Extrapulmonary small-cell carcinoma compared with small-cell lung carcinoma: a retrospective single-center study

Clinical Outcomes of Small Cell Carcinoma of the Genitourinary Tract and the Prognostic Significance of the Tumor Immune Microenvironment

PURPOSE

Small cell carcinoma of the genitourinary tract (GU SCC) is a rare disease with a poor prognosis. There are only limited treatment options due to insufficient understanding of the disease. In this study, we analyzed the clinical outcomes of patients with GU SCC and their association with the tumor immune phenotype.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients diagnosed with GU SCC were included. Survival outcomes according to the primary location (prostate and non-prostate) and stages (limited disease [LD] and extensive disease [ED]) were analyzed. We performed multiplex immunohistochemistry (IHC) in non-prostate SCC patients and analyzed the immune cell population.

RESULTS

A total of 77 patients were included in this study. Their median age was 71 years, 67 patients (87.0%) were male, and 48 patients (62.3%) had non-prostate SCC. All patients with ED (n=31, 40.3%) received etoposide plus platinum (EP) as initial treatment and median overall survival (OS) was 9.7 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.1 to 18.6). Patients with LD (n=46, 59.7%) received EP followed by radiotherapy or surgery, and 24-months OS rate was 63.6% (95% CI, 49.9 to 81.0). The multiplex IHC analysis of 21 patients with non-prostate SCC showed that patients with a higher density of programmed death-ligand 1-expressing CD68+CD206+ M2-like macrophages had significantly worse OS outcomes with an adjusted hazards ratio of 4.17 (95% CI, 1.25 to 14.29; adjusted p=0.02).

CONCLUSION

Patients with GU SCC had a poor prognosis, even those with localized disease. The tumor immune phenotypes were significantly associated with survival. This finding provides new insights for treating GU SCC.

Small cell carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation of subglottic larynx- a case report

Small cell cancer (SCC) is a neuroendocrine neoplasm, which is most frequently found in the lungs. Extrapulmonary location of SCC is rare and may involve 2.5-5% of SCCs. We present a case of a 31-year-old male patient with an extremely uncommon subglottic SCC. The patient was qualified for a radical sequential chemoradiotherapy. After treatment, patient's condition suggested complete remission. Recurrence was detected one year later, and the disease rapidly progressed, despite a second line chemotherapy. The patient died 29 months after initial diagnosis. This case aims to raise awareness on the aggressive laryngeal SCC and its good response to first line chemotherapy composed of cisplatin and etoposide, followed by radiotherapy.

Potent molecular-targeted therapies for gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), which are characterized by neuroendocrine differentiation, can arise in various organs. NENs have been divided into well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) based on morphological differentiation, each of which has a distinct etiology, molecular profile, and clinicopathological features. While the majority of NECs originate in the pulmonary organs, extrapulmonary NECs occur most predominantly in the gastro-entero-pancreatic (GEP) system. Although platinum-based chemotherapy is the main therapeutic option for recurrent or metastatic GEP-NEC patients, the clinical benefits are limited and associated with a poor prognosis, indicating the clinically urgent need for effective therapeutic agents. The clinical development of molecular-targeted therapies has been hampered due to the rarity of GEP-NECs and the paucity of knowledge on their biology. In this review, we summarize the biology, current treatments, and molecular profiles of GEP-NECs based on the findings of pivotal comprehensive molecular analyses; we also highlight potent therapeutic targets for future precision medicine based on the most recent results of clinical trials.

Molecular Classification of Extrapulmonary Neuroendocrine Carcinomas With Emphasis on POU2F3-positive Tuft Cell Carcinoma

Extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas (EP-NECs) are associated with a poor clinical outcome, and limited information is available on the biology and treatment of EP-NECs. We studied EP-NECs by applying the recent novel findings from studies of pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas, including POU2F3, the master regulator of tuft cell variant of small cell lung carcinomas. A cohort of 190 patients with surgically resected EP-NECs or poorly differentiated carcinomas (PDCs) were established. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for POU2F3 along with ASCL1, NEUROD1, YAP1, and conventional neuroendocrine markers was performed on tissue microarrays. Selected cases with or without POU2F3 expression were subjected to targeted gene expression profiling using nCounter PanCancer Pathway panel. POU2F3-positive tuft cell carcinomas were present in 12.6% of EP-NEC/PDCs, with variable proportions according to organ systems. POU2F3 expression was negatively correlated with the expression levels of ASCL1, NEUROD1, and conventional neuroendocrine markers ( P <0.001), enabling IHC-based molecular classification into ASCL1-dominant, NEUROD1-dominant, POU2F3-dominant, YAP1-dominant, and not otherwise specified subtypes. Compared wih POU2F3-negative cases, POU2F3-positive tuft cell carcinomas showed markedly higher expression levels of PLCG2 and BCL2 , which was also validated in the entire cohort by IHC. In addition to POU2F3, YAP1-positive tumors were a distinct subtype among EP-NEC/PDCs, characterized by unique T-cell inflamed microenvironment. We found rare extrapulmonary POU2F3-positive tumors arising from previously unappreciated cells of origin. Our data show novel molecular pathologic features of EP-NEC/PDCs including potential therapeutic vulnerabilities, thereby emphasizing the need for focusing on unique features of EP-NEC/PDCs.

The Survival and Prognosis Characteristics of Primary Esophageal Small-Cell Carcinoma

Objective

To comprehensively explore the survival characteristics of primary esophageal small-cell carcinoma (PSCCE) and identify the main factors affecting the prognosis.

Methods

The clinical and follow-up data of PSCCE patients admitted to the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from 2006 to 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. The primary endpoint was five-year survival. Survival curves were drawn using the Kaplan-Meier method, and log-rank test was used to compare the differences in survival rates among the groups. Cox regression models were used to analyze prognostic factors.

Results

A total of 119 eligible patients were retrieved. Median survival was 27 months (3-100 months). Changes in overall survival (OS) in PSCCE patients were associated with TNM stage (P = 0.007), T stage (P = 0.049), and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.004). When TNM was in stage I-IIb, lymph node metastasis (P = 0.003) or combined adjuvant therapy (P = 0.004) was an independent factor affecting OS. Survival analysis showed that TNM staging had no predictive value for 5-year survival time or disease-free survival (DFS) of PSCCE (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

TNM stage, T stage, and lymph node metastasis were related to the survival of patients. Negative lymph node metastasis and treatment are independent prognostic factors in PSCCE TNM stage I-IIb patients.

Locally advanced anal small cell carcinoma with durable complete response to chemoradiation followed by consolidation chemotherapy: case report and literature review

Extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma (EPSCC) is a rare and aggressive clinical entity that can involve a variety of anatomic locations, including the gastrointestinal tract. Involvement of the gastrointestinal tract is associated with a particularly poor prognosis with patients often presenting with widespread dissemination on initial clinical presentation or rapidly progressing to systemic disease from locoregional involvement. Primary small cell carcinoma of the anal canal is extremely rare, with limited published case reports in the literature. As a result, management of this disease is not well defined, and outcomes are poor with high rates of disease relapse. We report a patient with locally advanced anal small cell carcinoma after presenting with irregular bowel movements, changes in stool caliber, and rectal bleeding for two months and achieved a durable complete response to concurrent chemoradiation with cisplatin and etoposide followed by consolidation chemotherapy and discuss our current understanding of this disease. Specifically, we review the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical course, the treatment strategies over the past two decades, and prognosis for EPSCC. Finally, we conclude our discussion by reviewing the rationale of our treatment regimen and the potential role and benefit of consolidation therapy in the management of this rare and aggressive disease.

Nasopharyngeal neuroendocrine neoplasms: Systematic review of the literature and case presentation

Most of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are located in the gastrointestinal tract and lung, and they are rarely found on the upper aero-digestive tract, which limit the current literature about nasopharyngeal NENs. This systemic review will summarize the clinical, pathological features and optimal diagnosis and management of different types of nasopharyngeal NENs (NP NENs). In-addition, we herein report an EBV negative TP53-mutated/ Rb-wild type nasopharyngeal neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) in a young man in which touch preparation cytology studies were integral to establishing a definitive diagnosis. To our knowledge, only very few cases of primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the nasopharynx have been reported in the literature and the reports of these cases have not included detailed description of different types and how to optimally diagnose and manage them. In this abstract, we also highlighted the evidence about the safety of using growth factors in patients with sickle cell anemia who are receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy.

A Comparative Analysis of the Gene Expression Profiles of Small Cell Esophageal Carcinoma, Small Cell Lung Cancer, and Esophageal Adeno/Squamous Carcinoma

Purpose/objectives: Primary small cell esophageal carcinoma (SCEC) is a rare malignancy without an established treatment strategy. This study investigated the gene expression profile of SCEC and compared it with the expression profiles of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and esophageal adeno/squamous carcinoma (EAC/ESCC). Materials/methods: All patients with SCEC, SCLC, and EAC/ESCC in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database 1973-2014 were included. Overall survival (OS) and prognostic analysis were conducted. De novo expression array analysis was performed on three pairs of frozen primary SCEC tissues and the corresponding normal samples from the institutional tissue bank using the Affymetrix HG U133 plus 2.0 Array. These data were complemented with public domain expression data sets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) repository using the same working platforms, which included primary SCLC, EAC/ESCC, and normal lung/esophagus specimens (series GSE30219 and GSE26886). After individual normalization, the primary tumors were submitted to statistical analysis (GeneSpring GX 13.0) to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) relative to their paired normal tissues. Enrichments of genes categorized by function and gene interactions were analyzed by DAVID 6.8 and STRING 11.0, respectively. Results: The clinical outcomes of the patients with SCEC were significantly more worse than those with EAC/ESCC and SCLC in the SEER database. SCEC had more DEGs in common with SCLC than EAC/ESCC [829 vs. 450; false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.01; and fold change ≥2], leading to a stronger correlation between SCEC and SCLC (Pearson's correlation coefficient was 0.60 for SCEC vs. SCLC, 0.51 or 0.45 for SCEC vs. ESCC or EAC, and the coefficient was 0.73 for ESCC vs. EAC). Similar findings were obtained by principal component analysis (PCA) using all DEGs retrieved from these four groups. Functional annotation showed that a higher proportion of pathways and biological processes were common between SCEC and SCLC and were associated with the cell cycle (mitosis), DNA replication, telomere maintenance, DNA repair, and P53 and RB pathways (Benjamini p < 0.05). Compared with EAC/ESCC, SCEC shared more co-upregulated DEGs coding for the aforementioned common pathways with SCLC (584 vs. 155). In addition, SCEC and SCLC were found to have possessed overlapping gene-interactive networks, with centromere protein F (CENPF), never in mitosis gene A-related kinase 2 ( NEK2), kinesin family member 11 (KIF11), thymopoietin (TMPO), and forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) as common skeletons centered by gene regulatory network (NUF2). Conclusions: This study is the first attempt to examine the genomic signatures of SCEC at the transcriptomic level and compare the expression profiles between SCEC, SCLC, and EAC/ESCC. Our preliminary data indicate that SCEC and SCLC display notably similar patterns of gene expression for mitosis and DNA repair. Further validation studies are warranted.

Neuroendocrine Carcinomas of the Digestive Tract: What Is New?

Neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC) are rare tumors with a rising incidence. They show poorly differentiated morphology with a high proliferation rate (Ki-67 index). They frequently arise in the lung (small and large-cell lung cancer) but rarely from the gastrointestinal tract. Due to their rarity, very little is known about digestive NEC and few studies have been conducted. Therefore, most of therapeutic recommendations are issued from work on small-cell lung cancers (SCLC). Recent improvement in pathology and imaging has allowed for better detection and classification of high-grade NEN. The 2019 World Health Organization (WHO) classification has described a new entity of well-differentiated grade 3 neuroendocrine tumors (NET G-3), with better prognosis, that should be managed separately from NEC. NEC are aggressive neoplasms often diagnosed at a metastatic state. In the localized setting, surgery can be performed in selected patients followed by adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is also an option for NEC of the lung, rectum, and esophagus. In metastatic NEC, chemotherapy is administered with a classic combination of platinum salts and etoposide in the first-line setting. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) has shown positive results in high-grade NEN populations and immunotherapy trials are still ongoing. Available therapies have improved the overall survival of NEC but there is still an urgent need for improvement. This narrative review sums up the current data on digestive NEC while exploring future directions for their management.

Clinicopathological Features and Prognoses in Patients With Brain Metastases From Small-Cell Esophageal Carcinoma: A Retrospective Analysis of 18 Patients

Objective: This study aims to examine the clinical characteristics of patients with brain metastases (BM) from small-cell esophageal carcinoma (SCEC) and to explore the association of the corresponding factors with overall survival (OS).

Methods: The data of 18 patients with brain metastases from SCEC, diagnosed from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2018, in the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: The 18 patients who were included in this study accounted for 6.7% of the patients with SCEC diagnosed from 2006 to 2018. Of the 18 patients, 8 (44.4%) were females. For the entire cohort, the median OS was 7 months, the 1-year OS was 22.2%, and the 2-year OS was 0%. For patients who received whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) and for those who did not (13 vs. 5), the median OS was 11.9 and 3 months, respectively, and the 1-year OS was 30.8 and 0%, respectively. When comparing diagnosis-specific Graded Prognostic Assessment (DS-GPA) scores of patients with BM from SCEC ranging from 2.5 to 4 and from 0 to 2, the median OS was 13.1 and 4 months, respectively, and the 1-year OS was 57.1 and 0%, respectively. In the univariable regression, patients who received WBRT had improved OS compared to those who did not (HR = 0.249, p = 0.018), and patients with a DS-GPA score of 2.5–4 were associated with improved OS compared with patients with a DS-GPA score of 0–2 (HR = 0.050, p = 0.005).

Conclusion: The incidence of brain metastases in patients with SCEC is low, but the prognosis in those patients is very poor. The DS-GPA score may be a prognostic factor of patients with BM from SCEC. Brain radiotherapy could improve the survival of these patients.

Use of Chemoradiotherapy as a Treatment Option for Patients with Limited-Stage Primary Small Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus

Purpose

Currently, there are no standard treatments for primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus (PSCCE), particularly in cases of limited-stage disease. This retrospective study aimed to assess the treatment strategies and the relevant prognostic factors of limited-stage PSCCE (LS-PSCCE).

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 129 patients with LS-PSCCE between June 2009 and December 2018. The χ2 test was performed to examine the frequencies between different groups. The Kaplan-Meier and log-rank methods were used to estimate and compare survival rates. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the prognostic factors for overall survival (OS).

Results

Through a median follow-up of 23 months, the median OS of all patients was 25.0 months and the median recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 15.0 months. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that alcohol abuse (p=0.046) and TNM stage (p<0.001) were independent prognostic factors. There was no significant difference in OS and RFS rates between the patients treated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and those treated with surgery and chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy (S+CT±RT) (p>0.05). Patients who received concurrent CRT had better OS and RFS than those who received sequential CRT (p<0.05). Postoperative adjuvant RT for high-risk patients can further improve the local control rate but has no significant effect on OS.

Conclusion

LS-PSCCE patients treated with CRT had similar OS and RFS compared to those treated with S+CT±RT. This study shows that concurrent CRT confers a survival advantage for patients with LS-PSCCE compared to those with sequential CRT.

Primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus: progression in the last decade

Primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus (PSCCE) is a highly malignant tumor that is diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy and immunohistochemistry. Because of its low incidence, a high degree of malignancy, and rapid progress, it is difficult to conduct large, randomized controlled trials and to establish a standard treatment plan for this disease. In recent years, several retrospective studies have been reported, and with the rise of emerging therapies, PSCCE has gradually become a focus of thoracic surgery. This paper reviews progress in the diagnosis and treatment of PSCCE in recent years.

Chemotherapy in Resected Neuroendocrine Carcinomas of the Digestive Tract: A National Study from the French Group of Endocrine Tumours

BACKGROUND

Neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) of the digestive tract are rare and aggressive tumours. In localised disease the treatment is surgery. Based on expert consensus, international guidelines recommend the administration of adjuvant chemotherapy combining etoposide and platinum derivatives, justified by the high risk of metastatic relapse. However, no clinical study has proven the benefit of neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the effect of neoadjuvant +/- adjuvant and adjuvant therapy in this indication.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective observational French study to evaluate overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), prognostic factors for survival, and chemotherapy toxicity.

RESULTS

Seventy-three patients had surgical resection of a localised digestive NEC between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2016. The majority of patients presented colorectal (35%) tumours and the median Ki-67 value was 70%. Forty-three patients received chemotherapy, either perioperative (neoadjuvant +/- adjuvant) or adjuvant. The median OS and DFS for the whole population was 24 and 9 months, respectively. The median OS and DFS for patients receiving chemotherapy was 62 and 13 months, respectively. Positive postoperative node status and Ki-67 ≥80% had a negative prognostic impact on OS and DFS. Administration of chemotherapy had a positive prognostic impact on OS and DFS. Sixteen grade 3/4 toxicities were reported without toxic death.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest a positive effect on survival of chemotherapy in resected digestive NECs, but further studies are needed to confirm these results.

An Open-Label, Single-Arm, Two-Stage, Multicenter, Phase II Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of TLC388 and Genomic Analysis for Poorly Differentiated Neuroendocrine Carcinomas

BACKGROUND

The discovery of effective therapeutic options for treating metastatic poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) after prior platinum-based chemotherapy remains elusive. This study analyzed the efficacy of TLC388 (Lipotecan) Hydrochloride, a novel camptothecin analog, for pretreated patients with metastatic NEC.

METHODS

This single-arm, two-stage, phase II clinical trial was conducted at four community and academic centers in Taiwan. Patients aged 20 years or older with confirmed metastatic NEC and who had received prior systemic therapy with etoposide plus cisplatin were enrolled between July 2015 and May 2018. Patients received 40 mg/m² of TLC388 intravenously on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxic effects. Gene mutations were analyzed by next-generation sequencing.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients with a median age of 61 (range, 44-73) years, 18 of whom were men (78%), were enrolled. Patients received a median of 2 (range, 0-6) treatment cycles. Among 20 evaluable patients, 3 patients exhibited stable disease and no patient experienced a complete or partial remission, resulting in a disease control rate of 15%. Median progression-free survival was 1.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.4-15) months, and the median overall survival was 4.3 (95% CI, 1.7-15) months. The most common treatment-related hematologic adverse events at grade 3 or higher were leukopenia (22.7%), anemia (31.8%), and thrombocytopenia (18.2%). The most frequent mutated genes in 35 patients with NEC were ARSA, DPYD, HEXB, BRCA1, HPD, MYBPC3, BBS2, IL7R, HSD17B4, and PRODH.

CONCLUSION

TLC388 demonstrates limited antitumor activity in metastatic NEC. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02457273.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) are rare and aggressive. Currently, effective therapeutic options for treating metastatic poorly differentiated NECs beyond platinum-based chemotherapy remain elusive. In this single-arm, multicenter, phase II study, 23 patients with NEC were enrolled and received TLC388 (Lipotecan) Hydrochloride, which is a novel camptothecin analog. The results demonstrated the disease control rate of 15%, the median progression-free survival of 1.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.4-15) months, and the median overall survival of 4.3 (95% CI, 1.7-15) months. Most importantly, several novel genetic mutations and pathways were identified. These results offer the opportunity to develop future treatment strategies in this rare cancer.

Safety and efficacy of amrubicin monotherapy in patients with platinum-refractory metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gastrointestinal tract: a single cancer center retrospective study

Purpose

Patients with gastrointestinal neuroendocrine carcinoma (GI-NEC) have poor prognoses. Although platinum-based combination chemotherapy is commonly used as first-line treatment, the benefit of amrubicin (AMR) and salvage chemotherapy in those who develop platinum-refractory GI-NEC remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of AMR monotherapy in patients with platinum-refractory GI-NEC.

Patients and methods

Platinum-refractory GI-NEC patients who received AMR monotherapy between April 2012 and September 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events were evaluated. PFS and OS were estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods and compared using log-rank tests.

Results

In total, 16 patients were enrolled. Of them, 13 (81.3%), 1 (6.2%), and 2 (12.5%) received cisplatin plus irinotecan, cisplatin plus etoposide, and fluoropyrimidine plus platinum, respectively, before AMR monotherapy. The primary sites of NEC included the esophagus (N=3, 18.8%), stomach (N=10, 62.5%), duodenum (N=1, 6.2%) and colorectum (N=2, 12.5%). Patients were administered a median of 3 (range, 1–15) cycles of AMR. The ORR was 6.3%, and the median PFS and OS were 2.9 months (95% CI: 1.7–7.4) and 13.8 months (95% CI: 7.9–23.5), respectively. Neutropenia was the most serious adverse event. Grade 3 or higher neutropenia and febrile neutropenia occurred in 50.0% and 6.2% of patients, respectively. Other nonhematological toxicities were not severe, and no treatment-related deaths occurred. The 10 patients who received subsequent chemotherapy after AMR had significantly longer OS than those who did not (17.3 months vs 8.9 months; p=0.018). The median PFS of those who received organ-specific subsequent chemotherapy after AMR was 3.8 months, which was longer than that of those who received prior AMR.

Conclusion

AMR is feasible with minimal side effects for platinum-refractory GI-NEC. Organ-specific subsequent chemotherapy after AMR may improve patient survival.

Cutaneous basal cell carcinoma mimicking small cell carcinoma

Neuroendocrine differentiation seen in basal cell carcinomas (BCC) is not generally appreciated by oncologists and can introduce a component of confusion when diagnosing a tumor and developing a management plan. Understanding that BCC commonly have this feature can assist the treating oncologist.

Primary mixed adenocarcinoma and small-cell carcinoma of appendix: A case report (CARE-compliant)

RATIONALE

Primary extrapulmonary small-cell carcinoma (SCC) of appendix is reported very rarely. We report herein a case of mixed SCC and adenocarcinoma of appendix.

PATIENT'S CONCERN

A 70-year-old female was consulted to our Emergency Department with the right lower abdominal pain and low-grade fever for 2 days.

DIAGNOSIS

Abdominal ultrasonography revealed the perforated appendicitis with periappendiceal abscess. Postoperative histology confirmed the diagnosis of mixed SCC and adenocarcinoma.

INTERVENTIONS

After laparoscopic appendectomy, she underwent right hemicolectomy for radical surgery.

OUTCOMES

Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed and histological examination showed mixed SCC and adenocarcinoma. After confirming that there was no other organ metastasis, right hemicolectomy was performed for radical surgery. Five months after surgery, the patient expired due to multiple organ metastases.

LESSONS

Further studies are required for better understanding of disease entities, and clinical trials are needed to define adequate treatment strategies for extrapulmonary SCC.

Unusual Sites of High-Grade Neuroendocrine Carcinomas: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

Case series

Patient: Female, 29 • Female, 69 • Female, 52 • Female, 71 • Male, 62 • Female, 67

Final Diagnosis: Neuroendocrine carcinoma

Symptoms: Abdominal pain

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Oncology

Small cell carcinoma of the stomach: A report of two cases and a review of the literature

Primary small cell gastric carcinomas (SCGC) are rare tumors with an aggressive nature, characterized by early, widespread metastases and poor overall prognosis. SCGC shares similar clinicopathological and molecular characteristics with small cell lung carcinoma and is usually treated in a similar manner. Here, two cases of SCGC in young Caucasian male patients are presented. One patient had metastatic and the other locoregional disease. Multimodal treatment was applied in each case; the resulting survival time was 20.2 months in the patient with initially locoregional disease whereas the remains alive and disease-free 20 months after initial diagnosis. A review of the literature is also presented.

Establishment of preclinical chemotherapy models for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (GEP-NEC) is a rare and devastating malignancy, and preclinical studies are needed to evaluate potential therapeutic regimens. Here, we examined the antitumor effects of cisplatin (CDDP), etoposide (ETP) and irinotecan (CPT-11) and their combinations on GEP-NEC using three small-cell GEP-NEC cell lines (pancreatic NEC, A99; esophageal NEC, TYUC-1; duodenum NEC, TCC-NECT-2). In vitro studies were conducted using cell viability assays. In vivo experiments were conducted in mice inoculated with A99 or TCC-NECT-2 and treated with no agent, CDDP, CDDP+ETP (EP) or CDDP+CPT-11 (IP). TYUC-1 was the most susceptible to all agents, whereas A99 was refractory. Classical isobolograms showed synergism in both the EP and IP combinations for the three cell lines. In the TCC-NECT-2 mouse model, the IP regimen showed a significant antitumor effect, and CDDP alone showed a marginal effect compared to the control. In contrast, no effect was detected in the A99 model, probably because A99 was established from a metastatic tumor after chemotherapy with EP. Gene expression analysis of the ATP-binding cassette transporters revealed that ATP binding cassette subfamily B member1 (ABCB1) was conspicuously expressed in A99, and ABCB1 and ATP binding cassette subfamily C member2 (ABCC2) were deficient in TYUC-1, which might explain a part of different CDDP susceptibilities between cell lines. These preclinical models indicate that CDDP is a key agent, and IP regimen might be a reasonable option, although its efficacy is moderate. Our data on the platinum-based regimen will be useful as reference information in developing new agents for GEP-NEC.

Primary small cell carcinoma of the breast: Report of seven cases and review of the literature

Aims and background

The aim of the study was to analyze the clinicopathological characteristics, treatment modalities, and clinical outcome of patients with primary small cell carcinoma of the breast.

Methods

Fifty-three cases of primary small cell carcinoma of the breast were identified; 7 cases in this series and 46 from the English-language medical literature.

Results

There were 52 females and 1 male. The mean age was 53 years. Tumor size ranged from 1 to 18 cm (mean, 4.53). Axillary node metastasis was present in 61.7%. Only one patient had distant metastases at presentation. The presence of hormone receptors was reported in 24.5% of the tumors. Modified radical mastectomy was the most common surgical procedure and was performed in 50.9% of the patients. Adjuvant radiotherapy was administered to 39.6% of the patients, and 69.8% underwent chemotherapy. Thirteen percent of patients received adjuvant tamoxifen therapy. The mean follow-up was 20.75 months (range, 3–60), and 10 of 53 cases (18.9%) died of metastatic disease.

Conclusions

The prognosis of primary small cell carcinoma of the breast largely depends on the initial stage of the disease. Multimodality treatment including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy seems to be the most appropriate strategy for early disease. Chemotherapy is usually unsuccessful in treating metastatic disease.

Dual Paraneoplastic Endocrine Syndromes Heralding Onset of Extrapulmonary Small Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report and Narrative Review

OBJECTIVE

Extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma (EPSCC) is rare and frequent metastases at presentation can complicate efforts to identify a site of origin. In particular, SCC comprises <1% of prostate cancers and has been implicated in castration resistance.

METHODS

Clinical, laboratory, imaging, and pathology data are presented.

RESULTS

A 56-year-old man with locally advanced prostate adenocarcinoma on androgen deprivation therapy presented with a clogged nephrostomy tube. Laboratory results included calcium 13.8 mg/dL (8.5-10.5 mg/dL), albumin 3.6 g/dL (3.5-5 mg/dL), and potassium 2.8 mmol/L (3.5-5.2 mmol/L). Hypercalcemia investigation revealed intact PTH 19 pg/mL (16-87 pg/mL), 25-OH vitamin D 15.7 ng/mL (>30 ng/mL), and PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) 63.4 pmol/L (<2.3 pmol/L). Workup for hypokalemia yielded aldosterone 5.3 ng/dL (<31 ng/dL), renin 0.6 ng/mL/h (0.5-4 ng/mL/h), and 6:00 a.m. cortisol 82 µg/dL (6.7-22.6 µg/dL) with ACTH 147 pg/mL (no ref. range). High-dose Dexamethasone suppression testing suggested ACTH-dependent ectopic hypercortisolism. Contrast-enhanced CT findings included masses in the liver and right renal pelvis, a heterogeneous enlarged mass in the region of the prostate invading the bladder, bilateral adrenal thickening, and lytic lesions in the pelvis and spine. Liver biopsy identified epithelioid malignancy with Ki proliferation index 98% and immunohistochemical staining positive for synaptophysin and neuron-specific enolase, compatible with high-grade small cell carcinoma. Staining for ACTH was negative; no stain for CRH was available. Two weeks after chemotherapy, 6:00 a.m. cortisol normalized and CT scans showed universal improvement.

CONCLUSION

Extensive literature details paraneoplastic syndromes associated with SCC, but we report the first case of EPSCC diagnosed due to onset of dual paraneoplastic syndromes.

Chemoradiation for High-grade Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Rectum and Anal Canal

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated outcomes in patients with high-grade neuroendocrine (HGNE) carcinoma of the anorectum treated with pelvic chemoradiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 1, 2000 and February 17, 2013, 10 patients were confirmed to have HGNE carcinoma of the rectum or anal canal and treated with pelvic chemoradiation (radiation dose ≥45 Gy). Overall survival (OS), locoregional control (LRC), progression-free survival (PFS), and patterns of failure were evaluated.

RESULTS

Eight had pure HGNE carcinoma and 2 had HGNE carcinoma with minor component of adenocarcinoma. Median age was 62 years. Median follow-up was 15 months (range, 3 to 128 mo). Tumor stages included TxN0M0 (1), II (1), III (4), and IV (4) including 2 with only inguinal involvement. Median tumor size was 5.5 cm (range, 3 to 7 cm). Patients received postoperative chemoradiation (1), preoperative chemoradiation (2), and chemoradiation without surgery (7). Median dose was 50.4 Gy (range, 45 to 60 Gy). All patients received chemotherapy before or after chemoradiation. Seven had pelvic LRC; 2 had possible and 1 had confirmed local progression. Both patients who had preoperative chemoradiation only had microscopic focus of residual carcinoma at surgery. Seven had disease progression; of which all developed distant progression, with distant progression occurring as the first event in 6 (liver, lung, bone, and abdominal nodes). Actuarial 2-year PFS and OS were 30% and 46%, respectively. One patient received prophylactic cranial irradiation; only one of the other 9 patient developed brain metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Pelvic chemoradiation provided LRC for the majority of the patients' lifetime. Most patients had distant failure, but patterns of distant failure do not support routine prophylactic cranial irradiation.

Comparative study of lung and extrapulmonary poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas: A SEER database analysis of 162,983 cases

BACKGROUND

Extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) are poorly studied and are managed similar to lung NECs, which may not account for differences between the 2 groups of tumors as well as the heterogeneity within extrapulmonary NEC.

METHODS

Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program between 1973 and 2012 were used to estimate the relative percentages of lung NECs and subgroups of extrapulmonary NECs, epidemiological patterns at these sites, and the median and 5-year overall survival rates.

RESULTS

Of 162,983 NEC cases, 14,732 were extrapulmonary; of these, 5509 were gastrointestinal (37.44%), 4151 were of unknown primary (28.2%), and 5072 were of other sites (34.4%). Lung NEC had the highest percentage of small cell morphology (95.2%) and gastrointestinal NEC had the least (38.7%), with the rest being other morphologies. Significant differences were noted with regard to median age (range, 48-74 years), percentage of cases of distant stage disease (24%-77%), and incidence according to sex and race. The median survival of patients with lung NEC was 7.6 months, that for patients with gastrointestinal NEC was 7.5 months (range, 25.1 months for NEC at the small intestine to 5.7 months for NEC at the pancreas), and that for patients with unknown NEC was 2.5 months. The 5-year survival rate for patients with local stage disease ranged from 58% to 60% for NECs of the female genital tract and small intestine to 25% for esophageal NECs. The primary tumor site remained statistically significant for survival even after adjusting for known prognostic variables (P<.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

To the authors' knowledge, the current study is the largest study of NECs performed to date and also the first with comprehensive epidemiological data. Significant differences in incidence patterns and large variations in survival depending on anatomical site and morphological subtype were noted. A curative approach is possible for patients with nonmetastatic NECs. Cancer 2018;124:807-15. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Basic Biology, Current Treatment Strategies and Prospects for the Future

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs) are rare tumors accounting for only 1%–2% of all pancreatic tumors. pNENs are pathologically heterogeneous and are categorized into three groups (neuroendocrine tumor: NET G1, NET G2; and neuroendocrine carcinoma: NEC) on the basis of the Ki-67 proliferation index and the mitotic count according to the 2010 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of gastroenteropancreatic NENs. NEC in this classification includes both histologically well-differentiated and poorly differentiated subtypes, and modification of the WHO 2010 classification is under discussion based on genetic and clinical data. Genomic analysis has revealed NETs G1/G2 have genetic alterations in chromatin remodeling genes such as MEN1, DAXX and ATRX, whereas NECs have an inactivation of TP53 and RB1, and these data suggest that different treatment approaches would be required for NET G1/G2 and NEC. While there are promising molecular targeted drugs, such as everolimus or sunitinib, for advanced NET G1/G2, treatment stratification based on appropriate predictive and prognostic biomarkers is becoming an important issue. The clinical outcome of NEC is still dismal, and a more detailed understanding of the genetic background together with preclinical studies to develop new agents, including those already under investigation for small cell lung cancer (SCLC), will be needed to improve the prognosis.

Efficacy of topotecan in pretreated metastatic poorly differentiated extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma

Therapeutic options for metastatic poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) after prior platinum-based chemotherapy are limited. Topotecan is an approved second-line chemotherapy for small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NEC is often considered to show a biological behavior similar to SCLC. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of topotecan in pretreated metastatic NEC patients. We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients treated with topotecan for metastatic NEC who presented at our center between January 2005 and December 2014 (n = 30). All 30 patients had received at least a platinum and etoposide containing regimen as prior chemotherapy. Median proliferation rate (Ki67) was 80%. As best response to topotecan five patients showed a stable disease, two patients a partial remission, resulting in a disease control rate of 23%. Of the remaining 23 patients, 14 (47%) showed a progressive disease, nine (30%) died before radiologic response could be evaluated. Median progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) after start of topotecan was 2.1 and 4.1 months, respectively. In the subgroup analysis, patients with unknown primary (vs. those with a known primary) showed a significantly prolonged PFS of 3.5 months (vs. 1.9, P = 0.0107) and OS of 6.7 months (vs. 2.6 months, P = 0.0168). Grade 3/4 hematotoxicity was observed in 60% of patients. Topotecan shows only moderate antitumor activity in metastatic NEC. Disease control rate is lower than reported for SCLC. However, antitumor activity of topotecan seems higher in patients with unknown primary.

Small Cell Carcinoma of Anal Canal - A Rare Case Report

Anal canal malignancy is one of the dreadful conditions. Most of the anal canal malignancies are squamous cell carcinomas for which the treatment is well established and the prognosis is usually favourable. Small cell carcinoma of anal canal is a very rare condition and poorly understood, which can present as haemorrhoids in its early stages and has an aggressive course. We present a case of small cell carcinoma of anal canal who underwent Abdomino Perineal Resection (APR) and chemotherapy. He developed liver metastasis during the course of chemotherapy and succumbed to the condition 4 months later.

KRAS Mutation in Small Cell Lung Carcinoma and Extrapulmonary Small Cell Cancer

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is one of the most lethal cancers. It is mainly classified into 2 groups: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Extrapulmonary small cell carcinomas (EPSCC) are very rare. The Ras oncogene controls most of the cellular functions in the cell. Overall, 21.6% of human cancers contain a Kirsten Ras (KRAS) mutation. SCLC and EPSCC have several similar features but their clinical course is different.

AIMS

We investigated the KRAS mutation status in SCLC and EPSCC.

STUDY DESIGN

Mutation research.

METHODS

Thirty-seven SCLC and 15 EPSCC patients were included in the study. The pathological diagnoses were confirmed by a second pathologist. KRAS analysis was performed in our medical genetic department. DNA isolation was performed with primary tumor tissue using the QIAamp DNA FFPE Tissue kit (Qiagen; Hilden, Germany) in all patients. The therascreen KRAS Pyro Kit 24 V1 (Qiagen; Hilden, Germany) was used for KRAS analyses.

RESULTS

Thirty-four (91.9%) of the SCLC patients were male, while 11 (73.3%) of the EPSCC l patients were female. SCLC was more common in males, and EPSCC in females (p=0.001). A KRAS mutation was found in 6 (16.2%) if SCLC patients. The most common mutation was Q61R (CAA>CGA). Among the 15 EPSCC patients, 2 had a KRAS mutation (13.3%). When KRAS mutant and wild type patients were compared in the SCLC group, no difference was found for overall survival (p=0.6).

CONCLUSION

In previous studies, the incidence of KRAS mutation in SCLC was 1-3%; however, it was 16.2% in our study. Therefore, there may be ethnic and geographical differences in the KRAS mutations of SCLC. As a result, KRAS mutation should not be excluded in SCLC.

Extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma of lymph node: Pooled analysis of all reported cases

AIM

To study clinical outcomes and management of lymph nodes extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma (LNEPSCC).

METHODS

Herein, we perform a systematic search of published literature in the PubMed and EMBASE databases for studies describing LNEPSCC. For uniformity of reporting, LNEPSCC was staged as limited if it involved either single lymph node station or if surgery with curative intent had been undertaken. The disease was staged extensive if it involved two or more lymph node regions.

RESULTS

The systematic literature review yielded eight descriptions (n = 14) involving cervical, submandibular and inguinal lymph nodes. Eleven (64.7%) patients had limited disease (LD) and six (35.3%) had extensive disease (ED) at presentation. Chemotherapy (n = 6, 35.3%) or surgery (n = 4, 23.5%) were the most common form of treatment given to these patients. Complete response was achieved in 12 (70.6%) of the patients. Median (interquartile range) progression free survival and overall survival was 15 (7-42) mo and 22 (12.75-42) mo respectively. Of the three illustrative cases, two patients each had ED at presentation and achieved complete remission with platinum based combination chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

LNEPSCC is a rare disease with less than 15 reported cases in world literature. Surgical resection with curative intent is feasible in those with LD while platinum based combination chemoradiation is associated with favorable outcomes in patients with ED. Prognosis of LNEPSCC is better than that of small cell lung cancer in general.

Genomic profiling of high-grade large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the colon

High-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma (HGNEC) of the colon is a rare and aggressive cancer that has a poor prognosis. Currently no standard treatment exists, and published case series report an overall survival of approximately one year with treatment. Typically patients receive treatment similar to that recommended for small-cell lung cancer, extrapolating from the similarity in cancer biology. Here we report a case of HGNEC of the colon with genomic profiling that identified a KRAS G12D mutation and a PI3K mutation that has not yet been reported in the literature for this tumor type.

Adjuvant Therapeutic Modalities in Primary Small Cell Carcinoma of Esophagus Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Multicenter Clinical Outcomes

To evaluate the treatment pattern and survival of patients receiving radical resection for primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus (PSCCE).This retrospective study included 150 patients who received radical resection of PSCCE. Data were retrieved from 4 centers in Western China. Thirty-nine of 150 patients received postoperative chemo-radiotherapy, 62 received postoperative chemotherapy, and 49 received radical resection only. The median radiation dosage was 50 Gy. The chemotherapeutic regimen was platinum-based and lasted for 2 to 6 cycles (median, 3).Median disease-free survival (mDFS) and overall survival (mOS) were 12.0 and 18.3 months, respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that postoperative therapy did not improve survival in limited stage I (LSI) disease, whereas postoperative chemotherapy improved survival in limited stage II (LSII) disease. Relative to chemotherapy alone, chemoradiotherapy did not improve survival in patients with completely resected LSII disease. A multivariate analysis indicated an association of no postoperative chemotherapy with shorter DFS (P = 0.050) and OS (P = 0.010). Higher lymph node stage and length of disease longer than 3 cm were poor prognostic factors for both DFS and OS.Adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival in PSCCE patients with completely resected LSII disease. Adjuvant treatment with postoperative chemotherapy alone or postoperative chemo-radiotherapy does not increase survival in completely resected LSI disease.

Extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma in head and neck

PURPOSE

The management of extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma has not been standardised to date. This study reviewed the clinical course, management and survival outcomes of patients with extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma in the head and neck region.

METHODS

Nine patients with extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma in the head and neck were included in this study.

RESULTS

Five patients received radical surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy or both. Two other patients were treated with chemotherapy consisting of CPT11 plus cisplatin or CPT11 plus cisplatin plus VP-16 three times. Two other patients received chemoradiotherapy consisting of S-1 or CPT11 plus cisplatin. The median overall survival was 14.5 months, with a three-year survival rate of 23.7 per cent.

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis of extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma is generally poor. Further prospective multicentre studies are required for better understanding of disease entities and response to treatment modalities.

High-Grade Neuroendocrine Colorectal Carcinomas: A Retrospective Study of 100 Patients

BACKGROUND

Colorectal high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas (HGNEC) are a rare but aggressive group of malignancies without standard management recommendations.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 100 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed colorectal HGNEC diagnosed at MD Anderson Cancer Center between 1991 and 2013.

RESULTS

In our cohort, most tumors (89%) were small cell carcinoma, and most (60%) involved the sigmoid or the anorectal regions. Sixty-four patients (64%) presented with metastatic disease at diagnosis. Striking epidemiological and clinical differences between those established in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and our cohort were noted, including significantly lower rates of smoking and lower risk of bone, brain metastases. Over 30% of the tumors were found associated with an adenoma. Median overall survival (OS) of the cohort was 14.7 months, with 2-year and 5-year OS rates of 23% and 8%, respectively. In patients with localized disease, multimodality therapy was associated with a trend toward improved median OS (20.4 vs. 15.4 months; P = .08). Metastases at presentation (OS 20.63 vs. 8.7 months; localized vs metastatic disease at presentation; P < .001) and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels were strongly associated with a worse outcome.

CONCLUSION

In comparison to SCLC, less than half of the patients with colorectal HGNEC have history of smoking; metastatic patterns are also different between the 2 cancers. Nevertheless, HGNEC also has an aggressive biology, with the rectum being the most common site of origin. For localized disease, a multimodality approach seems to be associated with better outcomes, while systemic chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for advanced disease.

Small Cell Cancer of the Bladder and Prostate: A Retrospective Review from a Tertiary Cancer Center

Background: Genitourinary small cell cancer (GUSCC) is a rare malignancy. Most of the published data on how to manage this malignancy is based on institutional experience. We undertook the current retrospective review to determine the outcome of the patients with GUSCC treated at CancerCare Manitoba, Canada over a period of 18 years.

Methods: The Manitoba Cancer Registry was used to identify patients with a confirmed pathological diagnosis of small cell cancer (SCC) of the bladder or prostate between January 1, 1995, and October 31, 2013.

Results: There were 42 patients identified, 28 bladder SCC (17 limited, 11 extensive stage) and 14 prostate SCC (one limited, 12 extensive, and one unknown stage). The median age was 70.7 years. There were 22 patients who were treated with chemotherapy and radiation, five received radiation only, four received chemo only, nine did not receive any treatment, one patient had surgery only, and one had surgery and radiation. The median and one-year overall survival for all patients was 10.7 months and 43%. The median and one-year overall survival of SCC of the bladder was 55.1 months and 71% for the limited stage and 10.1 months and 36% for the extensive stage. The median and one-year overall survival for extensive stage SCC of the prostate was 4.1 months and 17%. There was only one patient with limited stage SCC of the prostate who did not receive any treatment and died of progressive disease 11 months from diagnosis.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that patients with limited stage SCC of the bladder can have a surprisingly good outcome with multimodality treatment. The outcome of the patients with extensive stage SCC of the bladder and prostate remains dismal and optimal therapeutic options have yet to be determined.

 

 

Neuroendocrine Carcinomas of the Gastroenteropancreatic System: A Comprehensive Review

To date, empirical literature has generally been considered lacking in relation to neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs), the highly malignant subgroup of neuroendocrine neoplasms. NECs are often found in the lungs or the gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) system and can be of small or large cell type. Concentrating on GEP-NECs, we can conclude that survival times are poor, with a median of only 4–16 months depending on disease stage and primary site. Further, this aggressive disease appears to be on the rise, with incidence numbers increasing while survival times are stagnant. Treatment strategies concerning surgery are often undecided and second-line chemotherapy is not yet established. After an analysis of over 2600 articles, we can conclude that there is indeed more empirical literature concerning GEP-NECs available than previously assumed. This unique review is based on 333 selected articles and contains detailed information concerning all aspects of GEP-NECs. Namely, the classification, histology, genetic abnormalities, epidemiology, origin, biochemistry, imaging, treatment and survival of GEP-NECs are described. Also, organ-specific summaries with more detail in relation to disease presentation, diagnosis, treatment and survival are presented. Finally, key points are discussed with directions for future research priorities.

A population-based study of incidence and patient survival of small cell carcinoma in the United States, 1992-2010

BACKGROUND

In contrast to the well-described epidemiology and behavior of small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), little is known about extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma (EPSCC).

METHODS

Using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program (1992-2010), we calculated age-adjusted incidence rates (IRs), IR ratios (IRRs), annual percent change (APC), relative survival (RS), RS ratios (RSRs), and the respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of SCLC and EPSCC according to primary site. We used the SEER historic stage variable that includes localized (confined to the organ of origin), regional (direct extension to adjacent organ/tissue or regional lymph nodes), and distant (discontinuous metastases) stages and combined localized and regional stages into "limited" stage.

RESULTS

The incidence of SCLC (IR = 76.3/million person-years; n = 51,959) was 22-times that of EPSCC (IR = 3.5; n = 2,438). Of the EPSCC sites, urinary bladder, prostate, and uterine cervix had the highest incidence (IRs = 0.7-0.8); urinary bladder (IRR = 4.91) and stomach (IRR = 3.46) had the greatest male/female disparities. Distant-to-limited stage site-specific IRRs of EPSCC were significantly elevated for pancreas (IRR = 6.87; P < 0.05), stomach, colon/rectum, ovary, and prostate (IRRs = 1.62-2.42; P < 0.05) and significantly decreased for salivary glands, female breast, uterine cervix, and urinary bladder (IRRs = 0.32-0.46). During 1992-2010, significant changes in IRs were observed for EPSCC overall (APC = 1.58), small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder (APC = 6.75), SCLC (APC = -2.74) and small cell carcinoma of unknown primary site (APC = -4.34). Three-year RS was significantly more favorable for patients with EPSCC than SCLC for both limited (RSR = 2.06; 95% CI 1.88, 2.26) and distant stages (RSR = 1.55; 95% CI 1.16, 2.07). Among limited stage small cell carcinoma, RS was most favorable for salivary glands, female breast, and uterine cervix (RS = 52-68%), whereas RS for nearly all sites with distant stage disease was <10%.

CONCLUSION

EPSCC comprises a heterogeneous group of diseases that appears, at least in part, etiologically distinct from SCLC and is associated with more favorable stage-specific patient survival.

Patterns of relapse in extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma: retrospective analysis of outcomes from two cancer centres

OBJECTIVES

We conducted a retrospective review of patients with extrapulmonary small cell carcinomas (EPSCCs) to explore the distribution, treatments, patterns of relapse and outcomes by primary site.

SETTING

We have reviewed the outcomes of one of the largest data sets of consecutive patients with EPSCC identified from two major cancer centres.

PARTICIPANTS

Consecutive patients with a histopathological diagnosis of EPSCC from the two institutions were retrospectively identified.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Outcomes were evaluated including stage at presentation, treatments given, sites of relapse, time to distant relapse, progression-free survival and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

From a total 159 patients, 114 received first-line chemotherapy, 80.5% being platinum-based. Response rate was 48%. Commonest primary sites were genitourinary and gynaecological. 44% of patients presented with metastatic disease. 55.9% relapsed with liver the commonest site, whereas only 2.5% developed brain metastases. Median OS was 13.4 months for all patients, 7.6 months and 19.5 months for those with metastatic and non-metastatic disease, respectively. Gynaecological and head and neck patients had significantly better OS compared to gastrointestinal patients.

CONCLUSIONS

EPSCCs demonstrate high response rates to chemotherapy and high rates of distant metastases. Primary sites may influence prognosis, and survival is optimal with a radical strategy. Brain metastases are rare and we therefore do not recommend prophylactic cranial irradiation.

Extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma: the University of Kansas experience and review of literature

Though extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma was first described over 80 years ago, definitive treatment recommendations are lacking. The treatment strategies commonly utilized are extrapolated from pulmonary small cell carcinoma experience. A better understanding of this entity is needed to improve management approach. The University of Kansas tumor registry was reviewed from 1990 to 2013. Thirty-five cases met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for review. Age, gender, smoking status, weight loss, metastatic disease-related data, stage, performance status (PS), treatment received, and survival data were collected. Patients were evaluated with a variety of primary locations of disease including GI tract (29%), GU tract (35%), Gyn organs (17%), head and neck (14%), and unknown primary (9%). Several sites of metastatic disease were noted, with 57 and 43% of patients meeting criteria for limited disease (LD) and extensive disease (ED), respectively. Chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation were used in several different regimens, with small cell lung cancer-type regimens incorporating a platinum and etoposide being the most common (74%). Patients with LD had a median survival of 36 months compared with 5 months in patients with ED (p<0.0001). Among different primary sites, patients with GU and Gyn LD tumors had best median survival of 36 months. Among other variables that were examined with respect to their poor prognostic significance, PS>2 (p=0.001) and one or fewer number of treatment modalities especially in LD (p=0.0005) were found to be associated significantly with mortality. GI and GU tract tumors were the most common primary sites of disease in our retrospective review. Survival varied according to stage, PS, site of primary disease, use of chemotherapy, and number of treatment modalities used. Further studies are needed to better understand this rare disorder and optimize management approach.

Current approaches for prophylactic cranial irradiation in extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients, who have achieved complete or partial response after chemotherapy, should be followed with prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI). PCI for extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma (EPSCC) is not routinely recommended. The purpose of this review is to discuss all aspects of PCI in management of EPSCC.

SCOPE

The PubMed database and the database of online abstracts of the American Society of Oncology (ASCO), ASCO Genitourinary (GU) Cancers meetings and clinical trials were searched up to 15 October 2013 using the following search keywords: 'SCC or EPSCC of each organ site and prophylactic cranial radiotherapy'. The language of screened abstracts and manuscripts was limited to English. The papers which included the largest case series and data of cases about prophylactic cranial radiotherapy and/or were published in the last 10 years were selected.

FINDINGS

Many single center studies showed low incidence of brain metastasis in patients with esophageal small cell carcinoma (SCC). Due to the low incidence of brain metastasis, PCI is not recommended for esophageal SCC. Genitourinary, colorectal, small bowel and appendix cranial metastatic SCCs are extremely rare. Therefore, PCI is not recommended. The frequency of brain metastasis of prostate small cell carcinoma is much higher (16-19%) compared to other counterparts of EPSCC. PCI can be performed in selected cases of prostate SCC. High rates (41%) of brain metastasis develop in head and neck SCC. PCI should be considered for patients with head neck SCC.

CONCLUSION

In the literature, the brain metastasis incidence of EPSCC might vary from 1.7% up to 40%. In many patients with ESPCC, PCI is not recommended. However, we have to keep in mind that primary head and neck and prostate SCC are exceptions due to the high incidence of cranial metastasis; PCI should be recommended for these patients on an individual basis.

Gastroenteropancreatic high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma

Gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) neuroendocrine neoplasms are classified as low-grade, intermediate-grade, and high-grade tumors based on morphologic criteria and the proliferation rate. Most studies have been conducted in patients with well differentiated (low-grade to intermediate-grade) neuroendocrine tumors. Data are substantially scarcer on poorly differentiated, high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC), which includes the entities of small cell carcinoma and large cell NEC. A literature search of GEP-NEC was performed. Long-term survival was poor even among patients who presented with localized disease. Several studies highlighted heterogeneity within the high-grade NEC category and a need for the further identification of discreet prognostic and predictive groups. Tumors with a Ki-67 proliferation index <55% were less responsive to platinum-based chemotherapy, and patients with such tumors or with well differentiated morphology had better survival than patients who had tumors with poorly differentiated morphology or a higher Ki-67 index. Treatment options beyond platinum-based chemotherapy are emerging. A revision of the World Health Organization high-grade NEC classification seems to be necessary based on recent data. Platinum-based chemotherapy may not be the optimal treatment for patients who have GEP-NEC with a moderately high proliferation rate. Adequate diagnostic and prognostic stratifications constitute the basis for future progress.

Should patients with extrapulmonary small-cell carcinoma receive prophylactic cranial irradiation?

INTRODUCTION

Extrapulmonary small-cell carcinoma (EPSCC) is a rare disease. Management is based on small-cell lung carcinoma. Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) is not routinely administered in EPSCC. This study investigates the role of PCI in EPSCC, by analyzing the incidence, treatment, and survival of patients with brain metastases in a national cohort. Disease biology and epidemiology are also investigated.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with primary EPSCC from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland from 1995 to 2007 were identified. The number of patients who developed brain metastases, their survival, and treatment data were documented. Patients who received PCI were investigated. Patient and disease characteristics, treatment, and survival data were stratified by stage and primary site.

RESULTS

Two hundred eighty patients were identified; 141 (50.4%) were men and 139 (49.6%) were women. One hundred eighty six patients (66.4%) had extensive-stage disease, 65 (23.2%) had limited-stage disease, and in 29 patients (10.3%) the stage was unknown. Eighteen patients (6.4%) developed brain metastases, with a median overall survival of 10.1 months. Eleven (61%) received cranial irradiation, and 12 (67%) received palliative chemotherapy. Two patients in the entire cohort (0.17%) received PCI. The most common primary sites included the esophagus (n = 43; 15.4%), cervix uteri (n = 17; 6.0%), bladder (n = 13; 4.6%), and prostate (n = 10; 3.6%). Median overall survival was 15.2 months (10.2-20.6) for limited-stage disease, 2.3 months (1.7-3.1) for extensive-stage EPSCC, and 3.7 months (1.3-8.3) for disease of unknown stage.

CONCLUSION

Brain metastases were uncommon in EPSCC compared with small-cell lung carcinoma. PCI is thus probably not warranted in this disease.

A Case of Small Cell Cancer of the Breast in a Male with Synchronous Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

Extrapulmonary small cell carcinomas (EPSCC) are extremely rare. Most reports indicate success with therapy directed at the tumor as if it was pulmonary small cell carcinoma Primary small cell carcinoma of the breast is an uncommon form of EPSCC. Differentiating between a primary small cell carcinoma of the breast from metastatic disease to the breast is very important. According to the literature, there have been approximately 70 cases reported worldwide. Of these cases, only two cases are documented in men. Prognosis is varied and depends on stage of disease at presentation. A combination of surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation is required to adequately treat patients with small cell carcinoma of the breast. We present a case of a male patient diagnosed with stage IV non-small cell lung carcinoma first and then subsequently diagnosed with a concurrent small cell carcinoma of the breast responding to treatment with concurrent chemotherapy and radiation.

Genitourinary small-cell carcinoma: a single-institution experience

BACKGROUND

Small-cell carcinomas (sccs) of the genitourinary (gu) tract are rare systemic diseases, and there is no standard treatment strategy for patients with this malignancy. The objectives of the present study were to report the management and outcome of patients with scc of the gu tract treated at a tertiary-care institution from 1982 to 2009.

METHODS

In a chart review of all patients diagnosed with scc of the gu tract between 1982 and 2009, data on demographics, clinical and pathologic characteristics, treatment, and patient outcomes were collected.

RESULTS

The 58 patients identified had scc in the following primary sites: urinary bladder (n = 35), prostate (n = 17), and upper urinary tract (n = 6). In 38 patients (66%), the scc was of pure histology; in the remainder, histology was mixed. Overall, 28 patients had limited-stage disease; 24 had extensive-stage disease; and staging was unknown in 6 patients. Median survival for the entire cohort was 7.5 months, with extensive-stage disease being identified as a poor prognostic factor (survival was 22.0 months for limited-stage patients and 4.1 months for extensive-stage patients, p < 0.001). Based on site, prostate patients fared worst, with a median survival of only 5.1 months. Compared with best supportive care, treatment was associated with better outcomes (median survival: 12.3 months vs. 2.3 months, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Small-cell cancer of the gu tract is an aggressive cancer, with a poor prognosis overall. Although there is no standard of care, patients should be treated using a multimodality approach analogous to that used in the treatment of small-cell lung cancer.

Unusual presentation of high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma of the Urinary bladder with small-cell and large-cell features

High-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma of the urinary bladder comprehends small-cell and large-cell variants. It is a rare and aggressive neoplasm, mostly diagnosed in advanced stages. It is more frequently encountered among Caucasian men in the sixth decade of life. Urinary symptoms are the most common clinical presentation. Diagnosis is generally not troublesome once the lesions are easily detectable by imaging exams and cystoscopy. This neoplasia is associated with tobacco smoking, and is frequently associated with other carcinomatous components such as urothelial carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and sarcomatoid carcinoma. The authors report a case of an apparently healthy female patient who presented cervical lymph node enlargement not accompanied by systemic symptoms. The supraclavicular lymph node biopsy revealed metastatic small cell carcinoma. The computed tomography scan showed a bladder wall nodular thickening, enlarged lymph nodes along the iliac, periaortic, mediastinal, cervical and supraclavicular chains, as well as an insufflating lytic bone lesion in the right iliac wing. The positron emission tomography-fluorodeoxyglucose (PET-FDG) added to these findings, the presence of a paraesophageal lymph node, lymphadenomegaly in the gluteal region and a vertebral lytic lesion in T10. Resected specimen of the bladder tumor revealed a high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma with small-cell and large-cell features.

Management of small cell carcinoma of esophagus in China

PURPOSE

Small cell carcinoma of esophagus (SCEC) is characterized by high malignancy and early metastasis. Although the morbidity of SCEC is very low, few studies of patients with SCEC have been conducted in China, there are no sufficient studies of SCEC conducted and reported in the existing published works, and the choices of treatment remain controversial. In this work, we aim to study the clinical characteristics of SCEC, and explore the corresponding treatment and prognosis through retrospective analysis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The original articles were identified through the leading digital libraries in China in which the terms "esophagus or esophageal" and "small cell esophageal carcinoma" appeared from 2005 to 2009, 1,176 eligible cases were reviewed for clinical data. Analysis of survival was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences were compared using the log-rank test.

RESULTS

One thousand one hundred seventy-six eligible cases were analyzed; the median age of patients was 57 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.4:1. The number of SCEC accounted for 1.26 % of esophageal cancer treated in the same period. Of the tumors, 89.7 % were located in mid- and lower thoracic esophagus. The average tumor length was 5.4 cm (0.5-17 cm). The median overall survival was 11.1 months for all patients. The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year average overall survival rates of 469 patients was 51.1, 25.5, 13.2, 7.9 %, respectively. The median survival time for LD patients who received systemic treatment was 16.8 m, whereas for those who received local treatment (surgery), the median survival time was 10.1 m; the median survival time for ED patients who received systemic treatment was 7.4 m, compared with 5.8 m for those who received sole treatment (chemotherapy or radiotherapy).

CONCLUSIONS

SCEC is a tumor characterized by high malignancy and early metastasis. Although our retrospective analysis cannot provide definitive conclusions on the optimal treatment modality for SCEC, however, our results suggest that systemic treatment combined with surgical resection plays a major role in the therapy of SCEC, systemic therapy may be an effective approach for the treatment of SCEC, and randomized, prospective, multicenter studies are needed to identify optimal treatment modalities for SCEC.