Retrospective analysis of nuclear protein in testis (NUT) midline carcinoma in the upper aerodigestive tract and mediastinum.

OBJECTIVE

Nuclear protein in testis (NUT) midline carcinoma (NMC) is a very aggressive tumor with limited survival, recently recognized as a subset of poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. A simple chromosomal translocation results in NUT overexpression and malignant transformation. This study used immunohistochemistry to retrospectively diagnose and characterize NMC cases.

STUDY

DESIGN

Immunoperoxidase staining was performed according to a standard protocol and interpreted independently by two pathologists. Scores were based on nuclear staining with monoclonal NUT antibody (C52B1) in the tumor cells.

RESULTS

Fifty-one poorly differentiated carcinoma cases with material available for testing were retrieved. Average patient age was 54.9 years (range: 16-82), with 20 women and 31 men. A single NMC case (2%) was retrospectively diagnosed in a 26-year-old man with a left maxillary sinus/nasal cavity tumor; he died of his disease 18 months after presentation, despite treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

These results support inclusion of NUT antibody in diagnostic immunohistochemical panels for poorly differentiated carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract.