Morules and β-catenin predict POLE mutation status in endometrial cancer: A pathway to more cost-effective diagnostic procedures

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The characterization of DNA polymerase epsilon (POLE) mutations has transformed the classification of endometrial endometrioid carcinomas (EECs), highlighting the need for efficient identification methods. This study aims to examine the relationship between distinct morphologic features—namely, squamous morules and squamous differentiation (SD), as well as β-catenin expression—and the POLE mutation status in endometrial cancer (EC). Methods Our study included 35 POLE-mutated (POLEmut) EC cases and 395 non-POLEmut EEC cases. Results Notably, we observed no presence of morules in POLEmut cases, while SD was identified in 20% of instances. Conversely, morules and SD were identified in 12.7% and 26.1% of non-POLEmut EC cases, respectively, with morules consistently linked to a POLE wild-type status. The nuclear β-catenin expression is typically absent in tumors with wild-type POLE (wt-POLE) status. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the presence of either morules or nuclear β-catenin expression in EEC could practically rule out the presence of POLE mutations. These morphologic and immunohistochemical features can be used as preliminary screening tools for POLE mutations, offering significant savings in time and resources and potentially enhancing clinical decision-making and patient management strategies. However, further validation in larger, multi-institutional studies is required to fully understand the implications of these findings on clinical practice.