1
|
Ferrara MG, Stefani A, Simbolo M, Pilotto S, Martini M, Lococo F, Vita E, Chiappetta M, Cancellieri A, D’Argento E, Trisolini R, Rindi G, Scarpa A, Margaritora S, Milella M, Tortora G, Bria E. Large Cell Neuro-Endocrine Carcinoma of the Lung: Current Treatment Options and Potential Future Opportunities. Front Oncol 2021; 11:650293. [PMID: 33937057 PMCID: PMC8081906 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.650293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas of the lung (LCNECs) are rare tumors representing 1-3% of all primary lung cancers. Patients with LCNEC are predominantly male, older, and heavy smokers. Histologically, these tumors are characterized by large cells with abundant cytoplasm, high mitotic rate, and neuroendocrine immunohistochemistry-detected markers (chromogranin-A, synaptophysin, and CD56). In 2015 the World Health Organization classified LCNEC as a distinct subtype of pulmonary large-cell carcinoma and, therefore, as a subtype of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Because of the small-sized tissue samples and the likeness to other neuroendocrine tumors, the histological diagnosis of LCNEC remains difficult. Clinically, the prognosis of metastatic LCNECs is poor, with high rates of recurrence after surgery alone and overall survival of approximately 35% at 5 years, even for patients with early stage disease that is dramatically shorter compared with other NSCLC subtypes. First-line treatment options have been largely discussed but with limited data based on phase II studies with small sample sizes, and there are no second-line well defined treatments. To date, no standard treatment regimen has been developed, and how to treat LCNEC is still on debate. In the immunotherapy and targeted therapy era, in which NSCLC treatment strategies have been radically reshaped, a few data are available regarding these opportunities in LCNEC. Due to lack of knowledge in this field, many efforts have been done for a deeper understanding of the biological and molecular characteristics of LCNEC. Next generation sequencing analyses have identified subtypes of LCNEC that may be relevant for prognosis and response to therapy, but further studies are needed to better define the clinical impact of these results. Moreover, scarce data exist about PD-L1 expression in LCNEC and its predictive value in this histotype with regard to immunotherapy efficacy. In the literature some cases are reported concerning LCNEC metastatic patients carrying driver mutations, especially EGFR alterations, showing targeted therapy efficacy in this setting of disease. Due to the rarity and the challenging understanding of LCNEC, in this review we aim to summarize the management options currently available for treatment of LCNEC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Grazia Ferrara
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessio Stefani
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Michele Simbolo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Anatomic Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Sara Pilotto
- Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
| | - Maurizio Martini
- Institute of Pathology, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Filippo Lococo
- Thoracic Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Vita
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Marco Chiappetta
- Thoracic Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cancellieri
- Institute of Pathology, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Ettore D’Argento
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Rocco Trisolini
- Interventional Pulmonology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Rindi
- Institute of Pathology, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Anatomic Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Margaritora
- Thoracic Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Milella
- Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Tortora
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Emilio Bria
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Iyoda A, Azuma Y, Sano A. Neuroendocrine tumors of the lung: clinicopathological and molecular features. Surg Today 2020; 50:1578-1584. [PMID: 32193632 DOI: 10.1007/s00595-020-01988-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In 1970, neuroendocrine tumors of the lung were classified into three categories: typical carcinoid (TC), atypical carcinoid (AC), and small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). The third edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification in 1999 defined large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) as a variant of large cell carcinomas, whereas the fourth edition of the WHO classification redefined LCNEC as a neuroendocrine tumor. Currently, neuroendocrine tumors of the lung are classified into four main categories: TC, AC, LCNEC, and SCLC. Although the treatments for TC, AC, and SCLC have not changed remarkably, the treatment strategy for LCNEC is not yet established because of its reclassification from a variant of "large cell carcinoma" to a new category of "neuroendocrine tumor". In this review article, we discuss the pathological findings, biological behavior, and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors of the lung.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akira Iyoda
- Division of Chest Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Toho University, 6-11-1, Omori-Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan.
| | - Yoko Azuma
- Division of Chest Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Toho University, 6-11-1, Omori-Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan
| | - Atsushi Sano
- Division of Chest Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Toho University, 6-11-1, Omori-Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Clery E, Pisapia P, Vigliar E, Malapelle U, Bellevicine C, Troncone G, Schmitt FC. Role of Cytomorphology in the Era of Liquid Biopsy. Acta Cytol 2019; 63:497-505. [PMID: 30943469 DOI: 10.1159/000499338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In the late stages of non-small cell lung cancer, the detection of sensitizing mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is mandatory to select patients' treatment with first- or second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). In patients showing progressive disease, the assessment of the EGFR exon 20 resistance point mutation p.T790M is required for third-generation TKI administration. However, molecular analysis does not capture all the different mechanisms of resistance against these molecules. A variety of morphological changes associated with acquired resistance have also been described. Since an altered morphology may be the only clue to acquired resistance, cytopathology still plays a relevant role in this setting. In this comprehensive review, we have focused on the relevance of squamous cell carcinoma, small cell lung cancer and large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma transitions from adenocarcinoma resistant to TKIs.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adenocarcinoma/blood
- Adenocarcinoma/diagnosis
- Adenocarcinoma/drug therapy
- Adenocarcinoma/genetics
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Biomarkers, Tumor/blood
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/blood
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/diagnosis
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/blood
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/diagnosis
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/genetics
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- ErbB Receptors/antagonists & inhibitors
- ErbB Receptors/blood
- ErbB Receptors/genetics
- Humans
- Liquid Biopsy/methods
- Lung Neoplasms/blood
- Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis
- Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Lung Neoplasms/genetics
- Monitoring, Physiologic
- Mutation
- Neoplastic Cells, Circulating/chemistry
- Neoplastic Cells, Circulating/pathology
- Precision Medicine/methods
- Prognosis
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Clery
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Pisapia
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Vigliar
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Umberto Malapelle
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Bellevicine
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Troncone
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy,
| | - Fernando C Schmitt
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty of Porto University, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Derks JL, Leblay N, Lantuejoul S, Dingemans AMC, Speel EJM, Fernandez-Cuesta L. New Insights into the Molecular Characteristics of Pulmonary Carcinoids and Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinomas, and the Impact on Their Clinical Management. J Thorac Oncol 2018; 13:752-766. [PMID: 29454048 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Carcinoids and large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNECs) are rare neuroendocrine lung tumors. Here we provide an overview of the most updated data on the molecular characteristics of these diseases. Recent genomic studies showed that carcinoids generally contain a low mutational burden and few recurrently mutated genes. Most of the reported mutations occur in chromatin-remodeling genes (e.g., menin 1 gene [MEN1]), and few affect genes of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT-mechanistic target of rapamycin gene pathway. Aggressive disease has been related to chromothripsis, DNA-repair gene mutations, loss of orthopedia homeobox/CD44, and upregulation of ret proto-oncogene gene (RET) gene expression. In the case of LCNECs, which present with a high mutation burden, two major molecular subtypes have been identified: one with biallelic inactivation of tumor protein p53 gene (TP53) and retinoblastoma gene (RB1), a hallmark of SCLC; and the other one with biallelic inactivation of TP53 and serine/threonine kinase 11 gene (STK11)/kelch like ECH associated protein 1 gene (KEAP1), genes that are frequently mutated in NSCLC. These data, together with the identification of common mutations in the different components of combined LCNEC tumors, provide further evidence of the close molecular relation of LCNEC with other lung tumor types. In terms of therapeutic options, future studies should explore the association between mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway mutations and response to mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitors in carcinoids. For LCNEC, preliminary data suggest that the two molecular subtypes might have a predictive value for chemotherapy response, but this observation needs to be validated in randomized prospective clinical trials. Finally, delta like Notch canonical ligand 3 inhibitors and immunotherapy may provide alternative options for patient-tailored therapy in LCNEC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jules L Derks
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Noémie Leblay
- Genetic Cancer Susceptibility Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC-WHO, Lyon, France
| | - Sylvie Lantuejoul
- Department of Biopathology, Centre Léon Bérard UNICANCER, Lyon, France; Grenoble Alpes University INSERM U1209/CNRS 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, La Tronche, France
| | - Anne-Marie C Dingemans
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ernst-Jan M Speel
- Department of Pathology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lynnette Fernandez-Cuesta
- Genetic Cancer Susceptibility Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC-WHO, Lyon, France.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shao Y, Zhong DS. Histological transformation after acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Int J Clin Oncol 2017; 23:235-242. [DOI: 10.1007/s10147-017-1211-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
|
6
|
Moriya R, Hokari S, Shibata S, Koizumi T, Tetsuka T, Ito K, Hashidate H, Tsukada H. Histological Transformation to Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma from Lung Adenocarcinoma Harboring an EGFR Mutation: An Autopsy Case Report. Intern Med 2017; 56:2013-2017. [PMID: 28768973 PMCID: PMC5577079 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.56.7452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
We herein report a 58-year-old Japanese woman who survived 14 years after surgery for lung adenocarcinoma harboring an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletion. She developed recurrence, for which she underwent multimodal therapy, including EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) administration. She ultimately died from a rapidly progressive right lung tumor that was resistant to EGFR-TKI. According to the autopsy findings, she had combined large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) and adenocarcinoma in the right lung, which retained an EGFR exon 19 deletion in both components. Therefore, the histological transformation to LCNEC can be a mechanism of acquired EGFR-TKI resistance.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adenocarcinoma/genetics
- Adenocarcinoma/pathology
- Adenocarcinoma of Lung
- Autopsy
- Carcinoma, Large Cell/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Large Cell/genetics
- Carcinoma, Large Cell/pathology
- Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine/genetics
- Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine/pathology
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- ErbB Receptors/genetics
- Fatal Outcome
- Female
- Humans
- Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Lung Neoplasms/genetics
- Lung Neoplasms/pathology
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/drug therapy
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/genetics
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/pathology
- Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/drug therapy
- Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/genetics
- Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/pathology
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Sequence Deletion
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rika Moriya
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Japan
| | - Satoshi Hokari
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Japan
| | - Satoshi Shibata
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Japan
| | - Takeshi Koizumi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Japan
| | - Takafumi Tetsuka
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Niigata City General Hospital, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Ito
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Niigata City General Hospital, Japan
| | | | - Hiroki Tsukada
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Niigata City General Hospital, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lo Russo G, Pusceddu S, Proto C, Macerelli M, Signorelli D, Vitali M, Ganzinelli M, Gallucci R, Zilembo N, Platania M, Buzzoni R, de Braud F, Garassino MC. Treatment of lung large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:7047-57. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-5003-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
|
8
|
Iyoda A, Makino T, Koezuka S, Otsuka H, Hata Y. Treatment options for patients with large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung. Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2014; 62:351-6. [PMID: 24719260 PMCID: PMC4042022 DOI: 10.1007/s11748-014-0379-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the lung is categorized as a variant of large cell carcinomas, and LCNEC tumors display biological behaviors resembling those of small cell lung carcinomas and features of high-grade neuroendocrine tumors. Because patients with LCNEC have a poor prognosis, surgery alone is not sufficient. Multimodality therapies, including adjuvant chemotherapy, appear promising for improved prognosis in patients with LCNEC. In this review article, we discuss treatment options for patients with LCNEC of the lung.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akira Iyoda
- Division of Chest Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Toho University, 6-11-1 Omori-Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan,
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|