Sandra Wessman

Dr. Sandra Wessman

Karolinska Institute
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 June 2023 in JCO Precision Oncology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
EWElisabeth Wadensten
Elisabeth Wadensten
SWSandra Wessman
Sandra Wessman
FAFrida Abel
Frida Abel
TSTeresita Diaz de Ståhl
Teresita Diaz de Ståhl
BTBianca Tesi
Bianca Tesi
FGfor the Genomic Medicine Sweden Childhood Cancer Working Group
for the Genomic Medicine Sweden Childhood Cancer Working Group
PURPOSE: Several studies have indicated that broad genomic characterization of childhood cancer provides diagnostically and/or therapeutically relevant information in selected high-risk cases. However, the extent to which such characterization offers clinically actionable data in a prospective broadly inclusive setting remains largely unexplored. METHODS: We implemented prospective whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of tumor and germline, complemented by whole-transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) for all children diagnosed with a primary or relapsed solid malignancy in Sweden. Multidisciplinary molecular tumor boards were set up to integrate genomic data in the clinical decision process along with a medicolegal framework enabling secondary use of sequencing data for research purposes. RESULTS: During the study's first 14 months, 118 solid tumors from 117 patients were subjected to WGS, with complementary RNA-Seq for fusion gene detection in 52 tumors. There was no significant geographic bias in patient enrollment, and the included tumor types reflected the annual national incidence of pediatric solid tumor types. Of the 112 tumors with somatic mutations, 106 (95%) exhibited alterations with a clear clinical correlation. In 46 of 118 tumors (39%), sequencing only corroborated histopathological diagnoses, while in 59 cases (50%), it contributed to additional subclassification or detection of prognostic markers. Potential treatment targets were found in 31 patients (26%), most commonly ALK mutations/fusions (n = 4), RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway mutations (n = 14), FGFR1 mutations/fusions (n = 5), IDH1 mutations (n = 2), and NTRK2 gene fusions (n = 2). In one patient, the tumor diagnosis was revised based on sequencing. Clinically relevant germline variants were detected in 8 of 94 patients (8.5%). CONCLUSION: Up-front, large-scale genomic characterization of pediatric solid malignancies provides diagnostically valuable data in the majority of patients also in a largely unselected cohort.

19 October 2021 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SWSandra Wessman
Sandra Wessman
BFBeatriz Bohorquez Fuentes
Beatriz Bohorquez Fuentes
TTTherese Törngren
Therese Törngren
AKAnders Kvist
Anders Kvist
GKGeorgia Kokaraki
Georgia Kokaraki
JCJoseph Carlson
Joseph Carlson
Background: We examined whether molecular characterization of high-grade epithelial ovarian cancer can inform the diagnosis and/or identify potential actionable targets. Methods: All of the consecutively sequenced high-grade ovarian tumours with consent between 2014 until 2019 were included. A total of 274 tumours underwent next generation sequencing using a targeted panel. Results: Patients with high-grade ovarian epithelial cancer were consented to prospective molecular characterization. Clinical information was extracted from their medical record. Tumour DNA was subjected to sequencing, and selected patients received PARP inhibitor therapy. Conclusions: Tumours from 274 women were sequenced, including high-grade serous carcinoma (n = 252), clear cell carcinoma (n = 4), carcinosarcoma (n = 9), endometrioid carcinoma (n = 3), undifferentiated carcinoma (n = 1), and mixed tumours (n = 5). Genomic profiling did not influence histologic diagnosis. Mutations were identified in TP53, BRCA1, BRCA2, as well as additional homologous recombination repair pathway genes BARD1, ATR, CHEK2, PALB2, RAD51D, RAD50, SLX4, FANCA, RAD51C, and RAD54L. In addition, mutations in PTEN and CDKN2A were identified. Several somatic mutations with implications for germline testing were identified, including RMI1, STK11, and CDH1. Germline testing identified 16 previously unknown BRCA1/2 carriers. Finally, 20 patients were treated with the PARP inhibitor olaparib based on the sequencing results.

10 April 2023 in International Journal of Gynecological Pathology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
SWSandra Wessman
Sandra Wessman
BFBeatriz Bohorquez Fuentes
Beatriz Bohorquez Fuentes
JSJosefin Severin-Karlsson
Josefin Severin-Karlsson
SWSofia Westbom-Fremer
Sofia Westbom-Fremer
MNMonica Nistér
Monica Nistér
JCJoseph Carlson
Joseph Carlson
Granulosa-cell tumors (GCTs) are the most common type of malignant ovarian sex cord-stromal tumor (SCST). The histopathologic diagnosis of these tumors can be challenging. A recurrent somatic mutation of the forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) gene has been identified in adult GCT. In this retrospective single-center study of 44 SCST, a morphologic review together with analysis of FOXL2 C134W was evaluated in relation to tumor morphology. In addition, TERT promoter mutation testing was performed. Twelve of 36 cases got an altered diagnosis based on morphology alone. The overarching architectural growth pattern in 32/44 (72.7%) tumors was diffuse/solid with several tumors showing markedly heterogeneous architecture. In correlation to FOXL2 C134W mutation status, cytoplasmic color, and nuclear shape, differed between the FOXL2 C134W positive and FOXL2 C134 W negative groups, but these differences were not significant when comparing them separately. Nineteen of 44 cases underwent TERT promoter sequencing with a positive result in 3 cases; 2 adult GCTs and 1 cellular fibroma. Three patients developed a recurrence of which 2 were FOXL2 C134W positive adult GCTs and the third was an unclassified SCST. In conclusion, the morphologic and immunohistochemical diagnosis of different SCSTs is challenging and one cannot reliably identify FOXL2 mutation-positive tumors solely by morphologic features. Therefore, broad use of molecular analysis of the FOXL2 C134W mutation is suggested for SCSTs, and further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical outcome of these tumors as well as the diagnostic and prognostic implications of TERT promoter mutations.

27 August 2026 in Cytopathology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
AHAmanda Husu
Amanda Husu
SWSandra Wessman
Sandra Wessman
KWKarin Wallander
Karin Wallander
FFFelix Haglund de Flon
Felix Haglund de Flon
Objective: There is a wide spectrum of tumour and tumour‐like lesions in soft tissue and bone. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a cheap and accessible method that can provide a rapid diagnosis in most instances. We have evaluated the usefulness of FNAC for bone and soft tissue lesions at the Karolinska University Hospital, and we have identified diagnostic pitfalls for FNAC when compared to histopathology. Methods: Between 2018 and 2019, 503 patients with FNAC and corresponding histopathological specimens were identified using digital pathology records. The pathology reports were manually studied and compared. All soft tissue FNACs were reclassified according to the WHO Reporting System for Soft Tissue Cytopathology and risk of malignancy (ROM) was calculated. Results: FNAC correctly predicted malignancy in 85% of the samples. The sensitivity and specificity of detecting malignancy were 89% and 93% for soft tissue lesions, and 87% and 100% for bone lesions. Correspondingly, the PPV and NPV were 94% and 88% in soft tissue, and 100% and 83% in bone. Non‐representative sampling was the most important factor for missing malignancy. Conclusion: In the right hands, FNAC is a useful method for diagnosing soft tissue and bone lesions. Its primary use should be to initiate and guide further care rather than provide an exact subtype in a preoperative setting. The limitations of negative FNACs need to be clearly communicated in pathology reports and multidisciplinary conferences to achieve safe tumour investigations.

27 November 2024 in American Journal of Case Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
CMCarolina Maya-González
Carolina Maya-González
TSTeresita Diaz de Ståhl
Teresita Diaz de Ståhl
SWSandra Wessman
Sandra Wessman
FTFulya Taylan
Fulya Taylan
BTBianca Tesi
Bianca Tesi
ANAnn Nordgren
Ann Nordgren
Objective: Rare coexistence of disease or pathology Background: Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy recessive 1 (LGMDR1) is an autosomal recessive degenerative muscle disorder characterized by progressive muscular weakness caused by pathogenic variants in the CAPN3 gene. Desmoplastic small round cell tumors (DSRCT) are ultra-rare and aggressive soft tissue sarcomas usually in the abdominal cavity, molecularly characterized by the presence of a EWSR1::WT1 fusion transcript. Mouse models of muscular dystrophy, including LGMDR1, present an increased risk of soft tissue sarcomas. However, the DSRCT risk and general cancer risk in patients with LGMD is unknown. Here, we delineate the clinical, molecular, and genetic findings of a patient with LGMDR1 who developed a DSRCT. Case Report: The patient was a boy who was diagnosed at the age of 9 years with LGMDR1, caused by the biallelic pathogenic variants NP_000061.1:p.(Arg448Cys) and NP_000061.1:p.(Thr184ArgfsTer36) in CAPN3. At 17 years of age, a pathologic soft tissue mass was found in the right pelvis. Immunostaining was positive for Desmin and negative for Myogenin and MyoD1, and RNA sequencing showed a EWSR1::WT1 fusion transcript, confirming the diagnosis of DSRCT. The patient relapsed after 1 year and, following a second relapse, he was started on palliative treatment. No germline variants in childhood cancer predisposition genes were detected by whole genome sequencing. Conclusions: We describe a patient with LGMDR1 who developed a DSRCT. Since associations between LGMD and pediatric cancer are hitherto unknown, further studies are warranted, as little information is currently published about the pediatric cancer risk in this patient group.

19 September 2022 in Diagnostics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ADAnna Djos
Anna Djos
DTDiana Treis
Diana Treis
SFSusanne Fransson
Susanne Fransson
LMLena Gordon Murkes
Lena Gordon Murkes
SWSandra Wessman
Sandra Wessman
TMTommy Martinsson
Tommy Martinsson
A preterm infant with central hypoventilation was diagnosed with multifocal neuroblastoma. Congenital anomalies of the autonomic nervous system in association with neuroblastoma are commonly associated with germline mutations in PHOX2B. Further, the ALK gene is frequently mutated in both familial and sporadic neuroblastoma. Sanger sequencing of ALK and PHOX2B, SNP microarray of three tumor samples and whole genome sequencing of tumor and blood were performed. Genetic testing revealed a germline ALK F1174I mutation that was present in all tumor samples as well as in normal tissue samples from the patient. Neither of the patient’s parents presented the ALK variant. Array profiling of the three tumor samples showed that two of them had only numerical aberrations, whereas one sample displayed segmental alterations, including a gain at chromosome 2p, resulting in two copies of the ALK-mutated allele. Whole genome sequencing confirmed the presence of the ALK variant and did not detect any aberrations in the coding or promotor region of PHOX2B. This study is to our knowledge the first to report a de novoALK F1174I germline mutation. This may not only predispose to congenital multifocal neuroblastoma but may also contribute to the respiratory dysfunction seen in this patient.