about 8-13% of patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1. They are associated with poor prognosis and are the leading cause of mortality in NF1 patients. MPNSTs can also develop sporadically or following exposure to radiation. There is currently no effective targeted therapy to treat MPNSTs and surgical removal remains the mainstay treatment. Unfortunately, surgery is not always possible due to the size and location of the tumor, thus, a better understanding of MPNST initiation and development is required to design novel therapeutics. Here, we provide an overview of MPNST biology and genetics, discuss findings regarding the developmental origin of MPNST, and summarize the various model systems employed to study MPNST. Finally, we discuss current management strategies for MPNST, as well as recent developments in translating basic research findings into potential therapies.
Topics: Biology; Humans; Nerve Sheath Neoplasms; Neurofibromatosis 1; Neurofibrosarcoma; Sarcoma
PubMed: 35393544
DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02290-1 -
Neurosurgery Feb 2021Neoplasms of the peripheral nervous system represent a heterogenous group with a wide spectrum of morphological features and biological potential. They range from benign... (Review)
Review
Neoplasms of the peripheral nervous system represent a heterogenous group with a wide spectrum of morphological features and biological potential. They range from benign and curable by complete excision (schwannoma and soft tissue perineurioma) to benign but potentially aggressive at the local level (plexiform neurofibroma) to the highly malignant (malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors [MPNST]). In this review, we discuss the diagnostic and pathologic features of common peripheral nerve sheath tumors, particularly those that may be encountered in the intracranial compartment or in the spine and paraspinal region. The discussion will cover schwannoma, neurofibroma, atypical neurofibromatous neoplasms of uncertain biological potential, intraneural and soft tissue perineurioma, hybrid nerve sheath tumors, MPNST, and the recently renamed enigmatic tumor, malignant melanotic nerve sheath tumor, formerly referred to as melanotic schwannoma. We also discuss the diagnostic relevance of these neoplasms to specific genetic and familial syndromes of nerve, including neurofibromatosis 1, neurofibromatosis 2, and schwannomatosis. In addition, we discuss updates in our understanding of the molecular alterations that represent key drivers of these neoplasms, including neurofibromatosis type 1 and type 2, SMARCB1, LZTR1, and PRKAR1A loss, as well as the acquisition of CDKN2A/B mutations and alterations in the polycomb repressor complex members (SUZ12 and EED) in the malignant progression to MPNST. In summary, this review covers practical aspects of pathologic diagnosis with updates relevant to neurosurgical practice.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Nerve Sheath Neoplasms; Neurilemmoma; Neurofibroma; Neurofibromatoses; Peripheral Nerves; Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms; Skin Neoplasms; Transcription Factors
PubMed: 33588442
DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyab021 -
American Family Physician Jun 2019The Bartholin glands, located in the base of the labia minora, have a role in vaginal lubrication. Because of the presence of other glands, removal of a Bartholin gland...
The Bartholin glands, located in the base of the labia minora, have a role in vaginal lubrication. Because of the presence of other glands, removal of a Bartholin gland does not affect lubrication. Ductal blockage of these typically pea-sized structures can result in enlargement of the gland and subsequent development of Bartholin duct cysts or gland abscesses. Two percent of women will develop a cyst or an abscess in their lifetime, and physicians should be familiar with the range of treatment options. Bartholin duct cysts and gland abscesses can be treated in the office. The healing and recurrence rates are similar among fistulization, marsupialization, and silver nitrate and alcohol sclerotherapy. Needle aspiration and incision and drainage, the two simplest procedures, are not recommended because of the relatively increased recurrence rate.
Topics: Abscess; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; Bartholin's Glands; Cysts; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 31194482
DOI: No ID Found -
Nature Cell Biology Aug 2022Endometriosis is characterized by the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. It affects many women during their reproductive age, causing years of pelvic...
Endometriosis is characterized by the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. It affects many women during their reproductive age, causing years of pelvic pain and potential infertility. Its pathophysiology remains largely unknown, which limits early diagnosis and treatment. We characterized peritoneal and ovarian lesions at single-cell transcriptome resolution and compared them to matched eutopic endometrium, unaffected endometrium and organoids derived from these tissues, generating data on over 122,000 cells across 14 individuals. We spatially localized many of the cell types using imaging mass cytometry. We identify a perivascular mural cell specific to the peritoneal lesions, with dual roles in angiogenesis promotion and immune cell trafficking. We define an immunotolerant peritoneal niche, fundamental differences in eutopic endometrium and between lesion microenvironments and an unreported progenitor-like epithelial cell subpopulation. Altogether, this study provides a holistic view of the endometriosis microenvironment that represents a comprehensive cell atlas of the disease in individuals undergoing hormonal treatment, providing essential information for future therapeutics and diagnostics.
Topics: Choristoma; Endometriosis; Endometrium; Female; Humans; Ovarian Cysts; Ovarian Neoplasms; Single-Cell Analysis; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 35864314
DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-00961-5 -
Military Medical Research Aug 2023Significant advancements have been made in recent years in the development of highly sophisticated skin organoids. Serving as three-dimensional models that mimic human... (Review)
Review
Significant advancements have been made in recent years in the development of highly sophisticated skin organoids. Serving as three-dimensional models that mimic human skin, these organoids have evolved into complex structures and are increasingly recognized as effective alternatives to traditional culture models and human skin due to their ability to overcome the limitations of two-dimensional systems and ethical concerns. The inherent plasticity of skin organoids allows for their construction into physiological and pathological models, enabling the study of skin development and dynamic changes. This review provides an overview of the pivotal work in the progression from 3D layered epidermis to cyst-like skin organoids with appendages. Furthermore, it highlights the latest advancements in organoid construction facilitated by state-of-the-art engineering techniques, such as 3D printing and microfluidic devices. The review also summarizes and discusses the diverse applications of skin organoids in developmental biology, disease modelling, regenerative medicine, and personalized medicine, while considering their prospects and limitations.
Topics: Humans; Skin; Cysts; Organoids; Regenerative Medicine
PubMed: 37605220
DOI: 10.1186/s40779-023-00475-7 -
Pediatric Radiology Aug 2022Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign but locally aggressive lesion that predominantly affects children and young adults. ABC, which accounts for approximately 70% of... (Review)
Review
Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign but locally aggressive lesion that predominantly affects children and young adults. ABC, which accounts for approximately 70% of the cases, is now recognized to be a true neoplasm, whereas ABC-like changes associated to other bone neoplasms (also referred in the literature as secondary ABC) accounts for the remaining 30%. The solid variant of ABC is also considered a true neoplasm but is rare. ABC can involve any bone in the body, and although it has a metaphyseal preference, it can involve any part of a bone and soft tissues. As with any bone tumor, the initial evaluation of ABCs should be done with radiographs followed by magnetic resonance imaging or less frequently computed tomography for further characterization. The imaging appearance of ABC is variable; however, a lytic and expansile lesion with fluid-fluid levels is the most common presentation. The main differential diagnosis of an ABC in the pediatric population is unicameral bone cyst (UBC) and telangiectatic osteosarcoma, therefore a biopsy is recommended before treatment. The therapeutic options of ABC range from curettage with or without adjuncts such as phenol, liquid nitrogen, argon laser and bone grafting or bone substitutes to more recently employed alternatives such as image-guided sclerotherapy with various sclerosing agents and monoclonal antibodies (e.g., Denosumab).
Topics: Bone Cysts; Bone Cysts, Aneurysmal; Bone Neoplasms; Child; Humans; Osteosarcoma; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Young Adult
PubMed: 35941207
DOI: 10.1007/s00247-022-05396-6 -
The Pan African Medical Journal 2020Mucoceles of the oral mucous membrane are benign tumoral diseases of the minor salivary glands of the oral mucous membrane. They most commonly occur in the labial...
Mucoceles of the oral mucous membrane are benign tumoral diseases of the minor salivary glands of the oral mucous membrane. They most commonly occur in the labial mucosa. They can be caused by a break in the epithelium of the gland secreting saliva in the extra-glandular space and forming a pseudo cyst (extravasation mucoceles) or by a block in salivary flow due to an epithelial proliferation of the excretory duct forming salivary cyst (retention cyst). Various therapeutic approaches can be used. Traditional surgical resection is the most effective strategy with low recurrence rate. We here report a clinical case in order to give an update on this lesion. The patient involved in the study was treated in the Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, CCTD, Rabat, Morocco.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Male; Morocco; Mouth Mucosa; Mucocele; Salivary Glands, Minor
PubMed: 32655754
DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2020.35.140.21079 -
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic... May 2021Hair follicle neoplasms occur in many different species, including humans. In domestic animals, they are most common in dogs. Most hair follicle tumors are benign, but... (Review)
Review
Hair follicle neoplasms occur in many different species, including humans. In domestic animals, they are most common in dogs. Most hair follicle tumors are benign, but malignant neoplasms can also occur. To diagnose hair follicle neoplasms, a thorough knowledge of follicular anatomy is important, given that follicular tumors are classified according to the differentiation pattern seen in the corresponding part of the normal hair follicle. This review focuses on the key diagnostic features of hair follicle tumors and follicular cysts in dogs and cats.
Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Cysts; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Hair Diseases; Hair Follicle; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 33666111
DOI: 10.1177/1040638721993565 -
BMC Cancer Jun 2023Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), the most common tumor predisposition syndrome, occurs when NF1 gene variants result in loss of neurofibromin, a negative regulator of RAS... (Review)
Review
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), the most common tumor predisposition syndrome, occurs when NF1 gene variants result in loss of neurofibromin, a negative regulator of RAS activity. Plexiform neurofibromas (PN) are peripheral nerve sheath tumors that develop in patients with NF1 and are associated with substantial morbidity and for which, until recently, the only treatment was surgical resection. However, surgery carries several risks and a proportion of PN are considered inoperable. Understanding the genetic underpinnings of PN led to the investigation of targeted therapies as medical treatment options, and the MEK1/2 inhibitor selumetinib has shown promising efficacy in pediatric patients with NF1 and symptomatic, inoperable PN. In a phase I/II trial, most children (approximately 70%) achieved reduction in tumor volume accompanied by improvements in patient-reported outcomes (decreased tumor-related pain and improvements in quality of life, strength, and range of motion). Selumetinib is currently the only licensed medical therapy indicated for use in pediatric patients with symptomatic, inoperable NF1-PN, with approval based on the results of this pivotal clinical study. Several other MEK inhibitors (binimetinib, mirdametinib, trametinib) and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor cabozantinib are also being investigated as medical therapies for NF1-PN. Careful consideration of multiple aspects of both disease and treatments is vital to reduce morbidity and improve outcomes in patients with this complex and heterogeneous disease, and clinicians should be fully aware of the risks and benefits of available treatments. There is no single treatment pathway for patients with NF1-PN; surgery, watchful waiting, and/or medical treatment are options. Treatment should be individualized based on recommendations from a multidisciplinary team, considering the size and location of PN, effects on adjacent tissues, and patient and family preferences. This review outlines the treatment strategies currently available for patients with NF1-PN and the evidence supporting the use of MEK inhibitors, and discusses key considerations in clinical decision-making.
Topics: Child; Humans; Neurofibromatosis 1; Neurofibroma, Plexiform; Quality of Life; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases
PubMed: 37328781
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10996-y -
Cancer Discovery Mar 2023Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST), an aggressive soft-tissue sarcoma, occurs in people with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and sporadically. Whole-genome...
UNLABELLED
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST), an aggressive soft-tissue sarcoma, occurs in people with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and sporadically. Whole-genome and multiregional exome sequencing, transcriptomic, and methylation profiling of 95 tumor samples revealed the order of genomic events in tumor evolution. Following biallelic inactivation of NF1, loss of CDKN2A or TP53 with or without inactivation of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) leads to extensive somatic copy-number aberrations (SCNA). Distinct pathways of tumor evolution are associated with inactivation of PRC2 genes and H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) status. Tumors with H3K27me3 loss evolve through extensive chromosomal losses followed by whole-genome doubling and chromosome 8 amplification, and show lower levels of immune cell infiltration. Retention of H3K27me3 leads to extensive genomic instability, but an immune cell-rich phenotype. Specific SCNAs detected in both tumor samples and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) act as a surrogate for H3K27me3 loss and immune infiltration, and predict prognosis.
SIGNIFICANCE
MPNST is the most common cause of death and morbidity for individuals with NF1, a relatively common tumor predisposition syndrome. Our results suggest that somatic copy-number and methylation profiling of tumor or cfDNA could serve as a biomarker for early diagnosis and to stratify patients into prognostic and treatment-related subgroups. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 517.
Topics: Humans; Neurofibrosarcoma; Histones; DNA Methylation; Biomarkers, Tumor; Neurofibromatosis 1; Genomics; Nerve Sheath Neoplasms
PubMed: 36598417
DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.CD-22-0786