Intraosseous Spindle Cell/Epithelioid Rhabdomyosarcoma with TFCP2 Rearrangement: A Recent Recognized Subtype with Partial Response to Alectinib

Int J Surg Pathol. 2023 Aug;31(5):861-865. doi: 10.1177/10668969221140397. Epub 2022 Dec 6.

Abstract

Rhabdomyosarcoma affects mainly pediatric patients and is currently classified into four categories: embryonal, alveolar, pleomorphic, and spindle cell/sclerosing. Recently, a molecular group of spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma demonstrated new fusion transcripts involving FET-family genes with TFCP2. In this report, we describe a rare case of spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma in a 19-year-old woman, presenting as a destructive lesion involving the condyle of mandible. Next generation sequencing was performed, revealing a FUS::TFCP2 fusion and deletion of ALK gene. Alectinib therapy was initiated, which resulted in a favorable response for 4 months. However, the patient died due progression of the tumor. To make an accurate diagnosis and ensure appropriate patient management, it is necessary to be aware of this variant and use proper immunohistochemical stains when facing malignant mesenchymal bone lesions, expanding its differential diagnosis.

Keywords: ALK; FUS::TFCP2 fusion; Spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma; alectinib.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mandible / pathology
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma* / diagnosis
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma* / drug therapy
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma* / genetics
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma, Embryonal*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • alectinib
  • Transcription Factors
  • TFCP2 protein, human
  • DNA-Binding Proteins