Histopathologic classification and immunohistochemical features of papillary renal neoplasm with potential therapeutic targets

Sep 22, 2026

Papillary renal cell carcinoma is a morphologically and molecularly heterogeneous tumor, making accurate histopathologic classification and immunohistochemical assessment critical for precise patient care. A study analyzed 140 papillary renal neoplasms using tissue microarrays, applying immunostains including SDHB, FH, and TFE3 for differential diagnosis and reassessing a subset of cases. Additional stains assessed c-MET, p16, c-Myc, Ki-67, p53, and STING to explore pathogenetic pathways and potential targeted-therapy candidates.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

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Background and Aim

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Conclusions

Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2024; 58: 321-330 [https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.07.31](https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.07.31) ORIGINAL ARTICLE Histopathologic classification and immunohistochemical features of papillary renal neoplasm with potential therapeutic targets Jeong Hwan Park1,2, Su-Jin Shin3, Hyun-Jung Kim4, Sohee Oh5, Yong Mee Cho6 1Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul; 2Department of Pathology, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul; 3Department of Pathology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul; 4Department of Pathology, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Seoul; 5Medical Research Collaborating Center, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul; 6Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea Background: Papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) is the second most common histological subtype of renal cell carcinoma and is considered a morphologically and molecularly heterogeneous tumor. Accurate classification and assessment of the immunohistochemical features of possible therapeutic targets are needed for precise patient care. We aimed to evaluate immunohistochemical features and possible therapeutic targets of papillary renal neoplasms Methods: We collected 140 papillary renal neoplasms from three different hospitals and conducted immunohistochemical studies on tissue microarray slides. We performed succinate dehydrogenase B, fumarate hydratase, and transcription factor E3 immunohistochemical studies for differential diagnosis and re-classified five cases (3.6%) of papillary renal neoplasms. In addition, we conducted c-MET, p16, c-Myc, Ki-67, p53, and stimulator of interferon genes (STING) immunohistochemical studies to evaluate their pathogenesis and value for therapeutic targets. Results: We found that c-MET expression was more common in pRCC (classic) (p = .021) among papillary renal neoplasms and Ki-67 proliferation index was higher in pRCC (not otherwise specified, NOS) compared to that of pRCC (classic) and papillary neoplasm with reverse polarity (marginal significance, p = .080). Small subsets of cases with p16 block positivity (4.5%) (pRCC [NOS] only) and c-Myc expression (7.1%) (pRCC [classic] only) were found. Also, there were some cases showing STING expression and those cases were associated with increased Ki-67 proliferation index (marginal significance, p = .063). Conclusions: Our findings suggested that there are subsets of pRCC with c-MET, p16, c-MYC, and STING expression and those cases could be potential candidates for targeted therapy. Key Words: Renal cell carcinoma; Immunohistochemistry; Proto-oncogene proteins c-met; STING1 protein Received: January 26, 2024 Revised: July 25, 2024 Accepted: July 31, 2024 Corresponding Author: Yong Mee Cho, MD, PhD, Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05505, Korea Tel: +82-2-3010-5965, Fax: +82-2-3010-7898, [E-mail: yongcho@amc.seoul.kr](E-mail: yongcho@amc.seoul.kr) Kidney cancer is one of the most lethal genitourinary tumors worldwide with an incidence and mortality rate of approximately 2% among all cancers [1]. Kidney cancer is the seventh and tenth most common cancer in men and women, respectively [2], and accounts for the 16th most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide [3]. The 5-year survival rate of patients with kidney cancer is approximately 70% for stage I–II, 30%–55% for stage III, and 5% for stage IV [4]. Kidney cancer can spread to various organs including the lungs, lymph nodes, and bones [5]. Histologically, kidney cancer is classified into approximately 20 histologic subtypes, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC), and chromo

FAQs

What was the main objective of the study?

To evaluate immunohistochemical features of papillary renal neoplasms and identify possible therapeutic targets that could support more precise patient care.

How were papillary renal neoplasms evaluated in the study?

The study collected 140 cases from three hospitals and performed immunohistochemical studies on tissue microarray slides, including markers used for differential diagnosis and markers linked to signaling and potential targeting.

Which immunohistochemical findings suggested potential targeted-therapy candidates?

Subsets of cases showed c-MET, p16, c-MYC, and STING expression, and some were associated with increased Ki-67 proliferation index, supporting their possible value as targeted-therapy candidates.

Sep 22, 2026

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