M Lisa Zhang, David M Meredith, Andrew M Bellizzi, Jonathan A Nowak, David J Papke
{"title":"Composite gangliocytoma/neuroma and neuroendocrine tumor: a clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular genetic study of 11 cases.","authors":"M Lisa Zhang, David M Meredith, Andrew M Bellizzi, Jonathan A Nowak, David J Papke","doi":"10.1007/s00428-025-04167-6","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Composite gangliocytoma/neuroma and neuroendocrine tumor (CoGNET, previously \"gangliocytic paraganglioma\"), is a rare tumor type of uncertain pathogenesis in the ampulla/periampullary duodenum. Here, we present 11 CoGNETs in 6 females (55%) and 5 males (median age: 55 years; range: 28-69 years), all in the ampulla or duodenum. Tumors were triphasic with variable proportions of (1) neuroendocrine nests, (2) spindle cell nerve sheath regions, and (3) ganglion-like cells. By immunohistochemistry, ganglion-like cells expressed broad-spectrum keratins, somatostatin, NFP, and islet-1, and they lacked expression of PHOX2B. Neuroendocrine nests diffusely expressed ARX, islet-1, pancreatic polypeptide, and somatostatin, and they lacked expression of CDX2 and PDX1. Spindle cells expressed NFP and S-100. Targeted DNA sequencing of four tumors demonstrated 15q loss in two and multiple copy number alterations in one. Whole-exome DNA sequencing of five tumors showed borderline evidence of an NF1 frameshift mutation in one. Clinical follow-up was available for 8 patients (73%; median length: 7.0 years; range: 1.3 months-13.9 years). One Whipple resection showed regional lymph node metastases in a patient who remained disease-free 12.3 years later. No patients experienced recurrence or metastasis following surgery. The expression pattern of endocrine hormones and transcription factors distinguished CoGNET from other pancreatic and duodenal neuroendocrine tumor subtypes. The ganglion-like cells expressed keratins and not PHOX2B, demonstrating immunophenotypic divergence from true ganglion cells. Therefore, we propose that alternative nomenclature \"gangliocytoid neuroendocrine neoplasm\" or \"composite gangliocytoid neuroendocrine neoplasm\" be considered. The relative lack of pathogenic mutations raises the possibility that these tumors might harbor epigenetic drivers.</p>","PeriodicalId":23514,"journal":{"name":"Virchows Archiv","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1000,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Virchows Archiv","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00428-025-04167-6","RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"PATHOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Composite gangliocytoma/neuroma and neuroendocrine tumor (CoGNET, previously "gangliocytic paraganglioma"), is a rare tumor type of uncertain pathogenesis in the ampulla/periampullary duodenum. Here, we present 11 CoGNETs in 6 females (55%) and 5 males (median age: 55 years; range: 28-69 years), all in the ampulla or duodenum. Tumors were triphasic with variable proportions of (1) neuroendocrine nests, (2) spindle cell nerve sheath regions, and (3) ganglion-like cells. By immunohistochemistry, ganglion-like cells expressed broad-spectrum keratins, somatostatin, NFP, and islet-1, and they lacked expression of PHOX2B. Neuroendocrine nests diffusely expressed ARX, islet-1, pancreatic polypeptide, and somatostatin, and they lacked expression of CDX2 and PDX1. Spindle cells expressed NFP and S-100. Targeted DNA sequencing of four tumors demonstrated 15q loss in two and multiple copy number alterations in one. Whole-exome DNA sequencing of five tumors showed borderline evidence of an NF1 frameshift mutation in one. Clinical follow-up was available for 8 patients (73%; median length: 7.0 years; range: 1.3 months-13.9 years). One Whipple resection showed regional lymph node metastases in a patient who remained disease-free 12.3 years later. No patients experienced recurrence or metastasis following surgery. The expression pattern of endocrine hormones and transcription factors distinguished CoGNET from other pancreatic and duodenal neuroendocrine tumor subtypes. The ganglion-like cells expressed keratins and not PHOX2B, demonstrating immunophenotypic divergence from true ganglion cells. Therefore, we propose that alternative nomenclature "gangliocytoid neuroendocrine neoplasm" or "composite gangliocytoid neuroendocrine neoplasm" be considered. The relative lack of pathogenic mutations raises the possibility that these tumors might harbor epigenetic drivers.
期刊介绍:
Manuscripts of original studies reinforcing the evidence base of modern diagnostic pathology, using immunocytochemical, molecular and ultrastructural techniques, will be welcomed. In addition, papers on critical evaluation of diagnostic criteria but also broadsheets and guidelines with a solid evidence base will be considered. Consideration will also be given to reports of work in other fields relevant to the understanding of human pathology as well as manuscripts on the application of new methods and techniques in pathology. Submission of purely experimental articles is discouraged but manuscripts on experimental work applicable to diagnostic pathology are welcomed. Biomarker studies are welcomed but need to abide by strict rules (e.g. REMARK) of adequate sample size and relevant marker choice. Single marker studies on limited patient series without validated application will as a rule not be considered. Case reports will only be considered when they provide substantial new information with an impact on understanding disease or diagnostic practice.