Peter Karl Bode

Effect of in vivo treatment on mouse weight.

Figure S1 from Evaluation of the Role of AXL in Fusion-positive Pediatric Rhabdomyosarcoma Identifies the Small-molecule Inhibitor Bemcentinib (BGB324) as Potent Chemosensitizer

Supplementary Figures and Tables

AXL genetic removal and pathway activation.

Effect of the small-molecule AXL inhibitors.

Combination of chemotherapy and AXL inhibitors.

Objective: Formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) cell blocks (CBs) are widely used for processing cytology specimens, but preparation methods remain variable and non‐standardised. Low cellularity is a common limitation that may compromise diagnostic utility. This study aimed to evaluate the cellularity of routinely prepared CBs across different preparation methods, laboratories and sample types. Methods: Each laboratory in this multicentre observational study retrospectively assessed 50 consecutive CBs prepared using a single method. Cellularity of Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E)‐stained sections was semi‐quantitatively evaluated by two independent reviewers per laboratory in four categories: acellular, low (≤ 100 cells), medium (100–500 cells) and high cellular (> 500 cells). The proportion of poorly cellular CBs (acellular + low cellular) was compared across methods, laboratories and sample types using non‐parametric tests. Results: Cellularity was assessed for 1817 CBs prepared using Agar (22%), HistoGel (19%), Plasma‐Thrombin (19%), Cellient (17%), In‐house (15%) and Shandon/Epredia (8%) methods. The proportion of poorly cellular CBs ranged from 4% to 80% across laboratories (mean 27%, median 25%), with no consistent clustering by method. Median proportions by method ranged from 12% (Cellient) to 35% (Agar), but inter‐method differences were not statistically significant ( p > 0.05). Substantial variability was observed both across and within sample types and preparation methods. Conclusions: The study revealed marked variability in the proportion of poorly cellular CBs among preparation methods and laboratories, highlighting the need for improved processing and monitoring of CB adequacy.

Background: Primary cervical choriocarcinoma in abortion curettage tissue is extremely rare and represents a diagnostic challenge. It is a serious condition that requires prompt and targeted therapeutic management. This case report describes the diagnostic evaluation, taking into account relevant differential diagnoses and highlighting the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic work‐up to resolve these complex cases. Case report: A 43‐year‐old woman presented with recurrent vaginal bleeding, an elevated β ‐HCG of 1165 mU/mL, and sonographic suspicion of an incomplete abortion with an ectopic pregnancy in the cervix. Dilation and curettage were performed. Histological analysis raised the suspicion of a gestational choriocarcinoma of the cervix. In contrast, an external specialist referral suggested a somatic carcinoma with germ cell differentiation due to an abnormal p53 pattern, which subsequently led to a change in the management. The patient underwent a total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy together with bilateral iliac lymphadenectomy. In the final molecular workup, nonmaternal DNA was identified in the tumor tissue. A TP53 mutation could not be detected. In summary, these findings confirmed a gestational choriocarcinoma of the cervix. Follow‐up 28 months after completion of chemotherapy revealed no evidence of recurrence. Conclusion: Cervical gestational choriocarcinoma requires thorough molecular investigation, as accurate diagnosis is pivotal for optimal management.

Supplemental Figure S1. Performance of A.I. model in classifying multiple samples from the same patient.