Clinical pathological characteristics and prognostic analysis of renal primitive neuroectodermal tumours: a multicentre retrospective study of 16 cases in Northwest China
Objective Renal primitive neuroectodermal tumours (rPNETs) are extremely rare and highly aggressive malignancy, posing significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This study aims to describe the clinicopathological characteristics, treatment strategies, and survival outcomes of 16 cases of rPNET from multiple centers in Northwest China, and to explore potential prognostic factors. Methods A multicenter retrospective study was conducted, including 16 patients diagnosed with rPNET across five hospitals in Northwest China. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were employed to assess the expression of molecular markers, including P53, BCL-2, Ki-67, and EWSR1 gene rearrangements. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and prognostic factors were evaluated using univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. Results The median age of the patients was 39 years, with a median Ki-67 proliferation index of 50%. P53 mutations were detected in 87.0% of cases, and BCL-2 positive expression was observed in 56.25% of cases. The median overall survival (OS) was 14 months. Univariate analysis revealed that age, tumor stage, BCL-2 expression, and Ki-67 index were significantly associated with OS. Multivariate analysis identified high Ki-67 expression (HR = 1.100, 95% CI: 1.030–1.174, p = 0.004) and negative BCL-2 expression (HR = 0.151, 95% CI: 0.026–0.888, p = 0.037) as independent risk factors for poor prognosis. Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated that the median OS was significantly shorter in patients with high Ki-67 expression (12 months) compared to those with low Ki-67 expression (20 months) (Log-rank test, P < 0.01). Similarly, the median OS was significantly shorter in the BCL-2 negative group (10 months) compared to the BCL-2 positive group (24 months) (Log-rank test, P < 0.05). Conclusion The absence of rosette structures does not exclude the diagnosis of rPNET. BCL-2 and Ki-67 expression are significant prognostic factors, with high Ki-67 expression and negative BCL-2 expression associated with worse outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of molecular markers in risk stratification and treatment planning for rPNET.