Biphenotypic Sinonasal Sarcoma with a Novel PAX3::FOXO6 Fusion: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Head Neck Pathol. 2023 Mar;17(1):259-264. doi: 10.1007/s12105-022-01479-w. Epub 2022 Sep 28.

Abstract

Background: Biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma (BSS) is a low-grade, locally aggressive sarcoma unique to the sinonasal region. BSS is most common in middle aged patients and affects women more frequently than men. It is characterized by a bland spindled cell proliferation with neural and myogenic differentiation. BSS are usually associated with rearrangement t(2;4)(q35;q31.1) resulting in a PAX3::MAML3 fusion. Less commonly, other genes are found in combination with PAX3 and some cases reported in the literature have an unknown fusion partner.

Methods: A 54-year-old man presented with nasal mass. Endoscopic resection showed a low-grade spindle cell neoplasm with morphologic features of BSS and immunohistochemical and next generation sequencing were performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Results: The tumor was positive for S100 and smooth muscle actin but negative for SOX10. Next generation sequencing demonstrated a novel PAX3::FOXO6 gene fusion.

Conclusions: Although a PAX3::FOXO6 gene fusion has never been reported, this finding combined with the morphologic and immunophenotypic features supports the diagnosis of supports the diagnosis of BSS.

Keywords: Biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma; PAX3:FOXO6; TRK.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Female
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • PAX3 Transcription Factor / genetics
  • Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Sarcoma* / pathology
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / genetics

Substances

  • PAX3 Transcription Factor
  • Transcription Factors
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • FOXO6 protein, human
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • PAX3 protein, human