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Bevere M, Masetto F, Carazzolo ME, Bettega A, Gkountakos A, Scarpa A, Simbolo M. An Overview of Circulating Biomarkers in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Clinical Guide. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2820. [PMID: 37685358 PMCID: PMC10486716 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13172820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a heterogeneous group of diseases that are characterized by different behavior and clinical manifestations. The diagnosis and management of this group of tumors are challenging due to tumor complexity and lack of precise and widely validated biomarkers. Indeed, the current circulating mono-analyte biomarkers (such as chromogranin A) are ineffective in describing such complex tumors due to their poor sensitivity and specificity. In contrast, multi-analytical circulating biomarkers (including NETest) are emerging as more effective tools to determine the real-time profile of the disease, both in terms of accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. In this review, we will analyze the capabilities and limitations of different circulating biomarkers focusing on three relevant questions: (1) accurate and early diagnosis; (2) monitoring of disease progression and response to therapy; and (3) detection of early relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Bevere
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.B.); (F.M.); (A.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Francesca Masetto
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.B.); (F.M.); (A.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Maria Elena Carazzolo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.E.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Alice Bettega
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.E.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Anastasios Gkountakos
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.B.); (F.M.); (A.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.B.); (F.M.); (A.G.); (A.S.)
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.E.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Michele Simbolo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.E.C.); (A.B.)
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Immuno-histochemical correlation of fibrosis-related markers with the desmoplastic reaction of the mesentery in small intestine neuroendocrine neoplasms. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022; 149:1895-1903. [PMID: 35796776 PMCID: PMC10097745 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04119-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Small intestine neuroendocrine neoplasms (siNENs) will attain more importance due to their increasing incidence. Moreover, siNENs might lead to a desmoplastic reaction (DR) of the mesentery causing severe complications and deteriorating prognosis. The expression of fibrosis-related proteins appears to be the key mechanisms for the development of this desmoplastic reaction. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association of the desmoplastic mesentery with specific fibrosis-related protein expression levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS By immunohistochemistry, the protein expression levels of four fibrosis-related markers (APLP2, BNIP3L, CD59, DKK3) were investigated in primary tumors of 128 siNENs. The expression levels were correlated with the presence of a desmoplastic reaction and clinico-pathological parameters. RESULTS In the primary tumor, APLP2, BNIP3L, CD59 and DKK3 were highly expressed in 29.7% (n = 38), 64.9% (n = 83), 92.2% (n = 118) and 80.5% (n = 103), respectively. There was no significant correlation of a single marker or the complete marker panel to the manifestation of a desmoplastic mesentery. The desmoplastic mesentery was significantly associated with clinical symptoms, such as flushing and diarrhea. However, neither the fibrosis-related marker panel nor single marker expressions were associated with clinical symptoms. DISCUSSION The expression rates of four fibrosis-related markers in the primary tumor display a distinct pattern. However, the expression patterns are not associated with desmoplastic altered mesenteric lymph node metastases and the expression patterns did not correlate with prognosis. These findings suggest alternative mechanisms being responsible for the desmoplastic reaction.
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Andreasi V, Partelli S, Manzoni MF, Muffatti F, Di Filippo L, Crippa S, Corti A, Falconi M. Role of chromogranin A-derived fragments after resection of nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:1209-1217. [PMID: 35122631 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01750-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE No single reliable biomarker is available for nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PanNETs). Vasostatin-1 (VS-1), the N-terminal fragment of chromogranin A (CgA), seems to be a more accurate biomarker compared to its precursor. Primary aim was to investigate the ability of VS-1, compared to total-CgA, to assess the effectiveness of surgical resection performed for NF-PanNETs. Secondary aim was to evaluate two additional CgA-derived fragments, pancreastatin (PST) and vasostatin-2 (VS-2), as possible biomarkers for NF-PanNETs. METHODS Consecutive patients who underwent surgery for NF-PanNETs at San Raffaele Scientific Institute were included (n = 35). Plasma levels of CgA and CgA-derived fragments were measured by Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA), preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS Preoperative VS-1 was significantly higher compared to VS-1 measured on postoperative day 5 (POD5) (pre: 0.338 nM versus POD5: 0.147 nM, P < 0.001), whereas total-CgA significantly increased after surgery (pre: 1.123 nM versus POD5: 1.949 nM, P = 0.006). Overall, 24 patients showed ≥ 1 feature of tumor aggressiveness (T3-T4, nodal/distant metastases, Ki67 > 5%, microvascular/perineural invasion, necrosis). The median percentage decrease in VS-1 plasma levels was 63% (IQR 28-88%) among patients with aggressive tumors, compared to 13% (IQR 0-57%) in the remaining population (P = 0.033). No significant differences in terms of PST (P = 0.870) and VS-2 (P = 0.909) were observed between preoperative and postoperative time. CONCLUSION VS-1 provides an early assessment of surgical efficacy in patients who undergo resection for NF-PanNETs, especially in those with aggressive neoplasms. Total-CgA, PST and VS-2 have no clinical utility in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Andreasi
- Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- San Raffaele Hospital Neuroendocrine Tumor Group (ENETS Center of Excellence), Milan, Italy
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Experimental Oncology Division, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - S Partelli
- Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- San Raffaele Hospital Neuroendocrine Tumor Group (ENETS Center of Excellence), Milan, Italy
| | - M F Manzoni
- San Raffaele Hospital Neuroendocrine Tumor Group (ENETS Center of Excellence), Milan, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - F Muffatti
- Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- San Raffaele Hospital Neuroendocrine Tumor Group (ENETS Center of Excellence), Milan, Italy
| | - L Di Filippo
- San Raffaele Hospital Neuroendocrine Tumor Group (ENETS Center of Excellence), Milan, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - S Crippa
- Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- San Raffaele Hospital Neuroendocrine Tumor Group (ENETS Center of Excellence), Milan, Italy
| | - A Corti
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- San Raffaele Hospital Neuroendocrine Tumor Group (ENETS Center of Excellence), Milan, Italy
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Experimental Oncology Division, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - M Falconi
- Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
- San Raffaele Hospital Neuroendocrine Tumor Group (ENETS Center of Excellence), Milan, Italy.
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Puliani G, Di Vito V, Feola T, Sesti F, Centello R, Pandozzi C, Tarsitano MG, Verrico M, Lenzi A, Isidori AM, Giannetta E, Faggiano A. NETest: A Systematic Review Focusing on the Prognostic and Predictive Role. Neuroendocrinology 2022; 112:523-536. [PMID: 34515175 DOI: 10.1159/000518873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The NETest is a standardized and reproducible liquid biopsy for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). It evaluates the expression of 51 NET genes by real-time polymerase chain reaction, providing an accurate molecular profile of the neoplasm. Diagnostic utility of NETest has been widely demonstrated, while its role in predicting prognosis and treatment response is less studied. This systematic review aims to collect and discuss the available evidence on the prognostic and predictive role of NETest, trying to answer 3 questions, frequently raised in clinical practice. Is NETest able to differentiate stable from progressive disease? Increased NETest levels (at least >40%) correlate with disease progression. Is NETest able to predict tumor progression and tumor response to treatment? Some studies demonstrated that the baseline NETest score >33-40% could predict tumor progression. Moreover, NETest performed after treatment (as peptide receptor radionuclide therapy) could predict treatment response also before radiological findings, since the decrease or stability of NETest score predicts tumor response to treatment. Is NETest able to evaluate tumor recurrence risk after surgery? NETest can predict surgical treatment outcome detecting minimal residual disease after radical surgery, which is characterized by a lower but positive NETest score (20-40%), while a higher score (>33-40%) is associated with nonradical surgery. In conclusion, in addition to its demonstrated diagnostic role, this systematic review highlights the efficacy of NETest to assess disease status at the moment of the NETest execution and to predict tumor recurrence after surgery. The efficacy for other applications should be proven by additional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Puliani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Oncological Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Di Vito
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Feola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Neuroendocrinology, Neuromed Institute, IRCCS, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Franz Sesti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Centello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Pandozzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Monica Verrico
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea M Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Giannetta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antongiulio Faggiano
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Rinke A, Auernhammer CJ, Bodei L, Kidd M, Krug S, Lawlor R, Marinoni I, Perren A, Scarpa A, Sorbye H, Pavel ME, Weber MM, Modlin I, Gress TM. Treatment of advanced gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasia, are we on the way to personalised medicine? Gut 2021; 70:1768-1781. [PMID: 33692095 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-321300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasia (GEPNEN) comprises clinically as well as prognostically diverse tumour entities often diagnosed at late stage. Current classification provides a uniform terminology and a Ki67-based grading system, thereby facilitating management. Advances in the study of genomic and epigenetic landscapes have amplified knowledge of tumour biology and enhanced identification of prognostic and potentially predictive treatment subgroups. Translation of this genomic and mechanistic biology into advanced GEPNEN management is limited. 'Targeted' treatments such as somatostatin analogues, peptide receptor radiotherapy, tyrosine kinase inhibitors and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors are treatment options but predictive tools are lacking. The inability to identify clonal heterogeneity and define critical oncoregulatory pathways prior to therapy, restrict therapeutic efficacy as does the inability to monitor disease status in real time. Chemotherapy in the poor prognosis NEN G3 group, though associated with acceptable response rates, only leads to short-term tumour control and their molecular biology requires delineation to provide new and more specific treatment options.The future requires an exploration of the NEN tumour genome, its microenvironment and an identification of critical oncologic checkpoints for precise drug targeting. In the advance to personalised medical treatment of patients with GEPNEN, clinical trials need to be based on mechanistic and multidimensional characterisation of each tumour in order to identify the therapeutic agent effective for the individual tumour.This review surveys advances in NEN research and delineates the current status of translation with a view to laying the basis for a genome-based personalised medicine management of advanced GEPNEN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Rinke
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Infectiology, University Hospital Marburg and Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Christoph J Auernhammer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV and Interdisciplinary Center of Neuroendocrine Tumors of the GastroEnteroPancreatic System (GEPNET-KUM), Ludwig Maximilian University, LMU Klinikum, Munich, Germany
| | - Lisa Bodei
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging and Therapy Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mark Kidd
- Wren Laboratories, Branford, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sebastian Krug
- Clinic for Internal Medicine I, Martin Luther University, Halle, Germany
| | - Rita Lawlor
- Applied Research on Cancer Centre, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Marinoni
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Aurel Perren
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Applied Research on Cancer Centre, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Halfdan Sorbye
- Department of Oncology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marianne Ellen Pavel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Endocrinology, University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias M Weber
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Endocrinology, Johannes Gutenberg University Hospital Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Irvin Modlin
- Gastroenterological and Endoscopic Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Thomas M Gress
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Infectiology, University Hospital Marburg and Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
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Modlin IM, Kidd M, Oberg K, Falconi M, Filosso PL, Frilling A, Malczewska A, Salem R, Toumpanakis C, Laskaratos FM, Partelli S, Roffinella M, von Arx C, Kudla BK, Bodei L, Drozdov IA, Kitz A. Early Identification of Residual Disease After Neuroendocrine Tumor Resection Using a Liquid Biopsy Multigenomic mRNA Signature (NETest). Ann Surg Oncol 2021; 28:7506-7517. [PMID: 34008138 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-021-10021-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Surgery is the only cure for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), with R0 resection being critical for successful tumor removal. Early detection of residual disease is key for optimal management, but both imaging and current biomarkers are ineffective post-surgery. NETest, a multigene blood biomarker, identifies NETs with >90% accuracy. We hypothesized that surgery would decrease NETest levels and that elevated scores post-surgery would predict recurrence. METHODS This was a multicenter evaluation of surgically treated primary NETs (n = 153). Blood sampling was performed at day 0 and postoperative day (POD) 30. Follow-up included computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI), and messenger RNA (mRNA) quantification was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR; NETest score: 0-100; normal ≤20). Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test, Chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier survival, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), as appropriate. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS The NET cohort (n = 153) included 57 patients with pancreatic cancer, 62 patients with small bowel cancer, 27 patients with lung cancer, 4 patients with duodenal cancer, and 3 patients with gastric cancer, while the surgical cohort comprised patients with R0 (n = 102) and R1 and R2 (n = 51) resection. The mean follow-up time was 14 months (range 3-68). The NETest was positive in 153/153 (100%) samples preoperatively (mean levels of 68 ± 28). In the R0 cohort, POD30 levels decreased from 62 ± 28 to 22 ± 20 (p < 0.0001), but remained elevated in 30% (31/102) of patients: 28% lung, 29% pancreas, 27% small bowel, and 33% gastric. By 18 months, 25/31 (81%) patients with a POD30 NETest >20 had image-identifiable recurrence. An NETest score of >20 predicted recurrence with 100% sensitivity and correlated with residual disease (Chi-square 17.1, p < 0.0001). AUROC analysis identified an AUC of 0.97 (p < 0.0001) for recurrence-prediction. In the R1 (n = 29) and R2 (n = 22) cohorts, the score decreased (R1: 74 ± 28 to 45 ± 24, p = 0.0012; R2: 72 ± 24 to 60 ± 28, p = non-significant). At POD30, 100% of NETest scores were elevated despite surgery (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION The preoperative NETest accurately identified all NETs (100%). All resections decreased NETest levels and a POD30 NETest score >20 predicted radiologically recurrent disease with 94% accuracy and 100% sensitivity. R0 resection appears to be ineffective in approximately 30% of patients. NET mRNA blood levels provide early objective genomic identification of residual disease and may facilitate management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark Kidd
- Wren Laboratories, Branford, CT, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ronald Salem
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lisa Bodei
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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