Small cell lung cancer with SYN2::PPARG fusion

• Published in: Pathology, research and practice Vol. 251; p. 154904
• Main Authors: Ghigna, M R, Cotteret, S, Arbab, A, Bani, M A, Scoazec, J Y
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 01.11.2023
• ISSN: 1618-0631
• DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154904

INTRODUCTIONSmall cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for 15% of lung cancers worldwide. It is an aggressive tumor that is typically diagnosed at an advanced stage. Treatment involves chemo-immunotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Identifying druggable targets activated by specific genetic alterations represents a significant challenge in improving patient outcomes.METHODSWe conducted a retrospective examination of molecular findings in lung cancer patients' records from 2021 to 2022. We discovered a unique case of SCLC harboring the SYN2-PPARG fusion. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of SCLC.CASE REPORTA 60-year-old woman, a heavy smoker, came to our attention due to a persistent cough with slight hemoptysis. Imaging, including axial contrast-enhanced computed tomography, revealed an advanced disease with extra-thoracic spread. Tumor histology showed a sheet-like proliferation of small-sized cells with a neuroendocrine phenotype and a high proliferation tumor cell fraction. Molecular genetic analysis using NGS approach revealed a fusion involving the SYN2 and PPARG genes.CONCLUSIONThe SYN2-PPARG fusion has recently been documented in sinonasal adenocarcinoma and has been reported in only a single SCLC case previously. Highlighting the molecular heterogeneity within this aggressive form of lung cancer could potentially aid in the selection of specific therapies.