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Jeeyavudeen MS, Mathiyalagan N, Fernandez James C, Pappachan JM. Tumor metabolism in pheochromocytomas: clinical and therapeutic implications. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2024; 5:349-373. [PMID: 38745767 PMCID: PMC11090696 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2024.00222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) have emerged as one of the most common endocrine tumors. It epitomizes fascinating crossroads of genetic, metabolic, and endocrine oncology, providing a canvas to explore the molecular intricacies of tumor biology. Predominantly rooted in the aberration of metabolic pathways, particularly the Krebs cycle and related enzymatic functionalities, PPGLs manifest an intriguing metabolic profile, highlighting elevated levels of oncometabolites like succinate and fumarate, and furthering cellular malignancy and genomic instability. This comprehensive review aims to delineate the multifaceted aspects of tumor metabolism in PPGLs, encapsulating genetic factors, oncometabolites, and potential therapeutic avenues, thereby providing a cohesive understanding of metabolic disturbances and their ramifications in tumorigenesis and disease progression. Initial investigations into PPGLs metabolomics unveiled a stark correlation between specific genetic mutations, notably in the succinate dehydrogenase complex (SDHx) genes, and the accumulation of oncometabolites, establishing a pivotal role in epigenetic alterations and hypoxia-inducible pathways. By scrutinizing voluminous metabolic studies and exploiting technologies, novel insights into the metabolic and genetic aspects of PPGLs are perpetually being gathered elucidating complex interactions and molecular machinations. Additionally, the exploration of therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic abnormalities has burgeoned harboring potential for innovative and efficacious treatment modalities. This review encapsulates the profound metabolic complexities of PPGLs, aiming to foster an enriched understanding and pave the way for future investigations and therapeutic innovations in managing these metabolically unique tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Navin Mathiyalagan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, NG5 1PB Nottingham, UK
| | - Cornelius Fernandez James
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Pilgrim Hospital, United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, PE21 9QS Boston, UK
| | - Joseph M. Pappachan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, PR2 9HT Preston, UK
- Faculty of Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, M15 6BH Manchester, UK
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, M13 9PL Manchester, UK
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2
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Karna B, Pellegata NS, Mohr H. Animal and Cell Culture Models of PPGLs - Achievements and Limitations. Horm Metab Res 2024; 56:51-64. [PMID: 38171372 DOI: 10.1055/a-2204-4549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Research on rare tumors heavily relies on suitable models for basic and translational research. Paragangliomas (PPGL) are rare neuroendocrine tumors (NET), developing from adrenal (pheochromocytoma, PCC) or extra-adrenal (PGL) chromaffin cells, with an annual incidence of 2-8 cases per million. While most PPGL cases exhibit slow growth and are primarily treated with surgery, limited systemic treatment options are available for unresectable or metastatic tumors. Scarcity of appropriate models has hindered PPGL research, preventing the translation of omics knowledge into drug and therapy development. Human PPGL cell lines are not available, and few animal models accurately replicate the disease's genetic and phenotypic characteristics. This review provides an overview of laboratory models for PPGLs, spanning cellular, tissue, organ, and organism levels. We discuss their features, advantages, and potential contributions to diagnostics and therapeutics. Interestingly, it appears that in the PPGL field, disease models already successfully implemented in other cancers have not been fully explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhargavi Karna
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Center Munich - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Natalia Simona Pellegata
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Center Munich - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Hermine Mohr
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Center Munich - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
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Richter S, Steenblock C, Fischer A, Lemm S, Ziegler CG, Bechmann N, Nölting S, Pietzsch J, Ullrich M. Improving susceptibility of neuroendocrine tumors to radionuclide therapies: personalized approaches towards complementary treatments. Theranostics 2024; 14:17-32. [PMID: 38164150 PMCID: PMC10750207 DOI: 10.7150/thno.87345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Radionuclide therapies are an important tool for the management of patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). Especially [131I]MIBG and [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE are routinely used for the treatment of a subset of NENs, including pheochromocytomas, paragangliomas and gastroenteropancreatic tumors. Some patients suffering from other forms of NENs, such as medullary thyroid carcinoma or neuroblastoma, were shown to respond to radionuclide therapy; however, no general recommendations exist. Although [131I]MIBG and [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE can delay disease progression and improve quality of life, complete remissions are achieved rarely. Hence, better individually tailored combination regimes are required. This review summarizes currently applied radionuclide therapies in the context of NENs and informs about recent advances in the development of theranostic agents that might enable targeting subgroups of NENs that previously did not respond to [131I]MIBG or [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE. Moreover, molecular pathways involved in NEN tumorigenesis and progression that mediate features of radioresistance and are particularly related to the stemness of cancer cells are discussed. Pharmacological inhibition of such pathways might result in radiosensitization or general complementary antitumor effects in patients with certain genetic, transcriptomic, or metabolic characteristics. Finally, we provide an overview of approved targeted agents that might be beneficial in combination with radionuclide therapies in the context of a personalized molecular profiling approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Richter
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Charlotte Steenblock
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Alessa Fischer
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ), and University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sandy Lemm
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, School of Science, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian G. Ziegler
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- University Hospital Würzburg, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Bechmann
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Svenja Nölting
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ), and University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jens Pietzsch
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, School of Science, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Ullrich
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
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Phan Z, Ford CE, Caldon CE. DNA repair biomarkers to guide usage of combined PARP inhibitors and chemotherapy: A meta-analysis and systematic review. Pharmacol Res 2023; 196:106927. [PMID: 37717683 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The addition of PARP inhibitors to chemotherapy has been assessed in > 80 clinical trials across multiple malignancies, on the premise that PARP inhibitors will increase chemotherapy effectiveness regardless of whether cancers have underlying disruption of DNA repair pathways. Consequently, the majority of combination therapy trials have been performed on patients without biomarker selection, despite the use of homologous recombination deficiency to dictate use of PARP inhibitors in the maintenance setting. An unresolved question is whether biomarkers are needed to identify patients who respond to combination PARP inhibitors and chemotherapy. METHODS A systematic literature review identified studies using PARP inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone, where the study included a biomarker of DNA repair function (BRCA1, BRCA2, homologous recombination deficiency test, ATM, ERCC1, SLFN11). Hazard ratios (HR) were pooled in a meta-analysis using generic inverse-variance, and fixed or random effects modelling. Subgroup analyses were conducted on biomarker selection and type of malignancy. RESULTS Nine studies comprising 2547 patients met the inclusion criteria. Progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly better in patients with a DNA repair biomarker (HR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.48-0.68, p < 0.00001), but there was no benefit in patients who lacked a biomarker (HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.82-1.08, p = 0.38). Subgroup analysis showed that BRCA status and SLFN11 biomarkers could predict benefit, and biomarker-driven benefit occurred in ovarian, breast and small cell lung cancers. The addition of PARP inhibitors to chemotherapy was associated with increased grade 3/4 side effects, and particularly neutropenia. CONCLUSIONS Combination therapy only improves PFS in patients with identifiable DNA repair biomarkers. This indicates that PARP inhibitors do not sensitise patients to chemotherapy treatment, except where their cancer has a homologous recombination defect, or an alternative biomarker of altered DNA repair. While effective in patients with DNA repair biomarkers, there is a risk of high-grade haematological side-effects with the use of combination therapy. Thus, the benefit in PFS from combination therapy must be weighed against potential adverse effects, as individual arms of treatment can also confer benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Phan
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Caroline E Ford
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - C Elizabeth Caldon
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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Luca E, Zitzmann K, Bornstein S, Kugelmeier P, Beuschlein F, Nölting S, Hantel C. Three Dimensional Models of Endocrine Organs and Target Tissues Regulated by the Endocrine System. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4601. [PMID: 37760571 PMCID: PMC10526768 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184601] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Immortalized cell lines originating from tumors and cultured in monolayers in vitro display consistent behavior and response, and generate reproducible results across laboratories. However, for certain endpoints, these cell lines behave quite differently from the original solid tumors. Thereby, the homogeneity of immortalized cell lines and two-dimensionality of monolayer cultures deters from the development of new therapies and translatability of results to the more complex situation in vivo. Organoids originating from tissue biopsies and spheroids from cell lines mimic the heterogeneous and multidimensional characteristics of tumor cells in 3D structures in vitro. Thus, they have the advantage of recapitulating the more complex tissue architecture of solid tumors. In this review, we discuss recent efforts in basic and preclinical cancer research to establish methods to generate organoids/spheroids and living biobanks from endocrine tissues and target organs under endocrine control while striving to achieve solutions in personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edlira Luca
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kathrin Zitzmann
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 München, Germany
| | - Stefan Bornstein
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Felix Beuschlein
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Endocrine Research Unit, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Svenja Nölting
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 München, Germany
| | - Constanze Hantel
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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6
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Ye Y, Huang Z, Zhang M, Li J, Zhang Y, Lou C. Synergistic therapeutic potential of alpelisib in cancers (excluding breast cancer): Preclinical and clinical evidences. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 159:114183. [PMID: 36641927 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114183] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway is well-known for its important role in cancer growth, proliferation and migration. The activation of PI3K pathway is always connected with endocrine resistance and poor prognosis in cancers. Alpelisib, a selective inhibitor of PI3K, has been demonstrated to be effective in combination with endocrine therapy in HR+ PIK3CA-mutated advanced breast cancer in preclinical and clinical trials. Recently, the synergistic effects of alpelisib combined with targeted agents have been widely reported in PIK3CA-mutated cancer cells, such as breast, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), cervical, liver, pancreatic and lung cancer. However, previous reviews mainly focused on the pharmacological activities of alpelisib in breast cancer. The synergistic therapeutic potential of alpelisib in other cancers has not yet been well reviewed. In this review, an extensive study of related literatures (published until December 20, 2022) regarding the anti-cancer functions and synergistic effects of alpelisib was carried out through the databases. Useful information was extracted. We summarized the preclinical and clinical studies of alpelisib in combination with targeted anti-cancer agents in cancer treatment (excluding breast cancer). The combinations of alpelisib and other targeted agents significantly improved the therapeutic efficacy both in preclinical and clinical studies. Unfortunately, synergistic therapies still could not effectively avoid the possible toxicities and adverse events during treatment. Finally, some prospects for the combination studies in cancer treatment were provided in the paper. Taken together, this review provided valuable information for alpelisib in preclinical and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Ye
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Zhiyu Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Maoqing Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Jiayue Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Yiqiong Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Chenghua Lou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
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Wang K, Crona J, Beuschlein F, Grossman AB, Pacak K, Nölting S. Targeted Therapies in Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:2963-2972. [PMID: 35973976 PMCID: PMC9923802 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Molecular targeted therapy plays an increasingly important role in the treatment of metastatic pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs), which are rare tumors but remain difficult to treat. This mini-review provides an overview of established molecular targeted therapies in present use, and perspectives on those currently under development and evaluation in clinical trials. Recently published research articles, guidelines, and expert views on molecular targeted therapies in PPGLs are systematically reviewed and summarized. Some tyrosine kinase inhibitors (sunitinib, cabozantinib) are already in clinical use with some promising results, but without formal approval for the treatment of PPGLs. Sunitinib is the only therapeutic option which has been investigated in a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. It is clinically used as a first-, second-, or third-line therapeutic option for the treatment of progressive metastatic PPGLs. Some other promising molecular targeted therapies (hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha [HIF2α] inhibitors, tumor vaccination together with checkpoint inhibitors, antiangiogenic therapies, kinase signaling inhibitors) are under evaluation in clinical trials. The HIF2α inhibitor belzutifan may prove to be particularly interesting for cluster 1B-/VHL/EPAS1-related PPGLs, whereas antiangiogenic therapies seem to be primarily effective in cluster 1A-/SDHx-related PPGLs. Some combination therapies currently being evaluated in clinical trials, such as temozolomide/olaparib, temozolomide/talazoparib, or cabozantinib/atezolizumab, will provide data for novel therapy for metastatic PPGLs. It is likely that advances in such molecular targeted therapies will play an essential role in the future treatment of these tumors, with more personalized therapy options paving the way towards improved therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Klinikum, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Joakim Crona
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Felix Beuschlein
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Klinikum, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ashley B Grossman
- Green Templeton College, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6HG, United Kingdom
- NET Unit, ENETS Centre of Excellence, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2QG, United Kingdom
| | - Karel Pacak
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1109, USA
| | - Svenja Nölting
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Klinikum, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
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Sobocki BK, Perdyan A, Szot O, Rutkowski J. Management of Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas: A Case-Based Review of Clinical Aspects and Perspectives. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11092591. [PMID: 35566714 PMCID: PMC9103340 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11092591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma are rare medical conditions. Thus, there are still a small number of studies, clinical trials, and evidence-based data in this field. This makes clinical decisions more difficult. In this study, we present a case report enriched with a short review of available essential clinical data, indicating the need for constant metoxycatecholamine level observation and a proper diagnostic imaging approach, especially in terms of ongoing pandemics. Our research also provides a summary of the molecular background of these diseases, indicating their future role in clinical management. We analyzed the ClinicalTrials.gov dataset in order to show future perspectives. In this paper, the use of the PET-CT before MRI or CT is proposed in specific cases during diagnosis processes contrary to the guidelines. PET-CT may be as effective as standard procedures and may provide a faster diagnosis, which is important in periods with more difficult access to health care, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartosz Kamil Sobocki
- Student Scientific Circle of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland;
- Correspondence: (B.K.S.); (J.R.)
| | - Adrian Perdyan
- International Research Agenda 3P Medicine Laboratory, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Olga Szot
- Student Scientific Circle of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Jacek Rutkowski
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland
- Correspondence: (B.K.S.); (J.R.)
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Anderson PM, Trucco MM, Tarapore RS, Zahler S, Thomas S, Gortz J, Mian O, Stoignew M, Prabhu V, Morrow S, Allen JE. Phase II Study of ONC201 in Neuroendocrine Tumors including Pheochromocytoma-Paraganglioma and Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:1773-1782. [PMID: 35022321 PMCID: PMC9306280 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-4030] [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: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tumor dopamine-like DRD2 receptor expression is higher in pheochromocytoma-paraganglioma (PC-PG) compared with other cancers. ONC201 is a bitopic DRD2 antagonist with preclinical ONC201 activity in desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients (N = 30) with neuroendocrine tumors were treated on this investigator-initiated trial (NCT03034200). ONC201 dose and schedule were 625 mg orally weekly in cohorts A (PC-PG) + B (other neuroendocrine tumors) and 625 mg orally on 2 consecutive days each week in cohort C, which included 5 responding patients. The primary endpoint was radiographic response measured using RECIST. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival, overall survival, and safety. RESULTS In arm A (n = 10; all PC-PG), 50% (5/10) exhibited a partial response (PR) and 2 additional patients had stable disease (SD) >3 months. Median duration of therapy for arm A patients was 9 months (range: 1.5-33 months) with 5 patients treated >1 year. In arm B (n = 12), there were 1 PR (DSRCT) and 2 SD (DSRCT; neuroblastoma) >3 months. Median duration of therapy in arm A was 18 months (range: 1-33 months) and arm B was 3 months (range: 1.5-33 months). Arm C PC-PG (N = 8) showed 1 PR and 7 SD at 3 months, with median duration of therapy >10 months. There was no decline in Karnofsky performance status at week 12 for 28 of 30 patients and no dose modification due to treatment-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Oral ONC201 was well tolerated in patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors and associated with clinical benefit, including tumor responses, particularly in some patients with DSRCT and the majority of patients with PC-PG. See related commentary by Owen and Trikalinos, p. 1748.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M. Anderson
- Department of Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Cleveland Clinic Children's, Cleveland, Ohio.,Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,Corresponding Author: Peter M. Anderson, Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, R3 Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Cleveland, OH 44195. Phone: 216-308-2706; Fax: 216-444-3577; E-mail:
| | - Matteo M. Trucco
- Department of Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Cleveland Clinic Children's, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Rohinton S. Tarapore
- Oncoceutics Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Chimerix Inc., Durham, North Carolina
| | - Stacey Zahler
- Department of Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Cleveland Clinic Children's, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Stefanie Thomas
- Department of Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Cleveland Clinic Children's, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Janette Gortz
- Department of Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Cleveland Clinic Children's, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Omar Mian
- Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Varun Prabhu
- Oncoceutics Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Chimerix Inc., Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Joshua E. Allen
- Oncoceutics Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Chimerix Inc., Durham, North Carolina
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10
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Nölting S, Bechmann N, Taieb D, Beuschlein F, Fassnacht M, Kroiss M, Eisenhofer G, Grossman A, Pacak K. Personalized Management of Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:199-239. [PMID: 34147030 PMCID: PMC8905338 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas are characterized by a unique molecular landscape that allows their assignment to clusters based on underlying genetic alterations. With around 30% to 35% of Caucasian patients (a lower percentage in the Chinese population) showing germline mutations in susceptibility genes, pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas have the highest rate of heritability among all tumors. A further 35% to 40% of Caucasian patients (a higher percentage in the Chinese population) are affected by somatic driver mutations. Thus, around 70% of all patients with pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma can be assigned to 1 of 3 main molecular clusters with different phenotypes and clinical behavior. Krebs cycle/VHL/EPAS1-related cluster 1 tumors tend to a noradrenergic biochemical phenotype and require very close follow-up due to the risk of metastasis and recurrence. In contrast, kinase signaling-related cluster 2 tumors are characterized by an adrenergic phenotype and episodic symptoms, with generally a less aggressive course. The clinical correlates of patients with Wnt signaling-related cluster 3 tumors are currently poorly described, but aggressive behavior seems likely. In this review, we explore and explain why cluster-specific (personalized) management of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma is essential to ascertain clinical behavior and prognosis, guide individual diagnostic procedures (biochemical interpretation, choice of the most sensitive imaging modalities), and provide personalized management and follow-up. Although cluster-specific therapy of inoperable/metastatic disease has not yet entered routine clinical practice, we suggest that informed personalized genetic-driven treatment should be implemented as a logical next step. This review amalgamates published guidelines and expert views within each cluster for a coherent individualized patient management plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Nölting
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Nicole Bechmann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany.,Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - David Taieb
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, La Timone University Hospital, CERIMED, Aix-Marseille University, 13273 Marseille, France
| | - Felix Beuschlein
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kroiss
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany.,Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Graeme Eisenhofer
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany.,Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Ashley Grossman
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6HG, UK.,Centre for Endocrinology, Barts and the London School of Medicine, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.,ENETS Centre of Excellence, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2QG, UK
| | - Karel Pacak
- Section on Medical Neuroendocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20847, USA
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11
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Treatment of Pheochromocytoma Cells with Recurrent Cycles of Hypoxia: A New Pseudohypoxic In Vitro Model. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030560. [PMID: 35159368 PMCID: PMC8834104 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Continuous activation of hypoxia pathways in pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) is associated with higher disease aggressiveness, for which effective treatment strategies are still missing. Most of the commonly used in vitro models lack characteristics of these pseudohypoxic tumors, including elevated expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 2α. To address this shortcoming, we investigated whether recurrent hypoxia cycles lead to continuous activation of hypoxia pathways under normoxic conditions and whether this pseudohypoxia is associated with increased cellular aggressiveness. Rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12) were incubated under hypoxia for 24 h every 3–4 days, up to 20 hypoxia–reoxygenation cycles, resulting in PC12 Z20 cells. PC12 Z20 control cells were obtained by synchronous cultivation under normoxia. RNA sequencing revealed upregulation of HIF2α in PC12 Z20 cells and a pseudohypoxic gene signature that overlapped with the gene signature of pseudohypoxic PPGLs. PC12 Z20 cells showed a higher growth rate, and the migration and adhesion capacity were significantly increased compared with control cells. Changes in global methylation, together with the pseudohypoxic conditions, may be responsible for the increased aggressiveness of this new model. The established sub-cell line with characteristics of pseudohypoxic PPGLs represent a complementary model for further investigations, for example, with regard to new therapeutic approaches.
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12
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Jhawar S, Arakawa Y, Kumar S, Varghese D, Kim YS, Roper N, Elloumi F, Pommier Y, Pacak K, Del Rivero J. New Insights on the Genetics of Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma and Its Clinical Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030594. [PMID: 35158861 PMCID: PMC8833412 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (together PPGL) are rare neuroendocrine tumors that arise from chromaffin tissue and produce catecholamines. Approximately 40% of cases of PPGL carry a germline mutation, suggesting that they have a high degree of heritability. The underlying mutation influences the PPGL clinical presentation such as cell differentiation, specific catecholamine production, tumor location, malignant potential and genetic anticipation, which helps to better understand the clinical course and tailor treatment accordingly. Genetic testing for pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma allows an early detection of hereditary syndromes and facilitates a close follow-up of high-risk patients. In this review article, we present the most recent advances in the field of genetics and we discuss the latest guidelines on the surveillance of asymptomatic SDHx mutation carriers. Abstract Pheochromocytomas (PHEOs) and paragangliomas (PGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors that arise from chromaffin cells. PHEOs arise from the adrenal medulla, whereas PGLs arise from the neural crest localized outside the adrenal gland. Approximately 40% of all cases of PPGLs (pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas) are associated with germline mutations and 30–40% display somatic driver mutations. The mutations associated with PPGLs can be classified into three groups. The pseudohypoxic group or cluster I includes the following genes: SDHA, SDHB, SDHC, SDHD, SDHAF2, FH, VHL, IDH1/2, MHD2, EGLN1/2 and HIF2/EPAS; the kinase group or cluster II includes RET, NF1, TMEM127, MAX and HRAS; and the Wnt signaling group or cluster III includes CSDE1 and MAML3. Underlying mutations can help understand the clinical presentation, overall prognosis and surveillance follow-up. Here we are discussing the new genetic insights of PPGLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Jhawar
- Life Bridge Health Center, Internal Medicine Program, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Baltimore, MD 21215, USA
| | - Yasuhiro Arakawa
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Diana Varghese
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yoo Sun Kim
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nitin Roper
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Fathi Elloumi
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Karel Pacak
- Section on Medical Neuroendocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jaydira Del Rivero
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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13
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Meireles CG, Lourenço de Lima C, Martins de Paula Oliveira M, Abe da Rocha Miranda R, Romano L, Yo-Stella Brashaw T, Neves da Silva Guerra E, de Assis Rocha Neves F, Chapple JP, Simeoni LA, Lofrano-Porto A. Antiproliferative effects of metformin in cellular models of pheochromocytoma. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 539:111484. [PMID: 34637881 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pheochromocytomas (PCCs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors derived from adrenal medulla chromaffin cells. Malignancy and recurrence are rare but demand effective treatment. Metformin exerts antiproliferative effects in several cancer cell lines. We thus evaluated the effects of metformin on cell viability and proliferation, cellular respiration and AMPK-AKT-mTOR-HIFA proliferation pathway on a rat PCC cell line (PC12-Adh). We then addressed metformin's effects on the AMPK-AKT-mTOR-HIFA pathway on two human primary cultures: one from a VHL-mutant PCC and other from a sporadic PCC. Metformin (20 mM) inhibited PC12-Adh cell proliferation, and decreased oxygen consumption, ATP production and proton leak, in addition to loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Further, metformin induced AMPK phosphorylation and impaired AMPK-PI3k-AKT-mTOR pathway activation. The mTOR pathway was also inhibited in human VHL-related PCC cells, however, in an AMPK-independent manner. Metformin-induced decrease of HIF1A levels was likely mediated by proteasomal degradation. Altogether our results suggest that metformin impairs PCC cellular proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinthia Gabriel Meireles
- Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.
| | - Caroline Lourenço de Lima
- Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil; Laboratory of Oral Histopathology, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | | | - Lisa Romano
- Center of Endocrinology, Queen Mary University of London, William Harvey Research Institute, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Teisha Yo-Stella Brashaw
- Center of Endocrinology, Queen Mary University of London, William Harvey Research Institute, London, England, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - J Paul Chapple
- Center of Endocrinology, Queen Mary University of London, William Harvey Research Institute, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Luiz Alberto Simeoni
- Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Adriana Lofrano-Porto
- Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil; Gonadal and Adrenal Diseases Clinics, University Hospital of Brasília, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
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14
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Takács-Vellai K, Farkas Z, Ősz F, Stewart GW. Model systems in SDHx-related pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:1177-1201. [PMID: 34957538 PMCID: PMC8825606 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-10009-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Pheochromocytoma (PHEO) and paraganglioma (PGL) (together PPGL) are tumors with poor outcomes that arise from neuroendocrine cells in the adrenal gland, and sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia outside the adrenal gland, respectively. Many follow germline mutations in genes coding for subunits of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), a tetrameric enzyme in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle that both converts succinate to fumarate and participates in electron transport. Germline SDH subunit B (SDHB) mutations have a high metastatic potential. Herein, we review the spectrum of model organisms that have contributed hugely to our understanding of SDH dysfunction. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast), succinate accumulation inhibits alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase enzymes leading to DNA demethylation. In the worm Caenorhabditis elegans, mutated SDH creates developmental abnormalities, metabolic rewiring, an energy deficit and oxygen hypersensitivity (the latter is also found in Drosophila melanogaster). In the zebrafish Danio rerio, sdhb mutants display a shorter lifespan with defective energy metabolism. Recently, SDHB-deficient pheochromocytoma has been cultivated in xenografts and has generated cell lines, which can be traced back to a heterozygous SDHB-deficient rat. We propose that a combination of such models can be efficiently and effectively used in both pathophysiological studies and drug-screening projects in order to find novel strategies in PPGL treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zsolt Farkas
- Department of Biological Anthropology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Fanni Ősz
- Department of Biological Anthropology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gordon W Stewart
- Division of Medicine, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
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15
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Tonnus W, Belavgeni A, Beuschlein F, Eisenhofer G, Fassnacht M, Kroiss M, Krone NP, Reincke M, Bornstein SR, Linkermann A. The role of regulated necrosis in endocrine diseases. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2021; 17:497-510. [PMID: 34135504 PMCID: PMC8207819 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-021-00499-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The death of endocrine cells is involved in type 1 diabetes mellitus, autoimmunity, adrenopause and hypogonadotropism. Insights from research on basic cell death have revealed that most pathophysiologically important cell death is necrotic in nature, whereas regular metabolism is maintained by apoptosis programmes. Necrosis is defined as cell death by plasma membrane rupture, which allows the release of damage-associated molecular patterns that trigger an immune response referred to as necroinflammation. Regulated necrosis comes in different forms, such as necroptosis, pyroptosis and ferroptosis. In this Perspective, with a focus on the endocrine environment, we introduce these cell death pathways and discuss the specific consequences of regulated necrosis. Given that clinical trials of necrostatins for the treatment of autoimmune conditions have already been initiated, we highlight the therapeutic potential of such novel therapeutic approaches that, in our opinion, should be tested in endocrine disorders in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wulf Tonnus
- Clinic of Internal Medicine III, Division of Nephrology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Alexia Belavgeni
- Clinic of Internal Medicine III, Division of Nephrology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Felix Beuschlein
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, Munich, Germany
- Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Klinische Ernährung, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Graeme Eisenhofer
- Clinic of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kroiss
- Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nils P Krone
- Clinic of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Academic Unit of Child Health, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Martin Reincke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan R Bornstein
- Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Klinische Ernährung, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Clinic of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Andreas Linkermann
- Clinic of Internal Medicine III, Division of Nephrology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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16
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März J, Kurlbaum M, Roche-Lancaster O, Deutschbein T, Peitzsch M, Prehn C, Weismann D, Robledo M, Adamski J, Fassnacht M, Kunz M, Kroiss M. Plasma Metabolome Profiling for the Diagnosis of Catecholamine Producing Tumors. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:722656. [PMID: 34557163 PMCID: PMC8453166 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.722656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGL) cause catecholamine excess leading to a characteristic clinical phenotype. Intra-individual changes at metabolome level have been described after surgical PPGL removal. The value of metabolomics for the diagnosis of PPGL has not been studied yet. OBJECTIVE Evaluation of quantitative metabolomics as a diagnostic tool for PPGL. DESIGN Targeted metabolomics by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry of plasma specimens and statistical modeling using ML-based feature selection approaches in a clinically well characterized cohort study. PATIENTS Prospectively enrolled patients (n=36, 17 female) from the Prospective Monoamine-producing Tumor Study (PMT) with hormonally active PPGL and 36 matched controls in whom PPGL was rigorously excluded. RESULTS Among 188 measured metabolites, only without considering false discovery rate, 4 exhibited statistically significant differences between patients with PPGL and controls (histidine p=0.004, threonine p=0.008, lyso PC a C28:0 p=0.044, sum of hexoses p=0.018). Weak, but significant correlations for histidine, threonine and lyso PC a C28:0 with total urine catecholamine levels were identified. Only the sum of hexoses (reflecting glucose) showed significant correlations with plasma metanephrines.By using ML-based feature selection approaches, we identified diagnostic signatures which all exhibited low accuracy and sensitivity. The best predictive value (sensitivity 87.5%, accuracy 67.3%) was obtained by using Gradient Boosting Machine Modelling. CONCLUSIONS The diabetogenic effect of catecholamine excess dominates the plasma metabolome in PPGL patients. While curative surgery for PPGL led to normalization of catecholamine-induced alterations of metabolomics in individual patients, plasma metabolomics are not useful for diagnostic purposes, most likely due to inter-individual variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane März
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Max Kurlbaum
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Core Unit Clinical Mass Spectrometry, University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Matthias Kroiss, ; Max Kurlbaum,
| | - Oisin Roche-Lancaster
- Chair of Medical Informatics, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Timo Deutschbein
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Medicover Oldenburg Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum (MVZ), Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Mirko Peitzsch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Cornelia Prehn
- Metabolomics and Proteomics Core, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Weismann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mercedes Robledo
- Hereditary Endocrine Cancer Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Center, Madrid, Spain
- Hereditary Endocrine Cancer Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Center and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jerzy Adamski
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Core Unit Clinical Mass Spectrometry, University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
- Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Meik Kunz
- Chair of Medical Informatics, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Matthias Kroiss
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Core Unit Clinical Mass Spectrometry, University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Matthias Kroiss, ; Max Kurlbaum,
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17
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Martinelli S, Maggi M, Rapizzi E. Pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma preclinical models: which to use and why? Endocr Connect 2020; 9:R251-R260. [PMID: 33252357 PMCID: PMC7774759 DOI: 10.1530/ec-20-0472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumours linked to more than 15 susceptibility genes. PPGLs present with very different genotype/phenotype correlations. Certainly, depending on the mutated gene, and the activated intracellular signalling pathways, as well as their metastatic potential, each tumour is immensely different. One of the major challenges in in vitro research, whatever the study field, is to choose the best cellular model for that study. Unfortunately, most of the time there is not 'a best' cell model. Thus, in order to avoid observations that could be related to and/or dependent on a specific cell line, researchers often perform the same experiments using different cell lines simultaneously. The situation is even more complicated when there are only very few cell models obtained in different species for a disease. This is the case for PPGLs. In this review, we will describe the characteristics of the different cell lines and of mouse models, trying to understand if there is one that is more appropriate to use, depending on which aspect of the tumours one is trying to investigate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Martinelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Rapizzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Correspondence should be addressed to E Rapizzi:
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18
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Anti-Tumor Activity vs. Normal Cell Toxicity: Therapeutic Potential of the Bromotyrosines Aerothionin and Homoaerothionin In Vitro. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18050236. [PMID: 32369901 PMCID: PMC7281235 DOI: 10.3390/md18050236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel strategies to treat cancer effectively without adverse effects on the surrounding normal tissue are urgently needed. Marine sponges provide a natural and renewable source of promising anti-tumor agents. Here, we investigated the anti-tumor activity of Aerothionin and Homoaerothionin, two bromotyrosines isolated from the marine demosponge Aplysina cavernicola, on two mouse pheochromocytoma cells, MPC and MTT. To determine the therapeutic window of these metabolites, we furthermore explored their cytotoxicity on cells of the normal tissue. Both metabolites diminished the viability of the pheochromocytoma cell lines significantly from a concentration of 25 µM under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Treatment of MPC cells leads moreover to a reduction in the number of proliferating cells. To confirm the anti-tumor activity of these bromotyrosines, 3D-pheochromocytoma cell spheroids were treated with 10 µM of either Aerothionin or Homoaerothionin, resulting in a significant reduction or even complete inhibition of the spheroid growth. Both metabolites reduced viability of normal endothelial cells to a comparable extent at higher micromolar concentration, while the viability of fibroblasts was increased. Our in vitro results show promise for the application of Aerothionin and Homoaerothionin as anti-tumor agents against pheochromocytomas and suggest acceptable toxicity on normal tissue cells.
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19
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Young WF. Metastatic Pheochromocytoma: In Search of a Cure. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5775763. [PMID: 32126137 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqz019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- William F Young
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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20
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Jin XF, Spöttl G, Maurer J, Nölting S, Auernhammer CJ. Inhibition of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Neuroendocrine Tumors in vitro: Antitumoral Effects. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020345. [PMID: 32033025 PMCID: PMC7072467 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: Inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by specific inhibitors is currently being investigated as an antitumoral strategy for various cancers. The role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in neuroendocrine tumors still needs to be further investigated. Methods: This study investigated the antitumor activity of the porcupine (PORCN) inhibitor WNT974 and the β-catenin inhibitor PRI-724 in human neuroendocrine tumor (NET) cell lines BON1, QGP-1, and NCI-H727 in vitro. NET cells were treated with WNT974, PRI-724, or small interfering ribonucleic acids against β-catenin, and subsequent analyses included cell viability assays, flow cytometric cell cycle analysis, caspase3/7 assays and Western blot analysis. Results: Treatment of NET cells with WNT974 significantly reduced NET cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner by inducing NET cell cycle arrest at the G1 and G2/M phases without inducing apoptosis. WNT974 primarily blocked Wnt/β-catenin signaling by the dose- and time-dependent downregulation of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) phosphorylation and non-phosphorylated β-catenin and total β-catenin, as well as the genes targeting the latter (c-Myc and cyclinD1). Furthermore, the WNT974-induced reduction of NET cell viability occurred through the inhibition of GSK-3-dependent or independent signaling (including pAKT/mTOR, pEGFR and pIGFR signaling). Similarly, treatment of NET cells with the β-catenin inhibitor PRI-724 caused significant growth inhibition, while the knockdown of β-catenin expression by siRNA reduced NET tumor cell viability of BON1 cells but not of NCI-H727 cells. Conclusions: The PORCN inhibitor WNT974 possesses antitumor properties in NET cell lines by inhibiting Wnt and related signaling. In addition, the β-catenin inhibitor PRI-724 possesses antitumor properties in NET cell lines. Future studies are needed to determine the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in NET as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Feng Jin
- Department of Internal Medicine 4, University-Hospital, Klinikum der Universitaet Muenchen, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (X.-F.J.); (G.S.); (J.M.); (S.N.)
| | - Gerald Spöttl
- Department of Internal Medicine 4, University-Hospital, Klinikum der Universitaet Muenchen, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (X.-F.J.); (G.S.); (J.M.); (S.N.)
| | - Julian Maurer
- Department of Internal Medicine 4, University-Hospital, Klinikum der Universitaet Muenchen, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (X.-F.J.); (G.S.); (J.M.); (S.N.)
| | - Svenja Nölting
- Department of Internal Medicine 4, University-Hospital, Klinikum der Universitaet Muenchen, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (X.-F.J.); (G.S.); (J.M.); (S.N.)
- Interdisciplinary Center of Neuroendocrine Tumors of the GastroEnteroPancreatic System (GEPNET-KUM), Klinikum der Universitaet Muenchen, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Campus Grosshadern, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Josef Auernhammer
- Department of Internal Medicine 4, University-Hospital, Klinikum der Universitaet Muenchen, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (X.-F.J.); (G.S.); (J.M.); (S.N.)
- Interdisciplinary Center of Neuroendocrine Tumors of the GastroEnteroPancreatic System (GEPNET-KUM), Klinikum der Universitaet Muenchen, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Campus Grosshadern, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence:
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21
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Fankhauser M, Bechmann N, Lauseker M, Goncalves J, Favier J, Klink B, William D, Gieldon L, Maurer J, Spöttl G, Rank P, Knösel T, Orth M, Ziegler CG, Aristizabal Prada ET, Rubinstein G, Fassnacht M, Spitzweg C, Grossman AB, Pacak K, Beuschlein F, Bornstein SR, Eisenhofer G, Auernhammer CJ, Reincke M, Nölting S. Synergistic Highly Potent Targeted Drug Combinations in Different Pheochromocytoma Models Including Human Tumor Cultures. Endocrinology 2019; 160:2600-2617. [PMID: 31322702 PMCID: PMC6795182 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
There are no officially approved therapies for metastatic pheochromocytomas apart from ultratrace 131I-metaiodbenzylguanidine therapy, which is approved only in the United States. We have, therefore, investigated the antitumor potential of molecular-targeted approaches in murine pheochromocytoma cell lines [monocyte chemoattractant protein (MPC)/monocyte chemoattractant protein/3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT)], immortalized mouse chromaffin Sdhb-/- cells, three-dimensional pheochromocytoma tumor models (MPC/MTT spheroids), and human pheochromocytoma primary cultures. We identified the specific phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase α inhibitor BYL719 and the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor everolimus as the most effective combination in all models. Single treatment with clinically relevant doses of BYL719 and everolimus significantly decreased MPC/MTT and Sdhb-/- cell viability. A targeted combination of both inhibitors synergistically reduced MPC and Sdhb-/- cell viability and showed an additive effect on MTT cells. In MPC/MTT spheroids, treatment with clinically relevant doses of BYL719 alone or in combination with everolimus was highly effective, leading to a significant shrinkage or even a complete collapse of the spheroids. We confirmed the synergism of clinically relevant doses of BYL719 plus everolimus in human pheochromocytoma primary cultures of individual patient tumors with BYL719 attenuating everolimus-induced AKT activation. We have thus established a method to assess molecular-targeted therapies in human pheochromocytoma cultures and identified a highly effective combination therapy. Our data pave the way to customized combination therapy to target individual patient tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fankhauser
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Nicole Bechmann
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Lauseker
- Institute for Medical Information Sciences, Biometry, and Epidemiology, Campus Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Judith Goncalves
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR970, Paris-Cardiovascular Research Center, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue contre le Cancer, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Judith Favier
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR970, Paris-Cardiovascular Research Center, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue contre le Cancer, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Paris, France
| | - Barbara Klink
- Institute for Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center of Genetics, Laboratoire National de Santé, Dudelange, Luxembourg
- German Cancer Consortium, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Laura Gieldon
- Institute for Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Core Unit for Molecular Tumor Diagnostics, National Center for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julian Maurer
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerald Spöttl
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Petra Rank
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Knösel
- Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Orth
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian G Ziegler
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - German Rubinstein
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ashley B Grossman
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Royal Free Hospital ENETS Centre of Excellence, London, United Kingdom
| | - Karel Pacak
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Felix Beuschlein
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität, LMU München, Munich, Germany
- Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Klinische Ernährung, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefan R Bornstein
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Graeme Eisenhofer
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christoph J Auernhammer
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Reincke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Svenja Nölting
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität, LMU München, Munich, Germany
- Correspondence: Svenja Nölting, MD, Med. Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Ziemssenstraße 1, 80336 Munich, Germany. E-mail:
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22
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Nölting S, Ullrich M, Pietzsch J, Ziegler CG, Eisenhofer G, Grossman A, Pacak K. Current Management of Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma: A Guide for the Practicing Clinician in the Era of Precision Medicine. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101505. [PMID: 31597347 PMCID: PMC6827093 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PCC/PGLs) are rare, mostly catecholamine-producing neuroendocrine tumors of the adrenal gland (PCCs) or the extra-adrenal paraganglia (PGL). They can be separated into three different molecular clusters depending on their underlying gene mutations in any of the at least 20 known susceptibility genes: The pseudohypoxia-associated cluster 1, the kinase signaling-associated cluster 2, and the Wnt signaling-associated cluster 3. In addition to tumor size, location (adrenal vs. extra-adrenal), multiplicity, age of first diagnosis, and presence of metastatic disease (including tumor burden), other decisive factors for best clinical management of PCC/PGL include the underlying germline mutation. The above factors can impact the choice of different biomarkers and imaging modalities for PCC/PGL diagnosis, as well as screening for other neoplasms, staging, follow-up, and therapy options. This review provides a guide for practicing clinicians summarizing current management of PCC/PGL according to tumor size, location, age of first diagnosis, presence of metastases, and especially underlying mutations in the era of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Nölting
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstraße 1, 80336 München, Germany.
| | - Martin Ullrich
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstrasse 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Jens Pietzsch
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstrasse 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany.
- Department of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, School of Science, Technische Universität Dresden, Mommsenstrasse 9, 01062 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Christian G Ziegler
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Graeme Eisenhofer
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Ashley Grossman
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Oxford Ox3 7LJ, UK.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Free Hospital ENETS Centre of Excellence, London NW3 2QG, UK.
| | - Karel Pacak
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
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