CIC::DUX4 Sarcoma With Preferentially Expressed Antigen in Melanoma (PRAME) Immunopositivity

John Grove1, Rana Naous2

  • 1Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, USA.

Cureus
|July 2, 2025
PubMed

Insights

CIC::DUX4 sarcoma, a rare cancer, is difficult to diagnose and treat. This study reports strong PRAME staining in a CIC::DUX4 sarcoma case, suggesting a new diagnostic marker for this challenging disease.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Pathology

Background:

  • CIC-rearranged sarcomas are rare, high-grade undifferentiated small round cell tumors.
  • These sarcomas are challenging to diagnose and treat due to therapy resistance.
  • Gene fusions involving CIC, commonly with DUX4, define these tumors.

Observation:

  • A 51-year-old male presented with a gluteal sarcoma and lung metastases.
  • RNA sequencing confirmed the tumor as CIC::DUX4 sarcoma.
  • The sarcoma exhibited strong PRAME immunohistochemical positivity.

Findings:

  • PRAME immunopositivity has not been previously reported in CIC-rearranged sarcomas.
  • This case represents the first report of PRAME positivity in CIC::DUX4 sarcoma.
  • The observed PRAME expression was notably strong.

Implications:

  • PRAME positivity may serve as a potential diagnostic marker for CIC::DUX4 sarcomas.
  • This finding could aid in the diagnosis of challenging undifferentiated small round cell tumors.
  • Further research is warranted to validate PRAME as a diagnostic tool for CIC-rearranged sarcomas.