Advertisement
MELANOCYTIC TUMOUR PATHOLOGY| Volume 55, ISSUE 2, P196-205, March 2023

Download started.

Ok

An update on genomic aberrations in Spitz naevi and tumours

Published:January 09, 2023DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pathol.2022.12.001

      Summary

      Spitz neoplasms continue to be a diagnostic challenge for dermatopathologists and are defined by distinctive morphological and genetic features. With the recent advancements in genomic sequencing, the classification, diagnosis, and prognostication of these tumours have greatly improved. Several subtypes of Spitz neoplasms have been identified based on their specific genomic aberrations, which often correlate with distinctive morphologies and biological behaviour. These genetic driver events can be classified into four major groups, including: (1) mutations [HRAS mutations (with or without 11p amplification) and 6q23 deletions]; (2) tyrosine kinase fusions (ROS1, ALK, NTRK1-3, MET and RET); (3) serine/threonine kinase fusions and mutations (BRAF, MAP3K8, and MAP2K1); and (4) other rare genomic aberrations. These driver genomic events are hypothesised to enable the initial proliferation of melanocytes and are often accompanied by additional genomic aberrations that affect biological behaviour. The discovery of theses genomic fusions has allowed for a more objective definition of a Spitz neoplasm. Further studies have shown that the majority of morphologically Spitzoid appearing melanocytic neoplasms with aggressive behaviour are in fact BRAF or NRAS mutated tumours mimicking Spitz. Truly malignant fusion driven Spitz neoplasms may occur but are relatively uncommon, and biomarkers such as homozygous 9p21 (CDKN2A) deletions or TERT-p mutations can have some prognostic value in such cases. In this review, we discuss the importance and various methods of identifying Spitz associated genomic fusions to help provide more definitive classification. We also discuss characteristic features of the various fusion subtypes as well as prognostic biomarkers.

      Key words

      Introduction

      Historically, the diagnosis of Spitz neoplasms has been one of the greatest challenges for pathologists. Many studies have documented the considerable lack of interobserver consensus in diagnosing Spitz neoplasms using only morphological criteria.
      • Barnhill R.L.
      • Argenyi Z.B.
      • From L.
      • et al.
      Atypical Spitz nevi/tumours: lack of consensus for diagnosis, discrimination from melanoma, and prediction of outcome.
      Further, there are many anecdotes that describe melanocytic tumours diagnosed as a Spitz neoplasm resulting in aggressive clinical behaviour with metastasis and subsequent patient mortality. New molecular studies which have identified the primary genetic drivers of Spitz neoplasms as being predominantly the result of chimeric fusion kinases have provided an opportunity to go beyond morphology in diagnosing Spitz neoplasms.
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      The identification of a Spitz associated fusion kinase or alternatively a HRAS activating point mutation allows for a definitive classification of neoplasms into the Spitz family. Alternatively, the presence of BRAF or NRAS activating mutations or activating point mutations in other genes in the MAPKinase pathway known to be primary drivers of melanocytic tumours excludes these lesions from the Spitz family.
      • Elder D.E.
      • Scolyer R.A.
      • Willemze R.
      WHO Classification of Skin Tumours.
      Some of the Spitz associated kinase fusions have been associated with specific phenotypic patterns. Familiarity with these patterns can improve the accuracy and confidence of a diagnostician in designating a tumour in the Spitz family. Therefore, in this review, we will discuss some of the various morphological patterns that have been associated with specific chimeric fusion kinases. Additionally, there are some novel biomarkers that have been shown to have some prognostic value of Spitz neoplasms and hence may influence whether a diagnosis of Spitz melanoma or Spitz tumour/Spitz naevus is favoured.

      Molecular pathogenesis of spitz neoplasms

      In a study of 102 Spitzoid neoplasms, translocations involving ROS1, ALK, NTRK1, BRAF or RET were found in 51% of the evaluated cases.
      • Weedon D.
      • Little J.H.
      Spindle and epithelioid cell nevi in children and adults. A review of 211 cases of the Spitz nevus.
      The proposed mechanism involves a chromosomal translocation involving the aforementioned tyrosine kinases in which the 3′ kinase domain of the protein is preserved while the 5′ end of the gene where the regulatory unit resides is replaced by a variable number of potential partners. It is the loss of the regulatory unit that results in constitutive activation of the 3′ kinase and proliferative of Spitzoid melanocytes (Fig. 1 demonstrating a common fusion). A subsequent study also identified NTRK3 and MAP3K8 as well as several other novel fusions as key drivers in Spitz neoplasms.
      • Kervarrec T.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • Tirode F.
      • et al.
      Morphologic features in a series of 352 Spitz melanocytic proliferations help predict their oncogenic drivers.
      MAP3K8 can develop a constitutively active kinase from a fusion event as described above or a truncation in which the 5′ regulatory is simply lost also results in constitutive activation of the 3′ kinase.
      • Salmeron A.
      • Ahmad T.B.
      • Carlile G.W.
      • Pappin D.
      • Narsimhan R.P.
      • Ley S.C.
      Activation of MEK-1 and SEK-1 by Tpl-2 proto-oncoprotein, a novel MAP kinase kinase kinase.
      • Gandara M.L.
      • Lopez P.
      • Hernando R.
      • Castano J.G.
      • Alemany S.
      The COOH-terminal domain of wild-type Cot regulates its stability and kinase specific activity.
      • Ceci J.D.
      • Patriotis C.P.
      • Tsatsanis C.
      • et al.
      Tpl-2 is an oncogenic kinase that is activated by carboxy-terminal truncation.
      In this same study nearly 80% of Spitz neoplasms tested had either a kinase fusion or a constitutively activated kinase due to truncation.
      • Kervarrec T.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • Tirode F.
      • et al.
      Morphologic features in a series of 352 Spitz melanocytic proliferations help predict their oncogenic drivers.
      The remaining 10–20% of Spitz neoplasms are initiated by an activating point mutation in HRAS.
      • Kervarrec T.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • Tirode F.
      • et al.
      Morphologic features in a series of 352 Spitz melanocytic proliferations help predict their oncogenic drivers.
      There is a small remaining percent in which the drivers may not yet be described. Hence it seems overall 70–80% are fusion related and 10–20% are related to activating point mutations in HRAS.
      Fig. 1
      Fig. 1Diagram of chimeric structure in the MAP3K8-SVIL fusion Spitz neoplasms. Functional domains are displayed. Breakpoints are indicated by the orange arrows.

      Genomic subtypes of spitz and associated morphological patterns

      HRAS and 11p amplifications

      Mutations in HRAS (Harvey rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog), a proto-oncogene located on chromosome 11p, were the first genetic alterations associated with Spitz melanocytic neoplasms.
      • van Dijk M.C.
      • Bernsen M.R.
      • Ruiter D.J.
      Analysis of mutations in B-RAF, N-RAS, and H-RAS genes in the differential diagnosis of Spitz nevus and spitzoid melanoma.
      ,
      • Lezcano C.M.
      • Yeh I.
      • Eslamdoost N.
      • et al.
      Expanding the spectrum of microscopic and cytogenetic findings associated with Spitz tumours with 11p gains.
      HRAS belongs to the RAS family of oncogenes, encoding a GTPase that is involved in the MAP kinase signalling pathway. Mutations in HRAS result in constitutive activation and aberrant expression of various transcription factors involved in cell growth and differentiation.
      • Maldonado J.L.
      • Timmerman L.
      • Fridlyand J.
      • Bastian B.C.
      Mechanisms of cell-cycle arrest in Spitz nevi with constitutive activation of the MAP-kinase pathway.
      ,
      • Ross A.L.
      • Sanchez M.I.
      • Grichnik J.M.
      Compared to other Ras proteins, HRAS appears to have higher affinity for the PI3K-AKT pathway, which is thought to contribute to the enlarged epithelioid or spindle cell phenotype of Spitz naevi.
      • Ross A.L.
      • Sanchez M.I.
      • Grichnik J.M.
      • Wiesner T.
      • Kutzner H.
      • Cerroni L.
      • Mihm Jr., M.C.
      • Busam K.J.
      • Murali R.
      Genomic aberrations in spitzoid melanocytic tumours and their implications for diagnosis, prognosis and therapy.
      • Hancock J.F.
      Ras proteins: different signals from different locations.
      • van Engen-van Grunsven A.C.
      • van Dijk M.C.
      • Ruiter D.J.
      • Klaasen A.
      • Mooi W.J.
      • Blokx W.A.
      HRAS-mutated Spitz tumours: a subtype of Spitz tumours with distinct features.
      • Bastian B.C.
      • LeBoit P.E.
      • Pinkel D.
      Mutations and copy number increase of HRAS in Spitz nevi with distinctive histopathological features.
      Mutations (most commonly missense) are most often located on exons 2 or 3, including 61Gln to Leu, 61Gln to Arg, and 12Gly to Arg regions, but can also vary widely.
      • Bastian B.C.
      • LeBoit P.E.
      • Pinkel D.
      Mutations and copy number increase of HRAS in Spitz nevi with distinctive histopathological features.
      Clinically, Spitz naevi with HRAS mutations commonly present as symmetrical raised lesions with a plaque, wedge, or nodular-shaped silhouette on the head, neck, and extremities.
      • Lezcano C.M.
      • Yeh I.
      • Eslamdoost N.
      • et al.
      Expanding the spectrum of microscopic and cytogenetic findings associated with Spitz tumours with 11p gains.
      Morphologically, features of HRAS mutated Spitz naevi are most commonly associated with a desmoplastic Spitz naevi morphology and can vary from having low cellularity in a desmoplastic stroma to having bulky cellularity in a desmoplastic stroma in the dermis.
      • van Engen-van Grunsven A.C.
      • van Dijk M.C.
      • Ruiter D.J.
      • Klaasen A.
      • Mooi W.J.
      • Blokx W.A.
      HRAS-mutated Spitz tumours: a subtype of Spitz tumours with distinct features.
      ,
      • Bastian B.C.
      • LeBoit P.E.
      • Pinkel D.
      Mutations and copy number increase of HRAS in Spitz nevi with distinctive histopathological features.
      Cytologically, cells can have vesicular nuclei, nuclear pleomorphism, and ample eosinophilic or amphophilic cytoplasm.
      • van Engen-van Grunsven A.C.
      • van Dijk M.C.
      • Ruiter D.J.
      • Klaasen A.
      • Mooi W.J.
      • Blokx W.A.
      HRAS-mutated Spitz tumours: a subtype of Spitz tumours with distinct features.
      • Bastian B.C.
      • LeBoit P.E.
      • Pinkel D.
      Mutations and copy number increase of HRAS in Spitz nevi with distinctive histopathological features.
      • Sarin K.Y.
      • Sun B.K.
      • Bangs C.D.
      • et al.
      Activating HRAS mutation in agminated Spitz nevi arising in a nevus spilus.
      The proliferation rate is typically low.
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      ,
      • van Engen-van Grunsven A.C.
      • van Dijk M.C.
      • Ruiter D.J.
      • Klaasen A.
      • Mooi W.J.
      • Blokx W.A.
      HRAS-mutated Spitz tumours: a subtype of Spitz tumours with distinct features.
      ,
      • Bastian B.C.
      • LeBoit P.E.
      • Pinkel D.
      Mutations and copy number increase of HRAS in Spitz nevi with distinctive histopathological features.
      ,
      • Da Forno P.D.
      • Pringle J.H.
      • Fletcher A.
      • et al.
      BRAF, NRAS and HRAS mutations in spitzoid tumours and their possible pathogenetic significance.
      Most cases of agminated Spitz naevi with or without associated naevus spilus also appear to be related to an HRAS mutation.
      • Sarin K.Y.
      • Sun B.K.
      • Bangs C.D.
      • et al.
      Activating HRAS mutation in agminated Spitz nevi arising in a nevus spilus.
      ,
      • Nemeth K.
      • Szabo S.
      • Cottrell C.E.
      • et al.
      Mosaic pathogenic HRAS variant in a patient with nevus spilus with agminated Spitz nevi and parametrial-uterine rhabdomyosarcoma.
      • Pontoizeau J.
      • Stefan A.
      • Comoz F.
      • et al.
      Agminated Spitz nevus arising in normal skin with redundant HRAS mutation.
      • Porubsky C.
      • Teer J.K.
      • Zhang Y.
      • Deschaine M.
      • Sondak V.K.
      • Messina J.L.
      Genomic analysis of a case of agminated Spitz nevi and congenital-pattern nevi arising in extensive nevus spilus.
      In cases of naevus spilus there is a germline mosaic mutation in HRAS which results in the naevus spilus. The development of agminated Spitz in a naevus spilus has been associated with secondary copy number gains in 11p, where the HRAS gene resides in the foci of Spitzoid cells.

      Tyrosine kinase fusion-associated Spitz neoplasms

      ROS1 fusions

      ROS1 is a proto-oncogene that resides on chromosome 6q22.1, encoding a tyrosine kinase receptor involved in the following signalling pathways: Ras-Raf-MEK1/2-ERK1/2, JAK3-STAT3, and PI3K-AKT-mTOR.
      • Drilon A.
      • Jenkins C.
      • Iyer S.
      • Schoenfeld A.
      • Keddy C.
      • Davare M.A.
      ROS1-dependent cancers - biology, diagnostics and therapeutics.
      ROS1 fusions are among the most common type of fusion found in Spitz melanocytic neoplasms, with a large case series finding up to 17% of Spitz naevi or atypical Spitz tumours (AST) harbouring the mutation.
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      There are also reports of ROS1 fusions in desmoplastic Spitz naevi,
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      ,
      • Gerami P.
      • Kim D.
      • Compres E.V.
      • et al.
      Clinical, morphologic, and genomic findings in ROS1 fusion Spitz neoplasms.
      pigmented spindle cell naevi or Reed naevi,
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      ,
      • VandenBoom T.
      • Quan V.L.
      • Zhang B.
      • et al.
      Genomic fusions in pigmented spindle cell nevus of Reed.
      and one case of an eruptive Spitz naevus.
      • Drilon A.
      • Jenkins C.
      • Iyer S.
      • Schoenfeld A.
      • Keddy C.
      • Davare M.A.
      ROS1-dependent cancers - biology, diagnostics and therapeutics.
      ,
      • Raghavan S.S.
      • Kapler E.S.
      • Dinges M.M.
      • Bastian B.C.
      • Yeh I.
      Eruptive Spitz nevus, a striking example of benign metastasis.
      • Pire A.
      • Orbach D.
      • Galmiche L.
      • et al.
      Clinical, pathologic, and molecular features of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumours in children and adolescents.
      • Xie X.
      • You M.
      • Meng E.
      • Wang S.
      • Niu B.
      • Huang W.
      Complete and durable response to crizotinib in a patient with malignant pleural mesothelioma harboring CD74-ROS1 fusion.
      ROS fusions are not exclusive to cutaneous neoplasms, and have been found in non-small cell lung carcinomas, glioblastomas, paediatric gliomas, cholangiocarcinoma, malignant pleural mesothelioma, paediatric inflammatory myofibroblastic tumours, etc. ROS1 fusions have been reported to have several partner genes, including PWWP2A (37% of cases), TPM3 (31% of cases), PPFIBP1, CAPRIN1, MYO5A, PPFIBP1, CLIP1, ERC1, FIP1L1, HLA-A, KIAA1598, MYH9, ZCCHC8, and GOPC.
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      ,
      • Raghavan S.S.
      • Kapler E.S.
      • Dinges M.M.
      • Bastian B.C.
      • Yeh I.
      Eruptive Spitz nevus, a striking example of benign metastasis.
      ,
      • Robertson S.J.
      • Orme L.
      • Teixeira R.
      • et al.
      Evaluation of crizotinib treatment in a patient with unresectable GOPC-ROS1 fusion agminated Spitz nevi.
      • Raghavan S.S.
      • Peternel S.
      • Mully T.W.
      • et al.
      Spitz melanoma is a distinct subset of spitzoid melanoma.
      • Donati M.
      • Kastnerova L.
      • Martinek P.
      • et al.
      Spitz tumours with ROS1 fusions: a clinicopathological study of 6 cases, including FISH for chromosomal copy number alterations and mutation analysis using next-generation sequencing.
      • Church A.J.
      • Moustafa D.
      • Pinches R.S.
      • Hawryluk E.B.
      • Schmidt B.A.R.
      Genomic comparison of malignant melanoma and atypical Spitz tumour in the pediatric population.
      Clinically, ROS1 fused Spitz naevi are typically dome-shaped, well circumscribed, pink to red papules located throughout the body, with the lower extremities being the most reported site.
      • Gerami P.
      • Kim D.
      • Compres E.V.
      • et al.
      Clinical, morphologic, and genomic findings in ROS1 fusion Spitz neoplasms.
      Two studies found a greater prevalence of ROS mutations in females and in younger individuals under the age of 40, with a median age of 29 years.
      • Donati M.
      • Kastnerova L.
      • Martinek P.
      • et al.
      Spitz tumours with ROS1 fusions: a clinicopathological study of 6 cases, including FISH for chromosomal copy number alterations and mutation analysis using next-generation sequencing.
      ,
      • Cesinaro A.M.
      • Gallo G.
      • Manfredini S.
      • Maiorana A.
      • Bettelli S.R.
      ROS1 pattern of immunostaining in 11 cases of spitzoid tumour: comparison with histopathological, fluorescence in-situ hybridisation and next-generation sequencing analysis.
      Morphological features are variable and fairly non-specific, typically showing a compound plaque-like or nodular silhouette with homogeneous epithelioid and spindle cells with mild to moderate cytological atypia along with whirling nests of minimally pigmented melanocytes and mucin.
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      ,
      • Gerami P.
      • Kim D.
      • Compres E.V.
      • et al.
      Clinical, morphologic, and genomic findings in ROS1 fusion Spitz neoplasms.
      ,
      • Donati M.
      • Kastnerova L.
      • Martinek P.
      • et al.
      Spitz tumours with ROS1 fusions: a clinicopathological study of 6 cases, including FISH for chromosomal copy number alterations and mutation analysis using next-generation sequencing.
      There is often a prominent junctional melanocytic component containing floating nests or transepidermal elimination of melanocytic nests, with colonisation of the adenexal epithelium.
      • Gerami P.
      • Kim D.
      • Compres E.V.
      • et al.
      Clinical, morphologic, and genomic findings in ROS1 fusion Spitz neoplasms.
      ,
      • Donati M.
      • Kastnerova L.
      • Martinek P.
      • et al.
      Spitz tumours with ROS1 fusions: a clinicopathological study of 6 cases, including FISH for chromosomal copy number alterations and mutation analysis using next-generation sequencing.
      Diagnostically, FISH studies using a break apart probe targeting the ROS1 gene or immunohistochemistry (IHC) may be used to confirm the presence of a ROS1 fusion. IHC with the monoclonal antibody D4D6 against ROS1 has shown positivity in most (97.4%) of ROS1 fused Spitz naevi and 100% specificity compared to FISH.
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      ,
      • Gerami P.
      • Kim D.
      • Compres E.V.
      • et al.
      Clinical, morphologic, and genomic findings in ROS1 fusion Spitz neoplasms.
      ,
      • Cesinaro A.M.
      • Gallo G.
      • Manfredini S.
      • Maiorana A.
      • Bettelli S.R.
      ROS1 pattern of immunostaining in 11 cases of spitzoid tumour: comparison with histopathological, fluorescence in-situ hybridisation and next-generation sequencing analysis.
      Various IHC staining patterns have been observed, including diffuse granular cytoplasmic staining, dot-like staining, and nuclear staining, with no specific correlations with cellular localisation of the various ROS1 fusions discovered as of now.
      • Cesinaro A.M.
      • Gallo G.
      • Manfredini S.
      • Maiorana A.
      • Bettelli S.R.
      ROS1 pattern of immunostaining in 11 cases of spitzoid tumour: comparison with histopathological, fluorescence in-situ hybridisation and next-generation sequencing analysis.
      Overall, patients with ROS1 fused Spitz naevi tend to have a favourable prognosis, with one study of 17 cases reporting that all patients were disease free at 30 months post-excision with no evidence of recurrence or metastasis.
      • Gerami P.
      • Kim D.
      • Compres E.V.
      • et al.
      Clinical, morphologic, and genomic findings in ROS1 fusion Spitz neoplasms.
      Furthermore, there are only five reported cases of ROS1 fused Spitz melanomas, none of which resulted in distant metastases or death from disease.
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      ,
      • Lee S.
      • Barnhill R.L.
      • Dummer R.
      • et al.
      TERT promoter mutations are predictive of aggressive clinical behavior in patients with spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms.
      There was a recent case of unresectable Spitz tumour with GOPC-ROS1 fusion that responded to crizotinib, a ROS1 targeting tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
      • Robertson S.J.
      • Orme L.
      • Teixeira R.
      • et al.
      Evaluation of crizotinib treatment in a patient with unresectable GOPC-ROS1 fusion agminated Spitz nevi.
      A case of acral lentiginous melanoma with the same gene fusion also responded to entrecitinib, another ROS1 targeting tyrosine kinase inhibitor, revealing a possible promising treatment option for melanocytic tumours with GOPC-ROS1 fusions.
      • Couts K.L.
      • McCoach C.E.
      • Murphy D.
      • et al.
      Acral lentiginous melanoma harboring a ROS1 gene fusion with clinical response to entrectinib.

      ALK fusions

      The anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene is located on chromosome 2p23 and encodes a tyrosine kinase receptor that belongs to the insulin receptor family.
      • Iwahara T.
      • Fujimoto J.
      • Wen D.
      • et al.
      Molecular characterization of ALK, a receptor tyrosine kinase expressed specifically in the nervous system.
      Alterations to this gene can result in constitutive activation of the RAS-ERK, JAK3-STAT3, and PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathways, influencing cell proliferation and survival.
      • Pulford K.
      • Morris S.W.
      • Turturro F.
      Anaplastic lymphoma kinase proteins in growth control and cancer.
      ,
      • Slupianek A.
      • Nieborowska-Skorska M.
      • Hoser G.
      • et al.
      Role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt pathway in nucleophosmin/anaplastic lymphoma kinase-mediated lymphomagenesis.
      In addition to Spitz neoplasms,
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      ,
      • Amin S.M.
      • Haugh A.M.
      • Lee C.Y.
      • et al.
      A comparison of morphologic and molecular features of BRAF, ALK, and NTRK1 fusion spitzoid neoplasms.
      • Chung C.T.
      • Marrano P.
      • Swanson D.
      • Dickson B.C.
      • Thorner P.S.
      Fusion of ALK to the melanophilin gene MLPH in pediatric Spitz nevi.
      • Kastnerova L.
      • Martinek P.
      • Grossmann P.
      • et al.
      A clinicopathological study of 29 spitzoid melanocytic lesions with ALK fusions, including novel fusion variants, accompanied by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis for chromosomal copy number changes, and both TERT promoter and next-generation sequencing mutation analysis.
      • Kiuru M.
      • Jungbluth A.
      • Kutzner H.
      • Wiesner T.
      • Busam K.J.
      Spitz tumours: comparison of histological features in relationship to immunohistochemical staining for ALK and NTRK1.
      • Rand A.J.
      • Flejter W.L.
      • Dowling C.A.
      • et al.
      Atypical ALK-positive Spitz tumours with 9p21 homozygous deletion: report of two cases and review of the literature.
      • Yeh I.
      • de la Fouchardiere A.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • et al.
      Clinical, histopathologic, and genomic features of Spitz tumours with ALK fusions.
      ALK fusions have been identified in various other cutaneous neoplasms, such as primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma,
      • Falini B.
      • Bigerna B.
      • Fizzotti M.
      • et al.
      ALK expression defines a distinct group of T/null lymphomas ("ALK lymphomas") with a wide morphological spectrum.
      acral melanoma,
      • Niu H.T.
      • Zhou Q.M.
      • Wang F.
      • et al.
      Identification of anaplastic lymphoma kinase break points and oncogenic mutation profiles in acral/mucosal melanomas.
      ,
      • Yeh I.
      • Jorgenson E.
      • Shen L.
      • et al.
      Targeted genomic profiling of acral melanoma.
      and epithelioid fibrous histiocytoma.
      • Doyle L.A.
      • Marino-Enriquez A.
      • Fletcher C.D.
      • Hornick J.L.
      ALK rearrangement and overexpression in epithelioid fibrous histiocytoma.
      In a series reported by Wiesner et al., ALK fusions were present in 10% of Spitz naevi, 15% of AST and 3% of Spitz melanoma.
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      Several ALK fusion partners have been identified, including TMP3,
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      ,
      • Kastnerova L.
      • Martinek P.
      • Grossmann P.
      • et al.
      A clinicopathological study of 29 spitzoid melanocytic lesions with ALK fusions, including novel fusion variants, accompanied by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis for chromosomal copy number changes, and both TERT promoter and next-generation sequencing mutation analysis.
      ,
      • Wu G.
      • Barnhill R.L.
      • Lee S.
      • et al.
      The landscape of fusion transcripts in spitzoid melanoma and biologically indeterminate spitzoid tumours by RNA sequencing.
      • Busam K.J.
      • Kutzner H.
      • Cerroni L.
      • Wiesner T.
      Clinical and pathologic findings of Spitz nevi and atypical Spitz tumours with ALK fusions.
      • Melchers R.C.
      • Willemze R.
      • van Doorn R.
      • et al.
      Corresponding anaplastic lymphoma kinase-tropomyosin 3 (ALK-TPM3) fusion in a patient with a primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma and a Spitz nevus.
      • Newman S.
      • Pappo A.
      • Raimondi S.
      • Zhang J.
      • Barnhill R.
      • Bahrami A.
      Pathologic characteristics of Spitz melanoma with MAP3K8 fusion or truncation in a pediatric cohort.
      • Saraggi D.
      • Salmaso R.
      • Zamuner C.
      • et al.
      Prevalence of ALK gene alterations among the spectrum of plexiform spitzoid lesions.
      DCTN1,
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      ,
      • Raghavan S.S.
      • Peternel S.
      • Mully T.W.
      • et al.
      Spitz melanoma is a distinct subset of spitzoid melanoma.
      ,
      • Kastnerova L.
      • Martinek P.
      • Grossmann P.
      • et al.
      A clinicopathological study of 29 spitzoid melanocytic lesions with ALK fusions, including novel fusion variants, accompanied by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis for chromosomal copy number changes, and both TERT promoter and next-generation sequencing mutation analysis.
      ,
      • Yeh I.
      • de la Fouchardiere A.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • et al.
      Clinical, histopathologic, and genomic features of Spitz tumours with ALK fusions.
      ,
      • Saraggi D.
      • Salmaso R.
      • Zamuner C.
      • et al.
      Prevalence of ALK gene alterations among the spectrum of plexiform spitzoid lesions.
      MLPH,
      • Chung C.T.
      • Marrano P.
      • Swanson D.
      • Dickson B.C.
      • Thorner P.S.
      Fusion of ALK to the melanophilin gene MLPH in pediatric Spitz nevi.
      ,
      • Kastnerova L.
      • Martinek P.
      • Grossmann P.
      • et al.
      A clinicopathological study of 29 spitzoid melanocytic lesions with ALK fusions, including novel fusion variants, accompanied by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis for chromosomal copy number changes, and both TERT promoter and next-generation sequencing mutation analysis.
      ,
      • Newman S.
      • Fan L.
      • Pribnow A.
      • et al.
      Clinical genome sequencing uncovers potentially targetable truncations and fusions of MAP3K8 in spitzoid and other melanomas.
      ,
      • Fujimoto M.
      • Togashi Y.
      • Matsuzaki I.
      • et al.
      A case report of atypical Spitz tumour harboring a novel MLPH-ALK gene fusion with discordant ALK immunohistochemistry results.
      KANK1,
      • Kastnerova L.
      • Martinek P.
      • Grossmann P.
      • et al.
      A clinicopathological study of 29 spitzoid melanocytic lesions with ALK fusions, including novel fusion variants, accompanied by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis for chromosomal copy number changes, and both TERT promoter and next-generation sequencing mutation analysis.
      ,
      • Newman S.
      • Fan L.
      • Pribnow A.
      • et al.
      Clinical genome sequencing uncovers potentially targetable truncations and fusions of MAP3K8 in spitzoid and other melanomas.
      CLIP1,
      • Yeh I.
      • de la Fouchardiere A.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • et al.
      Clinical, histopathologic, and genomic features of Spitz tumours with ALK fusions.
      DDX3Y,
      • Newman S.
      • Fan L.
      • Pribnow A.
      • et al.
      Clinical genome sequencing uncovers potentially targetable truncations and fusions of MAP3K8 in spitzoid and other melanomas.
      EEF2,
      • Kastnerova L.
      • Martinek P.
      • Grossmann P.
      • et al.
      A clinicopathological study of 29 spitzoid melanocytic lesions with ALK fusions, including novel fusion variants, accompanied by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis for chromosomal copy number changes, and both TERT promoter and next-generation sequencing mutation analysis.
      GTF3C2,
      • Yeh I.
      • de la Fouchardiere A.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • et al.
      Clinical, histopathologic, and genomic features of Spitz tumours with ALK fusions.
      MYO5A,
      • Kastnerova L.
      • Martinek P.
      • Grossmann P.
      • et al.
      A clinicopathological study of 29 spitzoid melanocytic lesions with ALK fusions, including novel fusion variants, accompanied by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis for chromosomal copy number changes, and both TERT promoter and next-generation sequencing mutation analysis.
      NPM1,
      • Lee S.
      • Barnhill R.L.
      • Dummer R.
      • et al.
      TERT promoter mutations are predictive of aggressive clinical behavior in patients with spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms.
      PPFIBP1,
      • Newman S.
      • Fan L.
      • Pribnow A.
      • et al.
      Clinical genome sequencing uncovers potentially targetable truncations and fusions of MAP3K8 in spitzoid and other melanomas.
      SPTAN1,
      • Newman S.
      • Fan L.
      • Pribnow A.
      • et al.
      Clinical genome sequencing uncovers potentially targetable truncations and fusions of MAP3K8 in spitzoid and other melanomas.
      TPR,
      • Yeh I.
      • de la Fouchardiere A.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • et al.
      Clinical, histopathologic, and genomic features of Spitz tumours with ALK fusions.
      EHBP1,
      • Bahrani E.
      • Kunder C.A.
      • Teng J.M.
      • et al.
      Spitz nevus with EHBP1-ALK fusion and distinctive membranous localization of ALK.
      and C2orf42.
      • Frederico I.K.S.
      • Mesbah Ardakani N.
      • Ryan A.L.
      • Cowley M.J.
      • Wood B.A.
      Spitz melanoma of childhood with a novel promoter hijacking anaplastic lymphoma kinase (C2orf42-ALK) rearrangement.
      ALK fusions are typically mutually exclusive with BRAF mutations.
      There is a subset of ALK fused Spitz melanocytic neoplasms termed melanocytic myxoid spindle cell tumours with ALK rearrangement (MMySTAR) with ALK+/SOX10+/MelanA– spindle cells underneath a superficial naevoid or Spitzoid component.
      • Perron E.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • Charon Barra C.
      • et al.
      Melanocytic myxoid spindle cell tumour with ALK rearrangement (MMySTAR): report of 4 cases of a nevus variant with potential diagnostic challenge.
      These lesions have been found to harbour ALK fusions with FBXO28, NPAS2, PPFIBP1 and TPM3.
      • Perron E.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • Charon Barra C.
      • et al.
      Melanocytic myxoid spindle cell tumour with ALK rearrangement (MMySTAR): report of 4 cases of a nevus variant with potential diagnostic challenge.
      Clinically, ALK fused Spitz naevi are typically amelanotic and have the largest average diameter compared to Spitz naevi with various other genetic abnormalities.
      • Amin S.M.
      • Haugh A.M.
      • Lee C.Y.
      • et al.
      A comparison of morphologic and molecular features of BRAF, ALK, and NTRK1 fusion spitzoid neoplasms.
      They usually present in the extremities of young patients as a polypoid or dome-shaped, and some have a pyogenic granuloma-like appearance.
      • Yeh I.
      • de la Fouchardiere A.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • et al.
      Clinical, histopathologic, and genomic features of Spitz tumours with ALK fusions.
      Morphologically, ALK fusion Spitz tumours do appear to have distinct morphological features, commonly presenting as a compound lesion with a predominant intradermal melanocytic component of plexiform intersecting fascicles of fusiform/spindle cell or mixed spindle and epithelioid cell melanocytes with amphophilic cytoplasm and vesicular nuclei with prominent nucleoli.
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      ,
      • Kervarrec T.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • Tirode F.
      • et al.
      Morphologic features in a series of 352 Spitz melanocytic proliferations help predict their oncogenic drivers.
      ,
      • Raghavan S.S.
      • Peternel S.
      • Mully T.W.
      • et al.
      Spitz melanoma is a distinct subset of spitzoid melanoma.
      ,
      • Amin S.M.
      • Haugh A.M.
      • Lee C.Y.
      • et al.
      A comparison of morphologic and molecular features of BRAF, ALK, and NTRK1 fusion spitzoid neoplasms.
      • Chung C.T.
      • Marrano P.
      • Swanson D.
      • Dickson B.C.
      • Thorner P.S.
      Fusion of ALK to the melanophilin gene MLPH in pediatric Spitz nevi.
      • Kastnerova L.
      • Martinek P.
      • Grossmann P.
      • et al.
      A clinicopathological study of 29 spitzoid melanocytic lesions with ALK fusions, including novel fusion variants, accompanied by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis for chromosomal copy number changes, and both TERT promoter and next-generation sequencing mutation analysis.
      • Kiuru M.
      • Jungbluth A.
      • Kutzner H.
      • Wiesner T.
      • Busam K.J.
      Spitz tumours: comparison of histological features in relationship to immunohistochemical staining for ALK and NTRK1.
      ,
      • Yeh I.
      • de la Fouchardiere A.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • et al.
      Clinical, histopathologic, and genomic features of Spitz tumours with ALK fusions.
      Some cases may have more notable nuclear atypia, have ulceration, and brisk mitotic activity of >5/mm2 but still behave indolently. Hence, ALK fusion Spitz tumours are an excellent example of why conventional criteria utilised to classify a melanocytic tumour as malignant may not be relevant to Spitz neoplasms. Kamino bodies are rare and pigment is typically absent or sparse (Fig. 2).
      • Amin S.M.
      • Haugh A.M.
      • Lee C.Y.
      • et al.
      A comparison of morphologic and molecular features of BRAF, ALK, and NTRK1 fusion spitzoid neoplasms.
      ,
      • Kastnerova L.
      • Martinek P.
      • Grossmann P.
      • et al.
      A clinicopathological study of 29 spitzoid melanocytic lesions with ALK fusions, including novel fusion variants, accompanied by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis for chromosomal copy number changes, and both TERT promoter and next-generation sequencing mutation analysis.
      ,
      • Yeh I.
      • de la Fouchardiere A.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • et al.
      Clinical, histopathologic, and genomic features of Spitz tumours with ALK fusions.
      ,
      • Brown R.A.
      • Wang J.Y.
      • Raghavan S.S.
      • et al.
      ALK-positive compound Spitz nevus with extensive perineural and intraneural neurotropism.
      Fig. 2
      Fig. 2(A,B) Low power magnification of a compound wedge-shaped ALK fusion Spitz tumour. Some junctional component is not uncommon but single cell pagetosis and kamino bodies are infrequent. (D) Intermediate power demonstrates the elongated wavy fascicles of spindle cells with a roughly plexiform arrangement. (C) This particular case has a dumbbell shaped expansile nodule at the base as a result of copy number gains of the chimeric fusion gene resulting in more expansile growth in that focus. (E) Also, appreciate the wavy fascicles of spindle cells at higher magnification.
      IHC with monoclonal antibodies D5F3 and 5A4 is a cost effective and reliable ancillary diagnostic tool for potential translocations for cases with diffuse and strong immunopositivity.
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      ,
      • Amin S.M.
      • Haugh A.M.
      • Lee C.Y.
      • et al.
      A comparison of morphologic and molecular features of BRAF, ALK, and NTRK1 fusion spitzoid neoplasms.
      ,
      • Kastnerova L.
      • Martinek P.
      • Grossmann P.
      • et al.
      A clinicopathological study of 29 spitzoid melanocytic lesions with ALK fusions, including novel fusion variants, accompanied by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis for chromosomal copy number changes, and both TERT promoter and next-generation sequencing mutation analysis.
      ,
      • Kiuru M.
      • Jungbluth A.
      • Kutzner H.
      • Wiesner T.
      • Busam K.J.
      Spitz tumours: comparison of histological features in relationship to immunohistochemical staining for ALK and NTRK1.
      ,
      • Yeh I.
      • de la Fouchardiere A.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • et al.
      Clinical, histopathologic, and genomic features of Spitz tumours with ALK fusions.
      However, there are several reports of non-Spitz melanocytic proliferations showing weak and heterogeneous ALK staining with ALK overexpression as a result of other molecular mechanisms, including alternative transcription leading to the expression of ALKATI, a novel ALK isoform.
      • Busam K.J.
      • Vilain R.E.
      • Lum T.
      • et al.
      Primary and metastatic cutaneous melanomas express ALK through alternative transcriptional initiation.
      ,
      • Wiesner T.
      • Lee W.
      • Obenauf A.C.
      • et al.
      Alternative transcription initiation leads to expression of a novel ALK isoform in cancer.
      Next generation sequencing (NGS) and fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) with a break apart probe targeting ALK are other ancillary diagnostic techniques that can be used for the detection of ALK fusions.
      • Niu X.
      • Chuang J.C.
      • Berry G.J.
      • Wakelee H.A.
      Anaplastic lymphoma kinase testing: IHC vs. FISH vs. NGS.
      Currently, there are no reported cases of ALK fused Spitz melanocytic neoplasms found to be associated with systemic metastases or death from disease. Hence, we believe these are a more indolent type of Spitz neoplasm.

      NTRK1-3

      The neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK) genes NTRK1, NTRK2, and NTRK3, are oncogenes encoding TRK family tyrosine kinase receptors, and are located on chromosomes 1q, 9q and 15q, respectively.
      • Rubin J.B.
      • Segal R.A.
      Growth, survival and migration: the Trk to cancer.
      These receptors are single-pass transmembrane proteins involved in various cell signalling pathways, including the PI3K-AKT-mTOR, RAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2, and phospholipase C-γ pathways.
      • Wiesner T.
      • Kutzner H.
      • Cerroni L.
      • Mihm Jr., M.C.
      • Busam K.J.
      • Murali R.
      Genomic aberrations in spitzoid melanocytic tumours and their implications for diagnosis, prognosis and therapy.
      ,
      • Rubin J.B.
      • Segal R.A.
      Growth, survival and migration: the Trk to cancer.
      The majority of NTRK fusions result in a retained 3′ portion encoding the kinase domain and a donated 5′ portion encoding a dimerising domain, resulting in constitutive activation of the pathway.
      • Wang L.
      • Busam K.J.
      • Benayed R.
      • et al.
      Identification of NTRK3 fusions in childhood melanocytic neoplasms.
      The total frequency of NTRK fusions in Spitz neoplasms is approximately 10%.
      • Cappellesso R.
      • Nozzoli F.
      • Zito Marino F.
      • et al.
      NTRK gene fusion detection in atypical Spitz tumours.
      Although NTRK1, NTRK2 and NTRK3 fusions have all been found in Spitz melanocytic neoplasms, NTRK1 fusions are more common in Spitz naevi (Fig. 3) while NTRK3 is most characteristic of pigmented spindle cell naevus of Reed (PSCNR; Fig. 4).
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      ,
      • VandenBoom T.
      • Quan V.L.
      • Zhang B.
      • et al.
      Genomic fusions in pigmented spindle cell nevus of Reed.
      ,
      • Raghavan S.S.
      • Peternel S.
      • Mully T.W.
      • et al.
      Spitz melanoma is a distinct subset of spitzoid melanoma.
      ,
      • Lee S.
      • Barnhill R.L.
      • Dummer R.
      • et al.
      TERT promoter mutations are predictive of aggressive clinical behavior in patients with spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms.
      ,
      • Amin S.M.
      • Haugh A.M.
      • Lee C.Y.
      • et al.
      A comparison of morphologic and molecular features of BRAF, ALK, and NTRK1 fusion spitzoid neoplasms.
      ,
      • Kiuru M.
      • Jungbluth A.
      • Kutzner H.
      • Wiesner T.
      • Busam K.J.
      Spitz tumours: comparison of histological features in relationship to immunohistochemical staining for ALK and NTRK1.
      ,
      • Wu G.
      • Barnhill R.L.
      • Lee S.
      • et al.
      The landscape of fusion transcripts in spitzoid melanoma and biologically indeterminate spitzoid tumours by RNA sequencing.
      ,
      • Newman S.
      • Fan L.
      • Pribnow A.
      • et al.
      Clinical genome sequencing uncovers potentially targetable truncations and fusions of MAP3K8 in spitzoid and other melanomas.
      ,
      • Wang L.
      • Busam K.J.
      • Benayed R.
      • et al.
      Identification of NTRK3 fusions in childhood melanocytic neoplasms.
      ,
      • de la Fouchardiere A.
      • Tee M.K.
      • Peternel S.
      • et al.
      Fusion partners of NTRK3 affect subcellular localization of the fusion kinase and cytomorphology of melanocytes.
      • Lee C.Y.
      • Sholl L.M.
      • Zhang B.
      • et al.
      Atypical spitzoid neoplasms in childhood: a molecular and outcome study.
      • Yeh I.
      • Busam K.J.
      • McCalmont T.H.
      • et al.
      Filigree-like rete ridges, lobulated nests, rosette-like structures, and exaggerated maturation characterize Spitz tumours with NTRK1 fusion.
      • Yeh I.
      • Tee M.K.
      • Botton T.
      • et al.
      NTRK3 kinase fusions in Spitz tumours.
      • Zarabi S.K.
      • Azzato E.M.
      • Tu Z.J.
      • et al.
      Targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) to classify melanocytic neoplasms.
      • Lezcano C.
      • Shoushtari A.N.
      • Ariyan C.
      • Hollmann T.J.
      • Busam K.J.
      Primary and metastatic melanoma with NTRK fusions.
      In fact greater than 50% of PSCNR are the result of NTRK3 fusions. Several fusion partners for both NTRK1 and NTRK3 have been reported, including LMNA,
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      ,
      • Church A.J.
      • Moustafa D.
      • Pinches R.S.
      • Hawryluk E.B.
      • Schmidt B.A.R.
      Genomic comparison of malignant melanoma and atypical Spitz tumour in the pediatric population.
      ,
      • Newman S.
      • Fan L.
      • Pribnow A.
      • et al.
      Clinical genome sequencing uncovers potentially targetable truncations and fusions of MAP3K8 in spitzoid and other melanomas.
      ,
      • Yeh I.
      • Busam K.J.
      • McCalmont T.H.
      • et al.
      Filigree-like rete ridges, lobulated nests, rosette-like structures, and exaggerated maturation characterize Spitz tumours with NTRK1 fusion.
      TPM3,
      • Raghavan S.S.
      • Peternel S.
      • Mully T.W.
      • et al.
      Spitz melanoma is a distinct subset of spitzoid melanoma.
      ,
      • Lee S.
      • Barnhill R.L.
      • Dummer R.
      • et al.
      TERT promoter mutations are predictive of aggressive clinical behavior in patients with spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms.
      ,
      • Wu G.
      • Barnhill R.L.
      • Lee S.
      • et al.
      The landscape of fusion transcripts in spitzoid melanoma and biologically indeterminate spitzoid tumours by RNA sequencing.
      ,
      • Yeh I.
      • Busam K.J.
      • McCalmont T.H.
      • et al.
      Filigree-like rete ridges, lobulated nests, rosette-like structures, and exaggerated maturation characterize Spitz tumours with NTRK1 fusion.
      TP53,
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      ,
      • Yeh I.
      • Busam K.J.
      • McCalmont T.H.
      • et al.
      Filigree-like rete ridges, lobulated nests, rosette-like structures, and exaggerated maturation characterize Spitz tumours with NTRK1 fusion.
      KHDRBS1,
      • Newman S.
      • Fan L.
      • Pribnow A.
      • et al.
      Clinical genome sequencing uncovers potentially targetable truncations and fusions of MAP3K8 in spitzoid and other melanomas.
      ,
      • Yeh I.
      • Busam K.J.
      • McCalmont T.H.
      • et al.
      Filigree-like rete ridges, lobulated nests, rosette-like structures, and exaggerated maturation characterize Spitz tumours with NTRK1 fusion.
      and MYO5A,
      • VandenBoom T.
      • Quan V.L.
      • Zhang B.
      • et al.
      Genomic fusions in pigmented spindle cell nevus of Reed.
      ,
      • Wang L.
      • Busam K.J.
      • Benayed R.
      • et al.
      Identification of NTRK3 fusions in childhood melanocytic neoplasms.
      ,
      • de la Fouchardiere A.
      • Tee M.K.
      • Peternel S.
      • et al.
      Fusion partners of NTRK3 affect subcellular localization of the fusion kinase and cytomorphology of melanocytes.
      ,
      • Yeh I.
      • Tee M.K.
      • Botton T.
      • et al.
      NTRK3 kinase fusions in Spitz tumours.
      ETV6,
      • VandenBoom T.
      • Quan V.L.
      • Zhang B.
      • et al.
      Genomic fusions in pigmented spindle cell nevus of Reed.
      ,
      • de la Fouchardiere A.
      • Tee M.K.
      • Peternel S.
      • et al.
      Fusion partners of NTRK3 affect subcellular localization of the fusion kinase and cytomorphology of melanocytes.
      ,
      • Yeh I.
      • Tee M.K.
      • Botton T.
      • et al.
      NTRK3 kinase fusions in Spitz tumours.
      MYH9,
      • de la Fouchardiere A.
      • Tee M.K.
      • Peternel S.
      • et al.
      Fusion partners of NTRK3 affect subcellular localization of the fusion kinase and cytomorphology of melanocytes.
      ,
      • Yeh I.
      • Tee M.K.
      • Botton T.
      • et al.
      NTRK3 kinase fusions in Spitz tumours.
      and SQSTM1,
      • Newman S.
      • Fan L.
      • Pribnow A.
      • et al.
      Clinical genome sequencing uncovers potentially targetable truncations and fusions of MAP3K8 in spitzoid and other melanomas.
      respectively. NTRK1 and NTRK3 fusions are not exclusive to Spitz melanocytic neoplasms, and have also been found in acral melanoma,
      • Yeh I.
      • Jorgenson E.
      • Shen L.
      • et al.
      Targeted genomic profiling of acral melanoma.
      secretory carcinoma of the breast and salivary gland, infantile fibrosarcoma, congenital mesoblastic nephroma, lung carcinoma, papillary carcinoma and glioma.
      • Cocco E.
      • Scaltriti M.
      • Drilon A.
      NTRK fusion-positive cancers and TRK inhibitor therapy.
      Fig. 3
      Fig. 3(A) Low power magnification of a plaque-shaped NTRK1 fusion Spitz naevus. (B) On intermediate power notice the elongated filigree-like rete ridges and the lobulated nesting pattern which shows many smaller nests organised in a back-to-back pattern creating a larger nest. (C,D) On higher power notice the relatively smaller cell size in the Spitz spectrum, a common feature of NTRK fusions.
      Fig. 4
      Fig. 4NTRK3 fusion pigmented spindle cell naevus of Reed. (A) The lesion has a broad plaque like architecture with fascicles of pigmented spindle cells along the dermal-epidermal junction. (B) Some uniformly distributed pagetoid cells are common. Melanophages fill the superficial dermis.
      Clinically, most NTRK1 fused Spitz naevi are symmetric compound or dermal exophytic lesions, with one report demonstrating a regular array of coiled-glomerular vessels admixed with crystalline structures on dermatoscopic exam.
      • Amin S.M.
      • Haugh A.M.
      • Lee C.Y.
      • et al.
      A comparison of morphologic and molecular features of BRAF, ALK, and NTRK1 fusion spitzoid neoplasms.
      ,
      • Friedman B.J.
      • Robinson G.
      • Kohen L.
      Dermoscopic features of Spitz tumour with LMNA-NTRK1 fusion.
      Histologically, NTRK1 fused Spitz naevi show small spindled cell morphology with elongated, thin rete ridges (filigree-like), lobulated dermal melanocytic nests, frequent Kamino bodies, and the formation of pseudorosettes.
      • Raghavan S.S.
      • Peternel S.
      • Mully T.W.
      • et al.
      Spitz melanoma is a distinct subset of spitzoid melanoma.
      ,
      • Amin S.M.
      • Haugh A.M.
      • Lee C.Y.
      • et al.
      A comparison of morphologic and molecular features of BRAF, ALK, and NTRK1 fusion spitzoid neoplasms.
      ,
      • Yeh I.
      • Busam K.J.
      • McCalmont T.H.
      • et al.
      Filigree-like rete ridges, lobulated nests, rosette-like structures, and exaggerated maturation characterize Spitz tumours with NTRK1 fusion.
      Pagetoid spread has been observed in up to 25% of cases.
      • Raghavan S.S.
      • Peternel S.
      • Mully T.W.
      • et al.
      Spitz melanoma is a distinct subset of spitzoid melanoma.
      ,
      • Kiuru M.
      • Jungbluth A.
      • Kutzner H.
      • Wiesner T.
      • Busam K.J.
      Spitz tumours: comparison of histological features in relationship to immunohistochemical staining for ALK and NTRK1.
      Nuclear pleomorphism is typically mild to moderate and a lymphocytic infiltrate is often present.
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      ,
      • Kiuru M.
      • Jungbluth A.
      • Kutzner H.
      • Wiesner T.
      • Busam K.J.
      Spitz tumours: comparison of histological features in relationship to immunohistochemical staining for ALK and NTRK1.
      ,
      • Yeh I.
      • Busam K.J.
      • McCalmont T.H.
      • et al.
      Filigree-like rete ridges, lobulated nests, rosette-like structures, and exaggerated maturation characterize Spitz tumours with NTRK1 fusion.
      Several fusion partners for NTRK1 have been reported, including LMNA,
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      ,
      • Church A.J.
      • Moustafa D.
      • Pinches R.S.
      • Hawryluk E.B.
      • Schmidt B.A.R.
      Genomic comparison of malignant melanoma and atypical Spitz tumour in the pediatric population.
      ,
      • Newman S.
      • Fan L.
      • Pribnow A.
      • et al.
      Clinical genome sequencing uncovers potentially targetable truncations and fusions of MAP3K8 in spitzoid and other melanomas.
      ,
      • Yeh I.
      • Busam K.J.
      • McCalmont T.H.
      • et al.
      Filigree-like rete ridges, lobulated nests, rosette-like structures, and exaggerated maturation characterize Spitz tumours with NTRK1 fusion.
      TPM3,
      • Raghavan S.S.
      • Peternel S.
      • Mully T.W.
      • et al.
      Spitz melanoma is a distinct subset of spitzoid melanoma.
      ,
      • Lee S.
      • Barnhill R.L.
      • Dummer R.
      • et al.
      TERT promoter mutations are predictive of aggressive clinical behavior in patients with spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms.
      ,
      • Wu G.
      • Barnhill R.L.
      • Lee S.
      • et al.
      The landscape of fusion transcripts in spitzoid melanoma and biologically indeterminate spitzoid tumours by RNA sequencing.
      ,
      • Yeh I.
      • Busam K.J.
      • McCalmont T.H.
      • et al.
      Filigree-like rete ridges, lobulated nests, rosette-like structures, and exaggerated maturation characterize Spitz tumours with NTRK1 fusion.
      TP53,
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      ,
      • Yeh I.
      • Busam K.J.
      • McCalmont T.H.
      • et al.
      Filigree-like rete ridges, lobulated nests, rosette-like structures, and exaggerated maturation characterize Spitz tumours with NTRK1 fusion.
      and KHDRBS1.
      • Newman S.
      • Fan L.
      • Pribnow A.
      • et al.
      Clinical genome sequencing uncovers potentially targetable truncations and fusions of MAP3K8 in spitzoid and other melanomas.
      ,
      • Yeh I.
      • Busam K.J.
      • McCalmont T.H.
      • et al.
      Filigree-like rete ridges, lobulated nests, rosette-like structures, and exaggerated maturation characterize Spitz tumours with NTRK1 fusion.
      Diagnostically, immunohistochemistry with pan-TRK A7H6R and EPR17341 antibodies can be used to screen for the possibility of an NTRK fusion. Although both clones are highly sensitive and specific, the EPR17341 antibody, which specifically reacts against a conserved C-terminal epitope in wild-type and in all chimeric TRK proteins, has slightly higher specificity.
      • Uguen A.
      Spitz tumours with NTRK1 fusions: TRK-A and pan-TRK immunohistochemistry as ancillary diagnostic tools.
      NTRK1 fused Spitz naevi tends to show higher Pan-TRK staining saturation in the cytoplasm, while LMNA-NTRK1 fused Spitz naevi show higher saturation in the nucleus.
      • Gatalica Z.
      • Xiu J.
      • Swensen J.
      • Vranic S.
      Molecular characterization of cancers with NTRK gene fusions.
      ,
      • Hechtman J.F.
      • Benayed R.
      • Hyman D.M.
      • et al.
      Pan-Trk immunohistochemistry is an efficient and reliable screen for the detection of NTRK fusions.
      NTRK3 fused Spitz naevi have been reported to show cytoplasmic and nuclear pan-TRK ICH staining in up to 50% of tumours, with one report showing more intense nuclear than cytoplasmic immunoreactivity in ETV6-NTRK3 fused Spitz naevi.
      • de la Fouchardiere A.
      • Tee M.K.
      • Peternel S.
      • et al.
      Fusion partners of NTRK3 affect subcellular localization of the fusion kinase and cytomorphology of melanocytes.
      ,
      • Gatalica Z.
      • Xiu J.
      • Swensen J.
      • Vranic S.
      Molecular characterization of cancers with NTRK gene fusions.
      ,
      • Hechtman J.F.
      • Benayed R.
      • Hyman D.M.
      • et al.
      Pan-Trk immunohistochemistry is an efficient and reliable screen for the detection of NTRK fusions.
      As mentioned, linear staining with pan-TRK along the dendritic processes is more indicative of a MYO5a-NTRK3 fusion.
      • de la Fouchardiere A.
      • Tee M.K.
      • Peternel S.
      • et al.
      Fusion partners of NTRK3 affect subcellular localization of the fusion kinase and cytomorphology of melanocytes.
      Other confirmatory diagnostic techniques include FISH with a break apart probe and sequencing as in other types of Spitz associated fusions.
      • Cappellesso R.
      • Nozzoli F.
      • Zito Marino F.
      • et al.
      NTRK gene fusion detection in atypical Spitz tumours.
      Rare cases of Spitz melanomas harbouring NTRK fusions resulting in distant metastasis have been reported. In the rare case of metastasis, targeted TRK inhibitor therapy is a potential treatment option.
      • Forschner A.
      • Forchhammer S.
      • Bonzheim I.
      NTRK gene fusions in melanoma: detection, prevalence and potential therapeutic implications.

      MET fusions

      MET is a proto-oncogene located on chromosome 7q that also encodes a tyrosine kinase receptor.
      • Abounader R.
      • Reznik T.
      • Colantuoni C.
      • Martinez-Murillo F.
      • Rosen E.M.
      • Laterra J.
      Regulation of c-met-dependent gene expression by PTEN.
      This receptor is involved in the PI3K-AKT, RAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2, PLCγ1, and β-catenin pathways and plays a role in cell growth, motility, and melanocyte homeostasis.
      • Abounader R.
      • Reznik T.
      • Colantuoni C.
      • Martinez-Murillo F.
      • Rosen E.M.
      • Laterra J.
      Regulation of c-met-dependent gene expression by PTEN.
      • Yeh I.
      • Botton T.
      • Talevich E.
      • et al.
      Activating MET kinase rearrangements in melanoma and Spitz tumours.
      • Czyz M.
      HGF/c-MET signaling in melanocytes and melanoma.
      MET fusions result in constitutive active of tyrosine kinase and subsequent downstream signalling activation.
      • Yeh I.
      • Botton T.
      • Talevich E.
      • et al.
      Activating MET kinase rearrangements in melanoma and Spitz tumours.
      Previously reported N-terminal fusion partners include ZKSCAN1, PPFIBP1, TRIM4, LRRFIP1, EPS15, and DCTN1.
      • Church A.J.
      • Moustafa D.
      • Pinches R.S.
      • Hawryluk E.B.
      • Schmidt B.A.R.
      Genomic comparison of malignant melanoma and atypical Spitz tumour in the pediatric population.
      ,
      • Lee C.Y.
      • Sholl L.M.
      • Zhang B.
      • et al.
      Atypical spitzoid neoplasms in childhood: a molecular and outcome study.
      A series of six cases of fused MET Spitz naevi reported a breakpoint in intron 14 in all cases, which contains the auto-inhibitor domain that is localised upstream from the kinase domain.
      • Lee C.Y.
      • Sholl L.M.
      • Zhang B.
      • et al.
      Atypical spitzoid neoplasms in childhood: a molecular and outcome study.
      Only rare cases of Spitz neoplasms harbour MET fusions.
      • Zarabi S.K.
      • Azzato E.M.
      • Tu Z.J.
      • et al.
      Targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) to classify melanocytic neoplasms.
      ,
      • Yeh I.
      • Botton T.
      • Talevich E.
      • et al.
      Activating MET kinase rearrangements in melanoma and Spitz tumours.
      ,
      • Quan V.L.
      • Zhang B.
      • Zhang Y.
      • et al.
      Integrating next-generation sequencing with morphology improves prognostic and biologic classification of spitz neoplasms.
      Morphologically, MET fused Spitz naevi have been found as symmetric dome-shaped lesions, compound or intradermal, with epidermal hyperplasia containing large nests of intermediate to large epithelioid or spindle melanocytes with pericellular clefting.
      • Yeh I.
      • Botton T.
      • Talevich E.
      • et al.
      Activating MET kinase rearrangements in melanoma and Spitz tumours.
      However, given the limited number of cases of MET fused Spitz naevi, there are currently no distinctive morphological features associated with MET fused Spitz naevi to aid in diagnosis or prognosis. Diagnostically, NGS and FISH are available techniques to detect MET fusions.
      • Yeh I.
      • Botton T.
      • Talevich E.
      • et al.
      Activating MET kinase rearrangements in melanoma and Spitz tumours.
      ,
      • Quan V.L.
      • Zhang B.
      • Zhang Y.
      • et al.
      Integrating next-generation sequencing with morphology improves prognostic and biologic classification of spitz neoplasms.
      Possible therapeutic agents include cabozantinib (inhibitor of c-MET and VEGFR2) or PF-04217903 (c-MET inhibitor), which showed decreased p-MET, p-ERK, p-AKT and p-PLCγ1 in melanocytes expressing TRIM4-MET or ZKSCAN1-MET fusions.
      • Yeh I.
      • Botton T.
      • Talevich E.
      • et al.
      Activating MET kinase rearrangements in melanoma and Spitz tumours.
      While most reported cases of MET fusion Spitz neoplasms have shown indolent behaviour,
      • Yeh I.
      • Botton T.
      • Talevich E.
      • et al.
      Activating MET kinase rearrangements in melanoma and Spitz tumours.
      the recent development of MET inhibitors (e.g., crizotinib, tivantinib, savolitinib, tepotinib, and foretinib) and anti-MET antibodies (e.g., emibetuzumab and onartuzumab), thus far primarily used to treat lung cancer, could be a therapeutic option in a case of a true malignant MET fusion Spitz melanoma.
      • Wang Q.
      • Yang S.
      • Wang K.
      • Sun S.Y.
      MET inhibitors for targeted therapy of EGFR TKI-resistant lung cancer.

      RET fusions

      Receptor tyrosine kinase rearranged during translocation (RET) is a proto-oncogene located on chromosome 10q11.21 that encodes a tyrosine kinase involved in several signalling pathways, including MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR and PLCγ1.
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      RET fusions have been found in approximately 2–3% of Spitz melanocytic neoplasms such as Spitz naevus, Spitz tumour, AST, and Spitz melanoma.
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      ,
      • Amin S.M.
      • Haugh A.M.
      • Lee C.Y.
      • et al.
      A comparison of morphologic and molecular features of BRAF, ALK, and NTRK1 fusion spitzoid neoplasms.
      ,
      • Kim D.
      • Compres E.V.
      • Zhang B.
      • et al.
      A series of RET fusion Spitz neoplasms with plaque-like silhouette and dyscohesive nesting of epithelioid melanocytes.
      There have been several fusion partners reported in Spitz melanocytic neoplasms: CCD6, GOLGA5, KIF5B, MYO5A and LMNA.
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      ,
      • VandenBoom T.
      • Quan V.L.
      • Zhang B.
      • et al.
      Genomic fusions in pigmented spindle cell nevus of Reed.
      ,
      • Newman S.
      • Fan L.
      • Pribnow A.
      • et al.
      Clinical genome sequencing uncovers potentially targetable truncations and fusions of MAP3K8 in spitzoid and other melanomas.
      ,
      • Kim D.
      • Compres E.V.
      • Zhang B.
      • et al.
      A series of RET fusion Spitz neoplasms with plaque-like silhouette and dyscohesive nesting of epithelioid melanocytes.
      RET fusions have been found in other cutaneous neoplasms such as acral lentiginous melanoma, spindle cell mesenchymal tumour (one case containing a novel NCOA4-RET fusion
      • Michal M.
      • Ptakova N.
      • Martinek P.
      • et al.
      S100 and CD34 positive spindle cell tumour with prominent perivascular hyalinization and a novel NCOA4-RET fusion.
      ) and soft tissue mesenchymal tumours with varying features, including small lipofibromatous-like neural tumour, infantile fibrosarcoma-like tumour and malignant peripheral nerve sheath-like tumour.
      • Michal M.
      • Ptakova N.
      • Martinek P.
      • et al.
      S100 and CD34 positive spindle cell tumour with prominent perivascular hyalinization and a novel NCOA4-RET fusion.
      • Turner J.
      • Couts K.
      • Sheren J.
      • et al.
      Kinase gene fusions in defined subsets of melanoma.
      • Antonescu C.R.
      • Dickson B.C.
      • Swanson D.
      • et al.
      Spindle cell tumours with ret gene fusions exhibit a morphologic spectrum akin to tumours with NTRK gene fusions.
      • Davis J.L.
      • Vargas S.O.
      • Rudzinski E.R.
      • et al.
      Recurrent RET gene fusions in paediatric spindle mesenchymal neoplasms.
      Several other malignancies have been found to harbour RET fusions, such as thyroid, lung, colorectal, breast, and salivary gland tumours.
      • Wang Q.
      • Yang S.
      • Wang K.
      • Sun S.Y.
      MET inhibitors for targeted therapy of EGFR TKI-resistant lung cancer.
      ,
      • Lipson D.
      • Capelletti M.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Identification of new ALK and RET gene fusions from colorectal and lung cancer biopsies.
      • Staubitz J.I.
      • Schad A.
      • Springer E.
      • et al.
      Novel rearrangements involving the RET gene in papillary thyroid carcinoma.
      • Skalova A.
      • Ptakova N.
      • Santana T.
      • et al.
      NCOA4-RET and TRIM27-RET are characteristic gene fusions in salivary intraductal carcinoma, including invasive and metastatic tumours: is "intraductal" correct?.
      • Paratala B.S.
      • Chung J.H.
      • Williams C.B.
      • et al.
      RET rearrangements are actionable alterations in breast cancer.
      Morphologically, the features of RET fused Spitz naevi are not specific, but are often reported as being well-circumscribed, symmetric, compound lesions with a plaque-like silhouette containing large expansile nests of small to intermediate-sized predominantly epithelioid cells with prominent dyscohesion of melanocytes within the nests. Nuclear atypia was observed to be mild to moderate.
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      ,
      • VandenBoom T.
      • Quan V.L.
      • Zhang B.
      • et al.
      Genomic fusions in pigmented spindle cell nevus of Reed.
      ,
      • Amin S.M.
      • Haugh A.M.
      • Lee C.Y.
      • et al.
      A comparison of morphologic and molecular features of BRAF, ALK, and NTRK1 fusion spitzoid neoplasms.
      ,
      • Kim D.
      • Compres E.V.
      • Zhang B.
      • et al.
      A series of RET fusion Spitz neoplasms with plaque-like silhouette and dyscohesive nesting of epithelioid melanocytes.
      RET fused Spitz melanocytic neoplasms typically have a good clinical outcome and no Spitz melanoma with reported follow-up has had widespread metastases or death from disease.
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      ,
      • VandenBoom T.
      • Quan V.L.
      • Zhang B.
      • et al.
      Genomic fusions in pigmented spindle cell nevus of Reed.
      ,
      • Amin S.M.
      • Haugh A.M.
      • Lee C.Y.
      • et al.
      A comparison of morphologic and molecular features of BRAF, ALK, and NTRK1 fusion spitzoid neoplasms.
      ,
      • Newman S.
      • Fan L.
      • Pribnow A.
      • et al.
      Clinical genome sequencing uncovers potentially targetable truncations and fusions of MAP3K8 in spitzoid and other melanomas.
      ,
      • Quan V.L.
      • Zhang B.
      • Zhang Y.
      • et al.
      Integrating next-generation sequencing with morphology improves prognostic and biologic classification of spitz neoplasms.
      In the rare instance that metastasis occurs, RET inhibitors such as vandetanib and cabozantinib, approved for the treatment of medullary thyroid cancer, serve as possible therapeutic agents.
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.

      Serine/threonine kinase fusions and mutations

      BRAF

      Activating point mutations in BRAF occur in most common acquired naevi, dysplastic naevi, and melanoma. The presence of such an activating mutation excludes the tumour from the Spitz family. On the contrary, BRAF fusions are commonly found in Spitz melanocytic neoplasms.
      • Tschandl P.
      • Berghoff A.S.
      • Preusser M.
      • et al.
      NRAS and BRAF mutations in melanoma-associated nevi and uninvolved nevi.
      BRAF is a proto-oncogene located on chromosome 7q that encodes a serine/threonine kinase with three domains. The CR1 domain contains N-terminal RAS-binding and cysteine-rich domains, the CR2 domain contains serine-threonine-rich domains, and both CR1 and CR2 auto inhibit the CR3 kinase domain.
      • Aramini J.M.
      • Vorobiev S.M.
      • Tuberty L.M.
      • et al.
      The RAS-binding domain of human BRAF protein serine/threonine kinase exhibits allosteric conformational changes upon binding HRAS.
      ,
      • Richtig G.
      • Hoeller C.
      • Kashofer K.
      • et al.
      Beyond the BRAF(V)(600E) hotspot: biology and clinical implications of rare BRAF gene mutations in melanoma patients.
      In the event of a BRAF fusion, the resultant chimeric protein only contains the CR3 domain, which is the functional kinase domain of the BRAF gene, and loses the autoinhibitory domains. This results in increased activity of the kinase enzyme with subsequent activation of downstream MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 pathway.
      • Hutchinson K.E.
      • Lipson D.
      • Stephens P.J.
      • et al.
      BRAF fusions define a distinct molecular subset of melanomas with potential sensitivity to MEK inhibition.
      ,
      • Kim H.S.
      • Jung M.
      • Kang H.N.
      • et al.
      Oncogenic BRAF fusions in mucosal melanomas activate the MAPK pathway and are sensitive to MEK/PI3K inhibition or MEK/CDK4/6 inhibition.
      Approximately 14% of reported BRAF fused Spitz melanocytic neoplasms are categorised as Spitz naevi, 45% as AST, and 41% as Spitz melanoma.
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      ,
      • Raghavan S.S.
      • Peternel S.
      • Mully T.W.
      • et al.
      Spitz melanoma is a distinct subset of spitzoid melanoma.
      ,
      • Amin S.M.
      • Haugh A.M.
      • Lee C.Y.
      • et al.
      A comparison of morphologic and molecular features of BRAF, ALK, and NTRK1 fusion spitzoid neoplasms.
      ,
      • Wu G.
      • Barnhill R.L.
      • Lee S.
      • et al.
      The landscape of fusion transcripts in spitzoid melanoma and biologically indeterminate spitzoid tumours by RNA sequencing.
      ,
      • Lee C.Y.
      • Sholl L.M.
      • Zhang B.
      • et al.
      Atypical spitzoid neoplasms in childhood: a molecular and outcome study.
      ,
      • Zarabi S.K.
      • Azzato E.M.
      • Tu Z.J.
      • et al.
      Targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) to classify melanocytic neoplasms.
      ,
      • Perron E.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • Neub A.
      • et al.
      Unclassified sclerosing malignant melanomas with AKAP9-BRAF gene fusion: a report of two cases and review of BRAF fusions in melanocytic tumours.
      • Kim D.
      • Khan A.U.
      • Compres E.V.
      • et al.
      BRAF fusion Spitz neoplasms; clinical morphological, and genomic findings in six cases.
      • Donati M.
      • Kastnerova L.
      • Ptakova N.
      • Michal M.
      • Kazakov D.V.
      Polypoid atypical Spitz tumour with a fibrosclerotic stroma, CLIP2-BRAF fusion, and homozygous loss of 9p21.
      BRAF fusions are not exclusive to Spitz naevi, and have been found in various other neoplasms, such as thyroid cancer, non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, and gliomas.
      • Ross J.S.
      • Wang K.
      • Chmielecki J.
      • et al.
      The distribution of BRAF gene fusions in solid tumours and response to targeted therapy.
      Several BRAF fusion partners have been identified, including CLIP2,
      • Kim D.
      • Khan A.U.
      • Compres E.V.
      • et al.
      BRAF fusion Spitz neoplasms; clinical morphological, and genomic findings in six cases.
      ,
      • Donati M.
      • Kastnerova L.
      • Ptakova N.
      • Michal M.
      • Kazakov D.V.
      Polypoid atypical Spitz tumour with a fibrosclerotic stroma, CLIP2-BRAF fusion, and homozygous loss of 9p21.
      AKAP9,
      • Newman S.
      • Fan L.
      • Pribnow A.
      • et al.
      Clinical genome sequencing uncovers potentially targetable truncations and fusions of MAP3K8 in spitzoid and other melanomas.
      ,
      • Perron E.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • Neub A.
      • et al.
      Unclassified sclerosing malignant melanomas with AKAP9-BRAF gene fusion: a report of two cases and review of BRAF fusions in melanocytic tumours.
      ,
      • Ross J.S.
      • Wang K.
      • Chmielecki J.
      • et al.
      The distribution of BRAF gene fusions in solid tumours and response to targeted therapy.
      EML4,
      • Wu G.
      • Barnhill R.L.
      • Lee S.
      • et al.
      The landscape of fusion transcripts in spitzoid melanoma and biologically indeterminate spitzoid tumours by RNA sequencing.
      AGK,
      • Ross J.S.
      • Wang K.
      • Chmielecki J.
      • et al.
      The distribution of BRAF gene fusions in solid tumours and response to targeted therapy.
      BAIAP2L1,
      • Wu G.
      • Barnhill R.L.
      • Lee S.
      • et al.
      The landscape of fusion transcripts in spitzoid melanoma and biologically indeterminate spitzoid tumours by RNA sequencing.
      CEP89,
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      CUX1,
      • Ross J.S.
      • Wang K.
      • Chmielecki J.
      • et al.
      The distribution of BRAF gene fusions in solid tumours and response to targeted therapy.
      DYNC1/2,
      • Ross J.S.
      • Wang K.
      • Chmielecki J.
      • et al.
      The distribution of BRAF gene fusions in solid tumours and response to targeted therapy.
      LSM14A,
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      MAD1L1,
      • Newman S.
      • Fan L.
      • Pribnow A.
      • et al.
      Clinical genome sequencing uncovers potentially targetable truncations and fusions of MAP3K8 in spitzoid and other melanomas.
      MLANA,
      • Kim D.
      • Khan A.U.
      • Compres E.V.
      • et al.
      BRAF fusion Spitz neoplasms; clinical morphological, and genomic findings in six cases.
      MYO5A,
      • Kim D.
      • Khan A.U.
      • Compres E.V.
      • et al.
      BRAF fusion Spitz neoplasms; clinical morphological, and genomic findings in six cases.
      MZT1,
      • Ross J.S.
      • Wang K.
      • Chmielecki J.
      • et al.
      The distribution of BRAF gene fusions in solid tumours and response to targeted therapy.
      NRF1,
      • Raghavan S.S.
      • Peternel S.
      • Mully T.W.
      • et al.
      Spitz melanoma is a distinct subset of spitzoid melanoma.
      SKAP2,
      • Kim D.
      • Khan A.U.
      • Compres E.V.
      • et al.
      BRAF fusion Spitz neoplasms; clinical morphological, and genomic findings in six cases.
      SLC12A7,
      • Ross J.S.
      • Wang K.
      • Chmielecki J.
      • et al.
      The distribution of BRAF gene fusions in solid tumours and response to targeted therapy.
      SOX6,
      • Raghavan S.S.
      • Peternel S.
      • Mully T.W.
      • et al.
      Spitz melanoma is a distinct subset of spitzoid melanoma.
      TRIM24,
      • Ross J.S.
      • Wang K.
      • Chmielecki J.
      • et al.
      The distribution of BRAF gene fusions in solid tumours and response to targeted therapy.
      and ZKSCAN.
      • Ross J.S.
      • Wang K.
      • Chmielecki J.
      • et al.
      The distribution of BRAF gene fusions in solid tumours and response to targeted therapy.
      Recently, there was a report of multiple desmoplastic Spitz naevi with BRAF fusions in a patient with ring chromosome 7 syndrome, which identified two novel BRAF fusion partners, TMEM106B and WDR91.
      • Roy S.F.
      • Bastian B.C.
      • Maguiness S.
      • et al.
      Multiple desmoplastic Spitz nevi with BRAF fusions in a patient with ring chromosome 7 syndrome.
      Clinically, BRAF fused Spitz naevi typically present as pink papules on the extremities of young patients, with a slight predominance in females.
      • Kim D.
      • Khan A.U.
      • Compres E.V.
      • et al.
      BRAF fusion Spitz neoplasms; clinical morphological, and genomic findings in six cases.
      Histologically, BRAF fused Spitz naevi are commonly intradermal with a plaque-like, nodular, or wedge-shaped silhouette containing epithelioid or mixed, epithelioid and spindle morphology with amphophilic cytoplasm and vesicular nuclei with predominant nucleoli. Cytological atypia is typically moderate to severe and nuclear pleomorphism is frequently marked.
      • Raghavan S.S.
      • Peternel S.
      • Mully T.W.
      • et al.
      Spitz melanoma is a distinct subset of spitzoid melanoma.
      ,
      • Amin S.M.
      • Haugh A.M.
      • Lee C.Y.
      • et al.
      A comparison of morphologic and molecular features of BRAF, ALK, and NTRK1 fusion spitzoid neoplasms.
      ,
      • Kim H.S.
      • Jung M.
      • Kang H.N.
      • et al.
      Oncogenic BRAF fusions in mucosal melanomas activate the MAPK pathway and are sensitive to MEK/PI3K inhibition or MEK/CDK4/6 inhibition.
      • Perron E.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • Neub A.
      • et al.
      Unclassified sclerosing malignant melanomas with AKAP9-BRAF gene fusion: a report of two cases and review of BRAF fusions in melanocytic tumours.
      • Kim D.
      • Khan A.U.
      • Compres E.V.
      • et al.
      BRAF fusion Spitz neoplasms; clinical morphological, and genomic findings in six cases.
      • Donati M.
      • Kastnerova L.
      • Ptakova N.
      • Michal M.
      • Kazakov D.V.
      Polypoid atypical Spitz tumour with a fibrosclerotic stroma, CLIP2-BRAF fusion, and homozygous loss of 9p21.
      BRAF fusion-specific morphology has previously been described, which includes a dense cellular sheet-like melanocytic proliferation superficially, with a desmoplastic base containing prominent dermal sclerosis.
      • Wiesner T.
      • He J.
      • Yelensky R.
      • et al.
      Kinase fusions are frequent in Spitz tumours and spitzoid melanomas.
      ,
      • Amin S.M.
      • Haugh A.M.
      • Lee C.Y.
      • et al.
      A comparison of morphologic and molecular features of BRAF, ALK, and NTRK1 fusion spitzoid neoplasms.
      ,
      • Perron E.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • Neub A.
      • et al.
      Unclassified sclerosing malignant melanomas with AKAP9-BRAF gene fusion: a report of two cases and review of BRAF fusions in melanocytic tumours.
      ,
      • Kim D.
      • Khan A.U.
      • Compres E.V.
      • et al.
      BRAF fusion Spitz neoplasms; clinical morphological, and genomic findings in six cases.
      Among the various genomic fusion subtypes of Spitz, BRAF and MAP3K8 are typically the most morphologically atypical with large atypical epithelioid cells, prominent nuclear atypia, and pleomorphism. Hence, BRAF fusions are only second to MAP3K8 fusions in their likelihood of being classified as Spitz melanoma. Diagnostically, NGS or FISH analysis are used for the detection of BRAF fusions.
      • Hutchinson K.E.
      • Lipson D.
      • Stephens P.J.
      • et al.
      BRAF fusions define a distinct molecular subset of melanomas with potential sensitivity to MEK inhibition.
      While most cases are indolent, there are more examples of aggressive behaviour in BRAF and MAP3K8 fusions reported in the literature compared to other fusion types. Widespread metastasis of BRAF fused malignant Spitz tumours has been reported in multiple cases.
      • Lee S.
      • Barnhill R.L.
      • Dummer R.
      • et al.
      TERT promoter mutations are predictive of aggressive clinical behavior in patients with spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms.
      ,
      • Wu G.
      • Barnhill R.L.
      • Lee S.
      • et al.
      The landscape of fusion transcripts in spitzoid melanoma and biologically indeterminate spitzoid tumours by RNA sequencing.
      ,
      • Ross J.S.
      • Wang K.
      • Chmielecki J.
      • et al.
      The distribution of BRAF gene fusions in solid tumours and response to targeted therapy.
      There are also several reported cases of non-Spitz BRAF fused melanomas, including the following subtypes: acral, mucosal, superficial spreading, and melanoma arising within a giant congenital naevus.
      • Kim H.S.
      • Jung M.
      • Kang H.N.
      • et al.
      Oncogenic BRAF fusions in mucosal melanomas activate the MAPK pathway and are sensitive to MEK/PI3K inhibition or MEK/CDK4/6 inhibition.
      ,
      • Menzies A.M.
      • Yeh I.
      • Botton T.
      • Bastian B.C.
      • Scolyer R.A.
      • Long G.V.
      Clinical activity of the MEK inhibitor trametinib in metastatic melanoma containing BRAF kinase fusion.
      ,
      • Cohen J.N.
      • Yeh I.
      • Mully T.W.
      • LeBoit P.E.
      • McCalmont T.H.
      Genomic and clinicopathologic characteristics of PRKAR1A-inactivated melanomas: toward genetic distinctions of animal-type melanoma/pigment synthesizing melanoma.

      MAP3K8 fusions and truncations

      The mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 8 (MAP3K8, TPL2, COT) gene is located on chromosome 10p11 and encodes a serine/threonine and tyrosine kinase involved in the direct activation of the RAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway.
      • Salmeron A.
      • Ahmad T.B.
      • Carlile G.W.
      • Pappin D.
      • Narsimhan R.P.
      • Ley S.C.
      Activation of MEK-1 and SEK-1 by Tpl-2 proto-oncoprotein, a novel MAP kinase kinase kinase.
      ,
      • Hagemann D.
      • Troppmair J.
      • Rapp U.R.
      Cot protooncoprotein activates the dual specificity kinases MEK-1 and SEK-1 and induces differentiation of PC12 cells.
      The kinase domain is located on exons 1–8 and the inhibitor C-terminal domain is located on exon 9.
      • Salmeron A.
      • Ahmad T.B.
      • Carlile G.W.
      • Pappin D.
      • Narsimhan R.P.
      • Ley S.C.
      Activation of MEK-1 and SEK-1 by Tpl-2 proto-oncoprotein, a novel MAP kinase kinase kinase.
      ,
      • Hagemann D.
      • Troppmair J.
      • Rapp U.R.
      Cot protooncoprotein activates the dual specificity kinases MEK-1 and SEK-1 and induces differentiation of PC12 cells.
      The inhibitor domain has two functions: first, to sterically inhibit the kinase domain in its inactive state; and second, to target the enzyme for proteolytic degradation.
      • Gandara M.L.
      • Lopez P.
      • Hernando R.
      • Castano J.G.
      • Alemany S.
      The COOH-terminal domain of wild-type Cot regulates its stability and kinase specific activity.
      MAP3K8 fusions and truncations result in the loss of the inhibitor domain, resulting in subsequent unopposed kinase activity and loss of proteolytic degradation, leading to increased MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway involved in cell proliferation, division, and differentiation.
      • Salmeron A.
      • Ahmad T.B.
      • Carlile G.W.
      • Pappin D.
      • Narsimhan R.P.
      • Ley S.C.
      Activation of MEK-1 and SEK-1 by Tpl-2 proto-oncoprotein, a novel MAP kinase kinase kinase.
      • Gandara M.L.
      • Lopez P.
      • Hernando R.
      • Castano J.G.
      • Alemany S.
      The COOH-terminal domain of wild-type Cot regulates its stability and kinase specific activity.
      • Ceci J.D.
      • Patriotis C.P.
      • Tsatsanis C.
      • et al.
      Tpl-2 is an oncogenic kinase that is activated by carboxy-terminal truncation.
      Of the reported MAP3K8 fused Spitz neoplasms, 8% were classified as Spitz naevi, 40% as AST, and 52% as Spitz melanomas.
      • Raghavan S.S.
      • Peternel S.
      • Mully T.W.
      • et al.
      Spitz melanoma is a distinct subset of spitzoid melanoma.
      ,
      • Quan V.L.
      • Zhang B.
      • Mohan L.S.
      • et al.
      Activating structural alterations in MAPK genes are distinct genetic drivers in a unique subgroup of spitzoid neoplasms.
      ,
      • Houlier A.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • Masse I.
      • et al.
      Melanocytic tumours with MAP3K8 fusions: report of 33 cases with morphological-genetic correlations.
      MAP3K8 fusions and truncations are not exclusive to Spitz melanocytic neoplasms, and have been found in various tumours, including acral melanomas, squamous cell carcinomas, cutaneous myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma, ovarian cancer, lung carcinoma, breast carcinoma, and mesothelioma.
      • Newman S.
      • Fan L.
      • Pribnow A.
      • et al.
      Clinical genome sequencing uncovers potentially targetable truncations and fusions of MAP3K8 in spitzoid and other melanomas.
      ,
      • Quan V.L.
      • Zhang B.
      • Mohan L.S.
      • et al.
      Activating structural alterations in MAPK genes are distinct genetic drivers in a unique subgroup of spitzoid neoplasms.
      ,
      • Clark A.M.
      • Reynolds S.H.
      • Anderson M.
      • Wiest J.S.
      Mutational activation of the MAP3K8 protooncogene in lung cancer.
      • Gruosso T.
      • Garnier C.
      • Abelanet S.
      • et al.
      MAP3K8/TPL-2/COT is a potential predictive marker for MEK inhibitor treatment in high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas.
      • Lee J.H.
      • Lee S.H.
      • Do S.I.
      • et al.
      TPL2 is an oncogenic driver in keratocanthoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
      • Sourvinos G.
      • Tsatsanis C.
      • Spandidos D.A.
      Overexpression of the Tpl-2/Cot oncogene in human breast cancer.
      Several fusion partners have been identified, including SVIL,
      • Raghavan S.S.
      • Peternel S.
      • Mully T.W.
      • et al.
      Spitz melanoma is a distinct subset of spitzoid melanoma.
      ,
      • Newman S.
      • Fan L.
      • Pribnow A.
      • et al.
      Clinical genome sequencing uncovers potentially targetable truncations and fusions of MAP3K8 in spitzoid and other melanomas.
      ,
      • Houlier A.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • Masse I.
      • et al.
      Melanocytic tumours with MAP3K8 fusions: report of 33 cases with morphological-genetic correlations.
      ,
      • Quan V.L.
      • Panah E.
      • Zhang B.
      • Shi K.
      • Mohan L.S.
      • Gerami P.
      The role of gene fusions in melanocytic neoplasms.
      DIP2C,
      • Newman S.
      • Pappo A.
      • Raimondi S.
      • Zhang J.
      • Barnhill R.
      • Bahrami A.
      Pathologic characteristics of Spitz melanoma with MAP3K8 fusion or truncation in a pediatric cohort.
      ,
      • Quan V.L.
      • Zhang B.
      • Zhang Y.
      • et al.
      Integrating next-generation sequencing with morphology improves prognostic and biologic classification of spitz neoplasms.
      ,
      • Quan V.L.
      • Zhang B.
      • Mohan L.S.
      • et al.
      Activating structural alterations in MAPK genes are distinct genetic drivers in a unique subgroup of spitzoid neoplasms.
      ,
      • Houlier A.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • Masse I.
      • et al.
      Melanocytic tumours with MAP3K8 fusions: report of 33 cases with morphological-genetic correlations.
      UBL3,
      • Newman S.
      • Fan L.
      • Pribnow A.
      • et al.
      Clinical genome sequencing uncovers potentially targetable truncations and fusions of MAP3K8 in spitzoid and other melanomas.
      ,
      • Quan V.L.
      • Zhang B.
      • Zhang Y.
      • et al.
      Integrating next-generation sequencing with morphology improves prognostic and biologic classification of spitz neoplasms.
      ,
      • Houlier A.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • Masse I.
      • et al.
      Melanocytic tumours with MAP3K8 fusions: report of 33 cases with morphological-genetic correlations.
      SPECC1,
      • Newman S.
      • Fan L.
      • Pribnow A.
      • et al.
      Clinical genome sequencing uncovers potentially targetable truncations and fusions of MAP3K8 in spitzoid and other melanomas.
      ,
      • Houlier A.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • Masse I.
      • et al.
      Melanocytic tumours with MAP3K8 fusions: report of 33 cases with morphological-genetic correlations.
      STX7,
      • Newman S.
      • Fan L.
      • Pribnow A.
      • et al.
      Clinical genome sequencing uncovers potentially targetable truncations and fusions of MAP3K8 in spitzoid and other melanomas.
      ,
      • Houlier A.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • Masse I.
      • et al.
      Melanocytic tumours with MAP3K8 fusions: report of 33 cases with morphological-genetic correlations.
      ATP2A2,
      • Quan V.L.
      • Zhang B.
      • Mohan L.S.
      • et al.
      Activating structural alterations in MAPK genes are distinct genetic drivers in a unique subgroup of spitzoid neoplasms.
      CCNY,
      • Houlier A.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • Masse I.
      • et al.
      Melanocytic tumours with MAP3K8 fusions: report of 33 cases with morphological-genetic correlations.
      CDC42EP3,
      • Houlier A.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • Masse I.
      • et al.
      Melanocytic tumours with MAP3K8 fusions: report of 33 cases with morphological-genetic correlations.
      CUBN,
      • Houlier A.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • Masse I.
      • et al.
      Melanocytic tumours with MAP3K8 fusions: report of 33 cases with morphological-genetic correlations.
      GNG2,
      • Newman S.
      • Fan L.
      • Pribnow A.
      • et al.
      Clinical genome sequencing uncovers potentially targetable truncations and fusions of MAP3K8 in spitzoid and other melanomas.
      LINC00703,
      • Houlier A.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • Masse I.
      • et al.
      Melanocytic tumours with MAP3K8 fusions: report of 33 cases with morphological-genetic correlations.
      MIR3681HG,
      • Houlier A.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • Masse I.
      • et al.
      Melanocytic tumours with MAP3K8 fusions: report of 33 cases with morphological-genetic correlations.
      PCDH7,
      • Quan V.L.
      • Zhang B.
      • Mohan L.S.
      • et al.
      Activating structural alterations in MAPK genes are distinct genetic drivers in a unique subgroup of spitzoid neoplasms.
      PIP4K2A,
      • Houlier A.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • Masse I.
      • et al.
      Melanocytic tumours with MAP3K8 fusions: report of 33 cases with morphological-genetic correlations.
      PRKACB,
      • Newman S.
      • Fan L.
      • Pribnow A.
      • et al.
      Clinical genome sequencing uncovers potentially targetable truncations and fusions of MAP3K8 in spitzoid and other melanomas.
      SFMBT2,
      • Houlier A.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • Masse I.
      • et al.
      Melanocytic tumours with MAP3K8 fusions: report of 33 cases with morphological-genetic correlations.
      SLC4A4,
      • Houlier A.
      • Pissaloux D.
      • Masse I.
      • et al.
      Melanocytic tumours with MAP3K8 fusions: report of 33 cases with morphological-genetic correlations.
      SUBN
      • Newman S.
      • Fan L.
      • Pribnow A.
      • et al.
      Clinical genome sequencing uncovers potentially targetable truncations and fusions of MAP3K8 in spitzoid and other melanomas.
      and ZFP36L1.
      • Raghavan S.S.
      • Peternel S.
      • Mully T.W.
      • et al.
      Spitz melanoma is a distinct subset of spitzoid melanoma.
      Clinically, Spitz neoplasms with MAP3K8 fusions typically present as asymmetric exophitic pigmented lesions in the lower extremities of patients of all ages, showing a slight female predominance.
      • Newman S.
      • Pappo A.
      • Raimondi S.
      • Zhang J.
      • Barnhill R.
      • Bahrami A.
      Pathologic characteristics of Spitz melanoma with MAP3K8 fusion or truncation in a pediatric cohort.