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RNAscope for In situ Detection of Transcriptionally Active Human Papillomavirus in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
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FGFR3::TACC3 Fusion and NOTCH1 Loss-of-Function in a Case of HPV-Associated Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma:

Xu Cao1, Hong Yu1, Reham Hamdy Abdulazim Soliman1

  • 1Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.

Head and Neck Pathology
|June 30, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) presents unique molecular features. This case highlights concurrent FGFR3::TACC3 fusion and NOTCH1 mutations in HPV-associated SNSCC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) is a diverse malignancy with evolving molecular classifications.
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated SNSCC represents a distinct subtype, yet its genomic landscape beyond viral pathways requires further investigation.
  • Morphological similarities between HPV-associated SNSCC and carcinoma ex inverted papilloma pose diagnostic challenges, especially in small biopsy samples.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe a unique case of HPV-associated SNSCC.
  • To identify and characterize concurrent molecular alterations in this specific SNSCC subtype.
  • To contribute to the understanding of the genomic profile of HPV-associated SNSCC.

Main Methods:

  • Case report.
  • Histopathological examination of biopsy specimens.
  • Molecular analysis including detection of HPV and identification of gene fusions and mutations.

Main Results:

  • The study identified an HPV-associated SNSCC.
  • Concurrent FGFR3::TACC3 gene fusion was detected.
  • A NOTCH1 p.C1416 stop-gain mutation was also identified in the tumor.

Conclusions:

  • This case expands the known molecular alterations in HPV-associated SNSCC.
  • The concurrent FGFR3::TACC3 fusion and NOTCH1 mutation represent potential therapeutic targets.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the clinical significance of these findings in HPV-associated SNSCC.
Keywords:
FGFR3:TACC3NOTCH1HPV-associated squamous cell carcinomaSinonasal tract

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