DEK::AFF2 Fusion Carcinomas of Head and Neck

Adv Anat Pathol. 2023 Mar 1;30(2):86-94. doi: 10.1097/PAP.0000000000000376. Epub 2022 Oct 12.

Abstract

A novel DEK::AFF2 fusion carcinoma was recently described in 29 patients who originally presented with non-viral-associated nonkeratinizing squamous cell carcinoma. The tumors occurred at multiple sites in the head and neck including in the sinonasal tract, middle ear, and temporal bone. This tumor behaves aggressively involving adjacent vital structures, frequently recurs, and is inclined to develop lymph node and distant metastasis. This review aims to summarize the demographic, clinical, pathologic, immunophenotypic features, and pattern of molecular alterations as well as to discuss the differential diagnosis of DEK::AFF2 fusion carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / pathology
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Poly-ADP-Ribose Binding Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • DEK protein, human
  • Poly-ADP-Ribose Binding Proteins
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • Oncogene Proteins
  • AFF2 protein, human
  • Nuclear Proteins