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Undifferentiated adrenocortical carcinoma with RET gene fusion: a case report and literature review

Published on Oct. 30, 2026Total Views: 19 timesTotal Downloads: 7 timesDownloadMobile

Author: WU Wencheng 1 ZHU Yufan 1 YANG Hui 1 YANG Lijing 1 LIU Yu 1

Affiliation: 1.Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China

Keywords: Adrenocortical carcinoma RET gene fusion Immunohistochemistry Diagnosis and treatment

DOI: 10.12173/j.issn.1004-5511.202602013

Reference: Wu WC, Zhu YF, Yang H, et al. Undifferentiated adrenocortical carcinoma with RET gene fusion: a case report and literature review[J]. Yixue Xinzhi Zazhi, 2026, 36(10): 1183-1189. DOI: 10.12173/j.issn.1004-5511.202602013.[Article in Chinese]

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Abstract

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a highly aggressive endocrine malignancy originating from the adrenal cortex, among which the undifferentiated subtype is rare and associated with a high risk of clinical misdiagnosis. Here we report a case of ACC with concurrent RET gene fusion and undifferentiated pathological features. The patient presented without classic clinical manifestations of ACC and tested negative for canonical adrenocortical immunohistochemical markers. The definitive diagnosis was established based on biopsy and surgical histopathology, endocrine function assessment, systemic imaging, molecular pathological testing using next-generation sequencing, and multidisciplinary team consultation. This study highlights the value of an integrated diagnostic strategy for the identification and differential diagnosis of rare ACC subtypes and suggests that RET may serve as a potential therapeutic target. In addition, through a review of the relevant literature, this study summarizes the molecular-pathological characteristics of ACC carrying genetic variants, aiming to improve clinicians' understanding of the diagnosis and management of rare ACC subtypes.

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References

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