1
|
Fuentes Bayne HE, Kasi PM, Ma L, Hart LL, Wong J, Spigel DR, Schnabel CA, Reeves JA, Halfdanarson TR, Treuner K, Greco FA. Personalized Therapy Selection by Integration of Molecular Cancer Classification by the 92-Gene Assay and Tumor Profiling in Patients With Cancer of Unknown Primary. JCO Precis Oncol 2024; 8:e2400191. [PMID: 39231374 PMCID: PMC11382827 DOI: 10.1200/po.24.00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is a syndrome comprising metastatic cancers without a clinically identified primary site. Although patients with CUP have an unfavorable prognosis, treatment with site-specific therapies guided by clinical features, standard pathology, and molecular assays can improve overall survival. The 92-gene assay (CancerTYPE ID) is a gene expression-based classifier that helps identify the tissue of origin for metastatic cancers with unknown or uncertain diagnoses. This study reports the frequency of selected molecular aberrations of oncogenes, including KRAS, IDH1/2, BRCA1/2, and BRAF, in patients with CUP in the MOSAIC database to highlight potential treatment options. METHODS MOSAIC is a database of patients with CUP submitted for CancerTYPE ID testing and NeoTYPE biomarker testing. Tumor biopsy samples were analyzed by CancerTYPE ID for tumor type identification and further tested for molecular aberrations of oncogenes, including KRAS, IDH1/2, BRCA1/2, and BRAF. RESULTS CancerTYPE ID identified a specific tumor type in 92.5% (2,929 of 3,168) of CUP cases in the MOSAIC database. The most commonly identified histological type was adenocarcinoma (75.4%), with pancreaticobiliary being the most common molecularly diagnosed cancer (24.9%). Aberrations in KRAS, IDH1/2, BRCA, and BRAF genes were identified in 18.8% (n = 597) of biopsies. A cancer-specific US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved or investigational targeted therapy was potentially available for 24.6% (n = 147) of these patients. CONCLUSION This retrospective analysis supports incorporating CancerTYPE ID into the evaluation for patients with CUP to help determine the tissue of origin and identify actionable genetic alterations. This approach may allow more patients with CUP to benefit from site-specific FDA-approved targeted therapies or enrollment into clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Li Ma
- Biotheranostics, a Hologic Company, San Diego, CA
| | | | - Jenna Wong
- Biotheranostics, a Hologic Company, San Diego, CA
| | - David R Spigel
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute and Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, TN
| | | | | | | | - Kai Treuner
- Biotheranostics, a Hologic Company, San Diego, CA
| | - F Anthony Greco
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute and Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, TN
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Losa F, Fernández I, Etxaniz O, Giménez A, Gomila P, Iglesias L, Longo F, Nogales E, Sánchez A, Soler G. SEOM-GECOD clinical guideline for unknown primary cancer (2021). Clin Transl Oncol 2022; 24:681-692. [PMID: 35320504 PMCID: PMC8986666 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02806-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer of unknown primary site (CUP) is defined as a heterogeneous group of tumors that appear as metastases, and of which standard diagnostic work-up fails to identify the origin. It is considered a separate entity with a specific biology, and nowadays molecular characteristics and the determination of actionable mutations may be important in a significant group of patients. In this guide, we summarize the diagnostic, therapeutic, and possible new developments in molecular medicine that may help us in the management of this unique disease entity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ferrán Losa
- Hospital de Sant Joan Despí Moisés Broggi-ICO Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Olatz Etxaniz
- Hospital Germans Trias I Pujol -ICO Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Paula Gomila
- Hospital Miguel Servet (Zaragoza)/H, de Barbastro, Spain
| | | | - Federico Longo
- Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Sánchez
- Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gemma Soler
- Hospital Durán i Reynals-ICO Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kato Y, Shimazu K, Fukuda K, Yoshida T, Taguchi D, Shinozaki H, Nanjyo H, Shibata H. Two Cases of ALK-Altered Cancers of Unknown Primary Diagnosed by Immunohistochemistry. Case Rep Oncol 2022; 15:21-26. [PMID: 35221965 PMCID: PMC8832189 DOI: 10.1159/000521157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) accounts for 5% of all malignancies. Patients with CUP may live averagely for 8 months after diagnosis, and thus, rapid and reasonable diagnosis is necessary. Among patients with CUP, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-overexpressing CUPs, whose primary sites were confirmed to be the lungs (Lung-CUP) by using antibodies against cytokeratin 7, thyroid transcription factor-1, and Napsin A, along with clinical characteristics progressed rapidly and were very sensitive to the ALK inhibitor alectinib. The incidence of ALK alteration in Lung-CUP is 19%. Consequently, it is advised that Lung-CUP be examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) with an anti-ALK antibody. Alternative examinations, such as a cancer genome test, require as much as 2 months to complete, whereas IHC can be completed within days. In this report, a rapid assessment by IHC led to alectinib treatment, which resulted in good outcomes in 2 cases of Lung-CUP. Alectinib was effective for ALK-altered Lung-CUPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoriko Kato
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | | | - Koji Fukuda
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Taichi Yoshida
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Daiki Taguchi
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Hanae Shinozaki
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nanjyo
- Department of Pathology, Akita University Hospital, Akita, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Huo C, Zhang MY, Li R, Liu TT, Li JP, Qu YQ. Glycolysis Define Two Prognostic Subgroups of Lung Adenocarcinoma With Different Mutation Characteristics and Immune Infiltration Signatures. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:645482. [PMID: 34368114 PMCID: PMC8339438 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.645482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing studies have proved that malignant tumors are associated with energy metabolism. This study was aimed to explore biological variables that impact the prognosis of patients in the glycolysis-related subgroups of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The mRNA expression profiling and mutation data in large LUAD samples were collected from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Then, we identified the expression level and prognostic value of glycolysis-related genes, as well as the fractions of 22 immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. The differences between glycolysis activity, mutation, and immune infiltrates were discussed in these groups, respectively. Two hundred fifty-five glycolysis-related genes were identified from gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), of which 43 genes had prognostic values (p < 0.05). Next, we constructed a glycolysis-related competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network which related to the survival of LUAD. Then, two subgroups of LUAD (clusters 1 and 2) were identified by applying unsupervised consensus clustering to 43 glycolysis-related genes. The survival analysis showed that the cluster 1 patients had a worse prognosis (p < 0.001), and upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are interestingly enriched in malignancy-related biological processes. The differences between the two subgroups are SPTA1, KEAP1, USH2A, and KRAS among top 10 mutated signatures, which may be the underlying mechanism of grouping. Combined high tumor mutational burden (TMB) with tumor subgroups preferably predicts the prognosis of LUAD patients. The CIBERSORT algorithm results revealed that low TMB samples were concerned with increased infiltration level of memory resting CD4+ T cell (p = 0.03), resting mast cells (p = 0.044), and neutrophils (p = 0.002) in cluster 1 and high TMB samples were concerned with increased infiltration level of memory B cells, plasma cells, CD4 memory-activated T cells, macrophages M1, and activated mast cells in cluster 2, while reduced infiltration of monocytes, resting dendritic cells, and resting mast cells was captured in cluster 2. In conclusion, significant different gene expression characteristics were pooled according to the two subgroups of LUAD. The combination of subgroups, TMB and tumor-infiltrating immune cell signature, might be a novel prognostic biomarker in LUAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Huo
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infectious Respiratory Diseases, Jinan, China
| | - Meng-Yu Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infectious Respiratory Diseases, Jinan, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infectious Respiratory Diseases, Jinan, China
| | - Ting-Ting Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infectious Respiratory Diseases, Jinan, China
| | - Jian-Ping Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infectious Respiratory Diseases, Jinan, China
| | - Yi-Qing Qu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infectious Respiratory Diseases, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Laprovitera N, Riefolo M, Porcellini E, Durante G, Garajova I, Vasuri F, Aigelsreiter A, Dandachi N, Benvenuto G, Agostinis F, Sabbioni S, Berindan Neagoe I, Romualdi C, Ardizzoni A, Trerè D, Pichler M, D'Errico A, Ferracin M. MicroRNA expression profiling with a droplet digital PCR assay enables molecular diagnosis and prognosis of cancers of unknown primary. Mol Oncol 2021; 15:2732-2751. [PMID: 34075699 PMCID: PMC8486570 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is responsible for the majority of cancer‐related deaths. Particularly, challenging is the management of metastatic cancer of unknown primary site (CUP), whose tissue of origin (TOO) remains undetermined even after extensive investigations and whose therapy is rather unspecific and poorly effective. Molecular approaches to identify the most probable TOO of CUPs can overcome some of these issues. In this study, we applied a predetermined set of 89 microRNAs (miRNAs) to infer the TOO of 53 metastatic cancers of unknown or uncertain origin. The miRNA expression was assessed with droplet digital PCR in 159 samples, including primary tumors from 17 tumor classes (reference set) and metastases of known and unknown origin (test set). We combined two different statistical models for class prediction to obtain the most probable TOOs: the nearest shrunken centroids approach of Prediction Analysis of Microarrays (PAMR) and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) models. The molecular test was successful for all formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded samples and provided a TOO identification within 1 week from the biopsy procedure. The most frequently predicted origins were gastrointestinal, pancreas, breast, lung, and bile duct. The assay was applied also to multiple metastases from the same CUP, collected from different metastatic sites: The predictions showed a strong agreement, intrinsically validating our assay. The final CUPs' TOO prediction was compared with the clinicopathological hypothesis of primary site. Moreover, a panel of 13 miRNAs proved to have prognostic value and be associated with overall survival in CUP patients. Our study demonstrated that miRNA expression profiling in CUP samples could be employed as diagnostic and prognostic test. Our molecular analysis can be performed on request, concomitantly with standard diagnostic workup and in association with genetic profiling, to offer valuable indications about the possible primary site, thereby supporting treatment decisions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Laprovitera
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Italy.,Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mattia Riefolo
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Italy.,Pathology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Porcellini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Durante
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Vasuri
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Ariane Aigelsreiter
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Nadia Dandachi
- Division of Oncology, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | | | | | - Silvia Sabbioni
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ioana Berindan Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Andrea Ardizzoni
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Italy.,Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Trerè
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Martin Pichler
- Division of Oncology, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Antonietta D'Errico
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Italy.,Pathology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Ferracin
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Redefining cancer of unknown primary: Is precision medicine really shifting the paradigm? Cancer Treat Rev 2021; 97:102204. [PMID: 33866225 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2021.102204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The concept of Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) has evolved with the advent of medical oncology. CUP can be difficult to diagnose and represents 2 to 5% of new cancers, therefore not exceptionally rare. Within CUPs can be identified a subset of favourable prognosis tumours, however the vast majority of CUP patients belongs to a poor prognosis group. CUP features significant oncological challenges, such as unravelling biological and transversal issues, and most importantly, improving patient's outcomes. In that regard, CUP patients' outcomes regrettably showed minimal improvement for decades and CUP remains a cancer group of very poor prognosis. The biology of CUP has two main hypotheses. One is that CUP is a subgroup of a given primary cancer, where the primary is present but cannot be seen due to its small size. The other, the "true" CUP hypothesis, states that CUP share features that make them a specific entity, whatever their tissue of origin. A true biological signature has not yet been described, but chromosomal instability is a hallmark of poor prognosis CUP group. Precision oncology, despite achieving identifying the putative origin of the CUP, so far failed to globally improve outcomes of patients. Targeting molecular pathways based on molecular analysis in CUP management is under investigation. Immunotherapy has not shown ground-breaking results, to date. Accrual is also a crucial issue in CUP trials. Herein we review CUP history, biological features and remaining questions in CUP biology, the two main approaches of molecular oncology in CUP management, in order to draw perspectives in the enormous challenge of improving CUP patient outcomes.
Collapse
|
7
|
Kato S, Alsafar A, Walavalkar V, Hainsworth J, Kurzrock R. Cancer of Unknown Primary in the Molecular Era. Trends Cancer 2021; 7:465-477. [PMID: 33516660 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is a rare malignancy that presents with metastatic disease and no identifiable site of origin. Most patients have unfavorable features and attempts to treat based on tissue-of-origin identification have not yielded a survival advantage compared with empiric chemotherapy. Next-generation sequencing has revealed genomic alterations that can be targeted in selected cases, suggesting that CUP represents a unique malignancy in which the genomic aberrations may be integral to the diagnosis. Recent trials focusing on tailored combination therapy matched to the genomic alterations in each cancer are providing new avenues of clinical investigation. Here, we discuss recent findings on molecular aberrations in CUP and how the genomic and immune landscape can be leveraged to optimize therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shumei Kato
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Ahmed Alsafar
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Vighnesh Walavalkar
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John Hainsworth
- Tennessee Oncology, PLLC, Nashville, TN, USA; Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Laprovitera N, Riefolo M, Ambrosini E, Klec C, Pichler M, Ferracin M. Cancer of Unknown Primary: Challenges and Progress in Clinical Management. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030451. [PMID: 33504059 PMCID: PMC7866161 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Patients with cancer of unknown primary site suffer the burden of an uncertain disease, which is characterized by the impossibility to identify the tissue where the tumor has originated. The identification of the primary site of a tumor is of great importance for the patient to have access to site-specific treatments and be enrolled in clinical trials. Therefore, patients with cancer of unknown primary have reduced therapeutic opportunities and poor prognosis. Advancements have been made in the molecular characterization of this tumor, which could be used to infer the tumor site-of-origin and thus broaden the diagnostic outcome. Moreover, we describe here the novel therapeutic opportunities that are based on the genetic and immunophenotypic characterization of the tumor, and thus independent from the tumor type, which could provide most benefit to patients with cancer of unknown primary. Abstract Distant metastases are the main cause of cancer-related deaths in patients with advanced tumors. A standard diagnostic workup usually contains the identification of the tissue-of-origin of metastatic tumors, although under certain circumstances, it remains elusive. This disease setting is defined as cancer of unknown primary (CUP). Accounting for approximately 3–5% of all cancer diagnoses, CUPs are characterized by an aggressive clinical behavior and represent a real therapeutic challenge. The lack of determination of a tissue of origin precludes CUP patients from specific evidence-based therapeutic options or access to clinical trial, which significantly impacts their life expectancy. In the era of precision medicine, it is essential to characterize CUP molecular features, including the expression profile of non-coding RNAs, to improve our understanding of CUP biology and identify novel therapeutic strategies. This review article sheds light on this enigmatic disease by summarizing the current knowledge on CUPs focusing on recent discoveries and emerging diagnostic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Laprovitera
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (N.L.); (M.R.); (E.A.)
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mattia Riefolo
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (N.L.); (M.R.); (E.A.)
| | - Elisa Ambrosini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (N.L.); (M.R.); (E.A.)
| | - Christiane Klec
- Division of Oncology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (C.K.); (M.P.)
| | - Martin Pichler
- Division of Oncology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (C.K.); (M.P.)
| | - Manuela Ferracin
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (N.L.); (M.R.); (E.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-051-209-4714
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
New rising entities in cancer of unknown primary: Is there a real therapeutic benefit? Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2020; 147:102882. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.102882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
|
10
|
Kolling S, Ventre F, Geuna E, Milan M, Pisacane A, Boccaccio C, Sapino A, Montemurro F. "Metastatic Cancer of Unknown Primary" or "Primary Metastatic Cancer"? Front Oncol 2020; 9:1546. [PMID: 32010631 PMCID: PMC6978906 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is an umbrella term used to classify a heterogeneous group of metastatic cancers based on the absence of an identifiable primary tumor. Clinically, CUPs are characterized by a set of distinct features comprising early metastatic dissemination in an atypical pattern, an aggressive clinical course, poor response to empiric chemotherapy and, consequently, a short life expectancy. Two opposing strategies to change the dismal prognosis for the better are pursued. On the one hand, following the traditional tissue-gnostic approach, more and more sophisticated tissue-of-origin (TOO) classifier assays are employed to push identification of the putative primary to its limits with the clear intent of allowing tumor-site specific treatment. However, robust evidence supporting its routine clinical use is still lacking, notably with two recent randomized clinical trials failing to show a patient benefit of TOO-prediction based site-specific treatment over empiric chemotherapy in CUP. On the other hand, with regards to a tissue-agnostic strategy, precision medicine approaches targeting actionable genomic alterations have already transformed the treatment for many known tumor types. Yet, an unmet need remains for well-designed clinical trials to scrutinize its potential role in CUP beyond anecdotal case reports. In the absence of practice changing results, we believe that the emphasis on finding the presumed unknown primary tumor at all costs, implicit in the term CUP, has biased recent research in the field. Focusing on the distinct clinical features shared by all CUPs, we advocate adopting the term primary metastatic cancer (PMC) to denominate a distinct cancer entity instead. In our view, PMC should be considered the archetype of metastatic disease and as such, despite accounting for a mere 2–3% of malignancies, unraveling the mechanisms at play goes beyond improving the prognosis of patients with PMC and promises to greatly enhance our understanding of the metastatic process and carcinogenesis across all cancer types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kolling
- Department of Investigative Clinical Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Ventre
- Department of Investigative Clinical Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Elena Geuna
- Multidisciplinary Oncology Outpatient Clinic, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Melissa Milan
- Laboratory of Exploratory Research and Molecular Cancer Therapy, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Alberto Pisacane
- Unit of Pathology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO- IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Anna Sapino
- Unit of Pathology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO- IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Filippo Montemurro
- Multidisciplinary Oncology Outpatient Clinic, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abe M, Watanabe K, Shinozaki-Ushiku A, Ushiku T, Abe T, Fujihara Y, Amano Y, Zong L, Wang CP, Kubo E, Inaki R, Kinoshita N, Yamashita S, Takai D, Ushijima T, Nagase T, Hoshi K. Identification of a metastatic lung adenocarcinoma of the palate mucosa through genetic and histopathological analysis: a rare case report and literature review. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:52. [PMID: 30634950 PMCID: PMC6329170 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5277-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancers of unknown primary origin (CUPs) are reported to be the 3-4th most common causes of cancer death. Recent years have seen advances in mutational analysis and genomics profiling. These advances could improve accuracy of diagnosis of CUPs and might improve the prognosis of patients with CUPs. Case presentation A 76-year old male with an adenocarcinoma of unknown primary origin in the lung presented with another tumor of the palate mucosa. The tumor cells in the pleural effusion were all negative for immunohistochemical markers (TTF-1 and Napsin A) and lung-specific oncogenic driver alterations (EGFR mutation and ALK translocation). The tumor of the palate mucosa was likewise identified as an adenocarcinoma, and the cells showed cytological similarities with the tumor cells in the pleural effusion; TTF-1, Napsin A, EGFR mutation and ALK translocation were all negative. This result suggested that origins of the tumors of the palate mucosa and in the lung were the same, even though the origin had not yet been determined. Next, we addressed whether the tumor of the palate mucosa was a primary tumor or not. Secretory carcinoma (SC), which is a common type of minor salivary gland tumor (MSGT), was suspected; however, mammaglobin was negative and ETV6-NTRK3 (EN) fusion was not observed. Other MSGTs were excluded based on histological and immunohistochemical findings. Furthermore, an additional examination demonstrated an oncogenic KRAS mutation at codon 12 (p.G12D) in both palate tumor and in pleural effusion. KRAS mutation is known to exist in one-third of lung adenocarcinomas (LUADs), but quite rare in MSGTs. The possibility of metastasis from other organs was considered unlikely from the results of endoscopic and imaging studies. This result indicated that the primary site of the CUP was indeed the lung, and that the tumor of the palate mucosa was a metastasis of the LUAD. Conclusions A tumor of the palate mucosa that showed diagnostic difficulties was determined to be a metastatic LUAD by genomic alterations and histopathological findings. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-019-5277-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masanobu Abe
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan. .,Division for Health Service Promotion, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kousuke Watanabe
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
| | - Aya Shinozaki-Ushiku
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Ushiku
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Abe
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yuko Fujihara
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yosuke Amano
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Liang Zong
- Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng-Ping Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Emi Kubo
- Division of Epigenomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryoko Inaki
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Naoya Kinoshita
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yamashita
- Division of Epigenomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daiya Takai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Ushijima
- Division of Epigenomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahide Nagase
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kazuto Hoshi
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Conway AM, Mitchell C, Kilgour E, Brady G, Dive C, Cook N. Molecular characterisation and liquid biomarkers in Carcinoma of Unknown Primary (CUP): taking the 'U' out of 'CUP'. Br J Cancer 2019; 120:141-153. [PMID: 30580378 PMCID: PMC6342985 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-018-0332-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancers of Unknown Primary (CUP) comprise a heterogeneous clinical entity of confirmed metastatic cancer where the primary site of origin is undetectable. It has a poor prognosis with limited treatment options. CUP is historically under-researched; however, understanding its biology has the potential to not only improve treatment and survival by implementation of biomarkers for patient management, but also to greatly contribute to our understanding of carcinogenesis and metastasis across all cancer types. Here we review the current advances in CUP research and explore the debated hypotheses underlying its biology. The evolution of molecular profiling and tissue-of-origin classifiers have the potential to transform the diagnosis, classification and therapeutic management of patients with CUP but robust evidence to support widespread use is lacking. Precision medicine has transformed treatment strategy in known tumour types; in CUP, however, there remains a clinical need for a better understanding of molecular characteristics to establish the potential role of novel or existing therapeutics. The emergence of liquid biopsies as a source of predictive and prognostic biomarkers within known tumour types is gaining rapid ground and this review explores the potential utility of liquid biopsies in CUP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia-Marie Conway
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK
- The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Claire Mitchell
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK
- The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Elaine Kilgour
- The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Gerard Brady
- The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Caroline Dive
- The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Natalie Cook
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK.
- The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hainsworth JD, Greco FA. Cancer of Unknown Primary Site: New Treatment Paradigms in the Era of Precision Medicine. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2018; 38:20-25. [PMID: 30231392 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_100014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John D Hainsworth
- From the Sarah Cannon Research Institute and Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, TN
| | - F Anthony Greco
- From the Sarah Cannon Research Institute and Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, TN
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
El Rassy E, Pavlidis N. The current evidence for a biomarker-based approach in cancer of unknown primary. Cancer Treat Rev 2018; 67:21-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2018.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
15
|
Immunohistochemistry for Diagnosis of Metastatic Carcinomas of Unknown Primary Site. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10040108. [PMID: 29621151 PMCID: PMC5923363 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10040108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Revised: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunohistochemistry has become an essential ancillary examination for the identification and classification of carcinomas of unknown primary site (CUPs). Over the last decade, the diagnostic accuracy of organ- or tumour-specific immunomarkers and the clinical validation of effective immunohistochemical panels has improved significantly. When dealing with small sample sizes, diagnostic accuracy is crucial, particularly in the current era of targeted molecular and immune-based therapies. Effective systematic use of appropriate immunohistochemical panels enables accurate classification of most of the undifferentiated carcinomas as well as careful preservation of tissues for potential molecular or other ancillary tests. This review discusses the algorithmic approach to the diagnosis of CUPs using CK7 and CK20 staining patterns. It outlines the most frequently used tissue-specific antibodies, provides some pitfalls essential in avoiding potential diagnostic errors and discusses the complementary tools, such as molecular tumour profiling and mutation-specific antibodies, for the improvement of diagnosis and prediction of the treatment response.
Collapse
|
16
|
Yamasaki M, Funaishi K, Saito N, Sakano A, Fujihara M, Daido W, Ishiyama S, Deguchi N, Taniwaki M, Ohashi N, Hattori N. Putative lung adenocarcinoma with epidermal growth factor receptor mutation presenting as carcinoma of unknown primary site: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2018; 97:e9942. [PMID: 29443782 PMCID: PMC5839817 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000009942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Only a few cases of putative lung adenocarcinoma presenting as carcinoma of unknown primary site (CUP) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation have been reported, and the efficacy of EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for these cases is unclear. PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSES A 67-year-old man complained of paresis of the right lower extremity, dysarthria, and memory disturbance. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple brain tumors with brain edema and swelling of the left supraclavicular, mediastinal, and upper abdominal lymph nodes. Moreover, a metastatic duodenal tumor was detected via upper gastrointestinal endoscopy examination. The biopsy specimen of the lesion was examined and was diagnosed as adenocarcinoma with CK7 and TTF-1 positivity. Finally, the case was diagnosed as EGFR mutation-positive putative lung adenocarcinoma presenting as CUP. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES Oral erlotinib, an EGFR-TKI, was administered at 150 mg daily. Five weeks later, the brain lesions and several swollen lymph nodes showed marked improvement, and the symptoms of the patient also improved. Three months later, the duodenal lesion was undetected on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. After an 8-month follow-up, the patient was well with no disease progression. LESSONS Putative lung adenocarcinoma presenting as CUP may have EGFR mutation, and EGFR-TKI therapy may be effective for such malignancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Yamasaki
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital & Atomic Bomb Survivors Hospital, Naka-ku
| | - Kunihiko Funaishi
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital & Atomic Bomb Survivors Hospital, Naka-ku
| | - Naomi Saito
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Mazda Hospital, Aki-gun
| | | | - Megumu Fujihara
- Department of Pathology, Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital & Atomic Bomb Survivors Hospital
| | - Wakako Daido
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital & Atomic Bomb Survivors Hospital, Naka-ku
| | - Sayaka Ishiyama
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital & Atomic Bomb Survivors Hospital, Naka-ku
| | - Naoko Deguchi
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital & Atomic Bomb Survivors Hospital, Naka-ku
| | - Masaya Taniwaki
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital & Atomic Bomb Survivors Hospital, Naka-ku
| | - Nobuyuki Ohashi
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital & Atomic Bomb Survivors Hospital, Naka-ku
- Ohashi Clinic, Naka-ku
| | - Noboru Hattori
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ross JS, Ali SM, Fasan O, Block J, Pal S, Elvin JA, Schrock AB, Suh J, Nozad S, Kim S, Jeong Lee H, Sheehan CE, Jones DM, Vergilio JA, Ramkissoon S, Severson E, Daniel S, Fabrizio D, Frampton G, Miller VA, Stephens PJ, Gay LM. ALK Fusions in a Wide Variety of Tumor Types Respond to Anti-ALK Targeted Therapy. Oncologist 2017; 22:1444-1450. [PMID: 29079636 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2016-0488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genomic fusions of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene (ALK) are a well-established therapy target in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). From a survey of 114,200 clinical cases, we determined the prevalence of ALK rearrangements (rALK) in non-NSCLC tumors and report their responsiveness to therapies targeting ALK. MATERIALS AND METHODS Comprehensive genomic profiling of 114,200 relapsed and metastatic malignancies, including both solid tumors and hematolymphoid cancers, was performed using a hybrid-capture, adaptor ligation-based next-generation sequencing assay. RESULTS Of 114,200 clinical samples, 21,522 (18.8%) were NSCLC and 92,678 (81.2%) were other tumor types. Of the 876 (0.8%) cases with ALK fusions (fALK) or rALK, 675 (77.1%) were NSCLC and 201 (22.9%) were other tumor types. ALK fusions were significantly more frequent in NSCLC (3.1%) than non-NSCLC (0.2%; p < .0001). Patients with non-NSCLC tumors harboring fALK were significantly younger (p < .0001) and more often female (p < .0001) than patients with fALK-positive NSCLC. EML4 was more often the fusion partner in NSCLC (83.5%) versus non-NSCLC tumors (30.9%; p < .0001). CONCLUSION ALK rearrangements can be identified in a wide variety of epithelial and mesenchymal malignancies beyond NSCLC. Anti-ALK therapies can be effective in non-NSCLC tumors driven by fALK, and further study of therapies targeting ALK in clinical trials involving a wider variety of cancer types appears warranted. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Rearrangements involving the ALK gene have been detected in dozens of cancer types using next-generation sequencing. Patients whose tumors harbor ALK rearrangements or fusions respond to treatment with crizotinib and alectinib, including tumors not normally associated with ALK mutations, such as non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis or renal cell carcinoma. Comprehensive genomic profiling using next-generation sequencing can detect targetable ALK fusions irrespective of tumor type or fusions partner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey S Ross
- Foundation Medicine, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Siraj M Ali
- Foundation Medicine, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Omotayo Fasan
- Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jared Block
- Carolinas HealthCare, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Julia A Elvin
- Foundation Medicine, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - James Suh
- Foundation Medicine, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sahar Nozad
- Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Sungeun Kim
- Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Eric Severson
- Foundation Medicine, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - David Fabrizio
- Foundation Medicine, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Vince A Miller
- Foundation Medicine, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Laurie M Gay
- Foundation Medicine, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|