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Sivakumaran T, Tothill RW, Mileshkin LR. The evolution of molecular management of carcinoma of unknown primary. Curr Opin Oncol 2024; 36:456-464. [PMID: 39007224 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000001066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There is significant need to improve diagnostic and therapeutic options for patients with cancer of unknown primary (CUP). In this review, we discuss the evolving landscape of molecular profiling in CUP. RECENT FINDINGS Molecular profiling is becoming accepted into the diagnostic work-up of CUP patients with tumour mutation profiling now described in international CUP guidelines. Although tissue-of-origin (ToO) molecular tests utilising gene-expression and DNA methylation have existed some time, their clinical benefit remains unclear. Novel technologies utilising whole genome sequencing and machine learning algorithms are showing promise in determining ToO, however further research is required prior to clinical application. A recent international clinical trial found patients treated with molecularly-guided therapy based on comprehensive-panel DNA sequencing had improved progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy alone, confirming utility of performing genomic profiling early in the patient journey. Small phase 2 trials have demonstrated that some CUP patients are responsive to immunotherapy, but the best way to select patients for treatment is not clear. SUMMARY Management of CUP requires a multifaceted approach incorporating clinical, histopathological, radiological and molecular sequencing results to assist with identifying the likely ToO and clinically actionable genomic alternations. Rapidly identifying a subset of CUP patients who are likely to benefit from site specific therapy, targeted therapy and/or immunotherapy will improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard W Tothill
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology
- University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer Research
- Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Linda R Mileshkin
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology
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2
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Cavazzoni A, Salamon I, Fumarola C, Gallerani G, Laprovitera N, Gelsomino F, Riefolo M, Rihawi K, Porcellini E, Rossi T, Mazzeschi M, Naddeo M, Serravalle S, Broseghini E, Agostinis F, Deas O, Roncarati R, Durante G, Pace I, Lauriola M, Garajova I, Calin GA, Bonafè M, D'Errico A, Petronini PG, Cairo S, Ardizzoni A, Sales G, Ferracin M. Synergic activity of FGFR2 and MEK inhibitors in the treatment of FGFR2-amplified cancers of unknown primary. Mol Ther 2024:S1525-0016(24)00466-0. [PMID: 39033323 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Patients with cancer of unknown primary (CUP) carry the double burden of an aggressive disease and reduced access to therapies. Experimental models are pivotal for CUP biology investigation and drug testing. We derived two CUP cell lines (CUP#55 and #96) and corresponding patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), from ascites tumor cells. CUP cell lines and PDXs underwent histological, immune-phenotypical, molecular, and genomic characterization confirming the features of the original tumor. The tissue-of-origin prediction was obtained from the tumor microRNA expression profile and confirmed by single-cell transcriptomics. Genomic testing and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis identified FGFR2 gene amplification in both models, in the form of homogeneously staining region (HSR) in CUP#55 and double minutes in CUP#96. FGFR2 was recognized as the main oncogenic driver and therapeutic target. FGFR2-targeting drug BGJ398 (infigratinib) in combination with the MEK inhibitor trametinib proved to be synergic and exceptionally active, both in vitro and in vivo. The effects of the combined treatment by single-cell gene expression analysis revealed a remarkable plasticity of tumor cells and the greater sensitivity of cells with epithelial phenotype. This study brings personalized therapy closer to CUP patients and provides the rationale for FGFR2 and MEK targeting in metastatic tumors with FGFR2 pathway activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Cavazzoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Irene Salamon
- IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudia Fumarola
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Giulia Gallerani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Noemi Laprovitera
- IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Mattia Riefolo
- IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Karim Rihawi
- IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Porcellini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Tania Rossi
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola 47014, Italy
| | - Martina Mazzeschi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Naddeo
- IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Roberta Roncarati
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; Istituto di Genetica Molecolare "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza" (IGM)- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Durante
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Ilaria Pace
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Mattia Lauriola
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Ingrid Garajova
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - George A Calin
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Massimiliano Bonafè
- IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonia D'Errico
- IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Andrea Ardizzoni
- IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sales
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35031 Padua, Italy
| | - Manuela Ferracin
- IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
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3
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Kim HM, Koo JS. Programmed death-ligand 1 expression in carcinoma of unknown primary. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:689. [PMID: 38844907 PMCID: PMC11155179 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12437-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
We examined the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) and its potential implications. Tissue microarrays were constructed for 72 CUP cases (histologic subtypes: 22 adenocarcinoma, 15 poorly differentiated carcinoma, 19 squamous cell carcinoma, and 14 undifferentiated carcinoma; clinical subtype: favorable type 17 [23.6%], unfavorable type 55 [76.4%]), with immunohistochemical staining performed for PD-L1 (22C3, SP142, SP263, and 28 - 8), CK7, and CK20 to determine the association between staining results and clinicopathological parameters. In CUP, the PD-L1 positivity rate was 5.6-48.6% (tumor cells [TC] or tumor proportion score [TPS]: 5.6-36.1%, immune cell score [IC]: 8.3-48.6%, combined positive score [CPS]: 16.7%) using different cutoff values for 22C3 (TPS ≥ 1%, CPS ≥ 10), SP142 (TC ≥ 50%, IC ≥ 10%), SP263, and 28 - 8 (TC and IC ≥ 1%). PD-L1 SP142 TC and PD-L1 SP263 IC showed the lowest (5.6%) and highest (48.6%) positivity rates, respectively. The PD-L1 positivity rate did not significantly differ based on the histologic subtype, clinical subtype, or CK7/CK20 across clones. Considering TC κ ≥ 1%, TC κ ≥ 50%, IC κ ≥ 1%, and IC κ ≥ 10%, the PD-L1 positivity rate was TC = 4.2-36.1% and IC = 9.7-48.6%; the overall agreement between antibodies ranged from 69.4 to 93.1%, showing fair or better agreement (κ ≥ 0.21). In CUP, PD-L1 positivity varied depending on antibodies and scoring systems, with no difference observed according to histologic or clinical subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Min Kim
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ja Seung Koo
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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Junior JNA, Preto DD'A, Lazarini MEZN, de Lima MA, Bonatelli M, Berardinelli GN, da Silva VD, Pinheiro C, Reis RM, Cárcano FM. PD-L1 expression and microsatellite instability (MSI) in cancer of unknown primary site. Int J Clin Oncol 2024; 29:726-734. [PMID: 38528294 PMCID: PMC11130030 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-024-02494-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer of unknown primary site (CUP) is a heterogeneous group of tumors for which the origin remains unknown. Clinical outcomes might be influenced by regulatory processes in its microenvironment. Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a predictive biomarker for cancer immunotherapy and its status, as well as co-occurrence with PD-L1 expression, is poorly evaluated. We aim to evaluate the expression of PD-L1 and the status of MSI in CUP and their possible associations with clinical-pathological features. METHODS The combined positive score (CPS) PD-L1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. MSI status was assessed using a hexa-plex marker panel by polymerase chain reaction followed by fragment analysis. RESULTS Among the 166 cases, MSI analysis was conclusive in 120, with two cases being MSI positive (1.6%). PD-L1 expression was positive in 18.3% of 109 feasible cases. PD-L1 expression was significantly associated with non-visceral metastasis and a dominance of nodal metastasis. The median overall survival (mOS) was 3.7 (95% CI 1.6-5.8) months and patients who expressed PD-L1 achieved a better mOS compared to those who did not express PD-L1 (18.7 versus 3.0 months, p-value: < .001). ECOG-PS equal to or more than two and PD-L1 expression were independent prognostic factors in multivariate analysis (2.37 and 0.42, respectively). CONCLUSION PD-L1 is expressed in a subset (1/5) of patients with CUP and associated with improved overall survival, while MSI is a rare event. There is a need to explore better the tumor microenvironment as well as the role of immunotherapy to change such a bad clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel D 'Almeida Preto
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
- Barretos School of Health Sciences Dr. Paulo Prata - FACISB, Barretos, Brazil
| | | | | | - Murilo Bonatelli
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | | | | | - Céline Pinheiro
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
- Barretos School of Health Sciences Dr. Paulo Prata - FACISB, Barretos, Brazil
| | - Rui Manuel Reis
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
- Medical School, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- 3ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Flavio Mavignier Cárcano
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil.
- Oncoclinicas & Co - Medica Scientia Innovation Research (MEDSIR), Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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5
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Chong AL, Thorner P, Ellis M, Swensen J, Benlimame N, Fiset PO, Gatalica Z, Evans MG, Foulkes WD. Fetal Type Morphologies Suggest the Presence of DICER1 Hotspot Mutations in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer. Am J Surg Pathol 2024; 48:221-229. [PMID: 38050371 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000002162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Germline and somatic pathogenic variants (PVs) in DICER1 , encoding a miRNA biogenesis protein, are associated with a wide variety of highly specific pathologic entities. The lung tumors pleuropulmonary blastoma, pulmonary blastoma (PB), and well-differentiated fetal lung adenocarcinoma (WDFLAC) are all known to harbor DICER1 biallelic variants (loss of function and/or somatic hotspot missense mutations), and all share pathologic features reminiscent of the immature lung. However, the role of DICER1 PVs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is relatively unknown. Here, we aimed to establish the spectrum of lung pathologies associated with DICER1 hotspot PVs and to compare the mutational landscape of DICER1 -mutated NSCLC with and without hotspots. We queried DNA sequencing data from 12,146 NSCLCs featuring somatic DICER1 variants. 235 (1.9%) cases harboring ≥ 1 DICER1 PV were found and 9/235 (3.8%) were DICER1 hotspot-positive cases. Histologic review of DICER1 hotspot-positive cases showed that all but one tumor were classified as within the histologic spectrum of PB/WDFLAC, whereas all the DICER1 non-hotspot double variants were classified as lung adenocarcinomas, not otherwise specified. Comparison between the mutational landscape of DICER1 hotspot-positive and hotspot-negative cases revealed a higher frequency of CTNNB1 mutations in the hotspot-positive cases (5/9 vs. 2/225; P <0.00001). We conclude that DICER1 somatic hotspots are not implicated in the most common forms of NSCLC but rather select for morphologic features of lung tumor types such as PB and WDFLAC. As a corollary, cases showing this tumor morphology should undergo testing for DICER1 variants, and if positive, genetic counseling should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Laure Chong
- Department of Human Genetics
- Cancer Axis, Lady Davis Institute, Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital
| | - Paul Thorner
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | | | | | - Naciba Benlimame
- Research Pathology Facility, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal
| | | | - Zoran Gatalica
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
| | | | - William D Foulkes
- Department of Human Genetics
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University
- Cancer Axis, Lady Davis Institute, Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC
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6
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Zhu QZ, Li HJ, Li YQ, Yu XH, Shu KY. Pelvic metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary site: A case report and brief literature review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e36796. [PMID: 38206704 PMCID: PMC10754610 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036796] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Cancer with unknown primary site is a kind of disease that is difficult to deal with clinically, accounting for 2% to 9% of all newly diagnosed cancer cases. Here, we report such a case with pelvic metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of an unknown primary site and review the relevant literature. PATIENT CONCERNS DIAGNOSES A 43-year-old Chinese female patient was referred to our hospital and initially diagnosed as "malignant tumor of right adnexal area?, obstruction of right ureter, secondary hydronephrosis". INTERVENTIONS Thereafter cytoreductive surgery was performed which included a total hysterectomy, left adnexectomy, partial omentum resection, pelvic lymph node dissection, and para-aortic lymph node dissection. The primary lesion could not be identified by supplementary examination and postoperative pathology. The patient was diagnosed as pelvic metastatic squamous cell carcinoma whose primary site was unknown. To prevent a recurrence, we administered adjuvant chemotherapy for the patient. OUTCOMES The patient was followed up after treatment, complete remission has been maintained for 72 months, and no recurrence or metastasis has been found. LESSONS Our case demonstrates that surgery combined with chemotherapy could be helpful for pelvic metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Zhou Zhu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui-Juan Li
- Medical Department, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Qiang Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Hong Yu
- Department of Pathology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kuan-Yong Shu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People’s Republic of China
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7
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Rassy E, Karam E, Adeleke S, Okoli S, Galante J, Boussios S, Pavlidis N. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with cancers of unknown primary. Eur J Cancer 2023; 195:113377. [PMID: 37890352 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.113377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elie Rassy
- Gustave Roussy, Départements de Médecine Oncologique, F-94805 Villejuif, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM), U1018 Villejuif, France.
| | - Elias Karam
- Gustave Roussy, Départements de Médecine Oncologique, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Sola Adeleke
- School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Oncology, Guy's & St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Somto Okoli
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Joao Galante
- Department of Oncology, Guy's & St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stergios Boussios
- Department of Medical Oncology, Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Windmill Road, Gillingham ME7 5NY, UK; Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK; Kent Medway Medical School, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7LX, UK; AELIA Organization, 9th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
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8
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Beauchamp K, Moran B, O'Brien T, Brennan D, Crown J, Sheahan K, Cotter MB. Carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP): an update for histopathologists. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:1189-1200. [PMID: 37394540 PMCID: PMC10713813 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10101-6] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) is a heterogeneous group of metastatic cancers in which the site of origin is not identifiable. These carcinomas have a poor outcome due to their late presentation with metastatic disease, difficulty in identifying the origin and delay in treatment. The aim of the pathologist is to broadly classify and subtype the cancer and, where possible, to confirm the likely primary site as this information best predicts patient outcome and guides treatment. In this review, we provide histopathologists with diagnostic practice points which contribute to identifying the primary origin in such cases. We present the current clinical evaluation and management from the point of view of the oncologist. We discuss the role of the pathologist in the diagnostic pathway including the control of pre-analytical conditions, assessment of sample adequacy, diagnosis of cancer including diagnostic pitfalls, and evaluation of prognostic and predictive markers. An integrated diagnostic report is ideal in cases of CUP, with results discussed at a forum such as a molecular tumour board and matched with targeted treatment. This highly specialized evolving area ultimately leads to personalized oncology and potentially improved outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Beauchamp
- Department of Histopathology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Bruce Moran
- Department of Histopathology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Timothy O'Brien
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin 7, Ireland
| | - Donal Brennan
- Systems Biology Ireland, UCD School of Medicine, Belfield, Dublin4, Ireland
- UCD Gynaecological Oncology Group, St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - John Crown
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Kieran Sheahan
- Department of Histopathology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Maura Bríd Cotter
- Department of Histopathology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
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9
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Pouyiourou M, Kraft BN, Wohlfromm T, Stahl M, Kubuschok B, Löffler H, Hacker UT, Hübner G, Weiss L, Bitzer M, Ernst T, Schütt P, Hielscher T, Delorme S, Kirchner M, Kazdal D, Ball M, Kluck K, Stenzinger A, Bochtler T, Krämer A. Nivolumab and ipilimumab in recurrent or refractory cancer of unknown primary: a phase II trial. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6761. [PMID: 37875494 PMCID: PMC10598029 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42400-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer of unknown primary has a dismal prognosis, especially following failure of platinum-based chemotherapy. 10-20% of patients have a high tumor mutational burden (TMB), which predicts response to immunotherapy in many cancer types. In this prospective, non-randomized, open-label, multicenter Phase II trial (EudraCT 2018-004562-33; NCT04131621), patients relapsed or refractory after platinum-based chemotherapy received nivolumab and ipilimumab following TMBhigh vs. TMBlow stratification. Progression-free survival (PFS) represented the primary endpoint; overall survival (OS), response rates, duration of clinical benefit and safety were the secondary endpoints. The trial was prematurely terminated in March 2021 before reaching the preplanned sample size (n = 194). Among 31 evaluable patients, 16% had a high TMB ( > 12 mutations/Mb). Overall response rate was 16% (95% CI 6-34%), with 7.7% (95% CI 1-25%) vs. 60% (95% CI 15-95%) in TMBlow and TMBhigh, respectively. Although the primary endpoint was not met, high TMB was associated with better median PFS (18.3 vs. 2.4 months) and OS (18.3 vs. 3.6 months). Severe immune-related adverse events were reported in 29% of cases. Assessing on-treatment dynamics of circulating tumor DNA using combined targeted hotspot mutation and shallow whole genome sequencing as part of a predefined exploratory analysis identified patients benefiting from immunotherapy irrespective of initial radiologic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pouyiourou
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bianca N Kraft
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Timothy Wohlfromm
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Stahl
- Department of Medical Oncology, Evangelische Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Essen, Germany
| | - Boris Kubuschok
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Augsburg University Medical Center and Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Partner Cite Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Harald Löffler
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Marienhospital Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Ulrich T Hacker
- Department of Medicine II, University Cancer Center Leipzig (UCCL), Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gerdt Hübner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Ameos Krankenhausgesellschaft Ostholstein, Eutin, Germany
| | - Lena Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Bitzer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectiology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Ernst
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Hielscher
- Division of Biostatistics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Delorme
- Division of Radiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martina Kirchner
- Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Personalized Medicine (ZPM), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Kazdal
- Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Personalized Medicine (ZPM), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Ball
- Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Personalized Medicine (ZPM), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Kluck
- Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Personalized Medicine (ZPM), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Albrecht Stenzinger
- Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Personalized Medicine (ZPM), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tilmann Bochtler
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alwin Krämer
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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10
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Fojnica A, Ljuca K, Akhtar S, Gatalica Z, Vranic S. An Updated Review of the Biomarkers of Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Merkel Cell Carcinoma and Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5084. [PMID: 37894451 PMCID: PMC10605355 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is primarily a disease of the elderly Caucasian, with most cases occurring in individuals over 50. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) treatment has shown promising results in MCC patients. Although ~34% of MCC patients are expected to exhibit at least one of the predictive biomarkers (PD-L1, high tumor mutational burden/TMB-H/, and microsatellite instability), their clinical significance in MCC is not fully understood. PD-L1 expression has been variably described in MCC, but its predictive value has not been established yet. Our literature survey indicates conflicting results regarding the predictive value of TMB in ICI therapy for MCC. Avelumab therapy has shown promising results in Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV)-negative MCC patients with TMB-H, while pembrolizumab therapy has shown better response in patients with low TMB. A study evaluating neoadjuvant nivolumab therapy found no significant difference in treatment response between the tumor etiologies and TMB levels. In addition to ICI therapy, other treatments that induce apoptosis, such as milademetan, have demonstrated positive responses in MCPyV-positive MCC, with few somatic mutations and wild-type TP53. This review summarizes current knowledge and discusses emerging and potentially predictive biomarkers for MCC therapy with ICI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Fojnica
- Institute of Virology, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Kenana Ljuca
- Health Center of Sarajevo Canton, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Saghir Akhtar
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar;
| | - Zoran Gatalica
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73019, USA;
- Reference Medicine, Phoenix, AZ 85040, USA
| | - Semir Vranic
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar;
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11
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Zhao W, Zhao N, Zhang M, Li Z, Wang N, Shen W, Dong Y, Nie Y, Li Z. 2-Year survival benefit from immunotherapy for squamous cell cancer with cancer of unknown primary in mediastinum: a case report. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1242460. [PMID: 37886174 PMCID: PMC10598860 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1242460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancers of unknown primary (CUP) account for 2%-5% of all diagnosed cancers and are always characterized with fast-paced aggression, early metastasis, and unpredictable spread patterns Mediastinum metastasis with unknown primary origin is extremely rare and with a poor prognosis and short survival. There is no literature to refer to for its treatment. Here, we reported a case of squamous cell CUP in the mediastinum. A 50-year-old male patient was admitted after multi-line treatment of low differentiated squamous cell carcinoma in the mediastinum diagnosed 8 months before. In August 2019, the patient went to a local hospital for cough and dyspnea for 2 weeks. Then, he was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary origin with multiple lymph nodes metastasis. The patient was featured with programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression strongly positive in 90% of tumor cells and the combined positive score of 90 and a tumor mutation burden of 1.79 MUts/Mb and microsatellite stable phenotype. The patient was treated with anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) antibodies in combination with chemotherapy and responded to the treatment. The patient showed stable disease to multi-line immunotherapy for more than 7 months and finally got a clinical benefit of 2-year survival benefit. In conclusion, immunotherapy targeting PD-1/PD-L1 in combination with chemotherapy may play a crucial role in the later-line treatment and palliative care of CUP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhao
- Oncology Department, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Zhao
- Oncology Department, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Manze Zhang
- Oncology Department, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihua Li
- Oncology Department, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Oncology Department, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Wennan Shen
- Oncology Department, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yuemei Dong
- Oncology Department, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yanli Nie
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhaoxia Li
- Oncology Department, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
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12
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Bhatt A, Mishra S, Glehen O. Histopathological Evaluation and Molecular Diagnostic Tests for Peritoneal Metastases with Unknown Primary Site-a Review. Indian J Surg Oncol 2023; 14:15-29. [PMID: 37359927 PMCID: PMC10284789 DOI: 10.1007/s13193-022-01612-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is a well-studied entity with guidelines available for the management of patients with CUP. The peritoneum represents one of the metastatic sites in CUP, and peritoneal metastases (PM) could present as CUP. PM of unknown origin remains a poorly studied clinical entity. There is only one series of 15 cases, one population-based study, and few other case reports on this subject. Studies on CUP, in general, cover some common tumour histological types like adenocarcinomas and squamous carcinomas. Some of these tumours may have a good prognosis though majority have high-grade disease with a poor long-term outcome. Some of the histological tumour types commonly seen in the clinical scenario of PM like mucinous carcinoma have not been studied. In this review, we divide PM into five histological types-adenocarcinomas, serous carcinomas, mucinous carcinomas, sarcomas and other rare varieties. We provide algorithms to identify the primary tumour site using immunohistochemistry when imaging, and endoscopy fails to establish the primary tumour site. The role of molecular diagnostic tests for PM or unknown origin is also discussed. Current literature on site-specific systemic therapy based on gene expression profiling does not show a clear benefit of this approach over empirical systemic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Bhatt
- Dept. of Surgical Oncology, Zydus Hospital, Thaltej, Ahmedabad 380054 India
| | - Suniti Mishra
- Dept. of Pathology, Sparsh Hospital, Bangalore, India
| | - Olivier Glehen
- Dept. of Surgical Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Lyon, France
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13
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Hermans KEPE, Kazemzadeh F, Loef C, Jansen RLH, Nagtegaal ID, van den Brandt PA, Schouten LJ. Risk factors for cancer of unknown primary: a literature review. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:314. [PMID: 37020279 PMCID: PMC10077635 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10794-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) is metastatic cancer with an unidentifiable primary tumour origin during life. It remains difficult to study the occurrence and aetiology of CUP. Hitherto, it is unclear whether risk factors are associated with CUP, yet identifying these factors could reveal whether CUP is a specific entity or a cluster of metastasised cancers from various primary tumour origins. Epidemiological studies on possible CUP risk factors were systematically searched in PubMed and Web of Science on February 1st, 2022. Studies, published before 2022, were included if they were observational human-based, provided relative risk estimates, and investigated possible CUP risk factors. A total of 5 case-control and 14 cohort studies were included. There appears to be an increased risk for smoking in relation to CUP. However, limited suggestive evidence was found to link alcohol consumption, diabetes mellitus, and family history of cancer as increased risks for CUP. No conclusive associations could be made for anthropometry, food intake (animal or plant-based), immunity disorders, lifestyle (overall), physical activity, or socioeconomic status and CUP risk. No other CUP risk factors have been studied. This review highlights smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes mellitus and family history of cancer as CUP risk factors. Yet, there remains insufficient epidemiological evidence to conclude that CUP has its own specific risk factor profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlijn E P E Hermans
- Department of Epidemiology, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Fatemeh Kazemzadeh
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Caroline Loef
- Department of Research, Comprehensive Cancer Organization the Netherlands, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rob L H Jansen
- Department of Research, Comprehensive Cancer Organization the Netherlands, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Iris D Nagtegaal
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Piet A van den Brandt
- Department of Epidemiology, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Leo J Schouten
- Department of Epidemiology, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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14
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Comparison of PD-L1 expression in squamous cell cancer of unknown primary and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 280:1991-1997. [PMID: 36576530 PMCID: PMC9988788 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-022-07775-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The tumorigenesis of squamous cell cancer of unknown primary (SCCUP) in the head and neck area has not been decoded so far, while poor survival rates and limited therapeutic options pose a serious challenge. The aim of this project was to investigate immunological characteristics of SCCUPs and compare them to oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). METHODS PD-L1 expression (TC) was examined by immunohistochemistry in 50 lymph node metastases of SCCUP and 47 primaries of OPSCC. CD3 + and CD8 + lymphocytic infiltration was measured in 5 high power fields. Expression of p16 and HPV ISH were assessed. RESULTS SCCUP demonstrated a significantly higher expression of PD-L1 than OPSCC. In p16-negative SCCUPs PD-L1 proved to be an independent prognostic factor to prioritize high-risk patients. CONCLUSIONS Immunologic differences between SCCUP and OPSCC were detected. A higher PD-L1 expression in SCCUP could potentially facilitate further evaluation of checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
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15
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From Biology to Diagnosis and Treatment: The Ariadne’s Thread in Cancer of Unknown Primary. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065588. [PMID: 36982662 PMCID: PMC10053301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) encloses a group of heterogeneous tumours, the primary sites for which cannot be identified at the time of diagnosis, despite extensive investigations. CUP has always posed major challenges both in its diagnosis and management, leading to the hypothesis that it is rather a distinct entity with specific genetic and phenotypic aberrations, considering the regression or dormancy of the primary tumour; the development of early, uncommon systemic metastases; and the resistance to therapy. Patients with CUP account for 1–3% of all human malignancies and can be categorised into two prognostic subsets according to their clinicopathologic characteristics at presentation. The diagnosis of CUP mainly depends on the standard evaluation comprising a thorough medical history; complete physical examination; histopathologic morphology and algorithmic immunohistochemistry assessment; and CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. However, physicians and patients do not fare well with these criteria and often perform additional time-consuming evaluations to identify the primary tumour site to guide treatment decisions. The development of molecularly guided diagnostic strategies has emerged to complement traditional procedures but has been disappointing thus far. In this review, we present the latest data on CUP regarding the biology, molecular profiling, classification, diagnostic workup, and treatment.
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16
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Shirota H, Komine K, Takahashi M, Takahashi S, Miyauchi E, Niizuma H, Tada H, Shimada M, Niihori T, Aoki Y, Sugiyama I, Kawamura M, Yasuda J, Suzuki S, Iwaya T, Saito M, Saito T, Shibata H, Furukawa T, Ishioka C. Clinical decisions by the molecular tumor board on comprehensive genomic profiling tests in Japan: A retrospective observational study. Cancer Med 2023; 12:6170-6181. [PMID: 36251535 PMCID: PMC10028111 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A paradigm shift has occurred in cancer chemotherapy from tumor-specific treatment with cytotoxic agents to personalized medicine with molecular-targeted drugs. Thus, it is essential to identify genomic alterations and molecular features to recommend effective targeted molecular medicines regardless of the tumor site. Nevertheless, it takes considerable expertise to identify treatment targets from primary-sequencing data in order to provide drug recommendations. The Molecular Tumor Board (MTB) denotes a platform that integrates clinical and molecular features for clinical decisions. METHODS This study retrospectively analyses all the cases of discussion and decision at the MTB in Tohoku University Hospital and summarizes genetic alterations and treatment recommendations. RESULTS The MTB discussed 1003 comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) tests conducted in patients with solid cancer, and the resulting rate of assessing treatment recommendations was approximately 19%. Among hundreds of genes in the CGP test, only 30 genetic alterations or biomarkers were used to make treatment recommendations. The leading biomarkers that led to treatment recommendations were tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H) (n = 32), ERBB2 amplification (n = 24), BRAF V600E (n = 16), and BRCA1/2 alterations (n = 32). Thyroid cancer accounted for most cancer cases for which treatment recommendation was provided (81.3%), followed by non-small cell lung cancer (42.4%) and urologic cancer (31.3%). The number of tests performed for gastrointestinal cancers was high (n = 359); however, the treatment recommendations for the same were below average (13%). CONCLUSION The results of this study may be used to simplify treatment recommendations from the CGP reports and help select patients for testing, thereby increasing the accuracy of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidekazu Shirota
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Keigo Komine
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masanobu Takahashi
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shin Takahashi
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Eisaku Miyauchi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Niizuma
- Department of Pediatrics, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tada
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgical Oncology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Muneaki Shimada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Niihori
- Department of Medical Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoko Aoki
- Department of Medical Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ikuko Sugiyama
- Personalized Medicine Center, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Maako Kawamura
- Personalized Medicine Center, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Jun Yasuda
- Division of Molecular Cellular Oncology, Miyagi Cancer Center Research Institute, Natori, Japan
| | - Shuhei Suzuki
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Takeshi Iwaya
- Molecular Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Morioka, Japan
| | - Motonobu Saito
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Saito
- Department of Breast Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Saitama Hospital, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Shibata
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Toru Furukawa
- Department of Investigative Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Chikashi Ishioka
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
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17
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Hu H, Pan Q, Shen J, Yao J, Fu G, Tian F, Yan N, Han W. The diagnosis and treatment for a patient with cancer of unknown primary: A case report. Front Genet 2023; 14:1085549. [PMID: 36741314 PMCID: PMC9894331 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1085549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is a class of metastatic malignant tumors whose primary location cannot be determined. The diagnosis and treatment of CUP are a considerable challenge for clinicians. Herein, we report a CUP case whose corresponding primary tumor sites were successfully identified, and the patient received proper treatment. Case report: In February 2022, a 74-year-old woman was admitted to the Medical Oncology Department at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital for new lung and intestinal tumors after more than 9 years of breast cancer surgery. After laparoscopically assisted right hemicolectomy, pathology revealed mucinous adenocarcinoma; the pathological stage was pT2N0M0. Results from needle biopsies of lung masses suggested poorly differentiated cancer, ER (-), PR (-), and HER2 (-), which combined with the clinical history, did not rule out metastatic breast cancer. A surgical pathology sample was needed to determine the origin of the tumor tissue, but the patient's chest structure showed no indications for surgery. Analysis of the tumor's traceable gene expression profile prompted breast cancer, and analysis of next-generation amplification sequencing (NGS) did not obtain a potential drug target. We developed a treatment plan based on comprehensive immunohistochemistry, a gene expression profile, and NGS analysis. The treatment plan was formulated using paclitaxel albumin and capecitabine in combination with radiotherapy. The efficacy evaluation was the partial response (PR) after four cycles of chemotherapy and two cycles combined with radiotherapy. Conclusion: This case highlighted the importance of identifying accurate primary tumor location for patients to benefit from treatment, which will provide a reference for the treatment decisions of CUP tumors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Hu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qiantang Campus of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qin Pan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiaying Shen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junlin Yao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guoxiang Fu
- Department of Pathology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fengjuan Tian
- Department of Radiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Na Yan
- Key Laboratory of Digital Technology in Medical Diagnostics of Zhejiang Province, Dian Diagnostics Group Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weidong Han
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,*Correspondence: Weidong Han, hanwd@ zju.edu.cn
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18
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Li N, Wan Z, Lu D, Chen R, Ye X. Long-term benefit of immunotherapy in a patient with squamous lung cancer exhibiting mismatch repair deficient/high microsatellite instability/high tumor mutational burden: A case report and literature review. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1088683. [PMID: 36703977 PMCID: PMC9871463 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1088683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic mutations that render mismatch repair defective may result in microsatellite instability, which is common in colorectal carcinomas and gastric cancers as well as Lynch syndrome. Mismatch repair deficiency/high microsatellite instability (dMMR/MSI-H) predicts the tumor response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, few studies have evaluated the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with dMMR/MSI-H. In this work, we present a patient with advanced squamous lung cancer with dMMR/MSI-H and a high tumor mutational burden (TMB-H) who obtained a long-term benefit from immunotherapy. NSCLC patients with dMMR/MSI-H/TMB-H may thus benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zixuan Wan
- First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongyan Lu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruilian Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Ruilian Chen, ; Xiaowei Ye,
| | - Xiaowei Ye
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Ruilian Chen, ; Xiaowei Ye,
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19
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Posner A, Sivakumaran T, Pattison A, Etemadmoghadam D, Thio N, Wood C, Fisher K, Webb S, DeFazio A, Wilcken N, Gao B, Karapetis CS, Singh M, Collins IM, Richardson G, Steer C, Warren M, Karanth N, Fellowes A, Fox SB, Hicks RJ, Schofield P, Bowtell D, Prall OWJ, Tothill RW, Mileshkin L. Immune and genomic biomarkers of immunotherapy response in cancer of unknown primary. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-005809. [PMID: 36720497 PMCID: PMC10098268 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is a heterogeneous group of metastatic cancers where a primary tissue of origin (TOO) is uncertain. Most patients with CUP have limited treatment options and poor survival outcomes. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can be efficacious in some patients with CUP, but the optimal predictive biomarkers are unknown. We therefore assessed immune and genomic biomarkers as well as predicted TOO in patients with CUP, including a subset treated with ICIs. METHODS Patients with CUP were subject to gene-expression profiling (GEP) and DNA panel sequencing. Immune and stromal-related gene expression was explored by NanoString, including genes associated with immunotherapy response (IR) in other solid malignancies. ICI responsive cancer types were assigned based on Food and Drug Administration-approved indications, and either detection of a latent primary tumor or the TOO was suspected based on genomics informed pathology review. Tumor mutation burden (TMB) and gene mutations were also assessed. RESULTS A total of 219 patients with CUP were included, 215 assessed for TOO in a previous study, with the majority (163) receiving both RNA and DNA tests. Of GEP profiled cases, 33% (59/175) had a high IR gene-expression score. Of the DNA sequenced cases, 16% (32/203) had high TMB (>10 mutations/Mb), including two with mismatch repair deficiency. Low correlation was observed between TMB and an IR score (R=0.26, p<0.001). Among 110 CUPs with a latent primary or suspected TOO, 47% (52/110) belonged to ICI-responsive cancer types. More than half of the CUPs had at least one feature that may predict ICI response (high IR score, high TMB, ICI-responsive cancer type). Among patients with CUP treated with ICIs, 8/28 (29%) responded (2 complete responses and 6 partial responses). Among non-responders, 9 had stable and 11 had progressive disease. All responders had a high IR score (7/8) and/or high TMB (3/8), while most (5/8) belonged to ICI-responsive cancer types. These features were detected at a lower frequency in non-responders and mostly in patients with stable disease. CONCLUSIONS A significant fraction of CUP tumors had genomic features previously associated with ICI response. High IR score was the most sensitive predictive feature of ICI response, warranting evaluation in a larger patient series.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atara Posner
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tharani Sivakumaran
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Pattison
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Niko Thio
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Colin Wood
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Krista Fisher
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samantha Webb
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anna DeFazio
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, and Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicholas Wilcken
- Department of Medical Oncology, Westmead Hospital The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bo Gao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Westmead Hospital The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christos S Karapetis
- Department of Medical Oncology and Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Madhu Singh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Barwon Health Cancer Services, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ian M Collins
- Department of Medical Oncology and SouthWest HealthCare, Deakin University - Warrnambool Campus, Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gary Richardson
- Medical Oncology, Cabrini Health, Malvern, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher Steer
- Border Medical Oncology, Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre, Albury, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Warren
- Medical Oncology, Bendigo Health, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
| | - Narayan Karanth
- Division of Medicine, Top End Health and Hospital Services, Alan Walker Cancer Centre, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Andrew Fellowes
- Department of Pathology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen B Fox
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Pathology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rodney J Hicks
- St Vincent's Hospital Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Penelope Schofield
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Behavioural Sciences Unit, Health Services Research and Implementation Sciences, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Bowtell
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Owen W J Prall
- Department of Pathology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard William Tothill
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia .,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Linda Mileshkin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia .,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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20
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Sheng J, Pan H, Han W. Immunochemotherapy achieved a complete response for metastatic adenocarcinoma of unknown primary based on gene expression profiling: a case report and review of the literature. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1181444. [PMID: 37153561 PMCID: PMC10154565 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1181444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is a malignant and aggressive tumor whose primary origin is still unknown despite thorough evaluation. CUP can be life-threatening with a median overall survival of less than 1 year based on empirical chemotherapy. Gene detection technology advances the driver gene detection of malignant tumors and the appropriate precise therapy. Immunotherapy has ushered in a new era in cancer therapy, changing the way advanced tumors, including CUP, are treated. Combined with comprehensive clinical and pathological investigations, molecular analysis of the original tissue and detection of potential driver mutations may provide therapeutic recommendations for CUP. Case presentation A 52-year-old female was admitted to hospital for dull abdominal pain, with peripancreatic lesions below the caudate lobe of the liver and posterior peritoneal lymph nodes enlargement. Conventional biopsy under endoscopic ultrasonography and laparoscopic biopsy both revealed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma based on immunohistochemical series. To help identify tumor origin and molecular characteristics, 90-gene expression assay, tumor gene expression profiling with Next-generation sequencing (NGS) method and Immunohistochemical expression of PD-L1 were employed. Although no gastroesophageal lesions discovered by gastroenteroscopy, the 90-gene expression assay yielded a similarity score and prompted the most likely primary site was gastric/esophagus cancer. NGS revealed high TMB (19.3mutations/Mb) but no druggable driver genes identified. The Dako PD-L1 22C3 assay IHC assay for PD-L1 expression revealed a tumor proportion score (TPS) of 35%. Given the presence of negative predictive biomarkers for immunotherapy, including adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) c.646C>T mutation at exon 7 and Janus kinase 1(JAK1), the patient received immunochemotherapy instead of immunotherapy alone. She was successfully treated with nivolumab plus carboplatin and albumin-bound nanoparticle paclitaxel for six cycles and nivolumab maintenance, which achieved a complete response (CR) maintained for 2 years without severe adverse events. Conclusions This case highlights the value of multidisciplinary diagnosis and individual precision treatment in CUP. Further investigation is needed as an individualized treatment approach combining immunotherapy and chemotherapy based on tumor molecular characteristics and immunotherapy predictors is expected to improve the outcome of CUP therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Sheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongming Pan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weidong Han
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Weidong Han,
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21
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Blecua P, Davalos V, de Villasante I, Merkel A, Musulen E, Coll-SanMartin L, Esteller M. Refinement of computational identification of somatic copy number alterations using DNA methylation microarrays illustrated in cancers of unknown primary. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:6582004. [PMID: 35524475 PMCID: PMC9487591 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbac161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
High-throughput genomic technologies are increasingly used in personalized cancer medicine. However, computational tools to maximize the use of scarce tissues combining distinct molecular layers are needed. Here we present a refined strategy, based on the R-package 'conumee', to better predict somatic copy number alterations (SCNA) from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation arrays. Our approach, termed hereafter as 'conumee-KCN', improves SCNA prediction by incorporating tumor purity and dynamic thresholding. We trained our algorithm using paired DNA methylation and SNP Array 6.0 data from The Cancer Genome Atlas samples and confirmed its performance in cancer cell lines. Most importantly, the application of our approach in cancers of unknown primary identified amplified potentially actionable targets that were experimentally validated by Fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunostaining, reaching 100% specificity and 93.3% sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Blecua
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Veronica Davalos
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Izar de Villasante
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Angelika Merkel
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Eva Musulen
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitari General de Catalunya-Grupo Quirónsalud, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Laia Coll-SanMartin
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Manel Esteller
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Catalonia, Spain
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22
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Di Minno A, Gelzo M, Caterino M, Costanzo M, Ruoppolo M, Castaldo G. Challenges in Metabolomics-Based Tests, Biomarkers Revealed by Metabolomic Analysis, and the Promise of the Application of Metabolomics in Precision Medicine. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5213. [PMID: 35563604 PMCID: PMC9103094 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolomics helps identify metabolites to characterize/refine perturbations of biological pathways in living organisms. Pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical limitations that have hampered a wide implementation of metabolomics have been addressed. Several potential biomarkers originating from current targeted metabolomics-based approaches have been discovered. Precision medicine argues for algorithms to classify individuals based on susceptibility to disease, and/or by response to specific treatments. It also argues for a prevention-based health system. Because of its ability to explore gene-environment interactions, metabolomics is expected to be critical to personalize diagnosis and treatment. Stringent guidelines have been applied from the very beginning to design studies to acquire the information currently employed in precision medicine and precision prevention approaches. Large, prospective, expensive and time-consuming studies are now mandatory to validate old, and discover new, metabolomics-based biomarkers with high chances of translation into precision medicine. Metabolites from studies on saliva, sweat, breath, semen, feces, amniotic, cerebrospinal, and broncho-alveolar fluid are predicted to be needed to refine information from plasma and serum metabolome. In addition, a multi-omics data analysis system is predicted to be needed for omics-based precision medicine approaches. Omics-based approaches for the progress of precision medicine and prevention are expected to raise ethical issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Di Minno
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.G.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.R.); (G.C.)
| | - Monica Gelzo
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.G.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.R.); (G.C.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marianna Caterino
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.G.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.R.); (G.C.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Costanzo
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.G.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.R.); (G.C.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Margherita Ruoppolo
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.G.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.R.); (G.C.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Castaldo
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.G.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.R.); (G.C.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
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23
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Guven DC, Stephen B, Sahin TK, Cakir IY, Erul E, Aksoy S. The Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Rare Tumors: A Systematic Review of Published Clinical Trials. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2022; 174:103700. [PMID: 35533815 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) entered treatment algorithms in most tumors. However, the data on the efficacy is limited in rare tumors with no phase III studies. We systemically reviewed the clinical trials evaluating the ICI efficacy in rare tumors and included a total of 47 clinical trials in this review. The ICIs demonstrated over 30% response rates in Merkel cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and became the standard of care. Additionally, the ICI efficacy was promising in thymic epithelial tumors and gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. In contrast, the ICI efficacy is limited in most sarcomas, germ cell tumors and low-grade neuroendocrine tumors. The ICI efficacy seemed to be improved with combinations targeting tumor microenvironment in sarcomas. The available evidence on ICI efficacy in rare tumors denote a need for better patient selection and novel combination strategies to improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Can Guven
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Bettzy Stephen
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
| | - Taha Koray Sahin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Yahya Cakir
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Enes Erul
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sercan Aksoy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
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24
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Raghav KP, Stephen B, Karp DD, Piha-Paul SA, Hong DS, Jain D, Chudy Onwugaje DO, Abonofal A, Willett AF, Overman M, Smaglo B, Huey RW, Meric-Bernstam F, Varadhachary GR, Naing A. Efficacy of pembrolizumab in patients with advanced cancer of unknown primary (CUP): a phase 2 non-randomized clinical trial. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:e004822. [PMID: 35618285 PMCID: PMC9125753 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is an aggressive rare malignancy with limited treatment options. Data regarding clinical activity of immune checkpoint inhibitors in CUP is lacking. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy of pembrolizumab, a programmed cell death-1 inhibitor, in patients with CUP. METHODS The study was designed as a phase 2 basket trial for independent rare tumor cohorts including CUP. Adult patients with CUP who had progressed on previous systemic therapy, performance status 0/1 and measurable disease per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST V.1.1) were eligible. Patients received pembrolizumab (200 mg) intravenously every 21 days. Twenty-nine patients were enrolled and treated between August 2016 and June 2020. The primary endpoint was non-progression rate (NPR) at 27 weeks (NPR-27) per immune-related RECIST. Key prespecified secondary endpoints were confirmed objective response rate (ORR), safety, duration of response (DoR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Pretreatment biopsies were examined for biomarkers of response (programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs)). RESULTS Among 25 (of 29 enrolled) eligible and evaluable patients, 14 (56%) had poorly differentiated carcinoma. Patients received a median of two lines of therapy prior to enrollment. Median follow-up was 27.3 months. NPR-27 was observed in seven patients (28.0% (95% CI: 12.1 to 49.4)). ORR was 20.0% (95% CI: 6.8 to 40.7) with five patients achieving immune-related partial response with median DoR of 14.7 months (95% CI: 9.8 to 19.6). Median PFS and OS were 4.1 (95% CI: 3.1 to 5.1) and 11.3 (95% CI: 5.5 to 17.1) months, respectively. Treatment-related adverse events of any and grade ≥3 were seen in 19 (76%) and 4 (16%) patients, respectively. One (4%) patient had grade 3 immune-related acute kidney injury requiring treatment discontinuation. Neither PD-L1 nor TILs were associated with NPR-27. Both positive PD-L1 staining (44.4% vs 6.3%; p=0.040) and intense TIL infiltration (44.4% vs 6.3%; p=0.040) were associated with response. CONCLUSION Pembrolizumab showed encouraging efficacy in patients with CUP with acceptable safety profile. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02721732.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanwal P Raghav
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Bettzy Stephen
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Daniel D Karp
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sarina A Piha-Paul
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - David S Hong
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dipti Jain
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Abdulrahman Abonofal
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Anneleis F Willett
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael Overman
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Brandon Smaglo
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ryan W Huey
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Funda Meric-Bernstam
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gauri R Varadhachary
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Aung Naing
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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25
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Conway AM, Morris GC, Smith S, Vekeria M, Manoharan P, Mitchell C, Backen A, Oliveira P, Hubner RA, Lamarca A, McNamara MG, Valle JW, Cook N. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma hidden within cancer of unknown primary. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:531-540. [PMID: 35484217 PMCID: PMC9345855 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01824-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many patients referred with a provisional diagnosis of cancer of unknown primary (pCUP) present with presumed metastatic disease to the liver. Due to the lack of definitive histological markers, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) may be overlooked. This study assessed the frequency of iCCA within a pCUP cohort. Methods A single UK cancer-center study of sequential patients referred with pCUP from January 2017 to April 2020. Baseline diagnostic imaging was reviewed independently by a radiologist and oncologist; those with radiological features of iCCA (dominant liver lesion, capsular retraction) were identified. Results Of 228 patients referred with pCUP, 72 (32%) had malignancy involving the liver. 24/72 patients had radiological features consistent with iCCA; they were predominantly female (75%) with an average age of 63 years and 63% had an ECOG PS ≤ 2. The median overall survival (OS) of the iCCA group and the remaining liver-involved CUP group were similar (OS 4.1 vs 4.4 months, p-value = 0.805). Patients, where a primary diagnosis was subsequently determined, had better OS (10.2 months, p-values: iCCA = 0.0279: cCUP = 0.0230). Conclusions In this study, 34% of patients with liver-involved pCUP, fulfilled the radiological criteria for an iCCA diagnosis. Consideration of an iCCA diagnosis in patients with CUP could improve timely diagnosis, molecular characterisation and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia-Marie Conway
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute Cancer Biomarker Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Georgina C Morris
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sarah Smith
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Monique Vekeria
- Department of Radiology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Prakash Manoharan
- Department of Radiology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Claire Mitchell
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Alison Backen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.,Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Pedro Oliveira
- Department of Pathology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Richard A Hubner
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.,Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Angela Lamarca
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.,Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Mairéad G McNamara
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.,Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Juan W Valle
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK. .,Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Natalie Cook
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK. .,Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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26
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Bochtler T, Wohlfromm T, Hielscher T, Stichel D, Pouyiourou M, Kraft B, Neumann O, Endris V, von Deimling A, Stenzinger A, Krämer A. Prognostic Impact of Copy Number Alterations and Tumor Mutational Burden in Carcinoma of Unknown Primary. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2022; 61:551-560. [DOI: 10.1002/gcc.23047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tilmann Bochtler
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine V University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
| | - Timothy Wohlfromm
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
| | - Thomas Hielscher
- Division of Biostatistics German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany
| | - Damian Stichel
- Institute of Neuropathology University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
| | - Maria Pouyiourou
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine V University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
| | - Bianca Kraft
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
| | - Olaf Neumann
- Institute of Pathology University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
| | - Volker Endris
- Institute of Pathology University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
| | - Andreas von Deimling
- Institute of Neuropathology University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
| | | | - Alwin Krämer
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine V University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
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27
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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.
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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
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28
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Farcaş M, Gatalica Z, Trpkov K, Swensen J, Zhou M, Alaghehbandan R, Williamson SR, Magi-Galluzzi C, Gill AJ, Tretiakova M, Lopez JI, Montiel DP, Sperga M, Comperat E, Brimo F, Yilmaz A, Siadat F, Sangoi A, Gao Y, Ptákova N, Kuthi L, Pivovarcikova K, Rogala J, Agaimy A, Hartmann A, Fraune C, Rychly B, Hurnik P, Durcansky D, Bonert M, Gakis G, Michal M, Hora M, Hes O. Eosinophilic vacuolated tumor (EVT) of kidney demonstrates sporadic TSC/MTOR mutations: next-generation sequencing multi-institutional study of 19 cases. Mod Pathol 2022; 35:344-351. [PMID: 34521993 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-021-00923-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A distinct renal tumor has recently been described as "high-grade oncocytic renal tumor" and "sporadic renal cell carcinoma with eosinophilic and vacuolated cytoplasm". The Genitourinary Pathology Society (GUPS) consensus proposed a unifying name "eosinophilic vacuolated tumor" (EVT) for this emerging entity. In this multi-institutional study, we evaluated 19 EVTs, particularly their molecular features and mutation profile, using next-generation sequencing. All cases were sporadic and none of the patients had a tuberous sclerosis complex. There were 8 men and 11 women, with a mean age of 47 years (median 50; range 15-72 years). Average tumor size was 4.3 cm (median 3.8 cm; range 1.5-11.5 cm). All patients with available follow-up data (18/19) were alive and without evidence of disease recurrence or progression during the follow-up, ranging from 12 to 198 months (mean 56.3, median 41.5 months). The tumors were well circumscribed, but lacked a well-formed capsule, had nested to solid growth, focal tubular architecture, and showed ubiquitous, large intracytoplasmic vacuoles, round to oval nuclei, and prominent nucleoli. Immunohistochemically, cathepsin K, CD117, CD10, and antimitochondrial antigen were expressed in all cases. Other positive stains included: PAX8, AE1/AE3 and CK18. CK7 was typically restricted only to rare scattered cells. Vimentin, HMB45, melan-A, and TFE3 were negative in all cases. All tumors showed retained SDHB. All cases (19/19) showed non-overlapping mutations of the mTOR pathway genes: TSC1 (4), TSC2 (7), and MTOR (8); one case with MTOR mutation showed a coexistent RICTOR missense mutation. Low mutational rates were found in all samples (ranged from 0 to 6 mutations/Mbp). Microsatellite instability and copy number variations were not found in any of the 17 analyzable cases. EVT represents an emerging renal entity that shows a characteristic and readily identifiable morphology, consistent immunohistochemical profile, indolent behavior, and mutations in either TSC1, TSC2, or MTOR genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Farcaş
- Department of Pathology, Colentina Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania.,Onco Team Diagnostic, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Zoran Gatalica
- Department of Pathology, Oklahoma University School of Medicine, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Kiril Trpkov
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Ming Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Sean R Williamson
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Anthony J Gill
- Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal; North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia.,University of Sydney, Sydney NSW Australia 2006; NSW Health Pathology Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Maria Tretiakova
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jose I Lopez
- Department of Pathology, Cruces University Hospital, Biocruces-Bizkaia Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Delia Perez Montiel
- Department of Pathology, Institute Nacional de Cancerologia, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Maris Sperga
- Department of Pathology, Stradin´s University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Eva Comperat
- Department of Pathology, Sorbonne Université, Service d'Anatomie et Cytologie Pathologiques, Hôpital Tenon, Paris, France.,Department of Pathology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fadi Brimo
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montreál, QC, Canada
| | - Asli Yilmaz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Farshid Siadat
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ankur Sangoi
- Department of Pathology, El Camino Hospital, Mountain View, CA, USA
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Pathology, Heath Science Centre, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Nikola Ptákova
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Levente Kuthi
- Department of Pathology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Kristyna Pivovarcikova
- Department of Pathology, Charles University, Medical Faculty and Charles University Hospital Plzen, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Joanna Rogala
- Department of Pathology, Charles University, Medical Faculty and Charles University Hospital Plzen, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Abbas Agaimy
- Department of Pathology, University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Department of Pathology, University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Cristoph Fraune
- Department of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Boris Rychly
- Department of Pathology, Alfa Medical, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Pavel Hurnik
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Dušan Durcansky
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Nitra, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Michael Bonert
- Department of Pathology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Georgios Gakis
- Department of Urology, University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michal Michal
- Department of Pathology, Charles University, Medical Faculty and Charles University Hospital Plzen, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Hora
- Department of Urology, Charles University, Medical Faculty and Charles University Hospital Plzen, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Hes
- Department of Pathology, Charles University, Medical Faculty and Charles University Hospital Plzen, Plzen, Czech Republic.
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Tanizaki J, Yonemori K, Akiyoshi K, Minami H, Ueda H, Takiguchi Y, Miura Y, Segawa Y, Takahashi S, Iwamoto Y, Kidera Y, Fukuoka K, Ito A, Chiba Y, Sakai K, Nishio K, Nakagawa K, Hayashi H. Open-label phase II study of the efficacy of nivolumab for cancer of unknown primary. Ann Oncol 2021; 33:216-226. [PMID: 34843940 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2021.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) has a poor prognosis. Given the recent approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors for several cancer types, we carried out a multicenter phase II study to assess the efficacy of nivolumab for patients with CUP. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with CUP who were previously treated with at least one line of systemic chemotherapy constituted the principal study population. Previously untreated patients with CUP were also enrolled for exploratory analysis. Nivolumab (240 mg/body) was administered every 2 weeks for up to 52 cycles. The primary endpoint was objective response rate in previously treated patients as determined by blinded independent central review according to RECIST version 1.1. RESULTS Fifty-six patients with CUP were enrolled in the trial. For the 45 previously treated patients, objective response rate was 22.2% [95% confidence interval (CI), 11.2% to 37.1%], with a median progression-free survival and overall survival of 4.0 months (95% CI, 1.9-5.8 months) and 15.9 months (95% CI, 8.4-21.5 months), respectively. Similar clinical benefits were also observed in the 11 previously untreated patients. Better clinical efficacy of nivolumab was apparent for tumors with a higher programmed death-ligand 1 expression level, for those with a higher tumor mutation burden, and for microsatellite instability-high tumors. In contrast, no differences in efficacy were apparent between tumor subgroups based on estimated tissue of origin. Adverse events were consistent with the known safety profile of nivolumab. No treatment-related death was observed. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate a clinical benefit of nivolumab for patients with CUP, suggesting that nivolumab is a potential additional therapeutic option for CUP.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Tanizaki
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - K Yonemori
- Department of Breast and Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - K Akiyoshi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Osaka City General Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - H Minami
- Medical Oncology/Hematology, Department of Medicine, Kobe University Hospital and Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - H Ueda
- Respiratory Medicine and Medical Oncology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Y Takiguchi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Y Miura
- Department of Medical Oncology, Toranomon Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Y Segawa
- Department of Medical Oncology, International Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Hidaka, Japan
| | - S Takahashi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Y Iwamoto
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hiroshima City Hospital Organization, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Y Kidera
- Clinical Research Center, Kindai University Hospital, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - K Fukuoka
- Clinical Research Center, Kindai University Hospital, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - A Ito
- Department ofPathology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Y Chiba
- Clinical Research Center, Kindai University Hospital, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - K Sakai
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - K Nishio
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - K Nakagawa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - H Hayashi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan.
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Sekine R, Shimazu K, Nakano D, Yamaguchi T, Suzuki Y, Fukuda K, Yoshida T, Taguchi D, Iijima K, Nanjyo H, Shibata H. A novel Lynch syndrome pedigree bearing germ-line MSH2 missense mutation c.1808A>T (Asp603Val). Jpn J Clin Oncol 2021; 52:81-85. [PMID: 34761252 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyab173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the first pedigree of Lynch syndrome bearing a germ-line MSH2 missense mutation c.1808A>T (Asp603Val). Until now, this missense mutation, in exon 12 of MSH2, was identified as a variant of unknown significance in the International Society for Gastrointestinal Hereditary Tumours database. In vitro induction mutagenesis experiments indicated that the MSH2 mutant protein (Asp603Val) is easily degraded in embryonic stem cells, albeit there is no clinical information concerning this mutant. Our pedigree includes four patients with Lynch syndrome-associated malignancies and clinically matches the Amsterdam II criteria. The proband, a female, first had an endometrial cancer at the age of 49 and then mantle cell lymphoma, colonic and gastric adenocarcinomas and neuroendocrine carcinoma, successively. Her mother also had Lynch syndrome-associated malignancies, including colonic, uterine and gastric cancers, and her elder son had rectal cancer. In the germline of the proband and her son, an MSH2 missense mutation c.1808A>T was discovered. Immunohistochemical analyses indicated that the expression of the MSH2 protein was decreased in the tumors, such as gastric cancer and neuroendocrine carcinoma, due to the missense mutation c.1808A>T. This study showed that the MSH2 missense mutation c.1808A>T (Asp603Val) is a likely pathogenic mutation and is responsible for typical Lynch syndrome-associated malignancies, including neuroendocrine carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risako Sekine
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Shimazu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Daisuke Nakano
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Disease Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Yamaguchi
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Disease Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusato Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterology & Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Koji Fukuda
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Taichi Yoshida
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Daiki Taguchi
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Katsunori Iijima
- Department of Gastroenterology & Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nanjyo
- Department of Pathology, Akita University Hospital, Akita, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Shibata
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
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Song Y, Zhao F, Ma W, Li G. Hotspots and trends in liver kinase B1 research: A bibliometric analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259240. [PMID: 34735498 PMCID: PMC8568265 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In the past 22 years, a large number of publications have reported that liver kinase B1 (LKB1) can regulate a variety of cellular processes and play an important role in many diseases. However, there is no systematic bibliometric analysis on the publications of LKB1 to reveal the research hotspots and future direction. Methods Publications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC), Scopus, and PubMed databases. CiteSpace and VOSviewer were used to analysis the top countries, institutions, authors, source journals, discipline categories, references, and keywords. Results In the past 22 years, the number of LKB1 publications has increased gradually by year. The country, institution, author, journals that have published the most articles and cited the most frequently were the United States, Harvard University, Prof. Benoit Viollet, Journal of Biochemistry and Plos One. The focused research hotspot was the molecular functions of LKB1. The emerging hotspots and future trends are the clinical studies about LKB1 and co-mutated genes as biomarkers in tumors, especially in lung adenocarcinoma. Conclusions Our research could provide knowledge base, frontiers, emerging hotspots and future trends associated with LKB1 for researchers in this field, and contribute to finding potential cooperation possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaowen Song
- Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyan, China
| | - Fangkun Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wei Ma
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Guang Li
- Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyan, China
- * E-mail:
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Zhou W, Zhou Y, Yi C, Shu X, Wei G, Chen X, Shen X, Qiu M. Case Report: Immune and Genomic Characteristics Associated With Hyperprogression in a Patient With Metastatic Deficient Mismatch Repair Gastrointestinal Cancer Treated With Anti-PD-1 Antibody. Front Immunol 2021; 12:749204. [PMID: 34659249 PMCID: PMC8511698 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.749204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsatellite instability-high/deficient mismatch repair (MSI-H/dMMR) status of tumors is a distinct predictive biomarker of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for colorectal and non-colorectal cancer populations. The overall response rate (ORR) varies from approximately 40% to 60%, indicating that nearly half of MSI-H tumors do not respond to ICIs. The mechanism of response heterogeneity in MSI-H/dMMR cancers is unclear. Some patients who have been treated with ICIs have developed a novel pattern of progression called hyperprogression, which is defined as unexpected accelerated tumor growth. No case of MSI-H/dMMR immunotherapy-associated hyperprogression has been reported in the literature. Here, we present the case of a patient with dMMR gastrointestinal cancer who suffered hyperprogressive disease (HPD) after treatment with nivolumab. We explored the potential mechanisms of HPD by clinical, immune, and genomic characteristics. Extremely high levels of serum LDH, low TMB and TILs, and the disruption of TGFβ signaling, may be related to hyperprogression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyue Zhou
- Department of Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuwen Zhou
- Department of Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Yi
- Department of Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinyao Shu
- Department of Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guixia Wei
- Department of Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaorong Chen
- Department of Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xudong Shen
- The Medical Department, 3D Medicines Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Qiu
- Department of Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Pinkiewicz M, Dorobisz K, Zatoński T. A Systematic Review of Cancer of Unknown Primary in the Head and Neck Region. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:7235-7241. [PMID: 34566429 PMCID: PMC8457440 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s319179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the vivid progress in molecular and genetic profiling, extensive diagnosis and multiple therapeutic modalities, cancers of unknown primary in the head and neck region continue to be a formidable challenge. Aim The purpose of the review is to present the most recent and well-established findings concerning cancers of unknown primary (CUPs) in the head and neck patients and consequently to provide medical specialists with essential information regarding the biology, pathology, histology, diagnosis and treatment of CUP in the head and neck region. Material and Methods The Medline/PubMed database was searched by using the following keywords “CUP”, “cancer of unknown primary”, “CUP biology”, “head and neck”. The references of the publications of interest were also screened for relevant papers. There were no limitations in regard to the publication date. Conclusion Unique biology and pathophysiology prompt the management of CUP to be demanding. The vivid rise in HPV-related CUPs during the last 20 years has put more focus on this phenomenon. New findings concerning the enigmatic biology of CUP provide fundaments for targeted therapy. Despite the availability of various diagnostic methods, the diagnosis of CUP continues to be a time-consuming, strenuous process that eventually provides answers. It remains controversial as to what combination of treatment methods is the most effective. There is no consensus on the value of combining chemotherapy with radiotherapy. Highly specific surgical treatments for particular histological types of CUP produce more satisfactory results. It is paramount to establish reliable guidelines concerning the diagnosis and treatment of CUP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milosz Pinkiewicz
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Karolina Dorobisz
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Tomasz Zatoński
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
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Rassy E, Boussios S, Pavlidis N. Genomic correlates of response and resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in carcinomas of unknown primary. Eur J Clin Invest 2021; 51:e13583. [PMID: 33970501 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancers of unknown primary (CUP) are highly aggressive tumours with limited molecular characterization. These tumours can be particularly sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) by mounting a seemingly more effective anti-tumour immune response. Unlike other tumour lineages, the biological basis and clinical efficacy of ICI in CUP remain largely unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS The cBioPortal database was accessed to select eligible cases from the MSK-IMPACTTM Clinical Sequencing Cohort. The tumour cell genomic correlates of response and resistance to ICI in patients with CUP were compared to those with ICI-eligible tumours: cervical cancer, gastric cancer, renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, non-small-cell lung cancer, melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma and urothelial bladder cancer. RESULTS Among a total of 234 patients with CUP, the identified genomic alterations were mainly mutation correlates of resistance to ICI, notably mutations in oncogenic signalling pathways including KRAS, STK11 and EGFR (24.7%, 10.9% and 4.2%, respectively). Compared to other tumours considered eligible for ICI, CUP presents a higher prevalence of alterations in the oncogenic signalling pathways KRAS and STK11. CUP patients treated with ICI had similar median overall survival with and without genomic correlates of response and resistance to ICI. An exploratory analysis showed that patients with TMB >10 mutations had a trend for better outcomes. CONCLUSIONS A tumour mutation burden >10 mutations per megabase can provide a potential genomic correlate of response to ICI in patients with CUP. Further research is warranted to validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elie Rassy
- Département de médecine oncologique, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, F-94805, France
| | - Stergios Boussios
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, London, UK.,Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Gillingham, UK.,AELIA Organization, 9th Km Thessaloniki - Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Biomarkers of Targeted Therapy and Immuno-Oncology in Cancers Metastatic to the Breast. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2021; 28:661-668. [PMID: 31517642 PMCID: PMC7664953 DOI: 10.1097/pai.0000000000000808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The breast is a rare site for metastases, and their molecular characteristics have not been studied yet. Intrinsic molecular genetics, cancer characteristics, and breast tissue immune responses in diverse metastases to the breast have not been previously studied. We identified 64 patients with cancers metastatic to the breast: 51 carcinomas and 13 melanomas. Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), steroid receptors, and HER2/neu expressions were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Gene sequencing, copy number alterations, microsatellite instability, and tumor mutational burden were performed using next-generation sequencing platforms. The 3 most common primary sites for metastatic carcinomas were lung (37%), ovary (29%), and fallopian tubes/peritoneum (14%). TP53 mutations were commonly (50%) observed among the carcinoma cases, while other mutations were characteristic for the primary cancers (VHL in renal, BRCA1 in the fallopian tube, and BRAF in melanomas). High tumor mutational burden was detected in 5/14 carcinomas and 3/7 melanomas. Tumor cell PD-L1 expression was detected in 6 carcinomas, but not in any of the melanomas, whereas immune cells' expression of PD-L1 was seen in 17 carcinomas and 6 melanomas. Estrogen receptor status was positive in 13/49 carcinomas including 12 adenocarcinomas originating from the ovary and fallopian tube or peritoneum and 1 duodenal neuroendocrine carcinoma. No carcinoma was HER2/neu positive. Intrinsic genetic characteristics of the metastases to the breast followed the pattern commonly seen in primary tumors. Biomarkers of potential benefit to immune checkpoint inhibition therapy were limited to PD-L1-positive non-small cell lung cancer. No common characteristics of the heterogeneous group of tumor metastases to this organ were identified.
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Naing A, Meric-Bernstam F, Stephen B, Karp DD, Hajjar J, Rodon Ahnert J, Piha-Paul SA, Colen RR, Jimenez C, Raghav KP, Ferrarotto R, Tu SM, Campbell M, Wang L, Sabir SH, Tapia C, Bernatchez C, Frumovitz M, Tannir N, Ravi V, Khan S, Painter JM, Abonofal A, Gong J, Alshawa A, McQuinn LM, Xu M, Ahmed S, Subbiah V, Hong DS, Pant S, Yap TA, Tsimberidou AM, Dumbrava EEI, Janku F, Fu S, Simon RM, Hess KR, Varadhachary GR, Habra MA. Phase 2 study of pembrolizumab in patients with advanced rare cancers. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2019-000347. [PMID: 32188704 PMCID: PMC7078933 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2019-000347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with advanced rare cancers have poor prognosis and few treatment options. As immunotherapy is effective across multiple cancer types, we aimed to assess pembrolizumab (programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitor) in patients with advanced rare cancers. Methods In this open-label, phase 2 trial, patients with advanced rare cancers whose tumors had progressed on standard therapies, if available, within the previous 6 months were enrolled in nine tumor-specific cohorts and a 10th cohort for other rare histologies. Pembrolizumab 200 mg was administered intravenously every 21 days. The primary endpoint was non-progression rate (NPR) at 27 weeks; secondary endpoints were safety and tolerability, objective response rate (ORR), and clinical benefit rate (CBR). Results A total of 127 patients treated between August 15, 2016 and July 27, 2018 were included in this analysis. At the time of data cut-off, the NPR at 27 weeks was 28% (95% CI, 19% to 37%). A confirmed objective response (OR) was seen in 15 of 110 (14%) evaluable patients (complete response in one and partial response in 14). CBR, defined as the percentage of patients with an OR or stable disease ≥4 months, was 38% (n=42). Treatment was ongoing in 11 of 15 patients with OR at last follow-up. In the cohort with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin, the NPR at 27 weeks was 36%, ORR 31%, and CBR 38%. In patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), NPR at 27 weeks was 31%, ORR 15%, and CBR 54%. In the patients with carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP), NPR at 27 weeks was 33%, ORR 23%, and CBR 54%. In the paraganglioma–pheochromocytoma cohort, NPR at 27 weeks was 43%, ORR 0%, and CBR 75%. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 66 of 127 (52%) patients, and 12 (9%) had grade ≥3 TRAEs. The most common TRAEs were fatigue (n=25) and rash (n=17). There were six deaths, all of which were unrelated to the study drug. Conclusions The favorable toxicity profile and antitumor activity seen in patients with SCC of skin, ACC, CUP, and paraganglioma–pheochromocytoma supports further evaluation of pembrolizumab in this patient population. Trial registration number NCT02721732
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Affiliation(s)
- Aung Naing
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Funda Meric-Bernstam
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Bettzy Stephen
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Daniel D Karp
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Joud Hajjar
- Section of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jordi Rodon Ahnert
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sarina A Piha-Paul
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rivka R Colen
- Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Camilo Jimenez
- Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kanwal P Raghav
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Renata Ferrarotto
- Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Shi-Ming Tu
- Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Matthew Campbell
- Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Linghua Wang
- Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sarjeel H Sabir
- Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Coya Tapia
- Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Chantale Bernatchez
- Melanoma Medical Oncology-Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael Frumovitz
- Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nizar Tannir
- Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Vinod Ravi
- Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Saria Khan
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jeane M Painter
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Abulrahman Abonofal
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jing Gong
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Anas Alshawa
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lacey M McQuinn
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mingxuan Xu
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sara Ahmed
- Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Vivek Subbiah
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - David S Hong
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Shubham Pant
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Timothy A Yap
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Apostolia M Tsimberidou
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Filip Janku
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Siqing Fu
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Kenneth R Hess
- Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gauri R Varadhachary
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mouhammed Amir Habra
- Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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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: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [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.
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Cimic A, Vranic S, Arguello D, Contreras E, Gatalica Z, Swensen J. Molecular Profiling Reveals Limited Targetable Biomarkers in Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Cervix. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2021; 29:299-304. [PMID: 33208671 PMCID: PMC8132903 DOI: 10.1097/pai.0000000000000884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix (NEC) is a rare and highly aggressive cervical malignancy. Given that no targeted therapy has been approved specifically to NEC, we investigated the presence of novel, potentially targetable biomarkers in a large cohort of NEC. Sixty-two NEC were molecularly profiled for biomarkers of targeted therapies including antibody-drug conjugates [delta-like canonical notch ligand 3 (DLL3), a trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP-2), and folate receptor 1 (FOLR1)], NTRK1-3 gene fusions, and immune checkpoint inhibitors [programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), tumor mutational burden, and microsatellite instability] using immunohistochemistry and DNA/RNA next-generation sequencing assays. A cohort of squamous cell carcinomas of the cervix (n=599) was used for comparison for immune-oncology biomarkers. DLL3 expression was observed in 81% of the cases. DLL3 expression was inversely correlated with commonly observed pathogenic mutations in PIK3CA (17%) (P=0.018) and PTEN (10%) (P=0.006). Other more frequently seen pathogenic mutations (TP53 17%, KRAS 11%, and CTNNB1 5%) were not associated with DLL3 expression. TROP-2 expression was detected in only 1 case and no case expressed FOLR1. Although NTRK protein expression was observed in 21% of the cases, none of these had an NTRK gene fusion. PD-L1 expression (10%) and high tumor mutational burden (3%) were significantly less frequent in NEC compared with the squamous cell carcinoma cohort (79% and 11%, respectively). None of the NEC exhibited high microsatellite instability status. Despite frequent DLL3 expression in NEC, a potential therapeutic benefit of DLL3-targeted drugs remains uncertain given the recent failure of the Rova-T therapeutic trial in small cell lung carcinomas. Small cohorts of NEC enriched in PIK3CA/PTEN/AKT and programmed cell death protein 1/PD-L1 alterations indicate therapeutic roles for their respective inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adela Cimic
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Semir Vranic
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | - Zoran Gatalica
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
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Prieto-Granada C, Morlote D, Pavlidakey P, Rodriguez-Waitkus P, Ramirez C, Florento E, Swensen J, Gatalica Z, Stevens TM. Poroid adnexal skin tumors with YAP1 fusions exhibit similar histopathologic features: A series of six YAP1-rearranged adnexal skin tumors. J Cutan Pathol 2021; 48:1139-1149. [PMID: 33704800 DOI: 10.1111/cup.14008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adnexal skin tumors are diagnostically challenging with few known molecular signatures. Recently, however, YAP1-MAML2 and YAP1-NUTM1 fusions were identified in poroid adnexal skin tumors. METHODS Herein, we subjected eight poroid adnexal skin tumors (three poromas and five porocarcinomas) to fusion gene analysis by whole transcriptome sequencing and next-generation DNA sequencing analysis. RESULTS YAP1 fusions were identified in six cases. YAP1-NUTM1 fusions were identified in two poromas and three porocarcinomas. A single case of porocarcinoma harbored a YAP1-MAML2 fusion. Two cases were negative for gene fusion. All cases that harbored YAP1-NUTM1 fusions showed nuclear protein in testis (NUT) expression by immunohistochemistry, with NUT being negative in the YAP1-MAML2-positive case. In this case series, we provide a detailed histopathologic description of six YAP1-fused poroid skin tumors, which we show harbor reproducible histopathologic features, to include broad, bulbous tumor tongues with admixtures of basaloid, poroid cells punctuated by squamatized cuticles and ductules, with uniform tumor nuclei featuring frequent grooves and pseudonuclear inclusions. CONCLUSIONS Awareness of the characteristic histopathologic features of YAP1-fused poroid adnexal skin tumor is a step toward a more reproducible classification of adnexal skin tumors as well as a step toward targeted therapy for metastatic and/or unresectable examples of this poroid group of neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Prieto-Granada
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Diana Morlote
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Peter Pavlidakey
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Paul Rodriguez-Waitkus
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | | | | | | | - Zoran Gatalica
- The Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Todd M Stevens
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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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: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [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.
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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
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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.
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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
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Abstract
Cancers of unknown primary (CUPs) are histologically confirmed, metastatic malignancies with a primary tumor site that is unidentifiable on the basis of standard evaluation and imaging studies. CUP comprises 2-5% of all diagnosed cancers worldwide and is characterized by early and aggressive metastasis. Current standard evaluation of CUP requires histopathologic evaluation and identification of favorable risk subtypes that can be more definitively treated or have superior outcomes. Current standard treatment of the unfavorable risk subtype requires assessment of prognosis and consideration of empiric chemotherapy. The use of molecular tissue of origin tests to identify the likely primary tumor site has been extensively studied, and here we review the rationale and the evidence for and against the use of such tests in the assessment of CUPs. The expanding use of next generation sequencing in advanced cancers offers the potential to identify a subgroup of patients who have actionable genomic aberrations and may allow for further personalization of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Lee
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hanna K Sanoff
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Raghav K, Overman M, Poage GM, Soifer HS, Schnabel CA, Varadhachary GR. Defining a Distinct Immunotherapy Eligible Subset of Patients with Cancer of Unknown Primary Using Gene Expression Profiling with the 92-Gene Assay. Oncologist 2020; 25:e1807-e1811. [PMID: 32893931 PMCID: PMC7648339 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2020-0234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although recent advances in immunotherapy have transformed the treatment landscape for many anatomically defined cancers, these therapies are currently not approved for patients diagnosed with cancer of unknown primary (CUP). Molecular cancer classification using gene expression profiling (GEP) assays has the potential to identify tumor type and putative primary cancers and thereby may allow consideration of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy options for a subset of patients with CUP. Herein, we evaluated and characterized the ability of a 92‐gene assay (CancerTYPE ID) to provide a molecular diagnosis and identify putative tumor types that are known to be sensitive to ICI therapies in patients with CUP or uncertain diagnosis. Findings A total of 24,426 cases from a large‐scale research database of 92‐gene assay clinical cases were classified, of which 9,350 (38%) were predicted to have an ICI‐eligible tumor type. All ICIs with approved indications as of March 2020 were included in the analysis. Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was the most frequent molecular diagnosis and accounted for 33% of the ICI‐eligible tumor types identified and 13% of the overall reportable results. In addition to NSCLC, the assay also frequently identified urothelial carcinomas, gastric cancer, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The distributions of identified tumor types with indications for ICI therapy were similar across age and gender. Conclusions Results suggest that molecular profiling with the 92‐gene assay identifies a subset of ICI‐eligible putative primary cancers in patients with CUP. We propose a treatment strategy based on available tests, including clinicopathologic features, GEP, and ICI biomarkers of response. Regulatory approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is restricted to anatomically defined cancers with a known primary. This article reports cases submitted for 92‐gene assay testing with an unknown or uncertain diagnosis for which the subsequent post‐test report included a tumor type linked to an FDA‐approved ICI therapy, with the goal of identifying characteristics of cancers of unknown primary tumors that might benefit from immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanwal Raghav
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Michael Overman
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUSA
| | | | | | | | - Gauri R. Varadhachary
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUSA
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Rassy E, Pavlidis N. The diagnostic challenges of patients with carcinoma of unknown primary. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2020; 20:775-783. [PMID: 32779501 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2020.1807948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is a disease entity encompassing heterogeneous malignancies without a clinically-detectable anatomical primary. It is usually a poor prognosis malignancy with dismal prognosis where molecular and genetic testing were expected to be a major breakthrough. AREAS COVERED In this review, we provide an overview of the advances in the understanding of the carcinogenesis, biology, diagnosis and treatment of patients with CUP. This review focuses on the advantages and inconveniences of immunohistochemistry and CUP classifiers in assessing the progress in the management of CUP. EXPERT OPINION CUP classifiers were expected to gradually replace the classical multistep approach in identifying the culprit tumors to guide site-specific therapy. Immunohistochemistry staining led to the prediction of a single tissue of origin in 10.8-51%. CUP classifiers identified the primary site in 61-89% of these cases and were concordant with immunohistochemistry in 57.1-100%. Immunohistochemistry is cheap, fast and broadly available whereas CUP classifiers are less widely available and have not been validated in randomized control trials. The diagnostic recommendations consist of a standard pathology evaluation based on morphology and algorithmic immunohistochemistry assessment. Physicians should weigh in the input of the CUP classifier to the clinical picture and pathology investigations before performing additional investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elie Rassy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy Institute , Villejuif, France.,Department of Medical Oncology, Saint Joseph University , Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nicholas Pavlidis
- University of Ioannina , Ioannina, Greece.,European School of Oncology College , Milan, Italy
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Luchini C, Bibeau F, Ligtenberg MJL, Singh N, Nottegar A, Bosse T, Miller R, Riaz N, Douillard JY, Andre F, Scarpa A. ESMO recommendations on microsatellite instability testing for immunotherapy in cancer, and its relationship with PD-1/PD-L1 expression and tumour mutational burden: a systematic review-based approach. Ann Oncol 2020; 30:1232-1243. [PMID: 31056702 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdz116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 563] [Impact Index Per Article: 140.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancers with a defective DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) system contain thousands of mutations most frequently located in monomorphic microsatellites and are thereby defined as having microsatellite instability (MSI). Therefore, MSI is a marker of dMMR. MSI/dMMR can be identified using immunohistochemistry to detect loss of MMR proteins and/or molecular tests to show microsatellite alterations. Together with tumour mutational burden (TMB) and PD-1/PD-L1 expression, it plays a role as a predictive biomarker for immunotherapy. METHODS To define best practices to implement the detection of dMMR tumours in clinical practice, the ESMO Translational Research and Precision Medicine Working Group launched a collaborative project, based on a systematic review-approach, to generate consensus recommendations on the: (i) definitions related to the concept of MSI/dMMR; (ii) methods of MSI/dMMR testing and (iii) relationships between MSI, TMB and PD-1/PD-L1 expression. RESULTS The MSI-related definitions, for which a consensus frame-work was used to establish definitions, included: 'microsatellites', 'MSI', 'DNA mismatch repair' and 'features of MSI tumour'. This consensus also provides recommendations on MSI testing; immunohistochemistry for the mismatch repair proteins MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2 represents the first action to assess MSI/dMMR (consensus with strong agreement); the second method of MSI/dMMR testing is represented by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assessment of microsatellite alterations using five microsatellite markers including at least BAT-25 and BAT-26 (strong agreement). Next-generation sequencing, coupling MSI and TMB analysis, may represent a decisive tool for selecting patients for immunotherapy, for common or rare cancers not belonging to the spectrum of Lynch syndrome (very strong agreement). The relationships between MSI, TMB and PD-1/PD-L1 expression are complex, and differ according to tumour types. CONCLUSIONS This ESMO initiative is a response to the urgent questions raised by the growing success of immunotherapy and provides also important insights on the relationships between MSI, TMB and PD-1/PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Luchini
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - F Bibeau
- Department of Pathology, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - M J L Ligtenberg
- Departments of Human Genetics Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Departments of Pathology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - N Singh
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - A Nottegar
- Department of Surgery, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - T Bosse
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - R Miller
- Department of Oncology, University College London, London, UK
| | - N Riaz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - J-Y Douillard
- European Society for Medical Oncology, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - F Andre
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
| | - A Scarpa
- ARC-Net Research Centre, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Lombardo R, Tosi F, Nocerino A, Bencardino K, Gambi V, Ricotta R, Spina F, Siena S, Sartore-Bianchi A. The Quest for Improving Treatment of Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) Through Molecularly-Driven Treatments: A Systematic Review. Front Oncol 2020; 10:533. [PMID: 32457826 PMCID: PMC7225282 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Carcinomas of unknown primary (CUP) account for 3–5% of all malignancy and, despite a reduction in incidence, the overall survival has not improved over the last decade. Chemotherapy regimens have not provided encouraging results. New diagnostic technologies, such as next generation sequencing (NGS), could represent a chance to identify potentially targetable genomic alterations in order to personalize treatment of CUP and provide insights into tumor biology. Methods: A systematic review of studies of patients with CUP, whose tumor specimen was evaluated through a NGS panel, has been performed on June 10th, 2019 according to PRISMA criteria from PubMed, ASCO meeting library and Clinicaltrial.gov. We have identified potentially targetable alterations for which approved/off-label/in clinical trials drugs are available. Moreover, we have included case reports about CUP patients treated with targeted therapies driven by NGS results in order to explore the clinical role of NGS in this setting. Results: We have evaluated 15 publications of which eleven studies (9 full-text articles and 2 abstracts) have analyzed the genomic profiling of CUPs through NGS technology, with different platforms and with different patients cohorts, ranging from 16 to 1,806 patients. Among all these studies, 85% of patients demonstrated at least one molecular alteration, the most frequent involving TP53 (41.88%), KRAS (18.81%), CDKN2A (8.8%), and PIK3CA (9.3%). A mean of 47.3% of patients harbored a potentially targetable alteration for which approved/off-label/in clinical trials drugs were available. Furthermore, we have identified 4 case reports in order to evaluate the clinical relevance of a specific targeted therapy identified through NGS. Conclusions: NGS may represent a tool to improve diagnosis and treatment of CUP by identifying therapeutically actionable alterations and providing insights into tumor biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Lombardo
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Tosi
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Annunziata Nocerino
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Katia Bencardino
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Gambi
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Ricotta
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Spina
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Salvatore Siena
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Sartore-Bianchi
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Rassy E, Pavlidis N. Progress in refining the clinical management of cancer of unknown primary in the molecular era. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2020; 17:541-554. [PMID: 32350398 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-020-0359-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is an enigmatic disease entity encompassing heterogeneous malignancies without a detectable primary tumour, despite a thorough diagnostic workup. A minority of patients with CUP (15-20%) can be assigned a putative primary tissue of origin according to clinical and histopathological findings and typically have a more favourable prognosis with the use of corresponding tumour type-specific therapies. Thus, the majority of patients with CUP have disease that cannot be assigned to a culprit primary tumour, are treated with empirical chemotherapy and have a poor prognosis. In the molecular era, the use of (epi)genomic or transcriptomic CUP classifiers and DNA or RNA sequencing offers two, sometimes overlapping, therapeutic strategies: tumour type-specific therapy and biomarker-guided therapy. Published data reveal that the accuracy of site-of-origin predictions made using CUP classifiers ranges between 54% and 98% when compared with the assignment made according to the recommended clinicopathological criteria. These advances have led to promising results in non-randomized prospective studies evaluating the efficacy of tumour type-specific therapy; however, the favourable outcomes were not confirmed in randomized controlled studies comparing this approach with standard empirical chemotherapy. Currently, the evidence supporting the use of biomarker-guided therapies is limited to case reports and small case series. In this Review, we discuss the clinical management of CUP in the era of precision medicine. We focus on the advances in understanding the biology of CUP, the implications for the diagnosis and classification of CUP according to the tissue of origin and the shift away from empirical therapy towards tailored therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elie Rassy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, Paris, France.
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Bakow BR, Elco CP, LeGolvan M, Dizon D, Ollila TA. Molecular Profiles of Brain and Pulmonary Metastatic Disease in Cancer of Unknown Primary. Oncologist 2020; 25:555-559. [PMID: 32310333 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2019-0798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancers of unknown primary (CUP) are histologically confirmed malignancies but for which further investigation cannot identify a primary site. Improvements in histopathologic modalities for diagnosis have lessened the frequency of CUPs to 3%-5% of all malignancies compared with historical estimates of 5%-10%. Despite this, there is an ongoing debate as to whether CUPs are malignancies where the primary is not found or if they are otherwise a fully separate entity. Improvements in molecular analysis holds promise for improved identification and treatment of CUPs with mixed preliminary results. Here we present a woman with CUP and metastases in her brain and lung. We performed genomic profiling to compare the molecular makeup of each site in order to establish treatment targets. KEY POINTS: Cancer of unknown primary remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Molecular analysis may provide improvements in diagnosis and novel treatment options. Different sites of metastatic disease have subtle variations in molecular profile. Sequencing of different sites may offer therapeutic options that are either already approved or available in clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna R Bakow
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Division of Internal Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Christopher P Elco
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Division of Pathology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Mark LeGolvan
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Division of Pathology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Don Dizon
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Thomas A Ollila
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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49
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Bochtler T, Reiling A, Endris V, Hielscher T, Volckmar AL, Neumann O, Kirchner M, Budczies J, Heukamp LC, Leichsenring J, Allgäuer M, Kazdal D, Löffler H, Weichert W, Schirmacher P, Stenzinger A, Krämer A. Integrated clinicomolecular characterization identifies RAS activation and CDKN2A deletion as independent adverse prognostic factors in cancer of unknown primary. Int J Cancer 2020; 146:3053-3064. [PMID: 31970771 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) denotes a malignancy with histologically confirmed metastatic spread while the primary tumor remains elusive. Here, we address prognostic and therapeutic implications of mutations and copy number variations (CNVs) detected in tumor tissue in the context of a comprehensive clinical risk assessment. Targeted panel sequencing was performed in 252 CUP patients. 71.8% of patients had unfavorable CUP according to ESMO guidelines. 74.7% were adeno- and 13.7% squamous cell carcinomas. DNA was extracted from microdissected formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. For library preparation, mostly multiplex PCR-based Ion Torrent AmpliSeq™ technology with Oncomine comprehensive assays was used. Most frequent genetic alterations were mutations/deletions of TP53 (49.6%), CDKN2A (19.0%) and NOTCH1 (14.1%) as well as oncogenic activation of KRAS (23.4%), FGFR4 (14.9%) and PIK3CA (10.7%). KRAS activation was predominantly found in adenocarcinomas (p = 0.01), PIK3CA activation in squamous cell carcinomas (p = 0.03). Male sex, high ECOG score, unfavorable CUP, higher number of involved organs and RAS activation predicted decreased event-free and overall survival in multivariate analysis. Deletions of CDKN2A were prognostically adverse regarding overall survival. TP53 mutations did not significantly influence prognosis in the overall cohort, but worsened prognosis in otherwise favorable CUP subtypes. Although not standard in CUP, for 17/198 (8.6%) patients molecularly targeted treatment was recommended and 10 patients (5.1%) were treated accordingly. In conclusion, besides the identification of drug targets, panel sequencing in CUP is prognostically relevant, with RAS activation and CDKN2A deletion emerging as novel independent risk factors in a comprehensive assessment with clinicopathological data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilmann Bochtler
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Thoracic Oncology, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC-H), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine V, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Reiling
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine V, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Volker Endris
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Germany
| | - Thomas Hielscher
- Division of Biostatistics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Volckmar
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Olaf Neumann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martina Kirchner
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan Budczies
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Jonas Leichsenring
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Allgäuer
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Kazdal
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Harald Löffler
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Marienhospital Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Wilko Weichert
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Germany.,Institute of Pathology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Albrecht Stenzinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Germany
| | - Alwin Krämer
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine V, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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50
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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
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