A novel case of cutaneous myxoid spindle cell neoplasm with FMR1-ALK gene fusion and CD34/S100 co-expression

J Cutan Pathol. 2023 Jun;50(6):505-510. doi: 10.1111/cup.14354. Epub 2023 Mar 8.

Abstract

A novel class of superficial CD34+ and S100+ cutaneous spindle cell neoplasm harboring ALK rearrangements has recently been described. Morphologically, these neoplasms have been characterized by bland spindled cells organized in whorls and cords against myxoid stroma, eventuating in the designation "superficial ALK-rearranged myxoid spindle cell neoplasm." Here, we report a 78-year-old male with a 3-mm pink papule on the chest, clinically concerning for cutaneous carcinoma. Biopsy of the specimen showed a biphasic tumor with hypercellular and hypocellular zones consisting of epithelioid cells and monomorphic, bland spindled cells. The spindled cells were arranged in perineurial-like concentric whorls and cords embedded in a myxo-collagenous stroma. Neoplastic cells were diffusely positive for CD34, S100, and D5F3-ALK, without SOX10 expression. Negative markers included GLUT1, EMA, factor XIIIa, desmin, actin, and SMA. ALK-rearrangement was identified on fluorescence in situ hybridization break-apart assay. A corresponding novel FMR1-ALK fusion was found by next-generation sequencing (NGS) based RNA sequencing. Identification of this new FMR1-ALK fusion signature adds to the spectrum of diagnostic genomic alterations in this newly described class of tumors.

Keywords: CD34; FMR1-ALK fusion; S100; kinase fusions; spindle cell neoplasms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Biopsy
  • Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein / genetics
  • Gene Fusion
  • Gene Rearrangement
  • Humans
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Male
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / genetics
  • Skin Neoplasms* / genetics

Substances

  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • FMR1 protein, human
  • Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein