SMARCA4-Deficient Undifferentiated Thoracic Tumor: Clinical Features and Prognosis of a Case Series and Literature Review.

[INTRODUCTION] Thoracic SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumors (SMARCA4-UT) are rare and aggressive epithelioid neoplasms characterized by the loss of the SMARCA4 gene. These tumors are typically diagnosed at advanced stages and exhibit a dismal prognosis. Currently, there are no standardized treatment protocols or approved targeted therapies.

[METHODS] We present a case series of nine patients diagnosed of thoracic SMARCA4-UT, detailing demographic, pathological, imaging, and treatment data. Moreover, a comprehensive literature review and genomic analysis of SMARCA4 mutations in lung cancer were also performed.

[RESULTS] The cohort comprised predominantly male smokers (mean age: 63.0 ± 9.6 years). All cases exhibited loss of BRG1 expression, with negative staining for TTF-1 and p40, while SMARCB1/INI-1 expression was preserved. Patients showed poor responses to conventional chemotherapy but demonstrated partial responsiveness to immunotherapy or targeted agents. Genomic analysis of SMARCA4 mutations in lung cancer demonstrates that SMARCA4 mutations, primarily located in the SNF2-related and helicase conserved C-terminal domains, are associated with a poorer prognosis in lung cancer.

[CONCLUSION] Immunotherapy and targeted therapies show promise in managing thoracic SMARCA4-UT, warranting further investigation. Further exploring the genetic and molecular landscape of this tumor might reveal potential therapeutic targets.