The Many Faces of <i>TPM3::ALK</i> Fusion Renal Cell Carcinoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase-rearranged renal cell carcinoma (ALK-RCC) is a rare, molecularly defined entity in the fifth edition of the World Health Organization classification of tumors. The varied presentation and histomorphology of ALK-RCC requires pathologists to have familiarity and a high degree of suspicion for this entity when faced with unusual renal tumors. Here, we present a patient diagnosed with ALK-RCC, which was clinically suspected to be urothelial carcinoma. Histomorphologic features required consideration and work-up of a broad differential diagnosis, including mesenchymal and epithelial tumors. Our report highlights features of ALK-RCC that may be more commonly found in <i>TPM3::ALK</i> fusion-associated tumors specifically, and also shows for the first time that ALK-RCC expresses PD-L1. Ultimately, we review the pitfalls in diagnosing this rare renal tumor with diverse presentations.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
International Journal of Surgical Pathology
Published
2026-03-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/10668969251412910
Primary Topic
Renal cell carcinoma treatment
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

The Many Faces of TPM3::ALK Fusion Renal Cell Carcinoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Hayley Zullow, Peng Wang, Tatjana Antic
International Journal of Surgical Pathology
Renal cell carcinoma treatment
article

The Many Faces of TPM3::ALK Fusion Renal Cell Carcinoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Hayley Zullow, Peng Wang, Tatjana Antic
article en

Abstract

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase-rearranged renal cell carcinoma (ALK-RCC) is a rare, molecularly defined entity in the fifth edition of the World Health Organization classification of tumors. The varied presentation and histomorphology of ALK-RCC requires pathologists to have familiarity and a high degree of suspicion for this entity when faced with unusual renal tumors. Here, we present a patient diagnosed with ALK-RCC, which was clinically suspected to be urothelial carcinoma. Histomorphologic features required consideration and work-up of a broad differential diagnosis, including mesenchymal and epithelial tumors. Our report highlights features of ALK-RCC that may be more commonly found in <i>TPM3::ALK</i> fusion-associated tumors specifically, and also shows for the first time that ALK-RCC expresses PD-L1. Ultimately, we review the pitfalls in diagnosing this rare renal tumor with diverse presentations.

International Journal of Surgical Pathology
University of Chicago (US)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 7%
Renal cell carcinoma treatment
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

The Many Faces of <i>TPM3::ALK</i> Fusion Renal Cell Carcinoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature — Hayley Zullow, Peng Wang, et al. · International Journal of Surgical Pathology (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS