The lack of multi-omics cancer datasets with extensive follow-up information hinders the identification of accurate biomarkers of clinical outcome. In this cohort study, we performed comprehensive genomic analyses on fresh-frozen samples from 348 patients affected by primary colon cancer, encompassing RNA, whole-exome, deep T cell receptor and 16S bacterial rRNA gene sequencing on tumor and matched healthy colon tissue, complemented with tumor whole-genome sequencing for further microbiome characterization. A type 1 helper T cell, cytotoxic, gene expression signature, called Immunologic Constant of Rejection, captured the presence of clonally expanded, tumor-enriched T cell clones and outperformed conventional prognostic molecular biomarkers, such as the consensus molecular subtype and the microsatellite instability classifications. Quantification of genetic immunoediting, defined as a lower number of neoantigens than expected, further refined its prognostic value. We identified a microbiome signature, driven by Ruminococcus bromii, associated with a favorable outcome. By combining microbiome signature and Immunologic Constant of Rejection, we developed and validated a composite score (mICRoScore), which identifies a group of patients with excellent survival probability. The publicly available multi-omics dataset provides a resource for better understanding colon cancer biology that could facilitate the discovery of personalized therapeutic approaches.

High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are considered risk factors in the origin of several human malignancies, such as breast, cervical, head and neck, as well as colorectal cancers. However, there are no data reported on the HPV status in colorectal cancer in the State of Qatar. Therefore, we herein examined the presence of high-risk HPVs (16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 45, 51, 52, and 59), using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a cohort of 100 Qatari colorectal cancer patients, and their association with tumor phenotype. We found that high-risk HPV types 16, 18, 31, 35, 45, 51, 52, and 59 were present in 4, 36, 14, 5, 14, 6, 41, and 17% of our samples, respectively. Overall, 69 (69%) of the 100 samples were HPV positive; among these, 34/100 (34%) were positive for single HPV subtypes, while 35/100 (35%) of the samples were positive for two or more HPV subtypes. No significant association was noted between the presence of HPV and tumor grade, stage, or location. However, the presence of coinfection of HPV subtypes strongly correlated with advanced stage (stage 3 and 4) colorectal cancer, indicating that the copresence of more than one HPV subtype can significantly worsen the prognosis of colorectal cancer. The results from this study imply that coinfection with high-risk HPV subtypes is associated with the development of colorectal cancer in the Qatari population.

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a lymphocytic primary cicatricial alopecia characterized by perifollicular erythema, follicular hyperkeratosis and scaring, resulting in permanent hair loss.¹ Current treatment modalities, both topical and systemic, fail to achieve satisfactory and consistent results.^2–4 As therapies fail to halt the inflammatory process, patients with LPP may face long-term disfigurement and significant psychological burden.⁵ Thus, efficacious, safe and targeted therapies are a high priority in preventing disfiguring alopecia in patients with LPP. Here, we report on a case of rare LPP in linear distribution (LLPP) involving the scalp and forehead achieving complete hair regrowth after 12 weeks of treatment with an anti-psoriatic, anti-interleukin (IL)-17A/F antibody (Taltz, Ixekizumab, Lilly). The present case underlines the viability of ixekizumab as a possible first-line, targeted therapy for LPP and its variants with sustained efficacy.

Spiroadenomas, arising from sweat glands, are rare benign skin tumors primarily found as solitary nodules on the head, neck, and trunk. The malignant subtype, Spiradenocarcinoma (MSA), originating from benign spiradenomas, is extremely rare and occurs mainly in individuals over 50. MSA exhibits aggressiveness with higher metastasis rates and lower survival rates. Surgical excision is the standard management, supported by imaging modalities like MRI, CT-scan, and ultrasound. We present a 69-year-old female with a medical history of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia who presented in 2014 with multiple swellings on the forehead and left arm. Initial excisions revealed capillary hemangioma lesions. Subsequent visits involved the excision of further facial and body lesions, with some identified as intradermal nevi. In 2022, she presented to plastic surgery clinic with forehead swelling. The biopsy showed MSA lesion with involved margins. Thus, subsequent re-excision was carried out. One year later, she came with recurrent forehead swelling. Excision and direct closure of the lesion showed involvement of part of the subcutaneous tissue (fat globule) showing residual/recurrent MSA that is very close to nerve trunks. Malignant Spiradenomas (MSAs) usually arise from benign spiradenomas. Therefore, consideration is given to preemptive removal of these tumors due to their potential evolution. The primary treatment approach involves surgery, with a focus on wide local excision and a minimum margin of 1 cm to diminish the risk of metastasis. Vigilant follow-up is essential to promptly identify any recurrences or spreading. What’s already known about this topic? Malignant spiradenoma is an exceedingly uncommon malignant skin adnexal tumor. The primary approach is surgical, involving wide local excision with a margin of at least 1 cm. What does this report add? Highlights the importance of suspecting these lesions early to avoid local metastasis. Shed light on the importance of follow-up visits to be able to monitor the lesion progression or recurrence after excision.

Primary laryngeal sarcomas are rare. Their nomenclature and classification are similar to soft tissue counterparts; however, there are notable differences between clinical presentation, behavior, treatment, and follow-up. There is sparse information regarding the clinical features, biologic behavior, and treatment modalities of laryngeal sarcomas. To increase our understanding about these tumors, we describe herein an additional series of four cases of different pathologic types of laryngeal sarcomas, including low-grade chondrosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, well-differentiated liposarcoma, and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. Our main aim is to upsurge awareness about the morphologic variations of laryngeal sarcomas, to avoid potential pitfalls during histopathologic examination. It is essential to ensure that correct diagnosis, subclassification, and grading are achieved for proper guidance of treatment and clinical follow-up at multidisciplinary team meetings.

Intussusception is the leading cause for intestinal obstruction in children. However, it accounts for only 5% of bowel obstructions in adults. Heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract; nevertheless, its occurrence in the small intestine is rare unless associated with remnants of vitelline duct (Meckel’s diverticulum). Herein, we describe a case of a 33-year-old male who presented with symptoms and signs of intestinal obstruction caused by ileo-colic intussusception, in which polypoid HGM acted as the organic lead point for intussusception. Several cases of intussusception caused by HGM have been reported in pediatric age group; however, this event is exceedingly rare in adults.