Thoracic SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor: current knowledge and future perspectives

Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2024 Mar 9;54(3):265-270. doi: 10.1093/jjco/hyad175.

Abstract

Thoracic SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor is a newly recognized disease entity characterized as a high-grade malignant neoplasm with an undifferentiated or rhabdoid phenotype. The tumor was initially identified as a subtype of thoracic sarcoma with SMARCA4 loss, but further investigation resulted in its classification as a subtype of epithelial malignancies in the current World Health Organization classification. SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor is highly aggressive and has a poor prognosis. Because of its rarity, an optimal treatment strategy has not yet been identified. In this review, we summarize the literature on SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor in terms of its clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment strategy and future perspectives.

Keywords: chemo-respiratory tract; lung medicine; thoracic.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • DNA Helicases / genetics
  • Humans
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Sarcoma* / diagnosis
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms*
  • Thoracic Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Thoracic Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Thoracic Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Transcription Factors / genetics

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • SMARCA4 protein, human
  • DNA Helicases
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Transcription Factors