"PRRX1-rearranged mesenchymal tumors": expanding the immunohistochemical profile and molecular spectrum of a recently described entity with the proposed revision of nomenclature

Virchows Arch. 2023 Aug;483(2):207-214. doi: 10.1007/s00428-023-03575-w. Epub 2023 Jun 20.

Abstract

Since the publication of the 2020 World Health Organization classification of soft tissue and bone tumors, the classification of "fibroblastic" tumors has expanded to include a novel subset of tumors characterized by PRRX1::NCOA1/2 gene fusions. These tumors defy conventional classification and are morphologically distinct, characterized by a multi-nodular growth of bland spindle cells suspended in a myxo-collagenous stroma with mild cytologic atypia, "staghorn-like" vessels, and variable perivascular hyalinization. Mitotic activity is rare, and necrosis is not identified. Herein, we present six additional cases of PRRX1-rearranged mesenchymal tumors, including five cases with PRRX1::NCOA1 fusion and one case with PRRX1::KMT2D fusion. Three cases (3/6, 50%) demonstrated focal co-expression of S100 protein and SOX10, thereby expanding the immunohistochemical profile of this emerging entity. Like prior reported cases, there was no evidence of malignant behavior on short-term follow-up. The novel fusion, PRRX1::KMT2D, further expands the molecular spectrum of this entity and leads to a proposed revision of the provisional nomenclature to "PRRX1-rearranged mesenchymal tumor" to both accommodate non-NCOA1/2 fusion partners and allow for the possibility of partial neural or neuroectodermal differentiation.

Keywords: KMT2D; Mesenchymal tumor; NCOA1; PRRX1; Soft tissue; Spindle cell.

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Bone Neoplasms*
  • Gene Fusion
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms, Connective and Soft Tissue*
  • S100 Proteins
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms* / pathology

Substances

  • S100 Proteins
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • PRRX1 protein, human
  • Homeodomain Proteins