Project description:The histopathological diagnosis of sinonasal tumors is challenging as it encompasses a heterogeneous spectrum of various differential diagnoses as well as poorly defined, disputed entities such as sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas (SNUCs). In this study, we show that a machine learning algorithm based on DNA methylation is able to classify sinonasal tumors with clinical-grade reliability. We further show that tumors with SNUC morphology are not as undifferentiated as their current terminology suggests, but can be assigned to four molecular classes defined by distinct epigenic, mutational and proteomic profiles. This includes two classes with neuroendocrine differentiation, characterized by IDH2 or SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex mutations and overall favorable clinical course, highly aggressive tumors that are driven by SMARCB1-deficiency and tumors that represent previously misclassified adenoid-cystic carcinomas. Our findings have the potential to dramatically improve the diagnostic of challenging sinonasal tumors and could fundamentally change the current perception of SNUCs.
Project description:The diagnosis of sinonasal tumors is challenging due to a heterogeneous spectrum of various differential diagnoses as well as poorly defined, disputed entities such as sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas (SNUCs). In this study, we apply machine learning algorithm based on DNA methylation patterns to classify sinonasal tumors with clinical-grade reliability. We further show that sinonasal tumors with SNUC morphology are not as undifferentiated as their current terminology suggests but rather reassigned to four distinct molecular classes defined by epigenetic, mutational and proteomic profiles. This includes two classes with neuroendocrine differentiation, characterized by IDH2 or SMARCA4/ARID1A mutations with an overall favorable clinical course, whereas tumors that are driven by SMARCB1-deficiency and tumors that represent previously misclassified adenoid cystic carcinomas are highly aggressive. Our findings have the potential to dramatically improve the diagnostic classification of sinonasal tumors and will fundamentally change the current perception of SNUCs.
Project description:Background: Modern neuropathology is challenged by an increasing number of clinically-relevant CNS tumor subgroups that require assessment of a multitude of molecular markers for classification, as well a highly trained medical staff. Failure to meet this challenge leads to tumor misclassification, which can have severe consequences for affected patients. Methods: We compiled a cohort of genome-wide DNA methylation profiles of 2,682 tumors from 82 histologically and/or molecularly distinct CNS tumor classes across all ages and histologies that served as reference for a Random Forest-based diagnostic classifier. This classifier was used to prospectively investigate a further 1,104 CNS tumor samples in order to determine its clinical utility. Results: The classifier was able to reliably assign tumor samples to a given diagnostic category with a misclassification rate of less than 2%. The system functioned robustly across laboratories and using different DNA methylation profiling techniques. Prospective application to clinical samples resulted in a reclassification of 12% of tumors compared with standard practice alone. A further 12% could not be classified by methylation profiling – this subset was highly enriched for unusual syndrome-associated tumors and likely novel entities. Conclusion: This study represents a proof-of-concept for the application of machine learning approaches in molecular diagnostics using a single, easy-to-use assay. The reference cohort and Random Forest-based classifier are available online as a valuable community tool for improving precision in brain tumor diagnostics. We expect that approaches similar to the one presented herein will rapidly restructure diagnostic practice in neurooncology and across tumor pathology.
Project description:The diagnosis of sinonasal tumors is challenging due to a heterogeneous spectrum of various differential diagnoses as well as poorly defined, disputed entities such as sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas (SNUCs). In this study, we apply a machine learning algorithm based on DNA methylation patterns to classify sinonasal tumors with clinical-grade reliability. We further show that sinonasal tumors with SNUC morphology are not as undifferentiated as their current terminology suggests but rather reassigned to four distinct molecular classes defined by epigenetic, mutational and proteomic profiles. This includes two classes with neuroendocrine differentiation, characterized by IDH2 or SMARCA4/ARID1A mutations with an overall favorable clinical course, one class composed of highly aggressive SMARCB1-deficient carcinomas and another class with tumors that represent previously misclassified adenoid cystic carcinomas. The repository includes the raw mass spectrometry-based proteomics data
Project description:The diagnosis of sinonasal tumors is challenging due to a heterogeneous spectrum of various differential diagnoses as well as poorly defined, disputed entities such as sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas (SNUCs). In this study, we apply a machine learning algorithm based on DNA methylation patterns to classify sinonasal tumors with clinical-grade reliability. We further show that sinonasal tumors with SNUC morphology are not as undifferentiated as their current terminology suggests but rather reassigned to four distinct molecular classes defined by epigenetic, mutational and proteomic profiles. This includes two classes with neuroendocrine differentiation, characterized by IDH2 or SMARCA4/ARID1A mutations with an overall favorable clinical course, one class composed of highly aggressive SMARCB1-deficient carcinomas and another class with tumors that represent previously misclassified adenoid cystic carcinomas. This repository includes the results from DNA sequencing and mass spectrometry-based proteomics.
Project description:This dataset includes raw label-free mass spectrometry proteomics data of different sinonasal tumor entities as well as normal sinonasal tissue. 72 samples were processed on a Q Exactive HF-X instrument coupled to an easy nanoLC 1200 system using one microgram of peptides and an 110 minutes gradient.
Project description:Transcriptional profiling of ethmoïd tumors samples comparing normal samples from the controlateral sinus. RNA were extracted from biopsies. Sinonasal adenocarcinomas are uncommon tumors developping in ethmoid sinus after wood dust exposure. Although the etiology of these tumors is well defined very little is known regarding the molecular basis of these tumors. In an attempt to identify genes involved in this disease we proceed to a gene expression profiling using cancer-dedicated microarrays, on matched samples of nine sinonasal adenocarcinomas and non-tumoral sinusal tissue. Among the genes with significant differential expression we selected: LGALS4, ACS5, CLU, BAX, PDGFRa, SRI and CCT5 for further exploration by quantitative real-time reverse-transcription-PCR on a larger set of tumors and confirmed the microarray data. Protein expression alterations were shown for LGALS4, ACS5, and CLU by immunohistochemistry. Our results suggest that two genes might be involved in the pathogenesis of these tumors: LGALS4 highly up-regulated, particularly in the most differentiated tumors, and CLU, whose expression was lost. After further evaluation these genes could be used as markers for a better characterization of these tumors and will potentially help to an earlier detection of cancer in woodworkers, who have high risk of developing sinonasal adenocarcinomas.