Adult Wilms Tumor: Genetic Evidence of Origin of a Subset of Cases From Metanephric Adenoma

Pedram Argani, Satish K. Tickoo, Andres Matoso, Christine A. Pratilas, Rohit Mehra, Maria Tretiakova, Mathilde Sibony, Alan K. Meeker, Ming Tseh Lin, Victor E. Reuter, Jonathan I. Epstein, Jeffrey Gagan, Doreen N. Palsgrove

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The genetics of nephroblastoma (Wilms tumor) occurring in adults is largely unknown, as studies have largely been limited to isolated case reports. We, therefore, studied 14 adult Wilms tumors for genetic alterations, using expanded targeted sequencing on 11 cases. The patients ranged from 17 to 46 years of age (mean and median, 31 y), and there were 8 males and 6 females. Five Wilms tumors harbored BRAF V600E mutations. All of these had better-differentiated areas identical to metanephric adenoma, as has previously been described. In 3 such cases, microdissection studies revealed that the BRAF V600E mutation was present in both the metanephric adenoma and Wilms tumor areas; however, additional genetic alterations (including TERT promoter mutations in 2 cases, ASLX1/ATR mutations in 1 other case) were limited to the Wilms tumor component. These findings suggest that the Wilms tumor developed from the metanephric adenoma. Other adult Wilms tumors harbored genetic alterations previously reported in the more common pediatric Wilms tumors, including WT1 mutations (2 cases), ASLX1 mutations (3 additional cases), NSD2 mutation (1 additional case), and 11p loss (3 cases). In summary, a significant subset of adult Wilms tumors (specifically those of epithelial type with differentiated areas) harbor targetable BRAF V600E mutations and appear to arise from metanephric adenomas as a consequence of additional acquired genetic alterations. Other adult Wilms tumors often harbor genetic alterations found in their more common pediatric counterparts, suggesting at least some similarities in their pathogenesis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)988-999
Number of pages12
JournalAmerican Journal of Surgical Pathology
Volume46
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2022

Keywords

  • BRAF
  • Wilms
  • metanephric
  • renal neoplasm

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Anatomy
  • Surgery
  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine

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