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Bajetta E, Di Bartolomeo M, Zilembo N, Bochicchio AM. Medical Treatment of Neuroendocrine Tumors. TUMORI JOURNAL 2018; 79:380-8. [PMID: 8171735 DOI: 10.1177/030089169307900602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Tumors of the neuroendocrine system are characterized by amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation, and they represent a heterogeneous group of carcinomas including carcinoids, islet cell carcinomas of the pancreas, medullary thyroid carcinomas and Merkel cell carcinomas. Their similar cytochemical and ultrastructural properties sustain the hypothesis of a common embryologic origin within the neural crest. Many of these tumors grow slowly, and reducing tumor burden represents the treatment of choice. However, when surgery is not feasible, medical treatment has to be considered. Therapeutic approaches in metastatic disease often do not consider the different biologic behaviors of these neoplasms. Moreover, efficacy of the treatment is associated with lack of a clear definition of the type of response: objective, symptomatic or biochemical. Methods In this review we have analyzed the different medical approaches used in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors in an attempt to define their precise role in the different neoplasms. Results In carcinoid tumors, immunotherapy and the somatostatin analogue can be efficaciously used for the control of carcinoid syndrome. For inhibition of tumor growth, chemotherapy should be used only in patients with rapidly progressive disease, and the results are still unsatisfactory. Conclusions Although all these tumors appear to have similar cytochemical properties, the responsiveness of the various neoplasms is very different. In the future, a specific treatment modality and a clear definition of the type of response (objective, symptomatic or biochemical) need to be defined for each type of neuroendocrine tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bajetta
- Division of Medical Oncology B, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studioe la Cura dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
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Grubbs EG, Rich TA, Li G, Sturgis EM, Younes MN, Myers JN, Edeiken-Monroe B, Fornage BD, Monroe DP, Staerkel GA, Williams MD, Waguespack SG, Hu MI, Cote G, Gagel RF, Cohen J, Weber RS, Anaya DA, Holsinger FC, Perrier ND, Clayman GL, Evans DB. Recent advances in thyroid cancer. Curr Probl Surg 2008; 45:156-250. [PMID: 18346477 DOI: 10.1067/j.cpsurg.2007.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Grubbs
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Lissoni P. Section Review: Oncologic, Endocrine & Metabolic: Immunoneuroendocrine therapy for endocrine tumours: recent developments. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2008. [DOI: 10.1517/13543784.4.12.1267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Traugott A, Moley JF. Medullary thyroid cancer: medical management and follow-up. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2006; 6:339-46. [PMID: 15967086 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-005-0037-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a neuroendocrine malignancy that occurs in hereditary (25%) and sporadic (75%) clinical settings. MTC is present in all patients with the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) syndromes. MTCs produce calcitonin, measurement of which indicates the presence of tumor in at-risk individuals and the effectiveness of therapy in treated patients. Surgery is the mainstay of therapy for primary and recurrent disease. Routine serial postoperative measurement of calcitonin levels should be done. Patients with elevated calcitonin levels should have imaging by computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging, and/or fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography to identify sites of recurrence and metastasis. The role of radiation therapy is not well defined. There is no effective systemic therapy for MTC at present. Activating mutations in a tyrosine kinase receptor gene are present in the majority of MTCs, and experience with tyrosine kinase inhibitors and other agents in the setting of clinical trials is critical for the identification of effective systemic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Traugott
- Washington University School of Medicine, Box 8109, 660 S Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare malignancy with several distinctive features that distinguish its management from other thyroid cancers. First, MTC may be sporadic (75% of cases), or may occur as a manifestation of the hereditary syndrome Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) (25% of cases). Additionally, while MTC is more difficult to cure than differentiated thyroid cancer and has higher rates of recurrence and mortality, it is usually a slow growing tumor compared with other malignancies. Finally, unlike differentiated thyroid cancer, there is no known effective systemic therapy for MTC. MTC cells do not concentrate radioactive iodine, and MTC does not respond well to external beam radiation or conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy. These distinguishing features should be considered in planning surgical management of MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank J Quayle
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a neuroendocrine malignancy that occurs in hereditary (25%) and sporadic (75%) clinical settings. MTC is present in all patients with the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndromes. MTCs produce calcitonin, the measurement of which can indicate the presence of tumors in people who are at risk and the effectiveness of therapy in treated patients. Surgical cure is possible in young patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 who undergo preventative thyroidectomy (approximately 50% of patients who are diagnosed with a palpable thyroid mass) and in some patients with recurrent nodal metastatic disease in the neck. Mortality from MTC is caused by tumor invasion of the trachea, great vessels in the neck, or mediastinum or by the effects of distant metastatic disease. Surgery for cervical recurrence can prevent death from tracheal invasion. The role of radiation therapy is not well defined. There is no effective systemic therapy for MTC. Activating mutations in a tyrosine kinase receptor gene (RET) are present in most MTCs, and experience with tyrosine kinase inhibitors and other agents in clinical trials is critical for the identification of effective systemic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey F Moley
- Endocrine and Oncologic Surgery, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, Box 8109, 660 South Euclid, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Vitale G, Caraglia M, Ciccarelli A, Lupoli G, Abbruzzese A, Tagliaferri P, Lupoli G. Current approaches and perspectives in the therapy of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Cancer 2001; 91:1797-808. [PMID: 11335906 DOI: 10.1002/1097-0142(20010501)91:9<1797::aid-cncr1199>3.0.co;2-p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a neuroendocrine tumor derived from parafollicular cells. At present, surgery is the most important treatment for MTC. METHODS We describe the current approaches of MTC treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and biologic therapy). RESULTS MTC is currently approached surgically in the main part through total thyroidectomy and compartment-oriented microdissection of cervicomediastinal lymph nodes. Substitutive l-thyroxine administration together with close clinical monitoring and the measurement of basal and stimulated serum calcitonin are subsequently performed. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy play a marginal role in advanced MTC. Recently, it has been found that somatostatin analogs and type I interferon are able to control the neuroendocrine symptoms induced by advanced MTC and that they provide clinical benefit by improving the lifestyle of these patients. CONCLUSION Although these agents are poorly active in inducing a shrinkage in tumor mass, the combined use of different biologic agents and cytotoxic drugs needs to be explored in advanced MTC. However, at present, surgery is the only curative treatment for MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Vitale
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Franz MG. Medullary Thyroid Cancer. Cancer Control 1997; 4:25-29. [PMID: 10763000 DOI: 10.1177/107327489700400103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Medullary thyroid cancer, a tumor of the parafollicular C cells, accounts for approximately 10% of all thyroid malignancies. An estimated 75% of cases are sporadic, and the remaining 25% are familial. METHODS: The author reviews the clinical features and diagnostic tests for this entity, as well as the surgical treatment of recurrent or persistent medullary carcinoma. RESULTS: Sporadic medullary thyroid cancer typically presents as an isolated unilateral mass. Familial tumors tend to be multifocal and bilateral. In patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A, pheochromocytomas and parathyroid hyperplasia also may develop. Care is taken to avoid operating on a patient with occult pheochromocytoma. Total thyroidectomy and central lymph node dissection are the keys for successful surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery is the cornerstone of treatment for medullary carcinoma of the thyroid. Genetic testing using the ret oncogene allows identification of individuals who are at risk for the disease or those with early-stage disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- MG Franz
- Department of Surgery, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa 33620, USA
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Lupoli G, Cascone E, Arlotta F, Vitale G, Celentano L, Salvatore M, Lombardi G. Treatment of advanced medullary thyroid carcinoma with a combination of recombinant interferon alpha-2b and octreotide. Cancer 1996; 78:1114-8. [PMID: 8780551 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0142(19960901)78:5<1114::aid-cncr23>3.0.co;2-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The medical treatment of advanced medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is still questionable. Results of chemotherapy are disappointing with almost no curative responses, few partial responses, and many side-effects. A recent report has suggested the activity of combination recombinant interferon alpha-2b (rIFN-alpha-2b) and octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, in the treatment of a metastatic carcinoid tumor. This new therapeutic schedule may be used in other neuroendocrine tumors. In this study we evaluated the therapeutic effectiveness of octreotide and rIFN-alpha-2b in patients with advanced MTC. METHODS Eight patients affected by advanced MTC received octreotide at a daily dose of 150 micrograms for 6 months and subsequently at a daily dose of 300 micrograms for another 6 months, subcutaneously, and rIFN-alpha-2b at a daily dose of 5.000.000 IU intramuscularly 3 times a week for 12 months. Plasma calcitonin, carcinoembryonic antigenic levels, and morphologic staging were evaluated at 0, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS The therapy was stopped in two patients because of diarrhea and toxicity of drugs used. Pre-existing diarrhea in four patients and flushing in one significantly improved during treatment. A maximum decrease of calcitonin was reached after 1 month in 2 patients and after 3 months in 4. In all of the patients carcinoembryonic antigen levels decreased during treatment. No significant changes of size of metastases were observed. CONCLUSIONS The combination of octreotide and interferon is well tolerated and can be recommended for the treatment of advanced MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Lupoli
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology, School of Medicine, University, Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Abstract
Medullary thyroid cancer is a tumor of the thyroid C cells that occurs in sporadic and hereditary clinical settings. Genetic testing of at-risk individuals is available and has been applied to patient management. Plasma calcitonin levels are a very sensitive marker for the presence of disease. Surgery offers the best hope for cure and also is an effective modality for managing metastatic and recurrent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Moley
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Bajetta E, Zilembo N, Di Bartolomeo M, Di Leo A, Pilotti S, Bochicchio AM, Castellani R, Buzzoni R, Celio L, Dogliotti L. Treatment of metastatic carcinoids and other neuroendocrine tumors with recombinant interferon-alpha-2a. A study by the Italian Trials in Medical Oncology Group. Cancer 1993; 72:3099-105. [PMID: 7693327 DOI: 10.1002/1097-0142(19931115)72:10<3099::aid-cncr2820721035>3.0.co;2-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using a wide range of interferon (IFN) doses and schedules, a number of authors have found them to be active against neuroendocrine tumors. METHODS To verify the clinical activity of IFN, 49 evaluable patients with advanced stage low- and intermediate-grade neuroendocrine tumors were treated with recombinant IFN-alpha-2a at a daily dose of 6 x 10(6) IU intramuscularly for 8 weeks, and 3 times weekly thereafter. The predominant histotype was carcinoid, although a few cases had malignant islet cell tumors, medullary thyroid carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, or other neuroendocrine tumors. All of the patients had measurable lesions and most had multiple sites. Carcinoid syndrome was present in 14 cases. RESULTS After a median treatment duration of 6 months, complete regression was achieved in 1 of the 7 cases of medullary thyroid carcinoma, and partial response was observed in 4 of 34 carcinoids. Response duration ranged from 1-11 months. Control of the syndrome was obtained in nine patients and a greater than or equal to 50% reduction of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in eight patients. The treatment was well-tolerated. The most frequently observed side effects were fever, flu-like syndrome, and leukopenia. After 12 months of recombinant IFN-alpha-2a, 15 cases in progression and 4 with stable disease or partial response received another treatment (either radiometabolic therapy with I131 metaiodobenzylguanidine or polychemotherapy with streptozotocin plus epirubicin). CONCLUSIONS The use of recombinant IFN-alpha-2a at these doses is well-tolerated and effective in controlling carcinoid syndrome (complete remission plus partial remission, 64%), although it has limited activity on tumor growth inhibition. No definitive data can be given for the other protocol treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bajetta
- Istituto Nazionale per o Studio e la Cura dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- Y L Colson
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15261-2004
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Biesma B, Willemse PH, Mulder NH, Verschueren RC, Kema IP, de Bruijn HW, Postmus PE, Sleijfer DT, de Vries EG. Recombinant interferon alpha-2b in patients with metastatic apudomas: effect on tumours and tumour markers. Br J Cancer 1992; 66:850-5. [PMID: 1384643 PMCID: PMC1977979 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.1992.372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant carcinoid tumours, islet cell tumours and medullary carcinomas of the thyroid are tumours with similar clinical features. In patients with unresectable or metastatic tumours leukocyte interferon (IFN) and recombinant human (rh) IFN have demonstrated efficacy. Twenty-four evaluable patients with progressive tumours were treated with 2.5 megaunits rh IFN alpha-2b, administered once daily subcutaneously, for a median duration of 7 months (range 0.5-37+). Two carcinoid patients demonstrated a response in tumour size, 80% showed stable disease (SD). Sixty percent of the carcinoid patients with elevated urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic (5-HIAA) levels reached a biochemical partial response of the urinary 5-HIAA levels (median duration 13.5 months). In the patients with an islet cell or medullary tumour and an elevated tumour marker, the marker did not further increase. Of the 12 carcinoid patients evaluable for a symptomatic response, ten (83%) experienced a relieve of symptoms. IFN alpha-2b dose reduction or discontinuation due to toxicity was necessary in three and ten patients, respectively. No neutralising IFN alpha-2b antibodies developed despite prolonged treatment. In conclusion, IFN alpha-2b had a beneficial effect in patients with progressive tumours, while long-term IFN alpha-2b treatment did not augment neutralising antibodies. In view of the IFN alpha-2b-related toxicity, administration of IFN alpha-2b on alternating days may be preferable.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Biesma
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands
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