Case Report: Clinical metastasis characteristics of lung adenosquamous carcinoma with ROS1 rearrangement

TL;DR

This case report explores a rare lung cancer subtype with mixed features and a genetic mutation that suggests a shared origin and transformation between tumor types.

Contribution

The study presents a unique case of lung adenosquamous carcinoma with ROS1 rearrangement across multiple metastases, supporting a common origin and transformation pathway.

Findings

ROS1 rearrangement was detected in all tumor lesions, suggesting a common origin.

The adenosquamous tumor may represent an intermediate state between adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Key transcription factors like NKX2-1, FOXA2, and SOX2 are implicated in the pathological transformation.

Abstract

Adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) of the lung is a rare and aggressive subtype of non-small-cell lung cancer, with a poor prognosis. Previous studies have revealed the existence of numerous oncogenic mutations shared between the adeno and squamous components, thereby implying a potential link between these two pathologies. Nevertheless, the genetic origin and underlying mechanisms of such a connection remain subjects of controversy. Here, we present a remarkable case of ASC where the primary tumor and mediastinal lymph node (LN) metastasis were adenosquamous, while the hilar LN metastasis was pure squamous cell carcinoma. Remarkably, a ROS1 rearrangement was identified in all lesions, strongly suggesting a common origin for the adeno-squamous components. In other words, ASC represents an intermediate state during the potential transformation from AC to SCC. Through whole-exome sequencing and immunohistochemistry, we analyzed the tumor immune microenvironment and the expression of key lineage-defining transcription factors, including NKX2-1, FOXA2, and SOX2. Our findings suggest these factors contribute significantly to the adeno-to-squamous pathological transformation. This exceptional case offers valuable insights that could potentially aid in the future recognition and treatment of ASC.

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