Recurrent MED12 exon 2 mutations in benign breast fibroepithelial lesions in adolescents and young adults

J Clin Pathol. 2019 Mar;72(3):258-262. doi: 10.1136/jclinpath-2018-205570. Epub 2018 Nov 22.

Abstract

Aims: Most benign breast fibroepithelial lesions (FEL) in adults harbour recurrent somatic MED12 exon 2 mutations and rare TERT promoter hotspot mutations. We sought to determine the frequency of MED12 exon 2 and TERT promoter hotspot mutations in fibroadenomas (FA) and benign phyllodes tumours (BePT) in adolescents and young adults.

Methods: DNA from 21 consecutive FAs and eight consecutive BePTs in adolescents and young adults was subjected to Sanger sequencing of the exon 2 of MED12 and the TERT promoter hotspot locus.

Results: We identified MED12 exon 2 mutations in 62% and 88% of FAs and BePTs, respectively, and no TERT promoter hotspot mutations. The majority of the MED12 exon 2 mutations identified were in-frame deletions (60%).

Conclusions: As in adults, benign FELs in juvenile patients harbour recurrent MED12 exon 2 mutations.

Keywords: MED12; fibroadenoma; phyllodes tumour; sequencing; telomerase.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Exons / genetics
  • Female
  • Fibroadenoma / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Mediator Complex / genetics*
  • Mutation
  • Phyllodes Tumor / genetics*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • MED12 protein, human
  • Mediator Complex