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Gigliotti BJ, Brooks JA, Wirth LJ. Fundamentals and recent advances in the evaluation and management of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 592:112295. [PMID: 38871174 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare primary neuroendocrine thyroid carcinoma that is distinct from other thyroid or neuroendocrine cancers. Most cases of MTC are sporadic, although MTC exhibits a high degree of heritability as part of the multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes. REarranged during Transfection (RET) mutations are the primary oncogenic drivers and advances in molecular profiling have revealed that MTC is enriched in druggable alterations. Surgery at an early stage is the only chance for cure, but many patients present with or develop metastases. C-cell-specific calcitonin trajectory and structural doubling times are critical biomarkers to inform prognosis, extent of surgery, likelihood of residual disease, and need for additional therapy. Recent advances in the role of active surveillance, regionally directed therapies for localized disease, and systemic therapy with multi-kinase and RET-specific inhibitors for progressive/metastatic disease have significantly improved outcomes for patients with MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer A Brooks
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Lori J Wirth
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Liu S, Zhao H, Li X. Serum Biochemical Markers for Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: An Update. Cancer Manag Res 2024; 16:299-310. [PMID: 38617188 PMCID: PMC11011642 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s440477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a rare malignancy, requires early diagnosis for optimal patient outcomes. An important aspect of MTC diagnosis is the assessment of serum biomarkers. This review aimed to evaluate the use of serum biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis, and follow-up of MTC. Methods A thorough search of PubMed covering 1975 to 2022 was conducted to identify English-language articles on MTC serum biomarkers. Results The review revealed that calcitonin (Ctn) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) remain the most important serum biomarkers for MTC diagnosis and management. Despite limited studies on procalcitonin (PCT), its stability and ability to exclude interference from inflammation make it a valuable potential marker of MTC. Although the positive rate of serum CA19-9 levels in MTC patients was not high, it can be used as an indicator of poor prognosis in advanced MTC. Other serum markers, including chromogranin A, gastrin-releasing peptide precursor, and neurospecific enolase, did not show any unique value in MTC diagnosis and management. Conclusion Taken together, this review emphasized the importance of serum biomarkers, particularly Ctn and CEA, in the diagnosis and management of MTC. PCT shows promise as a valuable potential marker, whereas CA19-9 can be used as a prognostic indicator of advanced MTC. Further research is needed to validate the significance of these serum biomarkers in MTC and determine the effects of confounding factors on their levels. Clinicians should consider using these markers in MTC diagnosis, prognosis, and follow-up, particularly for patients with advanced disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuzhou Liu
- Department of Head & Neck Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, 570311, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100010, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyi Li
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100010, People’s Republic of China
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Zhang Y, Zhou Q, Chen G, Xue S. Early postoperative prediction of the risk of distant metastases in medullary thyroid cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1209978. [PMID: 38075078 PMCID: PMC10699300 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1209978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a nomogram for estimating the risk of distant metastases (DM) in the early postoperative phase of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed cases of patients diagnosed with MTC from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2007 to 2017. In addition, we gathered data on patients who diagnosed as MTC at Department of Thyroid Surgery in the First Hospital of Jilin University between 2009 and 2021. Four machine learning algorithms were used for modeling, including random forest classifier (RFC), gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), logistic regression (LR), and support vector machine (SVM). The optimal model was selected based on accuracy, recall, specificity, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), and area under curve (AUC). After that, the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, the brier score (BS) and calibration curve were used for validation of the best model, which allowed us to measure the discrepancy between the projected value and the actual value. Results Through feature selection, we finally clarified that the following four features are associated with distant metastases of MTC, which are age, surgery, primary tumor (T) and nodes (N). The AUC values of the four models in the internal test set were as follows: random forest: 0.8786 (95% CI, 0.8070-0.9503), GBDT: 0.8402 (95% CI, 0.7606-0.9199), logistic regression: 0.8670(95%CI,0.7927-0.9413), and SVM: 0.8673 (95% CI, 0.7931-0.9415). As can be shown, there was no statistically significant difference in their AUC values. The highest AUC value of the four models were chosen as the best model since. The model was evaluated on the internal test set, and the accuracy was 0.84, recall was 0.76, and specificity was 0.87. The ROC curve was drawn, and the AUC was 0.8786 (95% CI, 0.8070-0.9503), which was higher than the other three models. The model was visualized using the nomogram and its net benefit was shown in both the Decision Curve Analysis (DCA) and Clinical Impact Curve (CIC). Conclusion Proposed model had good discrimination ability and could preliminarily screen high-risk patients for DM in the early postoperative period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shuai Xue
- General Surgery Center, Department of Thyroid Surgery, The 1 Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Jung CK, Agarwal S, Hang JF, Lim DJ, Bychkov A, Mete O. Update on C-Cell Neuroendocrine Neoplasm: Prognostic and Predictive Histopathologic and Molecular Features of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma. Endocr Pathol 2023; 34:1-22. [PMID: 36890425 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-023-09753-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a C-cell-derived epithelial neuroendocrine neoplasm. With the exception of rare examples, most are well-differentiated epithelial neuroendocrine neoplasms (also known as neuroendocrine tumors in the taxonomy of the International Agency for Research on Cancer [IARC] of the World Health Organization [WHO]). This review provides an overview and recent evidence-based data on the molecular genetics, disease risk stratification based on clinicopathologic variables including molecular profiling and histopathologic variables, and targeted molecular therapies in patients with advanced MTC. While MTC is not the only neuroendocrine neoplasm in the thyroid gland, other neuroendocrine neoplasms in the thyroid include intrathyroidal thymic neuroendocrine neoplasms, intrathyroidal parathyroid neoplasms, and primary thyroid paragangliomas as well as metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. Therefore, the first responsibility of a pathologist is to distinguish MTC from other mimics using appropriate biomarkers. The second responsibility includes meticulous assessment of the status of angioinvasion (defined as tumor cells invading through a vessel wall and forming tumor-fibrin complexes, or intravascular tumor cells admixed with fibrin/thrombus), tumor necrosis, proliferative rate (mitotic count and Ki67 labeling index), and tumor grade (low- or high-grade) along with the tumor stage and the resection margins. Given the morphologic and proliferative heterogeneity in these neoplasms, an exhaustive sampling is strongly recommended. Routine molecular testing for pathogenic germline RET variants is typically performed in all patients with a diagnosis of MTC; however, multifocal C-cell hyperplasia in association with at least a single focus of MTC and/or multifocal C-cell neoplasia are morphological harbingers of germline RET alterations. It is of interest to assess the status of pathogenic molecular alterations involving genes other than RET like the MET variants in MTC families with no pathogenic germline RET variants. Furthermore, the status of somatic RET alterations should be determined in all advanced/progressive or metastatic diseases, especially when selective RET inhibitor therapy (e.g., selpercatinib or pralsetinib) is considered. While the role of routine SSTR2/5 immunohistochemistry remains to be further clarified, evidence suggests that patients with somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-avid metastatic disease may also benefit from the option of 177Lu-DOTATATE peptide radionuclide receptor therapy. Finally, the authors of this review make a call to support the nomenclature change of MTC to C-cell neuroendocrine neoplasm to align this entity with the IARC/WHO taxonomy since MTCs represent epithelial neuroendocrine neoplasms of endoderm-derived C-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Kwon Jung
- Department of Hospital Pathology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.
| | - Shipra Agarwal
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Jen-Fan Hang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine and Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Dong-Jun Lim
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Andrey Bychkov
- Department of Pathology, Kameda Medical Center, Kamogawa, Chiba, 296-8602, Japan
| | - Ozgur Mete
- Department of Pathology, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
- Endocrine Oncology Site, Princess Margaret Cancer, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
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Eckelt F, Pfaeffle R, Kiess W, Kratzsch J. Calcitonin and complementary biomarkers in the diagnosis of hereditary medullary thyroid carcinoma in children and adolescents. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2021; 34:1491-1504. [PMID: 34543539 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2021-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare malignancy that is effectively curable by surgery. Unlike in adults, hereditary MTC has a predominant role in children. A fast and safe diagnosis is important to assure the good prognosis for the patients. A major cornerstone is the assessment of biomarkers, but the interpretation must respect their pre-, post- and analytical features. Especially calcitonin (Ctn) is a challenging biomarker in daily laboratory diagnostics. However, Ctn is of particular relevance for the diagnostic in MTC. The American Thyroid Association recommends thyroidectomy if the upper reference range of Ctn is exceeded. Interestingly, age-dependent reference ranges for children and adolescents have become available only recently for Ctn assays. With this review, we aim to highlight the importance of a timely diagnosis of MTC in children and adolescents. CONTENT Recent developments in pediatric biochemical diagnostics of MTC were summarized. This includes guidance on interpretation of RET, Ctn, procalcitonin, carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, and chromogranin A. SUMMARY Currently, Ctn is the most investigated biomarker in the diagnosis of MTC in children and adolescents. Other biomarkers as PCT suggest complementary evidence about pediatric MTC but their interpretation based largely on adult's data. A successful treatment of MTC requires, besides results of biomarkers, information about medical history, RET gene analysis and recent guideline knowledge. OUTLOOK More research is required to validate complementary biomarkers of Ctn in children. Additionally, the effect of different confounder on pediatric Ctn levels has to be further clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Eckelt
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Roland Pfaeffle
- Department Woman and Child Health, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wieland Kiess
- Department Woman and Child Health, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Juergen Kratzsch
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Kratzsch J, Willenberg A, Frank-Raue K, Kempin U, Rocktäschel J, Raue F. Procalcitonin measured by three different assays is an excellent tumor marker for the follow-up of patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma. Clin Chem Lab Med 2021; 59:1861-1868. [PMID: 34256421 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2021-0428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Procalcitonin (PCT) has been suggested as a tumor marker in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Clinical application data in long term follow-up are missing. METHODS 210 serum samples of 169 consecutive patients with MTC (92 sporadic, 77 hereditary, 158 postoperative follow-up, 11 preoperative) were collected between 2018 and 2020. Postoperative patients were stratified into three groups according to their disease status at the end of follow-up: cured (n=51, calcitonin (CT) levels < limit of quantitation), minimal residual disease (n=55, detectable CT and no metastases provable by imaging methods), metastatic disease (n=52). In five patients CT and PCT were measured while on therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). CT was analyzed by the Roche ECLIA, PCT by three assays from Roche, PES, Abbott. RESULTS The mean ± SD values seen with the three PCT assays in the MTC response groups, cured: <0.06, 0.016 ± 0.007, 0.014 ± 0.007 ng/mL, minimal residual disease: 0.511 ± 0.800, 0.389 ± 0.687, 0.341 ± 0.614 ng/mL, metastatic disease 109 ± 202, 60.4 ± 110, 63.3 ± 115 ng/mL correlate well with the CT results in these groups: cured <1.0 pg/mL, minimal residual disease 91.3 ± 121.5 pg/mL, metastatic disease 14,489 ± 30,772 pg/mL. There was a significant correlation (p<0.001) between the three PCT assays (Roche/PES r=0.970, Roche/Abbott r=0.976, Abbott/PES r=0.995). In the course of treatment with TKI both CT and PCT reflected clinical state. Preoperative PCT in hereditary MTC has the same diagnostic validity than CT. CONCLUSIONS PCT measured with three different immunoassays is as good as the standard tumor marker CT in the follow-up of MTC but has a superior analytical stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Kratzsch
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anja Willenberg
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Uwe Kempin
- pes Gesellschaft für medizinische Diagnose-Systeme mbH, Markkleeberg, Germany
| | - Jörg Rocktäschel
- pes Gesellschaft für medizinische Diagnose-Systeme mbH, Markkleeberg, Germany
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Gianotti L, D’Agnano S, Pettiti G, Tassone F, Giraudo G, Lauro C, Lauria G, Del Bono V, Borretta G. Persistence of Elevated Procalcitonin in a Patient with Coronavirus Disease 2019 Uncovered a Diagnosis of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma. AACE Clin Case Rep 2021; 7:288-292. [PMID: 33997278 PMCID: PMC8113110 DOI: 10.1016/j.aace.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective During the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, procalcitonin (PCT) levels have proven useful in assisting clinicians to diagnose bacterial superinfection. However, in the absence of signs of infection or at the resolution thereof, inappropriately and persistently high PCT levels may suggest and reveal the presence of other pathologies. We report a patient with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pneumonia with initially elevated PCT levels that persisted during recovery, prompting the diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Methods A 43-year-old man presented with a 2-day history of fever, sneezing, sore throat, and dry cough. His PCT was 94 ng/mL (normal value, 0.00-0.10 ng/mL), and he was positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RNA. Results Empirical antibiotic therapy was administered for 7 days, but despite a clinical improvement, serum PCT remained high (84 ng/mL). Serum calcitonin (CTN) was 2120 pg/mL (normal, ≤12 pg/mL). Cytologic examination of thyroid nodules and CTN measurement of the aspiration needle washout confirmed MTC. The patient underwent total thyroidectomy with bilateral cervical lymph node dissection. Lowered CTN (986 pg/mL) and PCT (16 ng/mL) levels were observed 48 hours after surgery. A close follow-up was planned following the results of RET gene analysis. Conclusion PCT can be a useful biochemical marker of MTC suspicion in patients with inflammatory conditions and persistently elevated PCT, even after resolution. In our case, high levels of PCT in a patient with coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia without signs of bacterial infection led to MTC diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gianotti
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Hospital Santa Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Salvatore D’Agnano
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Hospital Santa Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Pettiti
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hospital Santa Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Francesco Tassone
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Hospital Santa Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giraudo
- Division of General and Oncological Surgery, Department of Surgery. Hospital Santa Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Corrado Lauro
- Division of General and Oncological Surgery, Department of Surgery. Hospital Santa Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lauria
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency, Hospital Santa Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Valerio Del Bono
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hospital Santa Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Borretta
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Hospital Santa Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
- Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr Giorgio Borretta, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Carle Hospital, Via Antonio Carle 5, Confreria, Cuneo 12100, Italy.
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Ilktac A, Kalkan S, Caliskan S. C-reactive protein and procalcitonin levels in prostate cancer. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e13935. [PMID: 33326672 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.13935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers among men in the world. Prostate-specific antigen is the most used biomarker for PCa diagnosis. In this study, we aimed to measure the procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients with PCa. METHODS The patients who underwent transrectal prostate biopsy and transurethral prostate surgery in the last 4 years were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the pathology reports, group1; benign prostate hyperplasia and group2; prostate cancer. MedCalc Statistical Software version 17.6 was used for statistical analyses. RESULTS The current study includes 149 patients. There were 118 patients in group 1 and 31 patients in group 2. The mean age of the patients was 66.85 and 69.41 years in groups respectively. Serum CRP and PCT levels were 3.33 and 0.01 in group 4.07 and 0.04 in group 2. Serum PCT levels were significantly higher in patients with PCa. CONCLUSION We found that the elevated procalcitonin level was associated with prostate cancer. Further studies are needed to define the relationship between procalcitonin and prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Ilktac
- Bezmialem Vakif Universitesi Tip Fakultesi, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Senad Kalkan
- Bezmialem Vakif Universitesi Tip Fakultesi, Istanbul, Turkey
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Censi S, Di Stefano M, Repaci A, Benvenuti T, Manso J, Pagotto U, Iacobone M, Barollo S, Bertazza L, Galuppini F, Benna C, Pennelli G, Plebani M, Faggian D, Colombo C, Fugazzola L, Mian C. Basal and Calcium-Stimulated Procalcitonin for the Diagnosis of Medullary Thyroid Cancers: Lights and Shadows. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:754565. [PMID: 34721303 PMCID: PMC8548712 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.754565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Procalcitonin (proCt) was recently proposed as an alternative or in addition to calcitonin (Ct) in medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) diagnostics. METHODS Serum basal Ct (bCt) and proCt (bproCt) levels were measured before surgery from a consecutive series of patients with (n=43) and without (n=75) MTC, retrospectively collected in Padua. Serum bproCt, bCt and stimulated proCt and Ct (sproCt and sCt) were measured in another consecutive series of 33 patients seen at three tertiary-level institutions undergoing a calcium stimulation test prior to surgery, 20 of them with a final diagnosis of MTC, and 13 with non-MTC nodular disease. RESULTS Median bproCt levels were higher in MTC than in non-MTC. A positive correlation was found for bproCt with bCt (P<0.01, R2 = 0.75), and with tumor size (P<0.01, R2 = 0.39). The cut-off for bproCt differentiating between MTC and non-MTC patients was >0.07 ng/ml (sensitivity: 85.7%, specificity: 98.9%, positive predictive value [PPV]: 98.2%, negative predictive value [NPV]: 90.6%, P<0.01). While bproCt was >0.07 ng/ml in 38/39 (97.4%) patients with MTC >10 mm, it was above said cut-off only in 15/23 (65.2%) patients with tumors ≤10 mm. A sproCt >0.19 ng/ml was able to identify MTC [sensitivity: 90.0%, specificity:100.0%, PPV: 100.0%, NPV: 86.7% (P<0.01)]. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that bproCt can be a good adjunct to Ct for MTC diagnostic purposes. In consideration of its high specificity, it can be used in combination with Ct in MTC diagnostics, particularly in the case of mildly elevated basal Ct levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Censi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marta Di Stefano
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Repaci
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Teresa Benvenuti
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Jacopo Manso
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Uberto Pagotto
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maurizio Iacobone
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences (DiSCOG), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Susi Barollo
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Loris Bertazza
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Galuppini
- Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Clara Benna
- Surgery Unit, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences (DiSCOG), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Gianmaria Pennelli
- Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Mario Plebani
- Laboratory Medicine, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Diego Faggian
- Laboratory Medicine, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Carla Colombo
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Fugazzola
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Mian
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- *Correspondence: Caterina Mian,
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Bai Y, Niu D, Yao Q, Lin D, Kakudo K. Updates in the advances of sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma: from the molecules to the clinic. Gland Surg 2020; 9:1847-1856. [PMID: 33224860 DOI: 10.21037/gs-2019-catp-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare neuroendocrine malignancy that originates in parafollicular cells. It is well-known that a quarter of MTC are involved in hereditary multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndromes, whereas most MTC are sporadic. Unlike the commonly encountered gastrointestinal or pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors, most sporadic MTCs have distinct genetic alterations featured by somatic changes of either Rearranged during Transfection (RET) or RAS point mutation. The increasing application of next-generation sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, and other molecular detection techniques enables us to understand MTC comprehensively concerning its detailed molecular changes and their clinical correlations. This article reviews the advances in genetic alterations and their prognostic impact in sporadic MTC among different populations and discusses the associated tumor immune microenvironments and the potential role of immunotherapy targeting PD-L1/PD-1 in treating MTC. Furthermore, the current multikinase inhibitor targeting therapy for sporadic MTC has been summarized here and its efficacy and drug toxicity are discussed. Updates in advance of the role of calcitonin/procalcitonin/calcitonin-related polypeptide alpha (CALCA) gene transcripts in diagnosing and handling MTC are also mentioned. The treatment of advanced MTC is still challenging and might require a combination of several modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Bai
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Dongfeng Niu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Yao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Dongmei Lin
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Kennichi Kakudo
- Department of Pathology and Thyroid Disease Center, Izumi City General Hospital, Izumi, Japan
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11
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Trimboli P, Giovanella L. Procalcitonin as Marker of Recurrent Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2018; 33:204-210. [PMID: 29947178 PMCID: PMC6021302 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2018.33.2.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcitonin measurement is pivotal in the management of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), but several pitfalls can affect its reliability. Other potential markers have been proposed, and procalcitonin (ProCT) has been reported as promising. The present study was undertaken to summarize the published data and provide more robust estimates on the reliability of ProCT as marker in the management of patients with MTC. METHODS The systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The sources comprised studies published through May 2018. Journal Articles that reported series of MTC patients undergone ProCT during postoperative follow-up were searched. A random-effects model was used for statistical pooling of the data. The I² index was used to quantify the consistency among the studies. The Egger test evaluated the possible presence of significant publication bias. Quality assessment of the studies was performed according to Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2). RESULTS According to inclusion and exclusion criteria five papers, reporting 296 MTC patients undergone ProCT evaluation, were finally selected. The number of MTC with recurrence was 140. The pooled sensitivity of ProCT in detecting recurrence was 96% (95% confidence interval [CI], 92% to 99%), with neither heterogeneity (I²=0%) nor publication bias (Egger test, 3.16; P=0.99). The pooled specificity was 96% (95% CI, 87% to 100%) with mild heterogeneity (I²=66.6%), while Egger test was not calculable. CONCLUSION The present meta-analysis provides evidence that ProCT is reliable to manage MTC patients during their postoperative follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Trimboli
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Centre, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
| | - Luca Giovanella
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Centre, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
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12
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Giessen H, Nebiker CA, Bruehlmeier M, Spreitzer S, Mueller B, Schuetz P. Do you want to participate in a clinical study as a healthy control? - Risk or benefit? World J Clin Cases 2017; 5:437-439. [PMID: 29291203 PMCID: PMC5740189 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v5.i12.437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A healthy woman volunteered to participate as “healthy control” in a study. An increased level of procalcitonin (PCT) was detected and remained elevated on follow-up measurements. As calcitonin levels were elevated as well, thyroid ultrasound was performed which revealed nodes in both thyroid lobes, one of them showing metabolic activity in positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan. To exclude a malignant thyroid cancer despite the negative findings in a fine needle aspiration the patient underwent thyroidectomy and a medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) was detected in the right lobe. MTC is a rare endocrine tumor with a poor prognosis once having spread, therefore early detection remains a priority for the outcome. Screening parameter is serum calcitonin, in absence of infection the pro-hormone PCT can be used as a screening parameter as well with high sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Giessen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau 5000, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Stefan Spreitzer
- Department of Pathology, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau 5000, Switzerland
| | - Beat Mueller
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau 5000, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Schuetz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau 5000, Switzerland
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13
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Băetu M, Dobrescu R. NOVEL MARKERS FOR EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSTIC CLASSIFICATION IN MEDULLARY THYROID CARCINOMA. ACTA ENDOCRINOLOGICA-BUCHAREST 2017; 13:519-522. [PMID: 31149228 DOI: 10.4183/aeb.2017.519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma is a neuroendocrine tumour of the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid gland. It is an aggressive tumor that can be cured only by complete resection of the thyroid tumour and any local and regional metastases. Thus, the discovery of novel diagnostic and prognostic markers is very important for early diagnosis and correct management, in order for the survival rates to rise. New research has emphasized the potential role of various genes, serum and immunohistochemical markers, as well as potential targets for therapeutic agents. The calcium stimulated calcitonin test has been recently reintroduced in clinical practice, and current medullary thyroid carcinoma guidelines encourage laboratories to set their own criteria defining reference ranges for elevated serum basal and stimulated calcitonin levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Băetu
- "C. I. Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - R Dobrescu
- "C. I. Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
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14
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Wells SA, Asa SL, Dralle H, Elisei R, Evans DB, Gagel RF, Lee N, Machens A, Moley JF, Pacini F, Raue F, Frank-Raue K, Robinson B, Rosenthal MS, Santoro M, Schlumberger M, Shah M, Waguespack SG. Revised American Thyroid Association guidelines for the management of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Thyroid 2015; 25:567-610. [PMID: 25810047 PMCID: PMC4490627 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2014.0335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1306] [Impact Index Per Article: 145.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The American Thyroid Association appointed a Task Force of experts to revise the original Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: Management Guidelines of the American Thyroid Association. METHODS The Task Force identified relevant articles using a systematic PubMed search, supplemented with additional published materials, and then created evidence-based recommendations, which were set in categories using criteria adapted from the United States Preventive Services Task Force Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The original guidelines provided abundant source material and an excellent organizational structure that served as the basis for the current revised document. RESULTS The revised guidelines are focused primarily on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and hereditary MTC. CONCLUSIONS The Task Force developed 67 evidence-based recommendations to assist clinicians in the care of patients with MTC. The Task Force considers the recommendations to represent current, rational, and optimal medical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel A. Wells
- Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sylvia L. Asa
- Department of Pathology, University Health Network, and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Henning Dralle
- Department of General, Visceral, and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Rossella Elisei
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Douglas B. Evans
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Robert F. Gagel
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Nancy Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Andreas Machens
- Department of General, Visceral, and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Jeffrey F. Moley
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Furio Pacini
- Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism and Biochemistry, University of Siena, Policlinico Santa Maria alle Scotte, Siena, Italy
| | - Friedhelm Raue
- Endocrine Practice, Moleculargenetic Laboratory, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karin Frank-Raue
- Endocrine Practice, Moleculargenetic Laboratory, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bruce Robinson
- University of Sydney School of Medicine, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M. Sara Rosenthal
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Massimo Santoro
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Universita' di Napoli “Federico II,” Napoli, Italy
| | - Martin Schlumberger
- Institut Gustave Roussy, Service de Medecine Nucleaire, Université of Paris-Sud, Villejuif, France
| | - Manisha Shah
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Steven G. Waguespack
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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Cotoi OS, Manjer J, Hedblad B, Engström G, Melander O, Schiopu A. Plasma procalcitonin is associated with all-cause and cancer mortality in apparently healthy men: a prospective population-based study. BMC Med 2013; 11:180. [PMID: 23937962 PMCID: PMC3765625 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7015-11-180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The inflammatory mediator procalcitonin (PCT) has previously been associated with prognosis in myocardial infarction, cancer and sepsis patients. The importance of PCT in the general population is currently unknown. Our aim was to assess the relationship between plasma PCT and the risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in apparently healthy individuals with no previous history of cardiovascular disease or cancer. METHODS We performed a prospective, population-based study on 3,322 individuals recruited from the Malmö Diet and Cancer cohort, with a median follow-up time of 16.2 years. Plasma PCT, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides and cystatin C were measured at baseline and a thorough risk factor assessment was performed for all subjects. The primary end-points of the study were all-cause mortality, cancer mortality and cardiovascular mortality. RESULTS Men had higher PCT levels compared to women. In Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, plasma lipids, renal function, body mass index and smoking, baseline PCT was associated with all-cause mortality and cancer mortality in men. The hazard ratio (HR) for men with PCT levels within the highest compared with the lowest quartile was 1.52 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07 to 2.16; P = 0.024) for all-cause mortality and 2.37 (95% CI 1.36 to 4.14; P = 0.006) for cancer mortality. Additionally, men with increased plasma PCT were found to be at a higher risk to develop colon cancer (HR per 1 SD increase = 1.49 (95% CI 1.13 to 1.95); P = 0.005). In multivariate Cox regression analyses with mutual adjustments for PCT and hsCRP, PCT was independently associated with cancer death (HR per 1 SD increase = 1.28 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.49); P = 0.001) and hsCRP with cardiovascular death (HR per 1 SD increase = 1.42 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.83); P = 0.006) in men. We found no significant correlations between baseline PCT or hsCRP and incident cancer or cardiovascular death in women. CONCLUSIONS We disclose for the first time important independent associations between PCT and the risk for all-cause and cancer mortality in apparently healthy men. Our findings warrant further investigation into the mechanisms underlying the relationship between PCT and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ovidiu S Cotoi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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