Basic Facts About NUT Carcinoma
NUT carcinoma (NC) is a rare, genetically defined, aggressive human cancer defined by rearrangements of the gene NUT. In the majority (approximately 75%) of NCs most of the coding sequence of NUT on chromosome 15q14 is fused to BRD4 or BRD3, creating chimeric genes that encode BRD-NUT fusion proteins. In the remaining cases, NUT is fused to an unknown partner gene; these tumors are termed NUT-variant. Diagnosis of NC is made by demonstration of expression of the NUT-fusion protein using a monoclonal antibody to NUT for immunohistochemistry or demonstration of the fusion (BRD-NUT or NUT-variant) by fluorescent in situ hybridization or other molecular analyses. Because the reagents and expertise required to diagnose NC are not available in most laboratories, and the incomplete awareness of this disease, NC is frequently undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, and its actual prevalence is unknown. We diagnose NC routinely, and are happy to evaluate new cases for diagnosis and treatment. We currently see >50 cases annually.
NC does not arise from any specific tissue type or organ. It presents as a poorly differentiated carcinoma originating from midline locations such as the head, neck or mediastinum. Although rare, NCs occur throughout life and advanced local disease is frequently accompanied by distant metastases. Median survival is 6.5 months, though there is some evidence to suggest that NUT-variant tumors carry a better prognosis. Clinical knowledge of the treatment and response of NC is limited to case reports and small series. Not uncommonly an initial response to chemotherapy observed, but typically this is followed by rapid recurrence and death. Thus, there remains no effective treatment or guidelines for management of NC. Current approaches to treatment are based on discussions amongst a few oncologists with limited experiences treating this disease.
The BRD4 and BRD3 moieties of BRD-NUT fusion oncoproteins contain twin bromodomains, which in a normal context bind acetylated histones of both mitotic and interphase chromatin. The function of BRD4 appears to activate transcription of early G1 genes following mitosis via its interaction with the transcriptional elongation complex, P-TEFb. While the function of NUT is unknown, studies have shown that when fused to BRD, it appears to be tethered to chromatin by the BRD bromodomains. The BRD-NUT transgene functions to block cellular differentiation and promote uncontrolled growth of carcinoma cells. When BRD-NUT expression is silenced in culture, human NC cells dramatically differentiate into mature squamous cells, and proliferation stops abruptly. Taking advantage of this unique biology, we are currently engaged in investigating “differentiation therapy” agents, with some promising leads.
The creation of a specific rare tumor registry provides a mechanism to collect information that cannot be gathered in a single institution. The analysis of the registry data permits an overview of the clinical characteristics, biological features, treatment response, and outcomes of these patients and thus creates opportunities for research. Physicians and patient family members frequently consult DF/HCC investigators on the management of NC. This registry may facilitate the development of future treatment consensus and help formulate future therapeutic strategies.