Clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma: a review

The disease concept of clear cell (tubulo) papillary renal cell carcinoma (CCP-RCC) as a distinct subtype of renal cell carcinoma has been recently established. First described in the setting of end stage renal disease, this tumor type is more frequently recognized and encountered in a sporadic setting. In this article, we provide an overview of the recent understanding of this tumor. Macroscopically, tumors are well circumscribed with well-developed tumor capsule. Histologically, the tumor cells are cuboidal to low columnar cell with clear cytoplasm and papillary and tubulo-papillary configuration. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells generally show diffuse expression for cytokeratin 7, CA9 (cup-shaped pattern), HIF-1, GLUT-1 and high molecular weight cytokeratin, but negative for AMACR, RCC Ma and TFE3. CD10 is negative or focally positive in most tumors. Genetically, this tumor has no characteristics of clear cell RCC or papillary RCC. Prognostically, patients with CCP-RCC behave in an indolent fashion in all previously reported cases. In conclusion, although this tumor has been integrated into recent International Society of Urologic Pathology Classification of renal neoplasia, both aspects of disease concept and clinical behavior are yet to be fully elucidated. Further publications of large cohorts of patients will truly help understand the biologic potential and the molecular underpinnings of this tumor type.     

Renal papillary adenoma--a putative precursor of papillary renal cell carcinoma

The precursor lesions of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are unknown. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence, histomorphological features, and immunohistochemical features of papillary adenoma and elucidate its potential relationship to RCC. We reviewed 542 consecutive nephrectomy specimens over an 8-year period. Immunohistochemistry was carried out with antibodies specific for alpha-methyl-coenzyme A racemase (AMACR) and glutathione S-transferase alpha (clear-cell RCC marker). Thirty-eight (7%) nephrectomy specimens showed histologic evidence of papillary adenoma. Of these 38 cases, 18 (47%) arose in the setting of papillary RCC (PRCC). Seven papillary adenomas (18%) occurred in the setting of acquired polycystic kidney disease (APKD), 6 in clear-cell RCCs, 3 in chromophobe RCCs, 2 in end-stage kidney disease, 1 in oncocytoma, 1 in angiomyolipoma, and 1 in renal schwannoma. Furthermore, papillary adenomas were more commonly found in kidneys removed for PRCC (25%, 18/71) than in kidneys harboring clear-cell RCC (1.9%, 6/318). Histomorphologically, papillary adenomas were characterized by varying proportions of papillae and tubules formed by cuboidal cells with scant basophilic cytoplasm similar to those in type 1 PRCC. Adenomas associated with PRCC tend to be multiple in number (61% [11/18] of cases had >2 adenomas; mean, 5). In contrast, 100% of papillary adenomas arising in other conditions had less than 2 adenomas. Most of the adenomas (82%, 31/38) stained strongly for AMACR in a fashion similar to that of PRCC. The 7 AMACR-negative cases all arose in the setting of APKD. In this study of surgical specimens, the high coincidence, multifocality, and histologic and immunohistochemical similarities between papillary adenoma and PRCC suggest that the 2 are strongly associated and may represent a continuum of 1 biologic process. In contrast, adenomas associated with APKD exhibit distinct morphological and immunohistochemical features and, therefore, may have an entirely different pathogenesis.     

Multicentric papillary renal cell carcinoma associated with renal adenomatosis

A case of multicentric papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) associated with renal adenomatosis in the bilateral kidneys is reported. Bilateral multiple renal cysts in a 46-year-old man were pointed out incidentally by ultrasonography. Some of the left renal lesions were considered to be RCC, and left radical nephrectomy was performed accordingly. The left kidney was occupied by numerous solid nodules, which ranged from yellow to tan in color, and some of the large ones had foci of hemorrhage and necrosis. Microscopically, most of the tumors showed papillary RCC associated with renal adenoma, while others consisted only of adenomas. Ten months later, multiple lesions of the right kidney, which were initially considered to be multiple cysts, were found to have become enlarged and some of them were diagnosed as RCC. Thus, right radical nephrectomy was also performed, and these tumors showed the same features as the left renal tumors. The patient's familial history was not remarkable. The kidneys revealed various histological features, ranging from dysplastic to adenoma or carcinoma, including transitional or overlapping features between them. The findings suggest an adenoma-carcinoma sequence in papillary RCC. It is worth considering such entities.     

Oncocytic renal cell carcinoma having papillotubular growth: rare morphological variant of papillary renal cell carcinoma

Herein is described a unique renal cell tumor with previously unreported morphological and immunohistochemical features. The patient was a 78-year-old Japanese man. A huge left renal tumor was found on ultrasound during evaluation of left abdominal distention. The tumor was macroscopically characterized by a non-infiltrative border, pale yellow to grayish color, foci of hemorrhage and partial edematous change. Histologically the tumor had an extensive small tubular growth pattern often with papillary fronds mainly composed of oncocytic cells with deeply eosinophilic granular cytoplasm. Clear vacuolated cells were scattered among the oncocytic cells. The present case had an unusual immunohistochemical profile for all known types of renal cell tumors, but both the oncocytic cells and the clear vacuolated cells were strongly immunoreactive for α-methylacyl-coenzyme A racemase. It is concluded that the tumor may be a candidate for a rare variant of papillary renal cell carcinoma. Further cases having similar features are awaited for a definitive classification of this tumor as a previously undescribed tumor type.     

Eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions in papillary renal cell carcinoma

A case of a patient with papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with eosinophilic inclusions is presented. Almost all neoplastic cells contained eosinophilic globules that were stained red by trichrome and were negative for periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) reaction. Immunohistochemically, globules were negative for actin, keratin, vimentin, glially fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament. Ultrastructurally, globules consisted of electron-dense granular material that is more suggestive of a secretory substance than cytoskeletal filaments. The presence of eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions in RCC is rare. In this article, we review similar cases in the literature and discuss the nature of eosinophilic globules.     

Small oncocytic papillary renal cell carcinoma in diabetic glomerulosclerosis

Histologic and immunohistochemical features of oncocytic papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have not been fully elucidated. The author herein report a case of oncocytic papillary RCC (OPRCC). A 71-year-old man with diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy was found to have a small right renal tumor by CT. He had been treated with hemodialysis for chronic renal failure for 10 years. A nephrectomy was performed. Grossly, a small (1.5cm) encapsulated yellow tumor was found in the kidney. Histologically, the tumor was completely encapsulated, and consisted entirely of atypical oncocytes arranged in a diffuse papillary structure with fibrovascular cores. The oncocytes showed grade 3 atypia and pseudostratification. A few mitotic figures were seen, and psammoma bodies, foamy macrophages, and hemosiderin were scattered. Histochemically, the tumor cells were positive for colloidal iron, and negative for mucins (Alcian blue/PAS). Immunohistochemical results of the tumor were as follows: α-methylacyl-coenzyme A rasemase (AMACR) +++, vimentin +++, cytokeratin (CK) 18 +++, CD10 +++, S-100 protein +, MUC1 ++, MUC2 ++, MUC5AC ++, MUC6 ++, panCK Cam5.2 +, CK7 +, CK8 +, CK14 +, CK19 +, CK20 +, p53 +, HepPar1 +, CD68 +, platelet-derived growth factor-α (PDGFRA) +, PanCK AE1/3 -, PanCK WSS -, PanCK MNF115 -, CK 35BE12 -, CK5/6 -, EMA -, desmin -, smooth muscle antigen -, α-fetoprotein -, CEA -, estrogen receptor -, progesterone receptor -, HER2 -, p63 -, and KIT -. Ki67 labeling was 6%. These results suggest that OPRCC can express colloidal iron, low molecular weight CKs, S100 protein, MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC6, p53, PDGFRA, and HepPar1.     

A renal cell carcinoma with components of both chromophobe and papillary carcinoma

We report a case of a morphologically unusual renal cell carcinoma with features of both chromophobe and papillary carcinoma. Immunohistochemical analysis of high molecular weight cytokeratins (HMWCK), cytokeratin 7 (CK7), cytokeratin 19 (CK19), c-Kit, and α-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) demonstrated differential profiles for the two components of the tumor, consistent with the respective patterns commonly observed for pure chromophobe and papillary renal cell carcinomas. Specifically, the chromophobe tumor cells expressed CK7 and c-Kit weakly, while HMWCK, CK19, and AMACR were not detectable. In contrast, the papillary tumor cells expressed uniformly HMWCK, CK7, and c-Kit and focally CK19 and AMACR. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of nuclei isolated from paraffin-embedded tumor tissue detected monosomy 1, disomy 7, and monosomy 17, a common and characteristic finding in chromophobe carcinomas, in a majority of, but not all tumor cells, whereas a population characterized by disomy 1, trisomy 7, and trisomy 17, a frequent finding in papillary carcinoma, was not identifiable. Electron microscopic analysis revealed numerous characteristic small cytoplasmic vesicles in the chromophobe areas, which were absent in the papillary component. This case illustrates the rare coexistence of two distinct and admixed histologic types of renal cell carcinoma.     

Clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma: a clinicopathologic analysis of 6 cases

Clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma (CCPRCC) is a newly described variant of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) which is composed mainly of cells with clear cytoplasm arranged in cystic and papillary patterns. We report the clinicopathologic features, prognosis and differential diagnosis of 6 Clear Cell Papillary Renal Cell Carcinomas. The clinical information and follow-up data were analyzed. The patients were six males with median age of 52.5 years. Case 1 revealed dense calcification and ossification. Cases 2 and 3 contain a variably prominent smooth muscle stromal component. CA-IX, CK7, PAX-8 and VIM were positive in all cases. TFE3 and AMACR were not expressed in any tumor. CD10 was negative in 5 of 6 cases .The patients were followed for 13~55 months with no local tumor recurrences and tumor metastasis. The CCPRCC was associated with a more favorable outcome. These were low-grade and low-stage renal tumors. No lymph node or distant metastasis of the six tumors.     

Clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma: a clinicopathological study emphasizing ultrastructural features and cytogenetic heterogeneity

Clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma (CCPRCC) is a recently recognized renal neoplasm, which was initially described in end-stage renal disease (ESRD), but some cases have been reported in otherwise normal kidneys. We report a series of 11 CCPRCC (age range, 33-72 years; male-to-female ratio, 8:3). Follow-up was available for 8 patients. No patients developed local recurrence, distant or lymph-node metastasis, or cancer death. Histologically, all tumors exhibit morphologic features typical of CCPRCC including a mixture of cystic and papillary components, covered by small to medium-sized cuboidal cells with abundant clear cytoplasm. All 11 cases exhibited moderate to strong positivity for CK7, CA9, Vim, and HIF-1α, coupled with negative reactions for CD10, P504S, and RCC. We did not find any VHL gene mutations in all 11 cases. Losses of chromosomes 3 (monoploid chromosome 3) was detected in 3 cases. Ultrastructurally, the tumor cells composed of numerous glycogens with scanty cell organelles, reminiscent of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC). In conclusion, the coexpression of CA9 and HIF-1α in the absence of VHL gene abnormalities in CCPRCC suggests activation of the HIF pathway by mechanisms independent of VHL gene mutation. Losses of chromosomes 3 (monosomies chromosome 3) was detected in 3 cases suggesting that at least some of these lesions have demonstrated abnormalities of chromosomes 3. Ultrastructurally, CCPRCC composed of numerous glycogens with scanty cell organelles, reminiscent of CCRCC suggesting the close pathogenesis relationship of CCPRCC with CCRCC.     

具有透明细胞乳头状肾细胞癌形态特征的透明细胞性肾细胞癌的临床病理特征

目的探讨具有透明细胞乳头状肾细胞癌形态特征的透明细胞性肾细胞癌(clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma-like clear cell renal carcinoma, CCPRCC-like CCRCC)的临床和病理特征, 旨在提高对该类肿瘤的认识。方法回顾性分析浙江大学医学院附属第一医院诊断的3例CCPRCC-like CCRCC的临床资料、组织学形态及免疫表型, 随访患者预后并复习相关文献。结果男性2例, 女性1例, 平均年龄43岁。肿块最大径9 cm。镜下观察3例病例均包含透明细胞乳头状肾细胞癌样(CCPRCC-like)及透明细胞性肾细胞癌样(CCRCC-like)两种区域, 前者在整个瘤体所占比例为20%～90%。CCPRCC-like区域含有囊、乳头、腺管状结构。细胞核远离基底膜, 细胞核WHO/国际泌尿病理协会(ISUP)分级1级。在CCPRCC-like区域, 细胞角蛋白(CK)7表达范围10%～80%, 中等及以上强度表达。CD10表达均为100%, 主要为顶端胞膜表达。在CCRCC-like区域, 1例CK7阴性, 其余...     

肾黏液样小管状和梭形细胞癌与乳头状肾细胞癌的免疫表型及遗传学改变

目的 研究肾脏黏液样小管状和梭形细胞癌(mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma, MTSCC)及乳头状肾细胞癌(papillary renal cell carcinoma, PRCC)的免疫表型及遗传学特征,探讨它们在肿瘤鉴别诊断中的意义.方法 应用免疫组化方法分别检测7例MTSCC及10例PRCC中 vimentin、RCC、CK7、CK19、34βE12、AMACR、CD10及CD117的表达,同时应用荧光原位杂交(fluorescence in situ hybridization, FISH)技术检测两种肿瘤中7号染色体的遗传学改变.结果 (1) vimentin、RCC、CK7、CK19、AMACR、CD117及34βE12在两种肿瘤中的表达均无明显差别;CD10在50% (5/10例)的PRCC中呈阳性表达,而在MTSCC 中均呈阴性反应.(2) FISH结果显示:10例 PRCC均存在7号染色体三倍体,而在MTSCC中未检测到这一遗传学改变.结论 MTSCC是一种罕见的低级别多形性肿瘤,其某些组织学特征及免疫表型与PRCC相似,极易误诊.7号染色体的异常改变对MTSCC和PRCC的鉴别诊断有着十分重要的意义.     

GATA3 aids in distinguishing fumarate hydratase-deficient renal cell carcinoma from papillary renal cell carcinoma

GATA3 has been reported to be positive in clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma and papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity. However, its features in high-grade RCC remain unclear. Despite the emergence of novel renal entities, FH-deficient RCC remains one of the most aggressive renal neoplasms. The diagnosis is mainly based on the loss of FH at the protein level. Previous studies have shown that inclusion-like nuclei, multiple architectural patterns, FH loss, and 2SC positivity can differentiate FH-deficient RCC from other RCC. In some FH-deficient RCC cases, FH is normally expressed and is difficult to diagnose. This study included 11 FH-deficient RCC, and GATA3 showed different expression in seven cases. However, 147 papillary renal cell carcinomas were included, and GATA3 expression was negative. A comparison of clinicopathological aspects between 11 FH-deficient RCC and 30 high-grade PRCC showed statistical significance in age, size, multiple architectural patterns, inclusion-like nuclei, and prognosis. However, PRCC exhibited similar characteristics. CK7, GATA3, and FH profiles were also statistically significant. Different chromosomal alterations were found in FH-deficient RCC, and chromosomal alterations were not different between FH-deficient RCC and PRCC. GATA3 was positive in 33 % (7/21) of collecting duct carcinomas and negative in other high-grade renal neoplasms. GATA3 is negative in PRCC, but can be positive in FH-deficient RCC and collecting duct carcinoma. GATA3 expression may indicate a worse outcome in high-grade RCC with papillary architecture. We recommend GATA3 IHC for the differential diagnosis and prognostic assessment of high-grade RCC with papillary architecture.     

Tubulocystic carcinoma of kidney associated with papillary renal cell carcinoma

Tubulocystic renal cell carcinoma (TCRCC) is a rare variant of renal cell carcinoma, which has distinct histology but there is some controversy about its association with papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) and cell of origin in literature. We report an 18-year-old girl with the rare TCRCC of kidney associated with PRCC with metastases to the para-aortic nodes. The patient presented with hematuria and a right renal mass with enlarged regional nodes for which a radical nephrectomy with retroperitoneal lymph node dissection was done. On gross examination, a solid cystic lesion involving the lower pole and middle pole of the kidney measuring 12x9x9 cm was seen along with an additional cystic lesion in upper pole of kidney. Microscopically the main tumor showed the typical histology of a tubulocystic carcinoma with multiple cysts filled with secretions lined by variably flattened epithelium with hobnailing of cells. The mass in the upper pole was a high-grade PRCC and the nodal metastases had morphology similar to this component. To conclude, at least a small but definite subset of TCRCC is associated with PRCC, and cases associated with PRCC do seem to have a higher propensity for nodal metastasis as in the case we report.     

Cytohistopathologic hybrid renal cell carcinoma with papillary and clear cell features

Clear cell (CRCC) and papillary (PRCC) renal cell carcinomas (RCC) are the two most frequent subtypes of RCC. In this study, we studied RCC which displayed a hybrid morphology with areas of PRCC and CRCC or which contained papillary structures with clear cell changes (CCC).

Consecutive cases of RCC collected over a 12-year period were reviewed to identify RCC with papillary structures and a possible admixture between CRCC and non-oncocytic PRCC. Special stains for glycogen and immunostaining for cytokeratin 7 were applied to sections containing both areas of classical PRCC and PRCC with CCC.

Of the total of 541 RCC retrieved, there were 68 non-oncocytic RCC having papillary structures that could be grouped into: (a) group 1 (15 cases), CRCC with areas of papillary formation; (b) group 2a (9 cases), PRCC with extensive CCC with areas of foamy epithelial cells or macrophages; (c) group 2b (18 cases), RCC with areas of classical PRCC with focal CCC; and (d) group 3 (26 cases), RCC with features of groups 2a and 2b and containing areas of classical CRCC. There was a high rate (12/68) of sarcomatous transformation in the study cases. Groups 2 and 3 were associated with a higher rate of vascular invasion, distant metastasis, and mortality than classical PRCC and a higher rate of lymph node metastasis than CRCC.

Our study identifies two groups of RCC (referred to as groups 2 and 3) that exhibit characteristic cytohistopathologic hybrid features that set them apart from classical RCC. This type of hybrid tumor seems to be associated with a more aggressive biologic behavior, and its recognition may facilitate the classification of RCC with ambiguous morphology.     

Synchronous chromophobe and papillary renal cell carcinoma. First report and review of the pathogenesis theories

The coexistence of different subtypes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) within a single kidney is an extremely unusual entity. Presented herein is the case of a 57-year-old man with two RCC of chromophobe and papillary histology. Very few reports in the literature describe double or triple synchronous renal neoplasms. To our knowledge this is the first report of this RCC subtype combination, which might trigger further investigation on the RCC pathogenesis theories.