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Updated: Feb 4, 2026

Establishment of a Primary Culture of Patient-derived Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Published on: April 11, 2018
Identification of a novel MTAP-RAF1 fusion in a soft tissue sarcoma
J Kevin Hicks1, Evita Henderson-Jackson2, Julia Duggan3
1DeBartolo Family Personalized Medicine Institute, Department of Individualized Cancer Management, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA.
Background:
RAF family activating fusions have been described as a potentially targetable molecular finding in a subset of soft tissue sarcomas. To further expand upon the landscape of this genetic feature, we describe a novel MTAP-RAF1 activating fusion identified in a S100 positive soft tissue sarcoma.
Case Presentation:
A 51 year old man underwent excision of a soft tissue mass in his foot. Pathology revealed a spindle cell neoplasm with S100 positivity, ultimately classified as a soft tissue sarcoma, not otherwise specified. Comprehensive molecular profiling was performed to help establish the diagnosis and revealed a novel MTAP-RAF1 fusion that includes the tyrosine kinase domain of RAF1.
Conclusions:
Our report adds to the spectrum of fusion-driven RAF activation observed in soft tissue sarcomas and lends additional evidence that RAF activation plays an important role in some soft tissue sarcomas. Identification of novel fusions involving the MAPK/ERK pathway in sarcomas may provide new avenues for precision medicine strategies involving targeted kinase inhibitors.
Insights
Researchers identified a new MTAP-RAF1 fusion in a soft tissue sarcoma. This finding highlights RAF activation
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Pathology
- Genetics
Background:
- Activating fusions in the RAF gene family are known molecular targets in some soft tissue sarcomas.
- Further investigation into these genetic alterations is crucial for understanding sarcoma development.
Observation:
- A novel MTAP-RAF1 fusion was identified in a patient with S100-positive soft tissue sarcoma.
- The fusion involves the tyrosine kinase domain of RAF1.
- The sarcoma was a spindle cell neoplasm located in the foot.
Findings:
- The study describes a previously unreported MTAP-RAF1 activating fusion.
- This discovery expands the known spectrum of RAF fusions in soft tissue sarcomas.
Implications:
- RAF activation is implicated in the pathogenesis of certain soft tissue sarcomas.
- Identifying novel fusions in the MAPK/ERK pathway offers potential for targeted therapies.
- This research may lead to new precision medicine strategies using kinase inhibitors for sarcoma treatment.
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