A rare case of NUT midline carcinoma

Abstract

► NUT midline carcinoma is a rare and aggressive cancer arising in midline structures and is of squamous cell lineage. ► Diagnosis by use of molecular tests is possible with clinical suspicion. ► NUT midline carcinoma is refractory to conventional treatments, but understanding of molecular alterations may lead to an effective therapy.

NUT Midline Carcinoma: A Rare Malignancy

“…8,13 Sixty-two cases have been reported of NUT midline carcinoma; of those, only 2 have presented in gynecological structures. 6 Unlike most solid tumors, NUT midline carcinomas are not classified according to tissue or site of origin; instead, they are genetically defined. 1,6 NUT was initially described in 1991.…”

“…6 Unlike most solid tumors, NUT midline carcinomas are not classified according to tissue or site of origin; instead, they are genetically defined. 1,6 NUT was initially described in 1991. Its symbol comes from the protein coded at the chromosome 15 breakpoint.…”

“…16 In this series, large resection and radiotherapy delivered early appeared to be associated with improved progression-free survival and overall survival rates. 16 Balla et al 6 reported on a 10-year old boy with NUT midline carcinoma. They used a histone deacetylase inhibitor to treat the patient for 5 weeks, who had an objective clinical response before toxicities limited its continued use.…”

“…The patient's disease recurred, and he died 11 months after the initial diagnosis. 6 Looking toward the future, targeted therapeutic approaches are being developed, such as direct-acting bromodomain inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors. 10,16 For more information on current trials of NUT midline carcinoma, please visit www.nmcregistry.org/clinictrial.html.…”

“…1 In general, NUT midline carcinoma is restricted to the mediastinum, head, and neck areas, but rare cases have also involved gynecological structures. 6 …”