Clinical Next-Generation Sequencing Panels Reveal Molecular Differences Between Merkel Cell Polyomavirus-Negative Merkel Cell Carcinomas and Neuroendocrine Carcinomas

Abstract

Objectives: We aim to determine molecular differences between Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV)-negative Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) and neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs).

Methods: Our study included 56 MCCs (28 MCPyV negative, 28 MCPyV positive) and 106 NECs (66 small cell NECs, 21 large cell NECs, and 19 poorly differentiated NECs) submitted for clinical molecular testing.

Results: APC, MAP3K1, NF1, PIK3CA, RB1, ROS1, and TSC1 mutations, in addition to high tumor mutational burden and UV signature, were frequently noted in MCPyV-negative MCC in comparison to small cell NEC and all NECs analyzed, while KRAS mutations were more frequently noted in large cell NEC and all NECs analyzed. Although not sensitive, the presence of either NF1 or PIK3CA is specific for MCPyV-negative MCC. The frequencies of KEAP1, STK11, and KRAS alterations were significantly higher in large cell NEC. Fusions were detected in 6.25% (6/96) of NECs yet in none of 45 analyzed MCCs.

Conclusions: High tumor mutational burden and UV signature, as well as the presence of NF1 and PIK3CA mutations, are supportive of MCPyV-negative MCC, whereas KEAP1, STK11, and KRAS mutations are supportive of NEC in the appropriate clinical context. Although rare, the presence of a gene fusion is supportive of NEC.

Keywords: Fusion analyses; Merkel cell carcinoma; Molecular analyses; Neuroendocrine carcinoma; Next-generation sequencing; UV signature.