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Tibau A, Hwang TJ, Avorn J, Kesselheim AS. Clinical value of guideline recommended molecular targets and genome targeted cancer therapies: cross sectional study. BMJ 2024; 386:e079126. [PMID: 39164034 PMCID: PMC11333991 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-079126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the clinical benefit and actionability of molecular targets for genome targeted cancer drugs recommended for clinical practice by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). DESIGN Cross sectional study. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING Genome targeted cancer drugs recommended by NCCN guidelines in the advanced setting. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Molecular target actionability was assessed using the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Scale for Clinical Actionability of Molecular Targets (ESCAT). Clinical benefit of genome targeted oncology therapies was evaluated using the ESMO-Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (ESMO-MCBS). Molecular targets at ESCAT category level I associated with studies showing substantial clinical benefit by ESMO-MCBS (grades 4-5) were designated as high benefit, and those linked to studies achieving an ESMO-MCBS grade of 3 were categorized as being of promising but unproven benefit. RESULTS 411 recommendations related to 74 genome targeted drugs targeting 50 driver alterations were examined. Most recommendations (346/411; 84%) were associated with clinical trials of various phases, but 16% (65/411) relied on only case reports or pre-clinical studies. However, clinical trials mostly comprised phase I or phase II (271/346; 78%), single arm (262/346; 76%) studies. The primary endpoint assessed in most trials was overall response rate (271/346; 78%) rather than survival. ESCAT tier I targetability encompassed 60% (246/411) of target recommendations, 35% (142/411) were classified as tier II or III, and 6% (23/411) had their relevance yet to be determined (tiers IV to X). When ESMO-MCBS was applied to 267 scorable trials, only 12% (32/267) showed substantial clinical benefit (grades 4-5) and 45% (121/267) were grade 3. When both frameworks were combined, 12% (32/267) of trials supported a determination of high benefit and 33% (88/267) indicated promising but unproven benefit. Of the 118 interventions endorsed by NCCN authors as preferred, 62 (53%) applied to treatments with high or promising but unproven benefit. CONCLUSION According to the ESCAT and ESMO-MCBS frameworks, about one eighth of genome based treatments for solid cancer were rated as likely to offer a high benefit to patients, whereas around a third were identified as offering a promising but unproven substantial benefit. Ensuring that NCCN recommendations are aligned with expected clinical benefits is crucial for promoting informed, evidence based, genomic guided treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Tibau
- Program On Regulation, Therapeutics, And Law (PORTAL), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Oncology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Thomas J Hwang
- Program On Regulation, Therapeutics, And Law (PORTAL), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Innovation and Regulation Initiative, Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Urological Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Jerry Avorn
- Program On Regulation, Therapeutics, And Law (PORTAL), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron S Kesselheim
- Program On Regulation, Therapeutics, And Law (PORTAL), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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2
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Yun KM, Cohen EEW. An Era of Advances in Systemic Therapies for Advanced Thyroid Cancer. JCO Oncol Pract 2024; 20:899-906. [PMID: 38452309 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Thyroid carcinomas comprise distinct pathologic subtypes. However, advancements in characterizing the molecular tumorigenesis of thyroid cancers have changed the treatment paradigm in the past decade. Genetic profiling has become an integral component of personalizing cancer care. Oral kinase inhibitors are currently standard-of-care therapies for progressive, radioactive iodine (RAI)-refractory differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTCs) and medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs). Sorafenib, lenvatinib, and cabozantinib are multikinase inhibitors approved for patients with metastatic RAI-refractory DTC, whereas vandetanib and cabozantinib are approved for patients with MTC. Management of thyroid carcinomas has evolved such that targeted therapies have become therapeutic options for patients with BRAF, RET, NTRK, ALK, and ROS1 alterations and even have reported efficacy in anaplastic thyroid carcinomas. In this article, we review the advances made over the years in the treatment of metastatic thyroid carcinoma and focus on the systemic therapies that have recently transformed the treatment landscape of advanced disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Yun
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA
| | - Ezra E W Cohen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA
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3
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Kiełbowski K, Żychowska J, Becht R. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors-a review of anticancer properties, clinical efficacy, and resistance mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1285374. [PMID: 37954850 PMCID: PMC10634320 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1285374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Fusions and mutations of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), a tyrosine kinase receptor, have been identified in several neoplastic diseases. Rearranged ALK is a driver of tumorigenesis, which activates various signaling pathway associated with proliferation and survival. To date, several agents that target and inhibit ALK have been developed. The most studied ALK-positive disease is non-small cell lung cancer, and three generations of ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been approved for the treatment of metastatic disease. Nevertheless, the use of ALK-TKIs is associated with acquired resistance (resistance mutations, bypass signaling), which leads to disease progression and may require a substitution or introduction of other treatment agents. Understanding of the complex nature and network of resistance mutations may allow to introduce sequential and targeted therapies. In this review, we aim to summarize the efficacy and safety profile of ALK inhibitors, describe off-target anticancer effects, and discuss resistance mechanisms in the context of personalized oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rafał Becht
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Chemotherapy and Cancer Immunotherapy, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
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4
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Chiosea S, Hodak SP, Yip L, Abraham D, Baldwin C, Baloch Z, Gulec SA, Hannoush ZC, Haugen BR, Joseph L, Kargi AY, Khanafshar E, Livhits MJ, McIver B, Patel K, Patel SG, Randolph GW, Shaha AR, Sharma J, Stathatos N, van Zante A, Carty SE, Nikiforov YE, Nikiforova MN. Molecular Profiling of 50 734 Bethesda III-VI Thyroid Nodules by ThyroSeq v3: Implications for Personalized Management. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:2999-3008. [PMID: 37071871 PMCID: PMC10583990 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Comprehensive genomic analysis of thyroid nodules for multiple classes of molecular alterations detected in a large series of fine needle aspiration (FNA) samples has not been reported. OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of clinically relevant molecular alterations in Bethesda categories III-VI (BCIII-VI) thyroid nodules. METHODS This retrospective analysis of FNA samples, tested by ThyroSeq v3 using Genomic Classifier and Cancer Risk Classifier at UPMC Molecular and Genomic Pathology laboratory, analyzed the prevalence of diagnostic, prognostic, and targetable genetic alterations in a total of 50 734 BCIII-VI nodules from 48 225 patients. RESULTS Among 50 734 informative FNA samples, 65.3% were test-negative, 33.9% positive, 0.2% positive for medullary carcinoma, and 0.6% positive for parathyroid. The benign call rate in BCIII-IV nodules was 68%. Among test-positive samples, 73.3% had mutations, 11.3% gene fusions, and 10.8% isolated copy number alterations. Comparing BCIII-IV nodules with BCV-VI nodules revealed a shift from predominantly RAS-like alterations to BRAF V600E-like alterations and fusions involving receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK). Using ThyroSeq Cancer Risk Classifier, a high-risk profile, which typically included TERT or TP53 mutations, was found in 6% of samples, more frequently BCV-VI. RNA-Seq confirmed ThyroSeq detection of novel RTK fusions in 98.9% of cases. CONCLUSION In this series, 68% of BCIII-IV nodules were classified as negative by ThyroSeq, potentially preventing diagnostic surgery in this subset of patients. Specific genetic alterations were detected in most BCV-VI nodules, with a higher prevalence of BRAF and TERT mutations and targetable gene fusions compared to BCIII-IV nodules, offering prognostic and therapeutic information for patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simion Chiosea
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Steven P Hodak
- NYU Robert I. Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 12297, USA
| | - Linwah Yip
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Devaprabu Abraham
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Chelsey Baldwin
- Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Zubair Baloch
- Perelman School of Medicine Department of Pathology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
| | - Seza A Gulec
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Zeina C Hannoush
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33146, USA
| | - Bryan R Haugen
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Lija Joseph
- Lowell General Hospital, Boston University and Tufts University, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
| | - Atil Y Kargi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33146, USA
| | - Elham Khanafshar
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Masha J Livhits
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | | | - Kepal Patel
- NYU Robert I. Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 12297, USA
| | - Snehal G Patel
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30342, USA
| | | | - Ashok R Shaha
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jyotirmay Sharma
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30342, USA
| | | | - Annemieke van Zante
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Sally E Carty
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Yuri E Nikiforov
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Marina N Nikiforova
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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5
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Nikitski AV, Condello V, Divakaran SS, Nikiforov YE. Inhibition of ALK-Signaling Overcomes STRN-ALK-Induced Downregulation of the Sodium Iodine Symporter and Restores Radioiodine Uptake in Thyroid Cells. Thyroid 2023; 33:464-473. [PMID: 36585857 PMCID: PMC10122237 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2022.0533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background: Radioiodine (RAI) is commonly used for thyroid cancer treatment, although its therapeutic benefits are restricted to iodine-avid tumors. The RAI-refractory disease develops with tumor dedifferentiation involving loss of sodium-iodine symporter (NIS). Thyroid cancers driven by ALK fusions are prone to dedifferentiation, and whether targeted ALK inhibition may enhance RAI uptake in these tumors remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of NIS expression during the progression of ALK fusion-driven thyroid cancer, assess the effects of ALK activation on NIS-mediated RAI uptake, and test pharmacological options for its modulation. Methods: The expression of NIS at different stages of ALK-driven carcinogenesis was analyzed using a mouse model of STRN-ALK-driven thyroid cancer. For in vitro experiments, a system of doxycycline-inducible expression of STRN-ALK was generated using PCCL3 normal thyroid cells. The STRN-ALK-induced effects were evaluated with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, immunofluorescence, RNA sequencing, and gene sets pathways analyses. RAI uptake was measured using 131I. Treatment experiments were done with FDA-approved ALK inhibitors (crizotinib and ceritinib), MEK inhibitor selumetinib, and JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib. Results: We found that Nis downregulation occurred early in ALK-driven thyroid carcinogenesis, even at the stage of well-differentiated cancer, with a complete loss in poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas. Acute STRN-ALK expression in thyroid cells resulted in increased MAPK, JAK/STAT3, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling outputs associated with significant ALK-dependent downregulation of the majority of thyroid differentiation and iodine metabolism/transport genes, including Slc5a5 (Nis), Foxe1, Dio1, Duox1/2, Duoxa2, Glis3, Slc5a8, and Tg. Moreover, STRN-ALK expression in thyroid cells induced a significant loss of membranous NIS and a fourfold decrease of the NIS-mediated RAI uptake, which were reversed by ALK inhibitors crizotinib and ceritinib. In addition, a strong dose-dependent restoration of NIS with its membranous redistribution in STRN-ALK-expressing thyroid cells was observed after inhibition of MAPK signaling with selumetinib, which exhibited a cumulative effect with JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib. Conclusions: The findings of this preclinical study showed that ALK fusion-induced downregulation of NIS, the prerequisite of RAI refractoriness, could be reversed in thyroid cells by either direct inhibition of ALK or its downstream signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vincenzo Condello
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Saurabh S. Divakaran
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yuri E. Nikiforov
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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6
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Chu YH. This is Your Thyroid on Drugs: Targetable Mutations and Fusions in Thyroid Carcinoma. Surg Pathol Clin 2023; 16:57-73. [PMID: 36739167 DOI: 10.1016/j.path.2022.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review aims to provide an overview of the molecular pathogenesis thyroid carcinomas, emphasizing genetic alterations that are therapeutically actionable. The main pathways in thyroid carcinogenesis are the MAPK and PI3K pathways. Point mutations and gene rearrangements affecting the pathway effectors and receptor tyrosine kinases are well-known drivers of thyroid cancer. Research over the past few decades has successfully introduced highly effective treatments for unresectable thyroid cancer, evolving from multi-kinase inhibitors to structurally selective agents, with constantly improving toxicity profiles and coverage of resistance mechanisms. The pros and cons of major laboratory techniques for therapeutic target identification are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Hsia Chu
- Department of Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, No. 5, Fuxing Street, Guishan District, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan.
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7
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Zhu L, Ma S, Xia B. Remarkable response to alectinib for metastatic papillary thyroid cancer with STRN-ALK fusion: A case report. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1009076. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1009076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the efficacy of alectinib for papillary thyroid cancer with STRN-ALK fusion. A 64-year-old female presented with metastatic papillary thyroid cancer, widespread to lungs, mediastinal lymph nodes and brain 20 years after surgery. Disease progression still occurred after radioactive iodine therapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Tissue obtained from left cervical lymph node confirmed metastatic papillary thyroid cancer. Molecular profiling from re-biopsy tissue identified an STRN-ALK fusion rearrangement. After multidisciplinary discussion, alectinib was administered to the patient. Treatment was well tolerated, and follow-up images confirmed a partial response. ALK occurs rarely, with limited data suggesting the efficacy of ALK inhibitors in thyroid cancer. We presented the first case of a patient with PTC and STRN-ALK fusion to be treat effectively with alectinib.
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8
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Macerola E, Poma AM, Vignali P, Proietti A, Ugolini C, Torregrossa L, Basolo A, Elisei R, Santini F, Basolo F. Predictive Biomarkers in Thyroid Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:901004. [PMID: 35600349 PMCID: PMC9120826 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.901004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In molecular pathology, predictive biomarkers identify which patients are likely to respond to targeted drugs. These therapeutic agents block specific molecules directly involved in cancer growth, dedifferentiation and progression. Until few years ago, the only targeted drugs available for advanced thyroid cancer included multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mainly targeting the MAPK pathway and the angiogenic signaling. The administration of these drugs does not necessarily require a molecular characterization of tumors to assess the presence of predictive alterations. However, the availability of new selective targeted drugs for thyroid cancer patients is changing the diagnostic strategies for the molecular characterization of these tumors. The search for targetable alterations can be performed directly on tumor tissue by using a variety of methodologies, depending also on the number and type of alterations to test (i.e. single nucleotide variation or gene rearrangement). Herein, a comprehensive review of the currently available targeted treatments for thyroid cancer, related predictive markers and testing methodologies is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Macerola
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Anello Marcello Poma
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Vignali
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Agnese Proietti
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Clara Ugolini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Liborio Torregrossa
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessio Basolo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rossella Elisei
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ferruccio Santini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fulvio Basolo
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- *Correspondence: Fulvio Basolo,
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Salgia SK, Govindarajan A, Salgia R, Pal SK. ALK-Directed Therapy in Non-NSCLC Malignancies: Are We Ready? JCO Precis Oncol 2022; 5:767-770. [PMID: 34994610 DOI: 10.1200/po.21.00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina K Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA
| | - Ameish Govindarajan
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA
| | - Sumanta K Pal
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA
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10
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Aleksakhina SN, Imyanitov EN. Cancer Therapy Guided by Mutation Tests: Current Status and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222010931. [PMID: 34681592 PMCID: PMC8536080 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222010931] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The administration of many cancer drugs is tailored to genetic tests. Some genomic events, e.g., alterations of EGFR or BRAF oncogenes, result in the conformational change of the corresponding proteins and call for the use of mutation-specific compounds. Other genetic perturbations, e.g., HER2 amplifications, ALK translocations or MET exon 14 skipping mutations, cause overproduction of the entire protein or its kinase domain. There are multilocus assays that provide integrative characteristics of the tumor genome, such as the analysis of tumor mutation burden or deficiency of DNA repair. Treatment planning for non-small cell lung cancer requires testing for EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, MET, RET and KRAS gene alterations. Colorectal cancer patients need to undergo KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, HER2 and microsatellite instability analysis. The genomic examination of breast cancer includes testing for HER2 amplification and PIK3CA activation. Melanomas are currently subjected to BRAF and, in some instances, KIT genetic analysis. Predictive DNA assays have also been developed for thyroid cancers, cholangiocarcinomas and urinary bladder tumors. There is an increasing utilization of agnostic testing which involves the analysis of all potentially actionable genes across all tumor types. The invention of genomically tailored treatment has resulted in a spectacular improvement in disease outcomes for a significant portion of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana N. Aleksakhina
- Department of Tumor Growth Biology, N.N. Petrov Institute of Oncology, 197758 Saint-Petersburg, Russia;
- Department of Medical Genetics, St.-Petersburg Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Evgeny N. Imyanitov
- Department of Tumor Growth Biology, N.N. Petrov Institute of Oncology, 197758 Saint-Petersburg, Russia;
- Department of Medical Genetics, St.-Petersburg Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-812-439-95-28
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11
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Abstract
Background: Thyroid cancer is a common malignancy whose detection has increased significantly in past decades. Most of the increased incidence is due to detection of early well-differentiated thyroid cancer, but the incidence of more advanced thyroid cancers has increased as well. Recent methodological advancements have allowed for a deep understanding of the molecular underpinnings of the various types of thyroid cancer. Summary: Thyroid cancers harbor a high frequency of potential druggable molecular alterations, including the highest frequency of oncogenic driver kinase fusions seen across all solid tumors. Analyses of poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma confirmed that these tumors develop from more well-differentiated follicular-derived thyroid cancers through acquired additional mutations. The recognition of driver genomic alterations in thyroid cancers not only predicts tumor phenotype but also now can inform treatment approaches. Conclusions: Major progress in understanding the oncogenic molecular underpinnings across the array of thyroid cancers has led to considerable gains in gene-specific systemic therapies for many cancers. This article focuses on the molecular characteristics of aggressive follicular-derived thyroid cancers and medullary thyroid cancer and highlights advancements in treating thyroid cancer in the era of targeted therapy.
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MESH Headings
- Adenocarcinoma, Follicular/genetics
- Adenocarcinoma, Follicular/pathology
- Adenocarcinoma, Follicular/therapy
- Adenoma, Oxyphilic/genetics
- Adenoma, Oxyphilic/pathology
- Adenoma, Oxyphilic/therapy
- Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine/genetics
- Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine/pathology
- Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine/therapy
- Humans
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Immunotherapy/trends
- Molecular Targeted Therapy/methods
- Molecular Targeted Therapy/trends
- Mutation
- Oncogene Fusion
- Phosphotransferases/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf
- Thyroid Carcinoma, Anaplastic/genetics
- Thyroid Carcinoma, Anaplastic/pathology
- Thyroid Carcinoma, Anaplastic/therapy
- Thyroid Neoplasms/genetics
- Thyroid Neoplasms/pathology
- Thyroid Neoplasms/therapy
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie C. Lubitz
- Department of Surgery; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Technology Assessment, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Peter M. Sadow
- Department of Pathology; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gilbert H. Daniels
- Department of Medicine; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Thyroid Unit; Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lori J. Wirth
- Department of Medicine; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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12
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Chu YH, Sadow PM. Kinase fusion-related thyroid carcinomas: distinct pathologic entities with evolving diagnostic implications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 27:252-262. [PMID: 34484420 DOI: 10.1016/j.mpdhp.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Activating genomic alterations in protein kinases represent a major driving force in thyroid carcinogenesis. Recently, oncogenic kinase fusions have been a central subject of pharmaceutical development, with a rapidly growing number of inhibitors validated for treating molecularly matched malignancies. Thyroid carcinomas harbor actionable kinase fusions in 10-15% of cases, occupying an increasingly recognized subpopulation of thyroid carcinomas with enhanced attention to molecular profiling. With advances in kinase-based cancer therapy, several challenges have emerged for pathologists. To interrogate an expanding list of targetable genes, the diagnostic paradigm has shifted from conventional single-gene methods toward high-throughput nucleic acid sequencing. Considering the relatively low incidence of most kinase fusions, a selective approach for molecular testing that utilizes histologic and immunohistochemical findings in triaging cases becomes essential for laboratory resource management. Moreover, kinase inhibitor resistance inevitably evolves, requiring a multimodal approach to optimal therapy, despite targeted therapies showing an enhanced, durable response. In this review, we assess the current clinicopathologic understanding and ongoing investigational topics in kinase fusion-related thyroid carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Hsia Chu
- Fellow, Molecular Genetic Pathology, Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter M Sadow
- Director, Head & Neck Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Associate Professor of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Departments of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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