Treatment of Clival Chordomas: A 20-Year Experience and Systematic Literature Review

Clival chordomas are rare but aggressive skull base tumors that pose significant treatment challenges and portend dismal prognosis. The aim of this study was to highlight the advantages and limitations of available treatments, to furnish prognostic indicators, and to shed light on novel therapeutic strategies. We conducted a retrospective study of clival chordomas that were surgically treated at our institution from 2003 to 2022; for comparison purposes, we provided a systematic review of published surgical series and, finally, we reviewed the most recent advancements in molecular research. A total of 42 patients underwent 85 surgeries; median follow-up was 15.8 years, overall survival rate was 49.9% at 10 years; meanwhile, progression-free survival was 26.6% at 10 years. A significantly improved survival was observed in younger patients (<50 years), in tumors with Ki67 ≤ 5% and when adjuvant radiotherapy was performed. To conclude, clival chordomas are aggressive tumors in which surgery and radiotherapy play a fundamental role while molecular targeted drugs still have an ancillary position. Recognizing risk factors for recurrence and performing a molecular characterization of more aggressive lesions may be the key to future effective treatment.

Anatomical Considerations and Plastic Surgery Reconstruction Options of Sacral Chordoma Resection

Introduction Chordomas are slow-growing malignant bone tumors arising from remnant embryonic notochord cells with predilection for the sacrum. They rarely metastasize, and early surgical resection with clear margins is the treatment of choice followed by plastic surgery reconstruction supplemented with adjuvant radiotherapy based on the local treatment protocol or in cases with a contaminated surgical field. Aim The aim of the present study is to present our experience in surgical management of sacral chordomas and propose a surgical reconstruction algorithm considering anatomical parameters after partial or total sacrectomy. Materials and methods  Twenty-seven patients with sacral chordomas were treated in our Orthopaedic Surgery Department between January 1997 and September 2022, and 10 of them had plastic surgery reconstruction. Patients were divided into groups based on the type of sacrectomy, sacrum anatomical vascular or neural variations, partial or total, and the type of soft tissue reconstruction. The postoperative complications and the functional outcomes in each patient were assessed. Results  Bilateral gluteal advancement flaps or gluteal perforator flaps are the first choice in patients with partial sacrectomy, intact gluteal vessels, and without preoperative radiotherapy followed by transpelvic vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap or free flaps in those patients with near total sacrectomy and preoperative radiation therapy. Conclusion  There are four reliable options for patients after sacral chordoma resection: direct closure, bilateral gluteal advancement flaps, transpelvic vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps, and free flaps. Each time, tumor-free margins and a good reconstructive plan according to the defect and patient characteristics are mandatory.

Multimodal Intraoperative Image-Driven Surgery for Skull Base Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas

Given the difficulty and importance of achieving maximal resection in chordomas and chondrosarcomas, all available tools offered by modern neurosurgery are to be deployed for planning and resection of these complex lesions. As demonstrated by the review of our series of skull base chordoma and chondrosarcoma resections in the Advanced Multimodality Image-Guided Operating (AMIGO) suite, as well as by the recently published literature, we describe the use of advanced multimodality intraoperative imaging and neuronavigation as pivotal to successful radical resection of these skull base lesions while preventing and managing eventual complications.

AZD8055 enhances in vivo efficacy of afatinib in chordomas

Chordomas are primary bone tumors that arise in the cranial base, mobile spine, and sacrococcygeal region, affecting patients of all ages. Currently, there are no approved agents for chordoma patients. Here, we evaluated the anti-tumor efficacy of small molecule inhibitors that target oncogenic pathways in chordoma, as single agents and in combination, to identify novel therapeutic approaches with the greatest translational potential. A panel of small molecule compounds was screened in vivo against patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of chordoma, and potentially synergistic combinations were further evaluated using chordoma cell lines and xenograft models. Among the tested agents, inhibitors of EGFR (BIBX 1382, erlotinib, and afatinib), c-MET (crizotinib), and mTOR (AZD8055) significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo but did not induce tumor regression. Co-inhibition of EGFR and c-MET using erlotinib and crizotinib synergistically reduced cell viability in chordoma cell lines but did not result in enhanced in vivo activity. Co-inhibition of EGFR and mTOR pathways using afatinib and AZD8055 synergistically reduced cell viability in chordoma cell lines. Importantly, this dual inhibition completely suppressed tumor growth in vivo, showing improved tumor control. Together, these data demonstrate that individual inhibitors of EGFR, c-MET, and mTOR pathways suppress chordoma growth both in vitro and in vivo. mTOR inhibition increased the efficacy of EGFR inhibition on chordoma growth in several preclinical models. The insights gained from our study potentially provide a novel combination therapeutic strategy for patients with chordoma. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

The management of clival chordomas: an Italian multicentric study

OBJECTIVE

In the last 2 decades, the endoscopic endonasal approach in the treatment of clival chordomas has evolved to be a viable strategy to achieve maximal safe resection of this tumor. Here, the authors present a multicentric national study, intending to analyze the evolution of this approach over a 20-year time frame and its contribution in the treatment of clival chordomas.

METHODS

Clival chordoma cases surgically treated between 1999 and 2018 at 10 Italian neurosurgical departments were included in this retrospective study. Clinical, radiological, and surgical findings, adjuvant therapy, and outcomes were evaluated and compared according to classification in the treatment eras from 1999 to 2008 and from 2009 to 2018.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty-two surgical procedures were reviewed, with an increase in case load since 2009. The endoscopic endonasal transclival approach (EETA) was performed in 151 of 182 cases (83.0%) and other approaches were performed in 31 cases (17%). There was an increment in the use of EETA, neuronavigation, and Doppler ultrasound after 2008. The overall postoperative complication rate was 14.3% (26 of 182 cases) consisting of 9 CSF leaks (4.9%), 7 intracranial hemorrhages (3.8%), 5 cases of meningitis (2.7%), and 5 cerebral ischemic injuries (2.7%). Gross-total resection (GTR) was achieved in 93 of 182 cases (51.1%). Extent of resection (EOR) improved in the second era of the study. Signs and/or symptoms at presentation worsened in 27 cases (14.8%), and the Katz Index worsened in 10 cases (5.5%). Previous treatment, dural involvement, EETA, and intraoperative Doppler ultrasound correlated with GTR. Patients received adjuvant proton beam radiation in 115 of 182 cases (63.2%), which was administered more in the latter era. Five-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 62.3% and 73.5%, respectively. GTR, EETA, proton beam therapy, and the chondroid subtype correlated with a better survival rate. The mean follow-up was 62 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Through multicentric data collection, this study encompasses the largest series in the literature of clival chordomas surgically treated through an EETA. An increase in the use of this approach was found among Italian neurosurgical departments together with an improved extent of resection over time. The satisfactory rate of GTR was marked by low surgical morbidity and the preservation of patient quality of life. Surgical outcome was reinforced, in terms of PFS and OS, by the use of proton beam therapy, which was increasingly performed along the period of study.

The clinical outcomes for chordomas in the cranial base and spine: A single center experience

Owing to the special growth pattern of chordomas and the limited treatment options currently available, the treatment of chordoma still remains difficult. In this study, we hope to further clarify the relationship between surgical treatment and radiotherapy of chordoma and disease progression.All patients with a primary histopathological diagnosis of clival or spinal chordomas recorded in our institution between 1976 and 2017 were examined.A total of 60 patients (location: skull base/clival, n = 24; vertebral column, n = 5; sacrum, n = 31) had a mean follow-up time of 7.7 years (range 12 months-35 years). Compared with patients who received subtotal resection (n = 5, 5-year and 10-year survival = 61% and 39%, respectively), the annual survival rate of patients who received total resection (n = 55, 5-year and 10-year survival = 67%, respectively) was significantly higher. The overall 10-year survival rate (58%) of patients treated with surgery alone was significantly different from those treated with a combination of surgery and radiation (73%). The long-term prognosis of sacral chordoma was the worst (10-year survival rate = 48%).The best treatment strategy for improved long-term survival in chordoma was a combination of surgical resection and radiation therapy. Adjuvant radiotherapy for chordoma significantly improves disease-free survival, although the long-term survival benefit remains to be determined. A worse prognosis and poor long-term survival are seen in sacral chordomas.

Chordoma located in the jugular foramen: Case report

RATIONALE

Chordomas are rare malignant neoplasms arised from residual embryonic notochordal tissue, mostly located in the axial midline. Tumors along extra-axial locations in the head and neck are rare. Chordomas located in the jugular foramen are extremely rare, with a low incidence of 0.2%.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 64-year-old male with 20 years of dizziness history complaining of 6 months of severe dizziness: significant with the changing of the body posture, vertigo which can be self-remissioned within 1 minute and hearing loss of both ears, without headache, nausea, dysphagia, or otalgia. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed before surgery which suggests various possibilities. Immunohistochemistry helped to confirm the final diagnosis.

DIAGNOSES

Immunohistochemistry demonstrated diffuse positivity for S100 (+++), positivity for D2-40 (focal +), EMA (+), and PR (+). Ki-67 labeling index was estimated at 2% focally. The final diagnosis was chordoma.

INTERVENTIONS

The tumor was excised via retro-sigmoid approach without postoperative radiotherapy.

OUTCOMES

Facial paralysis occurred in this case. House-Brackmann facial nerve grading system was used to evaluate the facial paralysis of this patient. It is considered as H-B grade IV. The patient was followed up regularly every month after operation, totally for 9 months. An MRI of the brain was performed 6 months after surgery which shows a small range of abnormal signals similar to the previous MRI in the jugular foramen, suggesting that there may be residual or recurrent tumor. And facial paralysis stays at H-B grade IV without any recovery.

LESSONS

It is a big challenge for us to remove giant tumors located in the jugular foramen because of its unique anatomy. Access should be combined with retro-sigmoid or infra-temporal fossa approach to remove such tumors. Chordomas is a malignant neoplasm which may need radiotherapy after surgery, particularly those with subtotal and partial resection.

Proton therapy for skull base tumors: A review of clinical outcomes for chordomas and chondrosarcomas

BACKGROUND

Skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas are rare tumors traditionally treated by surgical resection and adjuvant radiation therapy (RT). We will discuss data evaluating clinical outcomes of proton therapy in the treatment of skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas.

METHODS

A literature review was performed using a MEDLINE search from January 1990 to January 2017.

RESULTS

The published data suggest that the dose intensification allowed by proton therapy has resulted in good clinical outcomes and a tolerable toxicity profile.

CONCLUSION

Proton therapy is a modern RT technique that has demonstrated improved preliminary clinical outcomes in the treatment of skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas compared to conventional radiotherapy, and comparable to other advanced photon-based RT techniques.

Radioresistance of chordoma cells is associated with the ATM/ATR pathway, in which RAD51 serves as an important downstream effector

Surgery followed by radiotherapy is the standard treatment for chordomas, which are a rare but low-grade type of bone cancer arising from remnants of the embryonic notochord. However, disease recurrence following radiotherapy is common, most likely due to endogenous DNA repair mechanisms that promote cell survival upon radiation strikes. The ataxia telangiectasia mutated/ataxia telangiectasia mutated and Rad3 related (ATM/ATR)-mediated pathway has a critical role in DNA repair mechanisms; however, it has rarely been investigated in chordomas. In the present study, the expression of signal molecules related to the ATM/ATR pathway in chordoma tissues and adjacent normal tissues were initially examined using immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Chordoma U-CH1 and U-CH2 cells were subsequently used to investigate cell responses to ionizing radiation and the potential protective actions mediated by the ATM/ATR pathway. Phosphorylated (p)-ATM, p-ATR, γ-H2A histone family, member X (H2AX) and RAD51 were significantly upregulated in chordoma tissues relative to adjacent normal tissues (P<0.05). No significant reductions were observed in the viability of U-CH1 and U-CH2 cells following exposure to low-dose (1 and 2 Gy) radiation. Radiation (1 and 2 Gy) triggered a significant upregulation in p-ATM, γ-H2AX and RAD51 expression in U-CH1 cells (P<0.05), as well as a significant upregulation in p-ATM, p-ATR and RAD51 levels in U-CH2 cells (P<0.05). RAD51 knockdown increased the responses of both U-CH1 and U-CH2 cells to 1 Gy radiation, as evidenced by the significantly decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis rate (P<0.05). Collectively, the results of the present study indicated that radioresistance of chordoma cells is associated with the ATM/ATR pathway, in which RAD51 serves as an important downstream effector. Thus, RAD51 presents a promising therapeutic target for improving the outcome of radiotherapy treatment in chordomas.

Recent advances in understanding and managing chordomas

Chordomas are rare primary bone tumors arising from embryonic remnants of the notochord. They are slow-growing, locally aggressive, and destructive and typically involve the axial skeleton. Genetic studies have identified several mutations implicated in the pathogenesis of these tumors. Treatment poses a challenge given their insidious progression, degree of local invasion at presentation, and high recurrence rate. They tend to respond poorly to conventional chemotherapy and radiation. This makes radical resection the mainstay of their treatment. Recent advances in targeted chemotherapy and focused particle beam radiation, however, have improved the management and prognosis of these tumors.

Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of recurrent and non-recurrent chordomas

Chordomas are an aggressive rare type of malignant bone tumors arising from the remnant of the notochord. Chordomas occur mainly in vertebral bones and account for 1-4% of malignant bone tumors. Management and treatment of chordomas are difficult as they are resistant to conventional chemotherapy; therefore, they are mainly treated with surgery and radiation therapy. In this study, we performed DNA methylation profiling of 26 chordomas and normal nucleus pulposus samples plus UCH-1 chordoma cell line using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChips. Combined bisulfite restriction analysis and bisulfite sequencing was used to confirm the methylation data. Gene expression was analyzed using RT-PCR before and after 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-azaDC) treatment of chordoma cell lines. Analysis of the HumanMethylation450 BeadChip data led to the identification of 8,819 loci (2.9%) that were significantly differentially methylated (>0.2 average β-value difference) between chordomas and nucleus pulposus samples (adjusted P < 0.05). Among these, 5,868 probes (66.5%) were hypomethylated, compared to 2,951 (33.5%) loci that were hypermethylated in chordomas compared to controls. From the 2,951 differentially hypermethylated probes, 33.3% were localized in the promoter region (982 probes) and, among these, 104 probes showed cancer-specific hypermethylation. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis indicates that the cancer-specific differentially methylated loci are involved in various networks including cancer disease, nervous system development and function, cell death and survival, cellular growth, cellular development, and proliferation. Furthermore, we identified a subset of probes that were differentially methylated between recurrent and non-recurrent chordomas. BeadChip methylation data was confirmed for these genes and gene expression was shown to be upregulated in methylated chordoma cell lines after treatment with 5-azaDC. Understanding epigenetic changes in chordomas may provide insights into chordoma tumorigenesis and development of epigenetic biomarkers.

Novel targeted therapies in chordoma: an update

Chordomas are rare, locally aggressive skull base neoplasms known for local recurrence and not-infrequent treatment failure. Current evidence supports the role of maximal safe surgical resection. In addition to open skull-base approaches, the endoscopic endonasal approach to clival chordomas has been reported with favorable albeit early results. Adjuvant radiation is prescribed following complete resection, alternatively for gross residual disease or at the time of recurrence. The modalities of adjuvant radiation therapy reported vary widely and include proton-beam, carbon-ion, fractionated photon radiotherapy, and photon and gamma-knife radiosurgery. As of now, no direct comparison is available, and high-level evidence demonstrating superiority of one modality over another is lacking. While systemic therapies have yet to form part of any first-line therapy for chordomas, a number of targeted agents have been evaluated to date that inhibit specific molecules and their respective pathways known to be implicated in chordomas. These include EGFR (erlotinib, gefitinib, lapatinib), PDGFR (imatinib), mTOR (rapamycin), and VEGF (bevacizumab). This article provides an update of the current multimodality treatment of cranial base chordomas, with an emphasis on how current understanding of molecular pathogenesis provides a framework for the development of novel targeted approaches.

Primary intestinal and vertebral chordomas in laboratory zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Chordomas are uncommon neoplasms arising from notochord remnants, most commonly occurring in the axial skeleton. Extraskeletal soft tissue chordomas are rare primary tumors, and primary alimentary tract chordomas have not been reported. Herein we report 24 cases of spontaneous primary intestinal chordomas in zebrafish, as well as 9 spontaneous vertebral chordomas. Both intestinal and vertebral tumors showed invasive behavior, although more commonly in the latter. In all cases of primary intestinal chordomas, there was no axial or peripheral skeletal or other nonvisceral involvement. Although uncommon, intestinal chordomas represent a unique background lesion in aged zebrafish.