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Cohen O, Tzelnick S, Randolph G, Rinaldo A, Álvarez F, Rodrigo JP, Saba NF, Nuyts S, Corry J, Mäkitie AA, Vander Poorten V, Nathan CA, Piazza C, Ferlito A. Initial surgical management of sporadic medullary thyroid cancer: Guidelines based optimal care - A systematic review. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2024; 100:468-476. [PMID: 38472743 DOI: 10.1111/cen.15041] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor from parafollicular cells that produce calcitonin (Ct). Despite several existing guidelines for the surgical management of sporadic MTC (sMTC), optimal initial surgical management of the thyroid, the central and the lateral neck remains a matter of debate. METHODS A systematic review in PubMed and Scopus for current guidelines addressing the surgical management of sMTC and its referenced citations was conducted as per the PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS Two-hundred and one articles were identified, of which 7 met the inclusion criteria. Overall, guidelines vary significantly in their recommendations for the surgical management of sMTC. Only one guideline recommended partial thyroidectomy for limited disease, but the possibility to avoid completion thyroidectomy in selected cases is acknowledged in 42% (3/7) of the remaining guidelines. The majority of guidelines (71.4%; 5/7) recommended prophylactic central neck dissection (CND) for all patients while the remaining two guidelines recommended CND based on Ct level and tumor size. The role of prophylactic lateral neck dissection based on preoperative Ct levels was recommended by 42% (3/7) of guidelines. Overall, these guidelines are based on low-quality evidence, mostly single-center retrospective series, some of which are over 20 years old. CONCLUSION Current surgical management guidelines of sMTC should be revised, and ought to be based on updated data challenging current recommendations, which are based on historic, low-quality evidence. Partial thyroidectomy may become a viable option for small, limited tumors. Prospective, multi-center studies may be useful to conclude whether prophylactic ND is necessary in all sMTC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oded Cohen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Samson Assuta Ashdod University Hospital, Ashdod, Israel
| | - Sharon Tzelnick
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gregory Randolph
- Division of Otolaryngology-Endocrine Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Fernando Álvarez
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central Asturias, Central de Asturias, University of Oviedo, ISPA, IUOPA, CIBERONC, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Juan P Rodrigo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central Asturias, Central de Asturias, University of Oviedo, ISPA, IUOPA, CIBERONC, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Nabil F Saba
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sandra Nuyts
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiotherapy, Department of Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - June Corry
- Department Radiation Oncology, GenesisCare St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Antti A Mäkitie
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vincent Vander Poorten
- Section Head and Neck Oncology, Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Department of Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Cherie-Ann Nathan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University-Health Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
| | - Cesare Piazza
- Department of Surgical and Medical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Unit of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alfio Ferlito
- Coordinator of the International Head and Neck Scientific Group, Padua, Italy
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Castroneves LA, Mangone FRR, Lerario AM, da Cunha Mercante AM, Batista RL, Barros LRC, Ferreira CV, Farias EC, Vanderlei FAB, Maia AL, Nagai MA, Jorge AAL, Hoff AO. Not Only RET but NF1 and Chromosomal Instability Are Seen in Young Patients with Sporadic Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma. J Endocr Soc 2024; 8:bvae059. [PMID: 38655100 PMCID: PMC11036102 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvae059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Context Genetic analysis of sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) has revealed somatic variants in RET, RAS, and occasionally other genes. However, around 20% of patients with sporadic MTC lack a known genetic driver. Objective To uncover potential new somatic or germline drivers, we analyze a distinct cohort of patients with sporadic, very early-onset, and aggressive MTC. Methods Germline and somatic DNA exome sequencing was performed in 19 patients, previously tested negative for germline RET variants. Results Exome sequencing of 19 germline samples confirmed the absence of RET and identified an NF1 pathogenic variant in 1 patient. Somatic sequencing was successful in 15 tumors revealing RET variants in 80%, predominantly p.Met918Thr, which was associated with disease aggressiveness. In RET-negative tumors, pathogenic variants were found in HRAS and NF1. The NF1 germline and somatic variants were observed in a patient without a prior clinical diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1, demonstrating that the loss of heterozygosity of NF1 functions as a potential MTC driver. Somatic copy number alterations analysis revealed chromosomal alterations in 53.3% of tumors, predominantly in RET-positive cases, with losses in chromosomes 9 and 22 being the most prevalent. Conclusion This study reveals that within a cohort of early-onset nonhereditary MTC, RET remains the major driver gene. In RET-negative tumors, NF1 and RAS are drivers of sporadic MTC. In addition, in young patients without a RET germline mutation, a careful clinical evaluation with a consideration of germline NF1 gene analysis is ideal to exclude Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Flavia Regina Rotea Mangone
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Center for Translational Research in Oncology (LIM-24), Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, São Paulo 01252-000, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rafael Loch Batista
- Endocrinology, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, São Paulo 01252-000, Brazil
| | - Luciana Rodrigues Carvalho Barros
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Center for Translational Research in Oncology (LIM-24), Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, São Paulo 01252-000, Brazil
| | - Carla Vaz Ferreira
- Thyroid Unit, Endocrine Division, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90035-903, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ana Luiza Maia
- Thyroid Unit, Endocrine Division, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90035-903, Brazil
| | - Maria Aparecida Nagai
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Center for Translational Research in Oncology (LIM-24), Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, São Paulo 01252-000, Brazil
| | - Alexander Augusto Lima Jorge
- Genetic Endocrinology Unit, Cellular and Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory (LIM-25) Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Ana Oliveira Hoff
- Endocrinology, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, São Paulo 01252-000, Brazil
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Yun KM, Cohen EEW. An Era of Advances in Systemic Therapies for Advanced Thyroid Cancer. JCO Oncol Pract 2024:OP2300747. [PMID: 38452309 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Thyroid carcinomas comprise distinct pathologic subtypes. However, advancements in characterizing the molecular tumorigenesis of thyroid cancers have changed the treatment paradigm in the past decade. Genetic profiling has become an integral component of personalizing cancer care. Oral kinase inhibitors are currently standard-of-care therapies for progressive, radioactive iodine (RAI)-refractory differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTCs) and medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs). Sorafenib, lenvatinib, and cabozantinib are multikinase inhibitors approved for patients with metastatic RAI-refractory DTC, whereas vandetanib and cabozantinib are approved for patients with MTC. Management of thyroid carcinomas has evolved such that targeted therapies have become therapeutic options for patients with BRAF, RET, NTRK, ALK, and ROS1 alterations and even have reported efficacy in anaplastic thyroid carcinomas. In this article, we review the advances made over the years in the treatment of metastatic thyroid carcinoma and focus on the systemic therapies that have recently transformed the treatment landscape of advanced disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Yun
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA
| | - Ezra E W Cohen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA
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Xu B, Viswanathan K, Ahadi MS, Ahmadi S, Alzumaili B, Bani MA, Baudin E, Behrman DB, Capelletti M, Chau NG, Chiarucci F, Chou A, Clifton-Bligh R, Coluccelli S, de Biase D, De Leo A, Dogan S, Fagin JA, Fuchs TL, Glover AR, Hadoux J, Lacroix L, Lamartina L, Lubin DJ, Luxford C, Magliocca K, Maloberti T, Mohanty AS, Najdawi F, Nigam A, Papachristos AJ, Repaci A, Robinson B, Scoazec JY, Shi Q, Sidhu S, Solaroli E, Sywak M, Tuttle RM, Untch B, Barletta JA, Al Ghuzlan A, Gill AJ, Ghossein R, Tallini G, Ganly I. Association of the Genomic Profile of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma with Tumor Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes in an International Multicenter Study. Thyroid 2024; 34:167-176. [PMID: 37842841 PMCID: PMC10884546 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2023.0279] [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] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: The prognostic importance of RET and RAS mutations and their relationship to clinicopathologic parameters and outcomes in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) need to be clarified. Experimental Design: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was performed utilizing data from 290 patients with MTC. The molecular profile was determined and associations were examined with clinicopathologic data and outcomes. Results: RET germ line mutations were detected in 40 patients (16.3%). Somatic RET and RAS mutations occurred in 135 (46.9%) and 57 (19.8%) patients, respectively. RETM918T was the most common somatic RET mutation (n = 75). RET somatic mutations were associated with male sex, larger tumor size, advanced American Joint Committee Cancer (AJCC) stage, vascular invasion, and high International Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Grading System (IMTCGS) grade. When compared with other RET somatic mutations, RETM918T was associated with younger age, AJCC (eighth edition) IV, vascular invasion, extrathyroidal extension, and positive margins. RET somatic or germ line mutations were significantly associated with reduced distant metastasis-free survival on univariate analysis, but there were no significant independent associations on multivariable analysis, after adjusting for tumor grade and stage. There were no significant differences in outcomes between RET somatic and RET germ line mutations, or between RETM918T and other RET mutations. Other recurrent molecular alterations included TP53 (4.2%), ARID2 (2.9%), SETD2 (2.9%), KMT2A (2.9%), and KMT2C (2.9%). Among them, TP53 mutations were associated with decreased overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS), independently of tumor grade and AJCC stage. Conclusions: RET somatic mutations were associated with high-grade, aggressive primary tumor characteristics, and decreased distant metastatic-free survival but this relationship was not significant after accounting for tumor grade and disease stage. RETM918T was associated with aggressive primary tumors but was not independently associated with clinical outcomes. TP53 mutation may represent an adverse molecular event associated with decreased OS and DSS in MTC, but its prognostic value needs to be confirmed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Xu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; New York, New York, USA
| | - Kartik Viswanathan
- Department of Pathology, Emory University Hospital Midtown, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mahsa S Ahadi
- Royal North Shore Hospital and Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research; Department of Anatomical Pathology; Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology; Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sara Ahmadi
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine; Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bayan Alzumaili
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; New York, New York, USA
| | - Mohamed-Amine Bani
- Medical Pathology and Biology Department; Service d'oncologie endocrinienne; Gustave Roussy Campus Cancer, Villejuif, France
| | - Eric Baudin
- Département d'imagerie, Service d'oncologie endocrinienne; Gustave Roussy Campus Cancer, Villejuif, France
| | - David Blake Behrman
- Department of Pathology, Emory University Hospital Midtown, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Marzia Capelletti
- Department of Pathology; Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicole G Chau
- Department of Pathology; Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Federico Chiarucci
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna Medical Center; Bologna, Italy
| | - Angela Chou
- Royal North Shore Hospital and Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research; Department of Anatomical Pathology; Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology; Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Roderick Clifton-Bligh
- Royal North Shore Hospital and Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research; Department of Anatomical Pathology; Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology; Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sara Coluccelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna Medical Center; Bologna, Italy
| | - Dario de Biase
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology; Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonio De Leo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna Medical Center; Bologna, Italy
| | - Snjezana Dogan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; New York, New York, USA
| | - James A Fagin
- Division of Specialized Medicine; New York, New York, USA
| | - Talia L Fuchs
- Royal North Shore Hospital and Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research; Department of Anatomical Pathology; Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology; Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anthony Robert Glover
- Royal North Shore Hospital and Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julien Hadoux
- Département d'imagerie, Service d'oncologie endocrinienne; Gustave Roussy Campus Cancer, Villejuif, France
| | - Ludovic Lacroix
- Medical Pathology and Biology Department; Service d'oncologie endocrinienne; Gustave Roussy Campus Cancer, Villejuif, France
| | - Livia Lamartina
- Département d'imagerie, Service d'oncologie endocrinienne; Gustave Roussy Campus Cancer, Villejuif, France
| | - Daniel J Lubin
- Department of Pathology, Emory University Hospital Midtown, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Catherine Luxford
- Royal North Shore Hospital and Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research; Department of Anatomical Pathology; Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology; Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kelly Magliocca
- Department of Pathology, Emory University Hospital Midtown, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Thais Maloberti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna Medical Center; Bologna, Italy
| | - Abhinita S Mohanty
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; New York, New York, USA
| | - Fedaa Najdawi
- Department of Pathology; Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aradhya Nigam
- Department of Surgery; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alexander James Papachristos
- Royal North Shore Hospital and Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research; Department of Anatomical Pathology; Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology; Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrea Repaci
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care; IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Bruce Robinson
- Royal North Shore Hospital and Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research; Department of Anatomical Pathology; Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology; Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jean-Yves Scoazec
- Medical Pathology and Biology Department; Service d'oncologie endocrinienne; Gustave Roussy Campus Cancer, Villejuif, France
| | - Qiuying Shi
- Department of Pathology, Emory University Hospital Midtown, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Stan Sidhu
- Royal North Shore Hospital and Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research; Department of Anatomical Pathology; Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology; Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Erica Solaroli
- Endocrinology Unit, Azienda USL di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mark Sywak
- Royal North Shore Hospital and Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research; Department of Anatomical Pathology; Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology; Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Brian Untch
- Department of Surgery; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Justine A Barletta
- Department of Pathology; Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Abir Al Ghuzlan
- Medical Pathology and Biology Department; Service d'oncologie endocrinienne; Gustave Roussy Campus Cancer, Villejuif, France
| | - Anthony J Gill
- Royal North Shore Hospital and Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research; Department of Anatomical Pathology; Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology; Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ronald Ghossein
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; New York, New York, USA
| | - Giovanni Tallini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna Medical Center; Bologna, Italy
| | - Ian Ganly
- Department of Surgery; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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Machens A, Bensch C, Wickenhauser C, Dralle H, Lorenz K. Comparing nodal with primary tumor desmoplasia uncovers metastatic patterns in multiple endocrine neoplasia 2B. Eur J Endocrinol 2024; 190:K21-K25. [PMID: 38147465 DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvad177] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While primary tumor desmoplasia is a powerful biomarker of node metastases in sporadic medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), information for hereditary MTC is sparse. METHODS This proof-of-concept study, comprising 3 consecutive children with multiple endocrine neoplasia 2B, evaluated simultaneously the metastatic behavior of multiple primary thyroid tumors of disparate size and extent of desmoplasia within patients. RESULTS Altogether, MTC typically involved the ipsilateral central neck before spreading to the ipsilateral lateral and the contralateral neck. Medullary thyroid cancer in the upper thyroid lobe leaped the ipsilateral central neck to invade the ipsilateral lateral neck. Unlike the desmoplasia-positive 6-mm high-grade and 7-mm low-grade primary thyroid tumors, the desmoplasia-negative 8-, 11-, and 16-mm low-grade primary thyroid tumors did not spread to ipsilateral neck nodes. With extranodal growth, the extent of nodal desmoplasia was greater than with intranodal growth. CONCLUSION This proof-of-concept study suggests that primary tumor desmoplasia is an equally powerful biomarker of node metastasis in hereditary MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Machens
- Department of Visceral, Vascular and Endocrine Surgery, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, Halle (Saale) D-06097, Germany
| | - Claudia Bensch
- Department of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Claudia Wickenhauser
- Department of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Henning Dralle
- Department of Visceral, Vascular and Endocrine Surgery, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, Halle (Saale) D-06097, Germany
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kerstin Lorenz
- Department of Visceral, Vascular and Endocrine Surgery, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, Halle (Saale) D-06097, Germany
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Segall G, Singh R, Jen MH, Sanderson I, Rider A, Lewis K, Kiiskinen U. Real-world clinical profile, RET mutation testing, treatments, and PROs for MTC in Europe. Eur Thyroid J 2024; 13:ETJ-23-0172. [PMID: 38189657 PMCID: PMC10895329 DOI: 10.1530/etj-23-0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe real-world patient and physician characteristics, rearranged during transfection (RET) mutation testing and results, treatment patterns, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in advanced or metastatic medullary thyroid cancer (aMTC) across five populous European countries. METHODS Cross-sectional physician and patient surveys were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK from July to December 2020, prior to the introduction of selective RET inhibitors in Europe. Physicians completed patient record forms and a survey about their specialty and practice site. Patients were asked to provide PRO data using four validated instruments, including the EuroQol 5 Dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaire. RESULTS The physician-reported sample included 275 patients with aMTC, including 79 patients with RET mutation-positive disease; median age was 60 and 56 years, respectively. Overall, 75% were tested for RET mutation (35% germline only, 21% somatic only, 44% both). Common physician-cited barriers to RET mutation testing included high cost, difficulty accessing latest tests, and time delay for results. First-line systemic therapy (most commonly vandetanib or cabozantinib) was prescribed for 69% of patients overall and 82% of the RET mutation-positive subgroup. Second-line therapy was prescribed for 12% of patients who received first-line therapy; most patients remained on first-line therapy at data capture. PROs revealed substantial disease/treatment burden. CONCLUSIONS Patients with aMTC report substantial disease/treatment burden. Outcomes could be improved by identifying patients eligible for treatment with selective RET inhibitors through more optimal RET mutation testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Min-Hua Jen
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Yamao N, Hirokawa M, Suzuki A, Higuchi M, Ishisaka T, Miyauchi A, Akamizu T. High-grade medullary thyroid carcinoma with papillary-like nuclear features: A report of five cases. Diagn Cytopathol 2024; 52:58-64. [PMID: 37846174 DOI: 10.1002/dc.25243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) with papillary-like nuclear features has not been previously described. Here, we aimed to describe the unique features of MTC and examine their prognostic value as markers of high-grade MTC. METHODS Of the 110 MTC patients reviewed, a total of five (4.5%) who exhibited MTC with papillary-like nuclear features based on observations from cytological preparations were included in this study. Papillary-like nuclear features were defined as exhibiting all of the following characteristics: ground-glass chromatin pattern, grooves, indented membrane, and lobulation. RESULTS The patients included four females and one male, with a median age of 70 years. Calcitonin-doubling times for patients 1 and 3 were 0.8 and 0.34 years, respectively. Cytologically, patients 4 and 5 displayed a Ki-67 labeling index of 5.1% and necrotic cells, respectively. All three histologically evaluated patients exhibited papillary-like nuclear features and a Ki-67 labeling index of >5.0%. Patients 1 and 3 had mitotic counts of ≥5 per 2 mm2 . The MTC in all five patients was classified as high-grade. Moreover, patient 1 harbored a RET mutation (M918T), while RET (R912W), BRAF (V600E), and CTNNB1 (S33F, T41I) mutations were present in patient 2. CONCLUSION Our work suggests that papillary-like nuclear features in MTC may be associated with high-grade tumors. These findings may be cytologically indicative of high-grade tumors other than necrosis or mitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Yamao
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Cytology, Kuma Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | | | - Ayana Suzuki
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Cytology, Kuma Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Miyoko Higuchi
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Cytology, Kuma Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tomo Ishisaka
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Kuma Hospital, Kobe, Japan
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Desilets A, Repetto M, Yang SR, Sherman EJ, Drilon A. RET-Altered Cancers-A Tumor-Agnostic Review of Biology, Diagnosis and Targeted Therapy Activity. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4146. [PMID: 37627175 PMCID: PMC10452615 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
RET alterations, such as fusions or mutations, drive the growth of multiple tumor types. These alterations are found in canonical (lung and thyroid) and non-canonical (e.g., gastrointestinal, breast, gynecological, genitourinary, histiocytic) cancers. RET alterations are best identified via comprehensive next-generation sequencing, preferably with DNA and RNA interrogation for fusions. Targeted therapies for RET-dependent cancers have evolved from older multikinase inhibitors to selective inhibitors of RET such as selpercatinib and pralsetinib. Prospective basket trials and retrospective reports have demonstrated the activity of these drugs in a wide variety of RET-altered cancers, notably those with RET fusions. This paved the way for the first tumor-agnostic selective RET inhibitor US FDA approval in 2022. Acquired resistance to RET kinase inhibitors can take the form of acquired resistance mutations (e.g., RET G810X) or bypass alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Desilets
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; (A.D.); (M.R.); (S.-R.Y.); (E.J.S.)
| | - Matteo Repetto
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; (A.D.); (M.R.); (S.-R.Y.); (E.J.S.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Soo-Ryum Yang
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; (A.D.); (M.R.); (S.-R.Y.); (E.J.S.)
| | - Eric J. Sherman
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; (A.D.); (M.R.); (S.-R.Y.); (E.J.S.)
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Alexander Drilon
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; (A.D.); (M.R.); (S.-R.Y.); (E.J.S.)
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
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9
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Martins RS, Jesus TT, Cardoso L, Soares P, Vinagre J. Personalized Medicine in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Broad Review of Emerging Treatments. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1132. [PMID: 37511745 PMCID: PMC10381735 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13071132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) arises from parafollicular cells in the thyroid gland, and although rare, it represents an aggressive type of thyroid cancer. MTC is recognized for its low mutational burden, with point mutations in RET or RAS genes being the most common oncogenic events. MTC can be resistant to cytotoxic chemotherapy, and multitarget kinase inhibitors (MKIs) have been considered a treatment option. They act by inhibiting the activities of specific tyrosine kinase receptors involved in tumor growth and angiogenesis. Several tyrosine kinase inhibitors are approved in the treatment of advanced MTC, including vandetanib and cabozantinib. However, due to the significant number of adverse events, debatable efficiency and resistance, there is a need for novel RET-specific TKIs. Newer RET-specific TKIs are expected to overcome previous limitations and improve patient outcomes. Herein, we aim to review MTC signaling pathways, the most recent options for treatment and the applications for personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Sousa Martins
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto (FCUP), 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Tito Teles Jesus
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Endocrinologia, Diabetes e Metabolismo do Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula Soares
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (FMUP), 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Vinagre
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (FMUP), 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
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Alzumaili B, Sadow PM. Update on Molecular Diagnostics in Thyroid Pathology: A Review. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1314. [PMID: 37510219 PMCID: PMC10379610 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid nodules are quite common, and the determination of a nodule of concern is complex, involving serum testing, radiology and, in some cases, pathological evaluation. For those nodules that raise clinical concern of neoplasia, fine needle aspiration biopsy is the gold standard for evaluation; however, in up to 30% of cases, results are indeterminate for malignancy, and further testing is needed. Advances in molecular testing have shown it to be of benefit for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes, and its use has become an integral part of thyroid cancer management in the United States and in several global nations. After The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) consortium published its molecular landscape of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and reduced the "black matter" in PTC from 25% to 3.5%, further work ensued to clarify the remaining fraction not neatly attributed to the BRAFV600E-like or RAS-like phenotypes of the TCGA. Over the past decade, commercial molecular platforms have been refined as data accrues, and they increasingly cover most genetic variants of thyroid carcinomas. Molecular reporting focuses on the nodule tested, including related clinical information for that nodule (size of nodule, Bethesda category, etc.). This results in a comprehensive report to physicians that may also include patient-directed, clear language that facilitates conversations about nodule management. In cases of advanced or recurrent disease, molecular testing may become essential for devising an individual therapeutic plan. In this review, we focus on the evolution of integrated molecular testing in thyroid nodules, and how our understanding of tumor genetics, combined with histopathology, is driving the next generation of rational patient management, particularly in the context of emerging small, targetable therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayan Alzumaili
- Departments of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Peter M Sadow
- Departments of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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11
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Neocleous V, Fanis P, Frangos S, Skordis N, Phylactou LA. RET Proto-Oncogene Variants in Patients with Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma from the Mediterranean Basin: A Brief Report. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1332. [PMID: 37374115 DOI: 10.3390/life13061332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) is an autosomal dominant (AD) condition with very high penetrance and expressivity. It is characterized into three clinical entities recognized as MEN2A, MEN2B, and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (FMTC). In both MEN2A and MEN2B, there is a manifestation of multicentric tumor formation in the major organs such as the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands where the RET proto-oncogene is expressed. The FMTC form differs from MEN2A and MEN2B, since medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is the only feature observed. In this present brief report, we demonstrate a collection of RET proto-oncogene genotype data from countries around the Mediterranean Basin with variable characteristics. As expected, a great extent of the Mediterranean RET proto-oncogene genotype data resemble the data reported globally. Most interestingly, higher frequencies are observed in the Mediterranean region for specific pathogenic RET variants as a result of local prevalence. The latter can be explained by founder effect phenomena. The Mediterranean epidemiological data that are presented herein are very important for domestic patients, their family members' evaluation, and ultimately their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Pavlos Fanis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Savvas Frangos
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Bank of Cyprus Oncology Center, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
| | - Nicos Skordis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for Specialized Paediatrics, Nicosia 2024, Cyprus
- School of Medicine, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 2417, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
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Elisei R, Romei C. Looking for RET alterations in thyroid cancer: clinical relevance, methodology and timing. Endocrine 2023:10.1007/s12020-023-03368-w. [PMID: 37195581 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-023-03368-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Thyroid carcinoma (TC) is a rare neoplasia of the endocrine system and account for about 2-3% of all human tumors. According to their cell origin and histological features, different histotypes of thyroid carcinoma are described. Genetic alterations involved in the pathogenesis of thyroid cancer have been described and it has been shown that alterations of the RET gene are common events in all TC hystotypes. Aim of this review is to give an overview of the relevance of RET alterations in TC and to provide indications, timing and methodologies, for RET genetic analysis. METHODS A revision of the literature has been performed and indications for the experimental approach for the RET analysis have been reported. CONCLUSIONS The analysis of RET mutations in TC has a very important clinical relevance for the early diagnosis of the hereditary forms of MTC, for the follow-up of TC patients and for the identification of those cases that can benefit from a specific treatment able to inhibit the effect of mutated RET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Elisei
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University-Hospital of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Cristina Romei
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University-Hospital of Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy
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13
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Chu YH. This is Your Thyroid on Drugs: Targetable Mutations and Fusions in Thyroid Carcinoma. Surg Pathol Clin 2023; 16:57-73. [PMID: 36739167 DOI: 10.1016/j.path.2022.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review aims to provide an overview of the molecular pathogenesis thyroid carcinomas, emphasizing genetic alterations that are therapeutically actionable. The main pathways in thyroid carcinogenesis are the MAPK and PI3K pathways. Point mutations and gene rearrangements affecting the pathway effectors and receptor tyrosine kinases are well-known drivers of thyroid cancer. Research over the past few decades has successfully introduced highly effective treatments for unresectable thyroid cancer, evolving from multi-kinase inhibitors to structurally selective agents, with constantly improving toxicity profiles and coverage of resistance mechanisms. The pros and cons of major laboratory techniques for therapeutic target identification are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Hsia Chu
- Department of Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, No. 5, Fuxing Street, Guishan District, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan.
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14
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La Rosa S. Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Predictive Role of Ki67 Proliferative Index in Neuroendocrine and Endocrine Neoplasms: Past, Present, and Future. Endocr Pathol 2023; 34:79-97. [PMID: 36797453 PMCID: PMC10011307 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-023-09755-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of Ki67 immunohistochemistry in the work-up of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) has opened a new approach for their diagnosis and prognostic evaluation. Since the first demonstration of the prognostic role of Ki67 proliferative index in pancreatic NENs in 1996, several studies have been performed to explore its prognostic, diagnostic, and predictive role in other neuroendocrine and endocrine neoplasms. A large amount of information is now available and published results globally indicate that Ki67 proliferative index is useful to this scope, although some differences exist in relation to tumor site and type. In gut and pancreatic NENs, the Ki67 proliferative index has a well-documented and accepted diagnostic and prognostic role and its evaluation is mandatory in their diagnostic work-up. In the lung, the Ki67 index is recommended for the diagnosis of NENs on biopsy specimens, but its diagnostic role in surgical specimens still remains to be officially accepted, although its prognostic role is now well documented. In other organs, such as the pituitary, parathyroid, thyroid (follicular cell-derived neoplasms), and adrenal medulla, the Ki67 index does not play a diagnostic role and its prognostic value still remains a controversial issue. In medullary thyroid carcinoma, the Ki67 labelling index is used to define the tumor grade together with other morphological parameters, while in the adrenal cortical carcinoma, it is useful to select patients to treated with mitotane therapy. In the present review, the most important information on the diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive role of Ki67 proliferative index is presented discussing the current knowledge. In addition, technical issues related to the evaluation of Ki67 proliferative index and the future perspectives of the application of Ki67 immunostaining in endocrine and neuroendocrine neoplasms is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano La Rosa
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Via O. Rossi 9, Varese, 21100, Italy.
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Oncology, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy.
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15
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Jung CK, Agarwal S, Hang JF, Lim DJ, Bychkov A, Mete O. Update on C-Cell Neuroendocrine Neoplasm: Prognostic and Predictive Histopathologic and Molecular Features of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma. Endocr Pathol 2023; 34:1-22. [PMID: 36890425 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-023-09753-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a C-cell-derived epithelial neuroendocrine neoplasm. With the exception of rare examples, most are well-differentiated epithelial neuroendocrine neoplasms (also known as neuroendocrine tumors in the taxonomy of the International Agency for Research on Cancer [IARC] of the World Health Organization [WHO]). This review provides an overview and recent evidence-based data on the molecular genetics, disease risk stratification based on clinicopathologic variables including molecular profiling and histopathologic variables, and targeted molecular therapies in patients with advanced MTC. While MTC is not the only neuroendocrine neoplasm in the thyroid gland, other neuroendocrine neoplasms in the thyroid include intrathyroidal thymic neuroendocrine neoplasms, intrathyroidal parathyroid neoplasms, and primary thyroid paragangliomas as well as metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. Therefore, the first responsibility of a pathologist is to distinguish MTC from other mimics using appropriate biomarkers. The second responsibility includes meticulous assessment of the status of angioinvasion (defined as tumor cells invading through a vessel wall and forming tumor-fibrin complexes, or intravascular tumor cells admixed with fibrin/thrombus), tumor necrosis, proliferative rate (mitotic count and Ki67 labeling index), and tumor grade (low- or high-grade) along with the tumor stage and the resection margins. Given the morphologic and proliferative heterogeneity in these neoplasms, an exhaustive sampling is strongly recommended. Routine molecular testing for pathogenic germline RET variants is typically performed in all patients with a diagnosis of MTC; however, multifocal C-cell hyperplasia in association with at least a single focus of MTC and/or multifocal C-cell neoplasia are morphological harbingers of germline RET alterations. It is of interest to assess the status of pathogenic molecular alterations involving genes other than RET like the MET variants in MTC families with no pathogenic germline RET variants. Furthermore, the status of somatic RET alterations should be determined in all advanced/progressive or metastatic diseases, especially when selective RET inhibitor therapy (e.g., selpercatinib or pralsetinib) is considered. While the role of routine SSTR2/5 immunohistochemistry remains to be further clarified, evidence suggests that patients with somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-avid metastatic disease may also benefit from the option of 177Lu-DOTATATE peptide radionuclide receptor therapy. Finally, the authors of this review make a call to support the nomenclature change of MTC to C-cell neuroendocrine neoplasm to align this entity with the IARC/WHO taxonomy since MTCs represent epithelial neuroendocrine neoplasms of endoderm-derived C-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Kwon Jung
- Department of Hospital Pathology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.
| | - Shipra Agarwal
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Jen-Fan Hang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine and Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Dong-Jun Lim
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Andrey Bychkov
- Department of Pathology, Kameda Medical Center, Kamogawa, Chiba, 296-8602, Japan
| | - Ozgur Mete
- Department of Pathology, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
- Endocrine Oncology Site, Princess Margaret Cancer, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
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Xu P, Wu D, Liu X. A proposed grading scheme for predicting recurrence in medullary thyroid cancer based on the Ki67 index and metastatic lymph node ratio. Endocrine 2023:10.1007/s12020-023-03328-4. [PMID: 36823341 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-023-03328-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Ki67 index and lymph node ratio (LNR) have been proposed as components of alternative pathological classification schemes, but the most appropriate classification for patients with medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to examine the usefulness of a new grading system combining the Ki67 index and LNR as a predictor of prognostic and disease-free survival (DFS) in MTC. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of patients with MTC who were registered at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P. R. China from June 2003 to October 2021. The DFS rates were assessed using risk-adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression modeling to explore the relationship among pathological features, nutritional status and DFS. The Ki67 index (cutoff value: 5% and 10%) and LNR (cutoff value: 0.2 and 0.3) were combined to create a new grading system. RESULTS In total, 101 matched patients were assessed. The integrated grading system showed better separation of Kaplan Meier (KM) curves for DFS. As the grading stage progressed, there was a significant stepwise decrease in DFS, which was better than Ki67, LNR and N staging alone. According to the grading system, the high-risk group had a worse prognosis. CONCLUSION The proposed grading scheme demonstrated a better prognostic performance in MTC patients than the Ki67, LNR and N staging alone. However, larger scale studies are needed to further verify our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Xu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China
| | - Xuekui Liu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China.
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, PR China.
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Figueiredo AA, Esteves S, Moura MM, Marques P, Simões-Pereira J, Leite V. Preoperative serum inflammation-based scores in medullary thyroid cancer. ENDOCRINOLOGIA, DIABETES Y NUTRICION 2023; 70:48-55. [PMID: 36764748 DOI: 10.1016/j.endien.2022.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) are prognostic factors in several tumours, though little is known in medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between preoperative NLR, PLR and SII with MTC clinicopathological and molecular features, and their predictive value for lymph node and distant metastasis. METHODS We retrospectively analysed 75 patients with MTC who underwent surgery at our institution. The familial form of MTC was found in 12% of patients. RESULTS In our cohort, 56% were females, the median age at diagnosis was 57 years (44-69), the median tumour diameter was 25mm (15-50); 21.3% were multifocal and 34.7% had extrathyroidal extension. Lymph node and distant metastasis were observed in 36 (48.0%) and 8 (10.7%) patients, respectively. Higher NLR was associated with preoperative calcitonin, angioinvasion, extrathyroidal extension, moderate/severe fibrosis; higher PLR was associated with extrathyroidal extension and advanced T stages; lower SII and NLR were associated with biochemical cure after surgery. Increased PLR, NLR and SII were associated with advanced MTC stages. In the univariate analysis, only NLR was associated with lymph node metastasis (odds ratio (OR)=2.69, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.50-5.84; p=0.004); however, in the multivariate model, NLR was no longer a predictive factor for lymph node metastasis. None of these serum inflammatory markers predicted the occurrence of distant metastasis. CONCLUSION In conclusion, NLR, PLR and SII are associated with aggressive MTC, but do not predict lymph node or distant metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Abrantes Figueiredo
- Serviço de Endocrinologia, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa, Francisco Gentil, Rua Professor Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Susana Esteves
- Unidade de Investigação Clínica, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa, Francisco Gentil, Rua Professor Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Margarida Maria Moura
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa, Francisco Gentil, Rua Professor Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro Marques
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK; Endocrinology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte (CHULN), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Simões-Pereira
- Serviço de Endocrinologia, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa, Francisco Gentil, Rua Professor Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal; Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa, Francisco Gentil, Rua Professor Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal; Nova Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo Mártires da Pátria, n° 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Valeriano Leite
- Serviço de Endocrinologia, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa, Francisco Gentil, Rua Professor Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal; Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa, Francisco Gentil, Rua Professor Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal; Nova Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo Mártires da Pátria, n° 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
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Patel J, Klopper J, Cottrill EE. Molecular diagnostics in the evaluation of thyroid nodules: Current use and prospective opportunities. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1101410. [PMID: 36909304 PMCID: PMC9999006 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1101410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy with an estimated 43,800 new cases to be diagnosed in 2022 and representing the 7th most common cancer in women. While thyroid nodules are very common, being identified in over 60% of randomly selected adults, only 5-15% of thyroid nodules harbor thyroid malignancy. Therefore, it is incumbent upon physicians to detect and treat thyroid malignancies as is clinically appropriate and avoid unnecessary invasive procedures in patients with benign asymptomatic lesions. Over the last 15-20 years, rapid advances have been made in cytomolecular testing to aid in thyroid nodule management. Initially, indeterminate thyroid nodules, those with Bethesda III or IV cytology and approximately a 10-40% risk of malignancy, were studied to assess benignity or malignancy. More recently, next generation sequencing and micro-RNA technology platforms have refined the diagnostic capacity of thyroid nodule molecular testing and have introduced opportunities to glean prognostic information from both cytologically indeterminate and malignant thyroid nodules. Therefore, clinicians can move beyond determination of malignancy, and utilize contemporary molecular information to aid in decisions such as extent of surgery and post-therapy monitoring plans. Future opportunities include molecularly derived information about tumor behavior, neo-adjuvant treatment opportunities and response to thyroid cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jena Patel
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Joshua Klopper
- Department of Medical Affairs, Veracyte, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeth E. Cottrill
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Elizabeth E. Cottrill,
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19
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Figueiredo AA, Esteves S, Moura MM, Marques P, Simões-Pereira J, Leite V. Preoperative serum inflammation-based scores in medullary thyroid cancer. ENDOCRINOL DIAB NUTR 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.endinu.2022.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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20
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Margraf RL, Alexander RZ, Fulmer ML, Miller CE, Coupal E, Mao R. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) and RET specific modifications of the ACMG/AMP variant classification guidelines and impact on the MEN2 RET database. Hum Mutat 2022; 43:1780-1794. [PMID: 36251279 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) RET proto-oncogene database, originally published in 2008, is a comprehensive repository of all publicly available RET gene variations associated with MEN2 syndromes. The variant-specific genotype/phenotype information, age of earliest reported medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) onset, and relevant references with a brief summary of findings are cataloged. The ACMG/AMP 2015 consensus statement on variant classification was modified specifically for MEN2 syndromes and RET variants using ClinGen sequence variant interpretation working group recommendations and ClinGen expert panel manuscripts, as well as manuscripts from the American Thyroid Association Guidelines Task Force on Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma and other MEN2 RET literature. The classifications for the 166 single unique variants in the MEN2 RET database were reanalyzed using the MEN2 RET specifically modified ACMG/AMP classification guidelines (version 1). Applying these guidelines added two new variant classifications to the database (likely benign and likely pathogenic) and resulted in clinically significant classification changes (e.g., from pathogenic to uncertain) in 15.7% (26/166) of the original variants. Of those clinically significant changes, the highest percentage of changes, 46.2% (12/26), were changes from uncertain to benign or likely benign. The modified ACMG/AMP criteria with MEN2 RET specifications will optimize and standardize RET variant classifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Margraf
- ARUP Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology®, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | | | - Makenzie L Fulmer
- ARUP Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology®, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Christine E Miller
- ARUP Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology®, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Elena Coupal
- ARUP Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology®, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Rong Mao
- ARUP Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology®, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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21
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Vissio E, Maletta F, Fissore J, Osella Abate S, Retta F, Brizzi MP, Piovesan A, Rossetto Giaccherino R, Volante M, Papotti M. External Validation of Three Available Grading Systems for Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma in a Single Institution Cohort. Endocr Pathol 2022; 33:359-370. [PMID: 35583706 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-022-09719-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare thyroid carcinoma with a variable clinical behavior. Potential clinical and pathological prognostic markers have been investigated, but studies are limited and controversial. In neuroendocrine neoplasms of various other sites, necrosis and proliferation (mitotic activity and/or Ki67 index) are integrated to provide a histological grade. Recently, an International Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Grading System (IMTCGS) has been designed to define high- or low-grade MTC by combining proliferative activity and necrosis. This proposal integrates two previously published grading schemes by American (2-tiered grading, low- and high-grade MTC) and Australian authors (3-tiered grading, low-, intermediate-, and high-grade MTC). To validate the clinical role of these systems, their prognostic impact was evaluated in an independent cohort of 111 MTCs. Necrosis, which was the only parameter integrated into the 3 grading systems, proved to be individually correlate with tumor relapse, while no association was found with the proliferation (mitotic count and Ki67 index); however, by combining the different parameters according to all three grading systems, "high-grade" MTCs turned out to be significantly associated with the disease recurrence (p < 0.005) in all systems. In disease-free survival analysis, the IMTCGS stratification was the only one that demonstrated a significant impact at Cox regression analysis (p = 0.004), further confirmed by the Kaplan-Meier curves (p = 0.002). Similar findings were also reproduced when analysis was restricted to sporadic MTCs (68 cases). In conclusion, our results confirm the prognostic role of IMTCGS, supporting the importance of incorporating this information into the pathology report. However, none of the systems proved to predict the overall survival in this validation cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Vissio
- Pathology Unit, "Città Della Salute E Della Scienza" Hospital, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Maletta
- Pathology Unit, "Città Della Salute E Della Scienza" Hospital, Turin, Italy.
| | - Jessica Fissore
- Pathology Unit, "Città Della Salute E Della Scienza" Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Retta
- Endocrine Oncology Unit, "Città Della Salute E Della Scienza" Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Piovesan
- Endocrine Oncology Unit, "Città Della Salute E Della Scienza" Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Marco Volante
- Pathology Unit, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Mauro Papotti
- Pathology Unit, "Città Della Salute E Della Scienza" Hospital, Turin, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
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22
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Verrienti A, Grani G, Sponziello M, Pecce V, Damante G, Durante C, Russo D, Filetti S. Precision oncology for RET-related tumors. Front Oncol 2022; 12:992636. [PMID: 36091144 PMCID: PMC9449844 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.992636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the RET proto-oncogene is implicated in a plethora of cancers. RET gain-of-function point mutations are driver events in multiple endocrine neoplasia 2 (MEN2) syndrome and in sporadic medullary thyroid cancer, while RET rearrangements are driver events in several non-medullary thyroid cancers. Drugs able to inhibit RET have been used to treat RET-mutated cancers. Multikinase inhibitors were initially used, though they showed modest efficacy and significant toxicity. However, new RET selective inhibitors, such as selpercatinib and pralsetinib, have recently been tested and have shown good efficacy and tolerability, even if no direct comparison is yet available between multikinase and selective inhibitors. The advent of high-throughput technology has identified cancers with rare RET alterations beyond point mutations and fusions, including RET deletions, raising questions about whether these alterations have a functional effect and can be targeted by RET inhibitors. In this mini review, we focus on tumors with RET deletions, including deletions/insertions (indels), and their response to RET inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Verrienti
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Grani
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giorgio Grani,
| | - Marialuisa Sponziello
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Pecce
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Cosimo Durante
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Russo
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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23
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An integrative pan cancer analysis of RET aberrations and their potential clinical implications. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13913. [PMID: 35978072 PMCID: PMC9386015 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17791-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
RET (rearranged during transfection), encoding a tyrosine kinase receptor, is a novel therapeutic target for cancers. The aberrations of RET are commonly found in cancers. Here, we profiled a comprehensive genomic landscape of RET mutations, copy number variants (CNVs), co-occurrence of RET and its mRNA expression and methylation levels in pan cancer, paving the way to the development of new RET-targeted therapies in clinic. Analysis of RET somatic mutations, CNVs, co-occurrence, mRNA expression and methylation were performed among 32 cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset covering a total of 10,953 patients with 10,967 samples. RET aberrations were found in 3.0% of diverse cancers. The top two RET-altered tumors were skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) and uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) with dominant mutations in the other and PKinase_Tyr domains. RET-G823E and RET-S891L were most commonly found in SKCM and UCEC. Thyroid carcinoma (THCA) demonstrated the highest rate of coiled-coil domain containing 6 (CCDC6)-RET fusions, which constitutively activate RET kinase. Two FDA-approved RET inhibitors—pralsetinib and selpercatinib have been implied for the treatment of patients with RET S891L mutant UCEC and the treatment of patients with metastatic RET-fusion positive THCA and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at therapeutic level 1. We also identified four RET M918T-altered cases in patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PCPG), which may induce drug resistance against multikinase inhibitors. Next, 273 co-occurring aberrations, most frequently in Notch signaling, TGF-β pathway, cell cycle, and Ras-Raf-MEK-Erk/JNK signaling, were uncovered among 311 RET altered cases. TP53 mutations (162 patients) leads to the most significant co-occurrence associated with RET aberrations. Furthermore, the RET expression was found most significantly increased in breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA) and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC), as compared to their corresponding normal tissues. At last, patients with higher expression and sequence variant frequency have a worse prognosis, such as sarcoma patients. This work provided a profound and comprehensive analysis of RET and co-occurred alterations, RET mRNA expression and the clinical significance in pan cancer, offering new insights into targeted therapy for patients with RET anomalies.
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24
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Ragnarsson O, Piasecka M, Hallqvist A. Successful Treatment with Selpercatinib for Ectopic Cushing's Syndrome Due to Medullary Thyroid Cancer. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:3494-3498. [PMID: 35621672 PMCID: PMC9139362 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29050282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Selpercatinib, a RET kinase inhibitor, is an effective treatment for patients with medullary thyroid cancer with RET mutations. In this paper, we present the case of a 62-year-old man with ectopic Cushing’s syndrome due to medullary thyroid cancer who received treatment with selpercatinib. Six months later, all the cushingoid features had resolved, and s-calcitonin had decreased from 580 pmol/L to 3.5 pmol/L (normal < 3). After further 6 months, s-calcitonin had normalized (1.5 pmol/L), and radiological evaluation showed a profound tumour volume reduction. We are aware of two other cases where treatment with selpercatinib has also been successful. Thus, selpercatinib may be a promising treatment alternative in patients with ectopic Cushing’s syndrome due to medullary thyroid cancer, especially when other treatment options are ineffective or not tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oskar Ragnarsson
- Department of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-41302 Gothenburg, Sweden;
- Correspondence:
| | - Marta Piasecka
- Department of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-41302 Gothenburg, Sweden;
| | - Andreas Hallqvist
- Department of Oncology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-41302 Gothenburg, Sweden;
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25
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Román-Gil MS, Pozas J, Rosero-Rodríguez D, Chamorro-Pérez J, Ruiz-Granados Á, Caracuel IR, Grande E, Molina-Cerrillo J, Alonso-Gordoa T. Resistance to RET targeted therapy in Thyroid Cancer: Molecular basis and overcoming strategies. Cancer Treat Rev 2022; 105:102372. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2022.102372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
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26
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Parikh R, Hess LM, Esterberg E, Bhandari NR, Kaye JA. Diagnostic characteristics, treatment patterns, and clinical outcomes for patients with advanced/metastatic medullary thyroid cancer. Thyroid Res 2022; 15:2. [PMID: 35151352 PMCID: PMC8840546 DOI: 10.1186/s13044-021-00119-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) accounts for approximately 1.6% of new cases of thyroid cancer. The objective of this study was to describe patient characteristics, biomarker testing, treatment patterns, and clinical outcomes among patients with advanced/metastatic MTC in a real-world setting in the United States and to identify potential gaps in the care of these patients. Methods Selected oncologists retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients aged ≥ 12 years diagnosed with advanced MTC. Patients must have initiated ≥ 1 line of systemic treatment for advanced/metastatic MTC between January 2013–December 2018 to be eligible. Patient characteristics, biomarker testing, and treatment patterns were summarized descriptively; progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results The 203 patients included in this study had a mean (SD) age of 52.2 (10.4) years; mean (SD) duration of follow-up from start of first-line treatment was 24.5 (16.0) months. Most patients (82.8%) were initially diagnosed with stage IVA, IVB, or IVC disease. Among all patients, 121 (59.6%) had testing for RET mutations, of whom 37.2% had RET-mutant MTC. The RET-mutation type was reported for 28 patients; the most common mutations reported were M918T (64.3%) and C634R (32.1%). Of the 203 patients, 75.9% received only one line of systemic treatment for advanced disease, and 36% were still undergoing first-line therapy at the time of data extraction. Cabozantinib (30.0%), vandetanib (30.0%), sorafenib (17.2%), and lenvatinib (4.9%) were the most common first-line treatments. Among 49 patients who received second-line treatment, most received cabozantinib (22.4%), vandetanib (20.4%), lenvatinib (12.2%), or sunitinib (12.2%). Median PFS (95% confidence interval [CI]) from start of first- and second-line treatments was 26.6 months (20.8–60.8) and 15.3 months (6.6-not estimable [NE]), respectively. Median OS from initiation of first- and second-line treatment was 63.8 months (46.3-NE) and 22.4 months (12.4-NE), respectively. Conclusions For the treatment of advanced/metastatic MTC, no specific preference of sequencing systemic agents was observed in the first- and second-line settings. Considering the recent approval of selective RET inhibitors for patients with RET-mutant MTC, future research should investigate how treatment patterns evolve for these patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13044-021-00119-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Parikh
- RTI Health Solutions, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Lisa M Hess
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN, 46285, USA
| | - Elizabeth Esterberg
- RTI Health Solutions, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | | | - James A Kaye
- RTI Health Solutions, 307 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA, 02452, USA
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27
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Matrone A, Gambale C, Prete A, Elisei R. Sporadic Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: Towards a Precision Medicine. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:864253. [PMID: 35422765 PMCID: PMC9004483 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.864253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a neuroendocrine malignant tumor originating from parafollicular C-cells producing calcitonin. Most of cases (75%) are sporadic while the remaining (25%) are hereditary. In these latter cases medullary thyroid carcinoma can be associated (multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIA and IIB) or not (familial medullary thyroid carcinoma), with other endocrine diseases such as pheochromocytoma and/or hyperparathyroidism. RET gene point mutation is the main molecular alteration involved in MTC tumorigenesis, both in sporadic and in hereditary cases. Total thyroidectomy with prophylactic/therapeutic central compartment lymph nodes dissection is the initial treatment of choice. Further treatments are needed according to tumor burden and rate of progression. Surgical treatments and local therapies are advocated in the case of single or few local or distant metastasis and slow rate of progression. Conversely, systemic treatments should be initiated in cases with large metastatic and rapidly progressive disease. In this review, we discuss the details of systemic treatments in advanced and metastatic sporadic MTC, focusing on multikinase inhibitors, both those already used in clinical practice and under investigation, and on emerging treatments such as highly selective RET inhibitors and radionuclide therapy.
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28
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Jager EC, Broekman KE, Kruijff S, Links TP. State of the art and future directions in the systemic treatment of medullary thyroid cancer. Curr Opin Oncol 2022; 34:1-8. [PMID: 34669647 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Systemic treatment is the only therapeutic option for patients with progressive, metastatic medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Since the discovery of the rearranged during transfection (RET) proto-oncogene (100% hereditary, 60-90% sporadic MTC), research has focused on finding effective systemic therapies to target this mutation. This review surveys recent findings. RECENT FINDINGS Multikinase inhibitors are systemic agents targeting angiogenesis, inhibiting growth of tumor cells and cells in the tumor environment and healthy endothelium. In the phase III EXAM and ZETA trials, cabozantinib and vandetanib showed progression-free survival benefit, without evidence of prolonged overall survival. Selpercatinib and pralsetinib are kinase inhibitors with high specificity for RET; phase I and II studies showed overall response rates of 73% and 71% in first line, and 69% and 60% in second line treatment, respectively. Although resistance mechanisms to mutation-driven therapy will be a challenge in the future, phase III studies are ongoing and neo-adjuvant therapy with selpercatinib is being studied. SUMMARY The development of selective RET-inhibitors has expanded the therapeutic arsenal to control tumor growth in progressive MTC, with fewer adverse effects than multikinase inhibitors. Future studies should confirm their effectiveness, study neo-adjuvant strategies, and tackle resistance to these inhibitors, ultimately to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Schelto Kruijff
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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29
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Adashek JJ, Desai AP, Andreev-Drakhlin AY, Roszik J, Cote GJ, Subbiah V. Hallmarks of RET and Co-occuring Genomic Alterations in RET-aberrant Cancers. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1769-1776. [PMID: 34493590 PMCID: PMC8492504 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Activating receptor-tyrosine kinase rearranged during transfection (RET) mutations and fusions are potent drivers of oncogenesis. The recent FDA approvals of highly potent and selective RET inhibitors, selpercatinib and pralsetinib, has altered the therapeutic management of RET aberrant tumors. There is ample evidence of the role of RET signaling in certain cancers. RET aberrations as fusions or mutations occur in multiple cancers, however, there is considerable phenotypic diversity. There is emerging data on the lack of responsiveness of immunotherapy in RET-altered cancers. Herein, we review the registrational data from the selective RET-inhibitor trials, and comprehensively explore RET alterations in pan-cancer adult malignancies and their co-alterations. These co-occuring alterations may define the future of RET inhibition from specific selective targeting to customized combination therapies as data are rapidly emerging on both on-target and off-target acquired resistance mechanisms. Fascinatingly, oncogenic RET fusions have been reported to mediate resistance to EGFR inhibition and KRASG12C inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob J. Adashek
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA.,H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Aakash P. Desai
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Jason Roszik
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Gilbert J. Cote
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Vivek Subbiah
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,MD Anderson Cancer Network, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Corresponding Author: Vivek Subbiah, Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 455, Faculty Center 8th floor, Houston, TX 77030. Phone: 713-563-1930; Fax: 713-792-0334; E-mail:
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30
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Moura MM, Cabrera RA, Esteves S, Cavaco BM, Soares P, Leite V. Correlation of molecular data with histopathological and clinical features in a series of 66 patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:1837-1846. [PMID: 33575974 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-020-01456-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) displays a wide variety of histopathological features, and several histological variants have been described. In follicular cell-derived thyroid carcinomas, there is a good correlation between genotype and phenotype. In this study, we investigated whether such a correlation is also present in MTC. METHODS The histopathological features were evaluated in a series of 66 molecularly characterised tumours and correlated with the clinical characteristics. RESULTS Most MTC exhibited the classical variant (83.3%). Other variants included spindle cell (6.1%), pseudopapillary (4.5%), paraganglioma-like (3.0%), angiosarcoma-like (1.5%), and oncocytic follicular (1.5%). Tumours were classified into four groups: group 1, with somatic p.Met918Thr and p.Ala883Phe RET mutations; group 2, with other RET mutations; group 3, with RAS mutations; and group 4, without RET or RAS mutations. Tumours from groups 1 and 4 were typically associated with the classical variant, with abundant fibrosis, lymphovascular invasion, extrathyroidal extension, and more advanced stages of disease, whereas group 2 included histological variants other than the classical variant (namely, pseudopapillary and paraganglioma-like), with tumours that were highly cellular, less invasive, and with a better overall prognosis. In tumours from group 4, amyloid deposition was characteristically absent or low. The spindle cell variant appeared only in tumours from group 3, which had high cellularity and a degree of invasion and prognosis intermediate between groups 1 and 2, but better than group 4. The grade of fibrosis correlated directly with the clinical outcome. CONCLUSION Our results support the idea that a genotype-phenotype correlation does, indeed, exist in MTC. However, further studies are warranted to confirm these findings in a larger sample size.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Moura
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - R A Cabrera
- Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 , Lisboa, Portugal
| | - S Esteves
- Unidade de Investigação Clínica (UIC), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 , Lisboa, Portugal
| | - B M Cavaco
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - P Soares
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- IPATIMUP - Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - V Leite
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023, Lisboa, Portugal
- Serviço de Endocrinologia, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 , Lisboa, Portugal
- NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria 130, 1169-056, Lisboa, Portugal
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31
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Fussey JM, Smith JA, Cleaver R, Bowles C, Ellard S, Vaidya B, Owens M. Diagnostic RET genetic testing in 1,058 index patients: A UK centre perspective. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2021; 95:295-302. [PMID: 33340421 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Diagnostic germline RET analysis is offered to all patients with a diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), or other conditions associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) in the United Kingdom. Here, we report the experience of a single centre's germline RET analysis over a 21-year period. DESIGN Retrospective case-note review. PATIENTS All index patients referred to the Exeter Genomics Laboratory for diagnostic germline RET analysis between 1997 and 2018, and unaffected family members, undergoing predictive testing. MEASUREMENTS The rate and nature of pathogenic variant detection were recorded, as well as the indication for testing. RESULTS 1,058 index patients and 551 unaffected family members were tested. The overall rate of pathogenic variant detection was 10.2% amongst index patients and 29% amongst unaffected family members. The commonest indication was isolated MTC, and amongst the 690 patients with isolated MTC, 68 (9.9%) were found to harbour a RET pathogenic variant. Of those with presumed sporadic MTC, 8.5% were found to harbour germline RET pathogenic variants, compared with 36.4% of those with a family history of MEN2-associated conditions. Pathogenic variants were identified in 3.6% and 0% of patients with isolated phaeochromocytoma and primary hyperparathyroidism, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Although the detection rate of RET germline pathogenic variants in patients with presumed sporadic MTC was significant, the overall detection rate in those with MTC was lower than expected in this series. Advances in RET analysis in response to reports of new variants over the last two decades are likely to have improved the pick-up rate in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Mark Fussey
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, UK
| | - Joel Anthony Smith
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, UK
| | - Ruth Cleaver
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Sian Ellard
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Bijay Vaidya
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, UK
| | - Martina Owens
- Exeter Genomics Laboratory, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, UK
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Sun F, McCoach CE. Therapeutic Advances in the Management of Patients with Advanced RET Fusion-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2021; 22:72. [PMID: 34165651 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-021-00867-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Screening for activating driver gene alterations at the time of diagnosis is the standard of care for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Activating RET fusions are identified in approximately 1-2% of NSCLCs and have emerged as a targetable driver alteration. Selpercatinib and pralsetinib are RET-selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) with encouraging efficacy, intracranial activity, and tolerability that we recommend as first-line therapy. As with use of TKIs in other oncogene-addicted NSCLCs, development of acquired resistance is pervasive and should be specifically delineated through use of repeat tissue biopsy with genetic profiling at the time of disease progression. If an actionable resistance mechanism emerges for which there is a candidate targeted therapy, combination inhibition should be considered. Alternatively, or in the absence of such findings, platinum doublet chemotherapy or particularly platinum-pemetrexed therapy with or without bevacizumab demonstrates a moderate effect.We would not recommend the routine use of nonselective multi-targeted TKIs such as cabozantinib and vandetanib, which have modest activity but limited tolerability due to predictable off-target effects. Single-agent immunotherapy has minimal activity in RET fusion-positive NSCLC. The role of combination chemotherapy and immunotherapy requires further study but may be considered, particularly in the presence of an activating KRAS alteration. While further development of novel RET-selective TKIs may address common RET-specific resistance mutations, they will not have activity against off-target, RET-independent resistance mechanisms. This again highlights the importance of serial biopsy and next-generation sequencing for the rational choice of sequential therapy in RET fusion-positive NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangdi Sun
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Caroline E McCoach
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
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Najdawi F, Ahmadi S, Capelletti M, Dong F, Chau NG, Barletta JA. Evaluation of grade in a genotyped cohort of sporadic medullary thyroid carcinomas. Histopathology 2021; 79:427-436. [PMID: 33763905 DOI: 10.1111/his.14370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Tumour grade and RET mutation status, especially the presence of high-risk exon 15 and 16 RET mutations, have been reported to be prognostic in patients with sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). The aims of our study were to evaluate the performance of two recently proposed grading systems and to assess the association between grade and genotype in a cohort of sporadic MTCs. METHODS AND RESULTS We identified 44 sporadic MTCs. All available tumour slides were examined, and cases were assigned a grade on the basis of either mitotic count and tumour necrosis, or mitotic count, tumour necrosis, and Ki-67 proliferative index, as described in two recent studies. Additional clinicopathological features and outcome information were obtained from the pathology reports and electronic medical records. The presence of RET and RAS mutations was determined either with direct sequencing or with massively parallel sequencing. Both grading systems were prognostic for progression-free survival and disease-specific survival on univariate analysis. There was no correlation between grade and mutation status. Specifically, neither RET nor high-risk RET mutations were enriched in high-grade tumours, as assessed by either grading scheme. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that grade is not correlated with RET/RAS mutation status, indicating that grade and genotype may give independent prognostic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fedaa Najdawi
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sara Ahmadi
- Division of Endocrinology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marzia Capelletti
- Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fei Dong
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicole G Chau
- Head and Neck Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Justine A Barletta
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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MicroRNAs in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: A State of the Art Review of the Regulatory Mechanisms and Future Perspectives. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040955. [PMID: 33924120 PMCID: PMC8074316 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare malignant neoplasia with a variable clinical course, with complete remission often difficult to achieve. Genetic alterations lead to fundamental changes not only in hereditary MTC but also in the sporadic form, with close correlations between mutational status and prognosis. In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have become highly relevant as crucial players in MTC etiology. Current research has focused on their roles in disease carcinogenesis and development, but recent studies have expounded their potential as biomarkers and response predictors to novel biological drugs for advanced MTC. One such element which requires greater investigation is their mechanism of action and the molecular pathways involved in the regulation of gene expression. A more thorough understanding of these mechanisms will help realize the promising potential of miRNAs for MTC therapy and management.
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Pavlidis E, Sapalidis K, Chatzinikolaou F, Kesisoglou I. Medullary thyroid cancer: molecular factors, management and treatment. ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY 2021; 61:681-686. [PMID: 33817709 PMCID: PMC8112777 DOI: 10.47162/rjme.61.3.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is an infrequent neuroendocrine tumor, which amounts to 3–5% of all thyroid malignancies. Approximately 75–80% of MTCs are sporadic neoplasms. The rest of 20–25% are familial cases that belong to multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes, specifically MEN2 and MEN3. These cases of familial MTC are attributed to an activating germline mutation of a tyrosine kinase receptor gene, the rearranged during transfection (RET) proto-oncogene, located on chromosome 10q11.21. These mutations are also found in some cases of sporadic MTC. This review sets forth in summary the accepted guidelines and approaches regarding diagnosis, management, and treatment of MTC. Surgical resection is the standard care, and an early, prophylactic intervention is performed in genetic cases. Further investigation and understanding of the molecular pathways involved in the growth and advancement of MTC is required in order to provide efficient therapy in cases of progressive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efstathios Pavlidis
- 3rd Department of Surgery, AHEPA University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece;
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Barletta JA, Nosé V, Sadow PM. Genomics and Epigenomics of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: From Sporadic Disease to Familial Manifestations. Endocr Pathol 2021; 32:35-43. [PMID: 33492588 PMCID: PMC9353617 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-021-09664-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of the genomics and epigenomics of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) has advanced since the initial recognition of RET as a driver of MTC tumorigenesis in familial MTC. We now have insight into the frequency and prognostic significance of specific RET mutations in sporadic MTC. For example, the most common RET mutation in sporadic MTC is the RET Met918Thr mutation, the same mutation that underlies MEN2B and a poor prognosticator. This mutation is relatively infrequent in medullary thyroid microcarcinomas but is over-represented in advanced-stage disease. RAS mutations are detected in 70% of sporadic, RET wild-type MTC. Although next-generation and whole-exome sequencing studies have shown that tumors that are wild-type for RET and RAS mutations essentially lack other recurrent mutations, additional pathways and epigenetic alterations have been implicated in MTC tumorigenesis. Increased insight into the clinical course of patients with familial MTC with specific RET mutations has guided treatment recommendations for these patients. Finally, an understanding of the genomics has informed treatment for patients with advanced MTC. In this review, we will examine the genomics and epigenomics of sporadic and familial MTC, along with the prognostic significance of molecular alterations, management of patients with germline RET mutations, and treatment strategies for MTC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine A Barletta
- Departments of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Vânia Nosé
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter M Sadow
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Oczko-Wojciechowska M, Czarniecka A, Gawlik T, Jarzab B, Krajewska J. Current status of the prognostic molecular markers in medullary thyroid carcinoma. Endocr Connect 2020; 9:R251-R263. [PMID: 33112827 PMCID: PMC7774764 DOI: 10.1530/ec-20-0374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare thyroid malignancy, which arises from parafollicular C-cells. It occurs in the hereditary or sporadic form. Hereditary type is a consequence of activation of the RET proto-oncogene by germline mutations, whereas about 80% of sporadic MTC tumors harbor somatic, mainly RET or rarely RAS mutations. According to the current ATA guidelines, a postoperative MTC risk stratification and long-term follow-up are mainly based on histopathological data, including tumor stage, the presence of lymph node and/or distant metastases (TNM classification), and serum concentration of two biomarkers: calcitonin (Ctn) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The type of RET germline mutation also correlates with MTC clinical characteristics. The most common and the best known RET mutation in sporadic MTC, localized at codon 918, is related to a more aggressive MTC course and poorer survival. However, even if histopathological or clinical features allow to predict a long-term prognosis, they are not sufficient to select the patients showing aggressive MTC courses requiring immediate treatment or those, who are refractory to different therapeutic methods. Besides the RET gene mutations, there are currently no other reliable molecular prognostic markers. This review summarizes the present data of genomic investigation on molecular prognostic factors in medullary thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Oczko-Wojciechowska
- Department of Genetic and Molecular Diagnostics of Cancer, M. Sklodowska-Curie Institute National Research Institute of Oncology Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Czarniecka
- Oncologic and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic, M. Sklodowska-Curie Institute National Research Institute of Oncology Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Tomasz Gawlik
- Nuclear Medicine and Endocrine Oncology Department, M. Sklodowska-Curie Institute National Research Institute of Oncology Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Barbara Jarzab
- Nuclear Medicine and Endocrine Oncology Department, M. Sklodowska-Curie Institute National Research Institute of Oncology Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Jolanta Krajewska
- Nuclear Medicine and Endocrine Oncology Department, M. Sklodowska-Curie Institute National Research Institute of Oncology Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
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A Proposed Grading Scheme for Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Based on Proliferative Activity (Ki-67 and Mitotic Count) and Coagulative Necrosis. Am J Surg Pathol 2020; 44:1419-1428. [PMID: 32452872 PMCID: PMC7641183 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000001505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the prognostic value of a range of histologic parameters in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) to design a grading system to predict overall survival. We assessed 76 patients with MTCs undergoing primary tumor resection for age, sex, tumor size, vascular space invasion, lymph node metastasis, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) status, mitotic count, Ki-67 proliferative index, spindled morphology, sheet-like growth pattern, coagulative necrosis, incipient necrosis, nuclear grade, multinucleation, prominent nucleoli, fibrosis, and amyloid deposition. In addition to the clinical features of age and the diagnosis of MEN2, the only histologic features that significantly predicted reduced overall survival were Ki-67 proliferative index, mitotic count, and the presence of coagulative necrosis. Using a combination of these 3 variables, we propose a 3-tiered grading system based solely on proliferative activity (Ki-67 proliferative index and mitotic count) and necrosis. There were 62 (82%) low-grade MTCs (low proliferative activity, no necrosis), 9 (12%) intermediate grade (low proliferative activity and necrosis present, or intermediate proliferative activity and no necrosis), and 5 (7%) high grade (intermediate proliferative activity and necrosis present, or high proliferative activity with or without necrosis). The mean overall survival was 193, 146, and 45 months, respectively (P=0.0001) for the 3 grades. The grading system remained prognostic when controlled for other factors associated with survival including age and known MEN2 syndrome. We conclude that this proposed grading system, which uses only a combination of proliferative activity (Ki-67 index, mitotic count) and coagulative necrosis, is a strong predictor of overall survival in MTC.
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Cordero-Barreal A, Caleiras E, López de Maturana E, Monteagudo M, Martínez-Montes ÁM, Letón R, Gil E, Álvarez-Escolá C, Regojo RM, Andía V, Marazuela M, Guadalix S, Calatayud M, Robles-Díaz L, Aguirre M, Cano JM, Díaz JÁ, Saavedra P, Lamas C, Azriel S, Sastre J, Aller J, Leandro-García LJ, Calsina B, Roldán-Romero JM, Santos M, Lanillos J, Cascón A, Rodríguez-Antona C, Robledo M, Montero-Conde C. CD133 Expression in Medullary Thyroid Cancer Cells Identifies Patients with Poor Prognosis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5892412. [PMID: 32791518 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The identification of markers able to determine medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) patients at high-risk of disease progression is critical to improve their clinical management and outcome. Previous studies have suggested that expression of the stem cell marker CD133 is associated with MTC aggressiveness. OBJECTIVE To evaluate CD133 impact on disease progression in MTC and explore the regulatory mechanisms leading to the upregulation of this protein in aggressive tumors. PATIENTS We compiled a series of 74 MTCs with associated clinical data and characterized them for mutations in RET and RAS proto-oncogenes, presumed to be related with disease clinical behavior. RESULTS We found that CD133 immunohistochemical expression was associated with adverse clinicopathological features and predicted a reduction in time to disease progression even when only RET-mutated cases were considered in the analysis (log-rank test P < 0.003). Univariate analysis for progression-free survival revealed CD133 expression and presence of tumor emboli in peritumoral blood vessels as the most significant prognostic covariates among others such as age, gender, and prognostic stage. Multivariate analysis identified both variables as independent factors of poor prognosis (hazard ratio = 16.6 and 2; P = 0.001 and 0.010, respectively). Finally, we defined hsa-miR-30a-5p, a miRNA downregulated in aggressive MTCs, as a CD133 expression regulator. Ectopic expression of hsa-miR-30a-5p in MZ-CRC-1 (RETM918T) cells significantly reduced CD133 mRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that CD133 expression may be a useful tool to identify MTC patients with poor prognosis, who may benefit from a more extensive primary surgical management and follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Evangelina López de Maturana
- Genetic & Molecular Epidemiology Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
- Basic Medical Sciences, Medical School, San Pablo-CEU University, Boadilla del Monte, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Oncology (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Rocío Letón
- Hereditary Endocrine Cancer Group, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Gil
- Hereditary Endocrine Cancer Group, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Álvarez-Escolá
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department and Pathological Anatomy Service, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rita M Regojo
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department and Pathological Anatomy Service, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor Andía
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Marazuela
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Luis Robles-Díaz
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Aguirre
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Juana M Cano
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario de Ciudad Real, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - José Ángel Díaz
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Saavedra
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Cristina Lamas
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, Albacete, Spain
| | - Sharona Azriel
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario Infanta Sofía, San Sebastián de los Reyes, Spain
| | - Julia Sastre
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Toledo, Spain
| | - Javier Aller
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Majadahonda, Spain
| | | | | | | | - María Santos
- Hereditary Endocrine Cancer Group, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Alberto Cascón
- Hereditary Endocrine Cancer Group, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Rodríguez-Antona
- Hereditary Endocrine Cancer Group, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Robledo
- Hereditary Endocrine Cancer Group, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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French JD. Immunotherapy for advanced thyroid cancers - rationale, current advances and future strategies. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2020; 16:629-641. [PMID: 32839578 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-020-0398-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade, the field of cancer immunotherapy has been revolutionized by immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) technologies. Success across a broad spectrum of cancers has led to a paradigm shift in therapy for patients with advanced cancer. Early data are now accumulating in progressive thyroid cancers treated with single-agent ICB therapies and combination approaches that incorporate ICB technologies. This Review discusses our current knowledge of the immune response in thyroid cancers, the latest and ongoing immune-based approaches, and the future of immunotherapies in thyroid cancer. Physiologically relevant preclinical mouse models and human correlative research studies will inform development of the next stage of immune-based therapies for patients with advanced thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jena D French
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA.
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA.
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Chiacchiarini M, Trocchianesi S, Besharat ZM, Po A, Ferretti E. Role of tissue and circulating microRNAs and DNA as biomarkers in medullary thyroid cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 219:107708. [PMID: 33091426 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor comprising hereditary or sporadic form with frequent mutations in the rearranged during transfection (RET) or RAS genes. Diagnosis is based on the presence of thyroid tumor mass with altered levels of calcitonin (Ctn) and carcinoembryonal antigen (CEA) in the serum and/or in the cytological smears from fine needle aspiration biopsies. Treatment consists of total thyroidectomy, followed by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKi) in case of disease persistence. During TKi treatment, Ctn and CEA levels can fluctuate regardless of tumor volume, metastasis or response to therapy. Research for more reliable non-invasive biomarkers in MTC is still underway. In this context, circulating nucleic acids, namely circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) and cell free DNA (cfDNA), have been evaluated by different research groups. Aiming to shed light on whether miRNAs and cfDNA are suitable as MTC biomarkers we searched three different databases, PubMed, Scopus, WOS and reviewed the literature. We classified 83 publications fulfilling our search criteria and summarized the results. We report data on miRNAs and cfDNA that can be evaluated for validation in independent studies and clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sofia Trocchianesi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Agnese Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Alzumaili B, Xu B, Spanheimer PM, Tuttle RM, Sherman E, Katabi N, Dogan S, Ganly I, Untch BR, Ghossein RA. Grading of medullary thyroid carcinoma on the basis of tumor necrosis and high mitotic rate is an independent predictor of poor outcome. Mod Pathol 2020; 33:1690-1701. [PMID: 32313184 PMCID: PMC7483270 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-020-0532-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare nonfollicular cell-derived tumor. A robust grading system may help better stratify patients at risk for recurrence and death from disease. In total, 144 MTC between 1988 and 2018 were subjected to a detailed histopathologic evaluation. Clinical and pathologic data were correlated with disease specific survival (DSS), local recurrence free survival (LRFS) and distant metastasis free survival (DMFS). Median age was 53 years (range: 3-88). Median tumor size was 1.8 cm (range: 0.2-11). Lymph node metastases were present in 84 (58%) cases while distant metastases at presentation were found in 9 (6%) patients. Seven (5%) had ≥5 mitoses/10 HPFs. Tumor necrosis was present in 30 cases (20%) while lymphovascular invasion occurred in 41 (28%) of tumors. Extra-thyroidal extension was found in 44 (31%) and positive margins were seen in 19 (14%). There was a strong correlation between increasing tumor size and tumor necrosis (p < 0.001). Median follow up was 39 months. In univariate analysis, male gender, higher American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage group, larger tumor size, tumor necrosis, high mitotic index (≥5/10 HPF), nodal status, size of largest nodal metastasis, and elevated postoperative serum calcitonin predicted worse DSS, LRFS, and DMFS (p < 0.05). Extra-thyroidal extension correlated with DSS and DMFS while positive margins and distant metastasis at presentation imparted worse DSS (p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, tumor necrosis and mitotic activity (5 mitosis/10 HPFs as the cutoff) were the only independent predictors for DSS (p = 0.008 and 0.026, respectively). Tumor necrosis was the sole independent prognostic factor for LRFS and DMFS (p = 0.001 and 0.003, respectively). The presence of tumor necrosis and high mitotic rate are powerful independent prognostic factors in MTC and outperform serum calcitonin and stage. We propose a grading system based on tumor necrosis and mitotic activity to better stratify MTC patients for counseling, post-resection surveillance, and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayan Alzumaili
- Department of Pathology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Philip M Spanheimer
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - R Michael Tuttle
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eric Sherman
- Medical Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nora Katabi
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Snjezana Dogan
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ian Ganly
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brian R Untch
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Ronald A Ghossein
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Friziero A, Da Dalt G, Piotto A, Serafini S, Grego A, Galuppini F, Pennelli G, Sperti C. Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma in a Patient with MEN 1 Syndrome. Case Report and Literature Review. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:7599-7603. [PMID: 32801775 PMCID: PMC7402866 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s259656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is typically associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndrome (MEN 2), but not with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1). We report a very rare case of MTC in a patient with MEN 1 syndrome. A 60-year-old Caucasian woman with sporadic MEN 1 syndrome was admitted in October 2018 for recurrent hyperparathyroidism unresponsive to medical therapy. Her medical history included the diagnosis of a non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (NF-pNET) of the head of the pancreas 1.5 cm in size in 2001, and subtotal parathyroidectomy for uncontrolled hyperparathyroidism due to bilateral parathyroid hyperplasia in the same year. This history prompted genetic studies, and MEN 1 syndrome was confirmed. Family screening was performed in first-degree relatives, with negative results. Other typical clinical manifestations of MEN 1 syndrome were ruled out. In November 2018, the patient underwent excision of the residual left inferior parathyroid, extended to include the left thyroid lobe, for recurrent uncontrolled hyperparathyroidism. The pathologist identified MTC and adenoma of the parathyroid gland. Genetic tests were performed to identify any RET mutation, with negative results. The patient underwent total thyroidectomy about 6 months later, and the subsequent histological report showed only focal reactive C-cell hyperplasia of the thyroid. A literature review identified only three previously published cases of MTC coexisting with MEN 1 syndrome. This association may have two etiological hypotheses: either a sporadic MTC arising in a patient with MEN 1 syndrome, or a rare case of medullary cancer linked to a MEN 1 gene mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Friziero
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology-DISCOG, 3rd Surgical Clinic, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Da Dalt
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology-DISCOG, 3rd Surgical Clinic, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Piotto
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology-DISCOG, 3rd Surgical Clinic, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Simone Serafini
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology-DISCOG, 3rd Surgical Clinic, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Grego
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology-DISCOG, 3rd Surgical Clinic, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Galuppini
- Department of Woman's and Children's Health-SDB, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Gianmaria Pennelli
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Pathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Cosimo Sperti
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology-DISCOG, 3rd Surgical Clinic, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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San Román Gil M, Pozas J, Molina-Cerrillo J, Gómez J, Pian H, Pozas M, Carrato A, Grande E, Alonso-Gordoa T. Current and Future Role of Tyrosine Kinases Inhibition in Thyroid Cancer: From Biology to Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4951. [PMID: 32668761 PMCID: PMC7403957 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer represents a heterogenous disease whose incidence has increased in the last decades. Although three main different subtypes have been described, molecular characterization is progressively being included in the diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm of these patients. In fact, thyroid cancer is a landmark in the oncological approach to solid tumors as it harbors key genetic alterations driving tumor progression that have been demonstrated to be potential actionable targets. Within this promising and rapid changing scenario, current efforts are directed to improve tumor characterization for an accurate guidance in the therapeutic management. In this sense, it is strongly recommended to perform tissue genotyping to patients that are going to be considered for systemic therapy in order to select the adequate treatment, according to recent clinical trials data. Overall, the aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive review on the molecular biology of thyroid cancer focusing on the key role of tyrosine kinases. Additionally, from a clinical point of view, we provide a thorough perspective, current and future, in the treatment landscape of this tumor.
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MESH Headings
- Adenocarcinoma, Follicular/enzymology
- Adenocarcinoma, Follicular/genetics
- Adenocarcinoma, Follicular/therapy
- Adenoma, Oxyphilic/enzymology
- Adenoma, Oxyphilic/genetics
- Adenoma, Oxyphilic/therapy
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use
- Carcinoma, Medullary/enzymology
- Carcinoma, Medullary/genetics
- Carcinoma, Medullary/therapy
- Carcinoma, Papillary/enzymology
- Carcinoma, Papillary/genetics
- Carcinoma, Papillary/therapy
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Disease Management
- Forecasting
- Genes, Neoplasm
- Humans
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Immunoconjugates/therapeutic use
- Immunotherapy
- Iodine Radioisotopes/therapeutic use
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Multicenter Studies as Topic
- Neoplasm Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/antagonists & inhibitors
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics
- Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
- Thyroid Neoplasms/enzymology
- Thyroid Neoplasms/genetics
- Thyroid Neoplasms/therapy
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- María San Román Gil
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain; (M.S.R.G.); (J.P.); (M.P.); (A.C.); (T.A.-G.)
| | - Javier Pozas
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain; (M.S.R.G.); (J.P.); (M.P.); (A.C.); (T.A.-G.)
| | - Javier Molina-Cerrillo
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain; (M.S.R.G.); (J.P.); (M.P.); (A.C.); (T.A.-G.)
- The Ramon y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), CIBERONC, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Medicine School, Alcalá University, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (J.G.); (H.P.)
| | - Joaquín Gómez
- Medicine School, Alcalá University, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (J.G.); (H.P.)
- General Surgery Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Héctor Pian
- Medicine School, Alcalá University, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (J.G.); (H.P.)
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Pozas
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain; (M.S.R.G.); (J.P.); (M.P.); (A.C.); (T.A.-G.)
| | - Alfredo Carrato
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain; (M.S.R.G.); (J.P.); (M.P.); (A.C.); (T.A.-G.)
- The Ramon y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), CIBERONC, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Medicine School, Alcalá University, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (J.G.); (H.P.)
| | - Enrique Grande
- Medical Oncology Department, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 28033 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Teresa Alonso-Gordoa
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain; (M.S.R.G.); (J.P.); (M.P.); (A.C.); (T.A.-G.)
- The Ramon y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), CIBERONC, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Medicine School, Alcalá University, 28805 Madrid, Spain; (J.G.); (H.P.)
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45
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Zhao Z, Fu T, Gao J, Xu Y, Wu X, Chen W, Li X, Yu R, Shao YW, Li M, Yao Y. Identifying novel oncogenic RET mutations and characterising their sensitivity to RET-specific inhibitors. J Med Genet 2020; 58:jmedgenet-2019-106546. [PMID: 32284345 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2019-106546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rearranged during transfection (RET) is a well-known proto-oncogene. Multiple RET oncogenic alterations have been identified, including fusions and mutations. Although RET fusions have been reported in multiple cancers, RET mutations were mainly found in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 and medullary thyroid carcinoma. RET mutations in other cancers were underinvestigated and their functional annotation was less well studied. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed next-generation sequencing data from 37 056 patients with cancer to search for RET mutations. We excluded patients with other co-occurring known driver mutations to enrich potential activating RET mutations for further analysis. Moreover, we performed in vitro functional validation of the oncogenic property of several high frequent and novel RET mutants and their sensitivity to RET-specific inhibitors LOXO-292 and BLU-667. RESULTS Within 560 (1.5%) patients with cancer who harbour RET mutations, we identified 380 distinct RET mutation sites, including 252 sites without co-occurring driver mutations. RET mutations were more frequently found in thyroid cancer, mediastinal tumour and several other cancers. The mutation sites spread out through the whole protein with a few hotspots within the kinase domain. In addition, we functionally validated that 898-901del, T930P and T930K were novel RET-activating mutations and they were all sensitive to RET inhibitors. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated the frequency of RET mutations across different cancers. We reported and/or validated several previously uncharacterised RET oncogenic mutations and demonstrated their sensitivity to RET-specific inhibitors. Our results help to stratify patients with cancer based on their RET mutation status and potentially provide more targeted treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhao
- Third Department of Medical Oncology, Shaanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tao Fu
- Gastrointestinal Surgery Department, Beijing Cancer Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiyue Gao
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Translational Medicine Research Institute, Geneseeq Technology Inc, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xue Wu
- Translational Medicine Research Institute, Geneseeq Technology Inc, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wenjuan Chen
- Third Department of Medical Oncology, Shaanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xuesong Li
- Translational Medicine Research Institute, Geneseeq Technology Inc, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ruoying Yu
- Translational Medicine Research Institute, Geneseeq Technology Inc, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yang Washington Shao
- Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Man Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yu Yao
- Internal Medicine-Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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46
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Murciano-Goroff YR, Taylor BS, Hyman DM, Schram AM. Toward a More Precise Future for Oncology. Cancer Cell 2020; 37:431-442. [PMID: 32289268 PMCID: PMC7499397 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2020.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Prospective molecular characterization of cancer has enabled physicians to define the genomic changes of each patient's tumor in real time and select personalized therapies based on these detailed portraits. Despite the promise of such an approach, previously unrecognized biological and therapeutic complexity is emerging. Here, we synthesize lessons learned and discuss the steps required to extend the benefits of genome-driven oncology, including proposing strategies for improved drug design, more nuanced patient selection, and optimized use of available therapies. Finally, we suggest ways that next-generation genome-driven clinical trials can evolve to accelerate our understanding of cancer biology and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonina R Murciano-Goroff
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Barry S Taylor
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Human Oncogenesis and Pathology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - David M Hyman
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA; Loxo Oncology, A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Eli Lilly, Stamford, CT, USA
| | - Alison M Schram
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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47
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Fussey JM, Vaidya B, Kim D, Clark J, Ellard S, Smith JA. The role of molecular genetics in the clinical management of sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma: A systematic review. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2019; 91:697-707. [PMID: 31301229 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The significant variation in the clinical behaviour of sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma (sMTC) causes uncertainty when planning the management of these patients. Several tumour genetic and epigenetic markers have been described, but their clinical usefulness remains unclear. The aim of this review was to evaluate the evidence for the use of molecular genetic and epigenetic profiles in the risk stratification and management of sMTC. METHODS MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched using the MeSH terms "medullary carcinoma", "epigenetics", "molecular genetics", "microRNAs"; and free text terms "medullary carcinoma", "sporadic medullary thyroid cancer", "sMTC", "RET", "RAS" and "miR". Articles containing less than ten subjects, not focussing on sMTC, or not reporting clinical outcomes were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria, and key findings were summarized in themes according to the genetic and epigenetic markers studied. There is good evidence that somatic RET mutations predict higher rates of lymph node metastasis and persistent disease, and worse survival. There are also several good quality studies demonstrating associations between certain epigenetic markers such as tumour miR-183 and miR-375 expression and higher rates of lymph node and distant metastasis, and worse survival. CONCLUSIONS There is a growing body of evidence that tumour genetic and epigenetic profiles can be used to risk stratify patients with sMTC. Further research should focus on the clinical applicability of these findings by investigating the possibility of tailoring management to an individual's tumour mutation profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Mark Fussey
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, UK
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Bijay Vaidya
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, UK
| | - Dae Kim
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, St George's University Hospital, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Clark
- Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sian Ellard
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Joel Anthony Smith
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, UK
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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48
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Larouche V, Akirov A, Thomas CM, Krzyzanowska MK, Ezzat S. A primer on the genetics of medullary thyroid cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 26:389-394. [PMID: 31896937 DOI: 10.3747/co.26.5553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid cancer is a rare type of neuroendocrine tumour that arises from the parafollicular cells (C cells) of the thyroid gland. It accounts for 3%-5% of thyroid cancer cases. Close to 25% of cases are familial, and 75% are considered sporadic. Familial cases are associated with a germline RET mutation; 43%-65% of sporadic cases harbour a somatic event in the gene. Germline RET mutations are associated with the autosomal-dominant inherited multiple endocrine neoplasia (men) 2a and 2b syndromes and the isolated familial medullary thyroid cancer syndrome. More than 100 RET codon mutations have been reported to date, with genotype-phenotype correlations that include the extent and aggressiveness of the medullary thyroid cancer and the presence of other features of the men2 syndromes. The latter include pheochromocytoma-paraganglioma, hyperparathyroidism, cutaneous lichen amyloidosis, and Hirschsprung disease. In this narrative review, we focus on RET proto-oncogene physiology and pathogenesis induced by germline and somatic RET mutations, the genotype-phenotype correlation, and the management and follow-up of patients with germline-mutated medullary thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Larouche
- Endocrine Oncology Site Group, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON.,Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC
| | - A Akirov
- Endocrine Oncology Site Group, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON.,Institute of Endocrinology, Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - C M Thomas
- Endocrine Oncology Site Group, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON
| | - M K Krzyzanowska
- Endocrine Oncology Site Group, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON
| | - S Ezzat
- Endocrine Oncology Site Group, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON
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49
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Appetecchia M, Lauretta R, Barnabei A, Pieruzzi L, Terrenato I, Cavedon E, Mian C, Castagna MG, Elisei R. Epidemiology of Simultaneous Medullary and Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas (MTC/PTC): An Italian Multicenter Study. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101516. [PMID: 31600997 PMCID: PMC6826384 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The concomitant presence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and medullary TC (MTC) is rare. In this multicentric study, we documented the epidemiological characteristics, disease conditions and clinical outcome of patients with simultaneous MTC/PTC. Methods: We collected data of patients with concomitant MTC/PTC at 14 Italian referral centers. Results: In total, 183 patients were enrolled. Diagnosis was mostly based on cytological examination (n = 58, 32%). At diagnosis, in the majority of cases, both PTC (n = 142, 78%) and MTC (n = 100, 54%) were at stage I. However, more cases of stage II–IV were reported with MTC (stage IV: n = 27, 15%) compared with PTC (n = 9, 5%). Information on survival was available for 165 patients: 109 patients (66%) were disease-free for both PTC and MTC at the last follow-up. Six patients died from MTC. Median time to progression was 123 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 89.3–156.7 months). Overall, 45% of patients were disease-free after >10 years from diagnosis (125 months); this figure was 72.5% for PTC and 51.1% for MTC. Conclusions: When MTC and PTC are concurrent, the priority should be given to the management of MTC since this entity appears associated with the most severe impact on prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialuisa Appetecchia
- Oncological Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy.
| | - Rosa Lauretta
- Oncological Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy.
| | - Agnese Barnabei
- Oncological Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy.
| | - Letizia Pieruzzi
- Endocrinology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa 56121, Italy.
| | - Irene Terrenato
- Biostatistics-Scientific Direction, IRCSS Regina Elena National Institute, Rome 00144, Italy.
| | | | - Caterina Mian
- Istituto Oncologico Veneto, University of Padua, Padua 35100, Italy.
| | | | - Rossella Elisei
- Endocrinology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa 56121, Italy.
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50
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Rich TA, Reckamp KL, Chae YK, Doebele RC, Iams WT, Oh M, Raymond VM, Lanman RB, Riess JW, Stinchcombe TE, Subbiah V, Trevarthen DR, Fairclough S, Yen J, Gautschi O. Analysis of Cell-Free DNA from 32,989 Advanced Cancers Reveals Novel Co-occurring Activating RET Alterations and Oncogenic Signaling Pathway Aberrations. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 25:5832-5842. [PMID: 31300450 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-4049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE RET is an emerging oncogenic target showing promise in phase I/II clinical trials. An understudied aspect of RET-driven cancers is the extent to which co-occurring genomic alterations exist and how they may impact prognosis or therapeutic response. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Somatic activating RET alterations were identified among 32,989 consecutive patients with metastatic solid tumors tested with a clinical cell-free circulating tumor DNA (cfDNA) assay. This comprehensive next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay evaluates single-nucleotide variants, and select indels, fusions, and copy number gains in 68-73 clinically relevant cancer genes. RESULTS A total of 176 somatic activating RET alterations were detected in 170 patients (143 fusions and 33 missense mutations). Patients had non-small cell lung (NSCLC, n = 125), colorectal (n = 15), breast (n = 8), thyroid (n = 8), or other (n = 14) cancers. Alterations in other oncogenic signaling pathway genes were frequently identified in RET-positive samples and varied by specific RET fusion gene partner. RET fusions involving partners other than KIF5B were enriched for alterations in MAPK pathway genes and other bona fide oncogenic drivers of NSCLC, particularly EGFR. Molecular and clinical data revealed that these variants emerged later in the genomic evolution of the tumor as mechanisms of resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS In the largest cancer cohort with somatic activating RET alterations, we describe novel co-occurrences of oncogenic signaling pathway aberrations. We find that KIF5B-RET fusions are highly specific for NSCLC. In our study, only non-KIF5B-RET fusions contributed to anti-EGFR therapy resistance. Knowledge of specific RET fusion gene partner may have clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen L Reckamp
- Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California
| | - Young Kwang Chae
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Robert C Doebele
- Medical Oncology/Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Wade T Iams
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Michael Oh
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | | | - Jonathan W Riess
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, California
| | | | - Vivek Subbiah
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - David R Trevarthen
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Institute of Colorado, Englewood, Colorado
| | | | | | - Oliver Gautschi
- University of Berne and Department of Medicine, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
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