Fusion Transcripts that Characterize Malignancies of Salivary Gland Origin [Hot Topic]

Salivary gland neoplasia is often regarded as one of the more challenging areas of diagnostic surgical pathology. Dramatic histomorphologic overlap between benign and malignant entities creates a risk for misclassification and inappropriate treatment. Four malignancies of salivary gland origin are characterized by recurrent fusion gene events: mucoepidermoid carcinoma, mammary analogue secretory carcinoma of salivary glands, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma. Identification of fusion transcripts that encode novel or ectopically expressed oncoproteins in salivary gland tumors can improve diagnostic accuracy and selection of appropriate therapy.

A presentation by Joaquín García, MD