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Ilie MD, De Alcubierre D, Carretti AL, Jouanneau E, Raverot G. Therapeutic targeting of the pituitary tumor microenvironment. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 250:108506. [PMID: 37562699 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME), the complex environment in which tumors develop, has been increasingly targeted for cancer treatment in recent years. Aggressive pituitary tumors and pituitary carcinomas have been so far targeted with immune-checkpoint inhibitors (28 cases, including a large cohort), and anti-angiogenic drugs (34 cases), specifically bevacizumab (30 cases), sunitinib (three cases), and apatinib (one case). Here, we reviewed all these cases, reporting tumor response, potential predictors of response, as well as adverse events. Given that the histological type could potentially influence treatment response, we present the existing data separately for each type. Briefly, under ICIs, complete response was noted in one case, partial response in a third of cases, stable disease in 10% of cases, while 54% of tumors progressed. Under BVZ monotherapy, most cases (57%) showed stable disease, while 36% of tumors progressed; partial response was reported in only one case. The three cases treated with sunitinib monotherapy progressed. Regarding predictive factors of response, the tumor type (aggressive pituitary tumor versus pituitary carcinoma) appears as the strongest predictor of response to ICIs. To date, no predictor of response to anti-angiogenic drugs in the treatment of pituitary carcinomas and aggressive pituitary tumors has been identified. The interest of BZV add-on to first- or second-line chemotherapy warrants further investigation. In addition, we discuss perspectives regarding the TME-targeting in aggressive pituitary tumors and pituitary carcinomas, including perspectives on immunotherapy, anti-angiogenic drugs, as well as on other TME components, namely stromal cells, extracellular matrix, and secreted molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela-Diana Ilie
- Inserm U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France; Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne, France; Endocrinology Department, "C.I. Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dario De Alcubierre
- Inserm U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France; Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Lucia Carretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Endocrinology Department, Reference Center for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, "Groupement Hospitalier Est" Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Emmanuel Jouanneau
- Inserm U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France; Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne, France; Neurosurgery Department, Reference Center for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, "Groupement Hospitalier Est" Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Gérald Raverot
- Inserm U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France; Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne, France; Endocrinology Department, Reference Center for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, "Groupement Hospitalier Est" Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France.
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2
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Yearley AG, Chalif EJ, Gupta S, Chalif JI, Bernstock JD, Nawabi N, Arnaout O, Smith TR, Reardon DA, Laws ER. Metastatic pituitary tumors: an institutional case series. Pituitary 2023; 26:561-572. [PMID: 37523025 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-023-01341-4] [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] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pituitary carcinomas are a rare entity that respond poorly to multimodal therapy. Patients follow a variable disease course that remains ill-defined. METHODS We present an institutional case series of patients treated for pituitary carcinomas over a 30-year period from 1992 to 2022. A systematic review was conducted to identify prior case series of patients with pituitary carcinomas. RESULTS Fourteen patients with a mean age at pituitary carcinoma diagnosis of 52.5 years (standard deviation [SD] 19.4) met inclusion criteria. All 14 patients had tumor subtypes confirmed by immunohistochemistry and hormone testing, with the most common being ACTH-producing pituitary adenomas (n = 12). Patients had a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 1.4 years (range 0.7-10.0) and a median overall survival (OS) of 8.4 years (range 2.3-24.0) from pituitary adenoma diagnosis. Median PFS and OS were 0.6 years (range 0.0-2.2) and 1.5 years (range 0.1-9.6) respectively upon development of metastases. Most patients (n = 12) had locally invasive disease to the cavernous sinus, dorsum sellae dura, or sphenoid sinus prior to metastasis. Common sites of metastasis included the central nervous system, liver, lung, and bone. In a pooled analysis including additional cases from the literature, treatment of metastases with chemotherapy or a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy significantly prolonged PFS (p = 0.02), while failing to significantly improve OS (p = 0.14). CONCLUSION Pituitary carcinomas are highly recurrent, heterogenous tumors with variable responses to treatment. Multidisciplinary management with an experienced neuro-endocrine and neuro-oncology team is needed given the unrelenting nature of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G Yearley
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Eric J Chalif
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Saksham Gupta
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Joshua I Chalif
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Joshua D Bernstock
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Noah Nawabi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Omar Arnaout
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Timothy R Smith
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - David A Reardon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Edward R Laws
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Auriemma RS, Pirchio R, Pivonello C, Garifalos F, Colao A, Pivonello R. Approach to the Patient With Prolactinoma. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:2400-2423. [PMID: 36974474 PMCID: PMC10438891 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad174] [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: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Prolactinomas are the most common pituitary tumor histotype, with microprolactinomas being prevalent in women and macroprolactinomas in men. Hyperprolactinemia is among the most common causes of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in both sexes, prompting medical advice for hypogonadism (infertility, oligo-amenorrhea, impotence, osteoporosis/osteopenia) in both sexes, and for signs and symptoms of mass effects (hypopituitarism, visual loss, optic chiasm compression, cranial nerve deficits, headaches) predominantly in men. Diagnostic workup involves a single prolactin measurement and pituitary imaging, but some laboratory artifacts (ie, the "hook effect" and macroprolactin) can complicate or delay the diagnosis. The treatment of choice for prolactinomas is represented by dopamine agonists, mainly cabergoline, which are able to induce disease control, restore fertility in both sexes, and definitively cure one-third of patients, thus permitting treatment discontinuation. Pregnancy and menopause may promote spontaneous prolactin decline and anticipate cabergoline discontinuation in women. Surgery and/or radiotherapy are indicated in case of resistance to cabergoline not overcome by the increase in drug dose up to the maximally tolerated or the patient's personal choice of surgery. The evidence of resistance to cabergoline in invasive and proliferative tumors may indicate biological aggressiveness, thus requiring alternative therapeutic approaches mainly based on temozolomide use as monotherapy or combined with radiotherapy. In uncontrolled patients, new medical approaches (alternative hormonal treatments, cytotoxic drugs, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, mTOR/Akt inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, or immunotherapy) may be offered but the experience collected to date is still very scant. This article reviews different facets of prolactinomas and discusses approaches to the condition in more common clinical situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata S Auriemma
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Pirchio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università Federico II di Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Garifalos
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Unità di Andrologia e Medicina della Riproduzione e Sessualità Maschile e Femminile (FERTISEXCARES), Università Federico II di Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Unesco Chair for Health Education and Sustainable Development, “Federico II” University, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosario Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Unità di Andrologia e Medicina della Riproduzione e Sessualità Maschile e Femminile (FERTISEXCARES), Università Federico II di Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Unesco Chair for Health Education and Sustainable Development, “Federico II” University, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Robertson IJ, Gregory TA, Waguespack SG, Penas-Prado M, Majd NK. Recent Therapeutic Advances in Pituitary Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOTHERAPY AND PRECISION ONCOLOGY 2023; 6:74-83. [PMID: 37214211 PMCID: PMC10195013 DOI: 10.36401/jipo-22-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary carcinoma (PC) is a rare, aggressive malignancy that comprises 0.1-0.2% of all pituitary tumors. PC is defined anatomically as a pituitary tumor that metastasizes outside the primary intrasellar location as noncontiguous lesions in the central nervous system or as metastases to other organs. Similar to pituitary adenoma, PC originates from various cell types of the pituitary gland and can be functioning or nonfunctioning, with the former constituting the majority of the cases. Compression of intricate skull-based structures, excessive hormonal secretion, impaired pituitary function from therapy, and systemic metastases lead to debilitating symptoms and a poor survival outcome in most cases. PC frequently recurs despite multimodality treatments, including surgical resection, radiotherapy, and biochemical and cytotoxic treatments. There is an unmet need to better understand the pathogenesis and molecular characterization of PC to improve therapeutic strategies. As our understanding of the role of signaling pathways in the tumorigenesis of and malignant transformation of PC evolves, efforts have focused on targeted therapy. In addition, recent advances in the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors to treat various solid cancers have led to an interest in exploring the role of immunotherapy for the treatment of aggressive refractory pituitary tumors. Here, we review our current understanding of the pathogenesis, molecular characterization, and treatment of PC. Particular attention is given to emerging treatment options, including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian J. Robertson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Timothy A. Gregory
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Steven G. Waguespack
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marta Penas-Prado
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nazanin K. Majd
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Abstract
Survival for patients with aggressive pituitary tumours (APT) and pituitary carcinomas (PC) has significantly improved following the increasing use of temozolomide (TMZ) since the first reports of response in 2006. TMZ was established as first line chemotherapy for APT/PC in the 2018 ESE guidelines on the management of APT/PC. There is no controversy over its use as salvage therapy however there is increasing interest in exploring TMZ use earlier in the treatment algorithm for APT/PC. Overall response rates as reported in systematic reviews are around 40% but stable disease in another 25% illustrates the clinical effectiveness of TMZ. Response is higher among functional compared to non-functional tumours. Where maximal radiation thresholds have not been reached in a patient, combination radiotherapy and TMZ appears more effective. Whether combination TMZ and capecitabine (CAPTEM) offers increased benefit remains uncertain particularly given added toxicity. O6-methyl guanine DNA methyl transferase (MGMT) status is important in determining response to treatment, although examination via immunohistochemistry versus PCR-based promoter-methylation analysis remains somewhat controversial. Optimal duration of TMZ treatment has still not been determined although longer treatment courses have been associated with increased progression-free survival. Treatment options following disease progression after TMZ remain unclear but include a second course of TMZ, immunotherapy and targeted oncological agents such as bevacizumab and lapatinib as well as peptide receptor radionuclide treatment (PRRT). An experienced pituitary multidisciplinary team is essential to all management decisions in patients with APT/PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann McCormack
- Department of Endocrinology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Burman P, Trouillas J, Losa M, McCormack A, Petersenn S, Popovic V, Theodoropoulou M, Raverot G, Dekkers OM. Aggressive pituitary tumours and carcinomas, characteristics and management of 171 patients. Eur J Endocrinol 2022; 187:593-605. [PMID: 36018781 PMCID: PMC9513638 DOI: 10.1530/eje-22-0440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe clinical and pathological characteristics and treatment outcomes in a large cohort of aggressive pituitary tumours (APT)/pituitary carcinomas (PC). DESIGN Electronic survey August 2020-May 2021. RESULTS 96% of 171 (121 APT, 50 PC), initially presented as macro/giant tumours, 6 were microadenomas (5 corticotroph). Ninety-seven tumours, initially considered clinically benign, demonstrated aggressive behaviour after 5.5 years (IQR: 2.8-12). Of the patients, 63% were men. Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)-secreting tumours constituted 30% of the APT/PC, and the gonadotroph subtypes were under-represented. Five out of 13 silent corticotroph tumours and 2/6 silent somatotroph tumours became secreting. Metastases were observed after median 6.3 years (IQR 3.7-12.1) from diagnosis. At the first surgery, the Ki67 index was ≥3% in 74/93 (80%) and ≥10% in 38/93 (41%) tumours. An absolute increase of Ki67 ≥ 10% after median of 6 years from the first surgery occurred in 18/49 examined tumours. Tumours with an aggressive course from outset had higher Ki67, mitotic counts, and p53. Temozolomide treatment in 156/171 patients resulted in complete response in 9.6%, partial response in 30.1%, stable disease in 28.1%, and progressive disease in 32.2% of the patients. Treatment with bevacizumab, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy resulted in partial regression in 1/10, 1/6, and 3/11, respectively. Median survival in APT and PC was 17.2 and 11.3 years, respectively. Tumours with Ki67 ≥ 10% and ACTH-secretion were associated with worse prognosis. CONCLUSION APT/PCs exhibit a wide and challenging spectrum of behaviour. Temozolomide is the first-line chemotherapy, and other oncological therapies are emerging. Treatment response continues to be difficult to predict with currently studied biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Burman
- Department of Endocrinology, Skåne University Hospital Malmö, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
- Correspondence should be addressed to P Burman;
| | | | - Marco Losa
- Marco Losa Department of Neurosurgery, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Ann McCormack
- St Vincent’s Hospital and Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Marily Theodoropoulou
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, LMU Klinikum, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
| | - Gerald Raverot
- Fédération d’Endocrinologie, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Hospices Civils de Lyon, University of Lyon-Est de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Olaf M Dekkers
- Department of Internal Medicine (Section Endocrinology) & Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Aydin B, Yildirim E, Erdogan O, Arga KY, Yilmaz BK, Bozkurt SU, Bayrakli F, Turanli B. Past, Present, and Future of Therapies for Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors: Need for Omics and Drug Repositioning Guidance. OMICS : A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2022; 26:115-129. [PMID: 35172108 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2021.0221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Innovation roadmaps are important, because they encourage the actors in an innovation ecosystem to creatively imagine multiple possible science future(s), while anticipating the prospects and challenges on the innovation trajectory. In this overarching context, this expert review highlights the present unmet need for therapeutic innovations for pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs), also known as pituitary adenomas. Although there are many drugs used in practice to treat PitNETs, many of these drugs can have negative side effects and show highly variable outcomes in terms of overall recovery. Building innovation roadmaps for PitNETs' treatments can allow incorporation of systems biology approaches to bring about insights at multiple levels of cell biology, from genes to proteins to metabolites. Using the systems biology techniques, it will then be possible to offer potential therapeutic strategies for the convergence of preventive approaches and patient-centered disease treatment. Here, we first provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular subtypes of PitNETs and therapeutics for these tumors from the past to the present. We then discuss examples of clinical trials and drug repositioning studies and how multi-omics studies can help in discovery and rational development of new therapeutics for PitNETs. Finally, this expert review offers new public health and personalized medicine approaches on cases that are refractory to conventional treatment or recur despite currently used surgical and/or drug therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Busra Aydin
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esra Yildirim
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Onur Erdogan
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kazim Yalcin Arga
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Genetic and Metabolic Diseases Research and Investigation Center, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Betul Karademir Yilmaz
- Genetic and Metabolic Diseases Research and Investigation Center, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Biochemistry and School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Suheyla Uyar Bozkurt
- Department of Medical Pathology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatih Bayrakli
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Beste Turanli
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Kontogeorgos G, Thodou E, Osamura RY, Lloyd RV. High-risk pituitary adenomas and strategies for predicting response to treatment. Hormones (Athens) 2022; 21:1-14. [PMID: 35061210 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-021-00333-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
High-risk pituitary adenomas are aggressive. They show clinical and imaging features similar to those of carcinomas, including infiltration of the surrounding brain structures, but lack cerebrospinal or systemic metastases. In addition, they display distinct behavior, including tendency for fast growth and frequent recurrences, which are difficult to control. The term "high-risk" adenoma was first introduced in the 4th edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Endocrine Tumors in 2017. Five defined adenoma types belong to this category, including sparsely granulated somatotroph, lactotroph in men, Crooke cell, silent corticotroph, and plurihormonal PIT-1 positive adenomas. The morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics of high-risk adenomas are herein described in detail. In addition, the clinical features and the treatment options are presented. This review focuses on predictive markers assessed by immunohistochemistry, which help clinicians to design the appropriate treatment strategies for high-risk adenomas. Somatostatin receptor status predicts effectiveness of postsurgical treatment with somatostatin analogs, and MGMT expression predicts response to treatment with temozolomide. This comprehensive review presents the clinical and pathological features of high-risk pituitary adenomas, underlines the contribution of immunohistochemistry, and emphasizes the leading role of pathology in the design of optimal clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Kontogeorgos
- Division of Endocrinology, First Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Laikon Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
- Department of Pathology and Pituitary Tumor Reference Center, G. Gennimatas General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Eleni Thodou
- Department of Pathology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Robert Y Osamura
- Department of Pathology, Nippon Koukan Hospital, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ricardo V Lloyd
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
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Dai C, Liang S, Sun B, Li Y, Kang J. Anti-VEGF Therapy in Refractory Pituitary Adenomas and Pituitary Carcinomas: A Review. Front Oncol 2021; 11:773905. [PMID: 34869016 PMCID: PMC8635636 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.773905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Most pituitary tumors are considered benign adenomas, and only 0.1%–0.2% of them present metastasis and are defined as pituitary carcinomas (PCs). Refractory pituitary adenomas (PAs) lie between benign adenomas and true malignant PCs and are defined as aggressive-invasive PAs, characterized by a high Ki-67 index, rapid growth, frequent recurrence, and resistance to conventional treatments. Refractory PAs and PCs are notoriously difficult to manage because of limited therapeutic options. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a crucial role in angiogenesis not only during development but also during pathological processes in pituitary tumors. Recently, increasing numbers of preclinical studies and clinical research have demonstrated that anti-VEGF therapy plays an important role in pituitary tumors. The purpose of this review is to report the role of VEGF in the development and pathology of pituitary tumors and the progress of anti-VEGF therapy in pituitary tumors, including refractory PAs and PCs. Previous preclinical studies indicated that cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5)-mediated VEGF expression might play a crucial role in the development of PAs. Vascular endothelial growth inhibitors have been reported as independent predictors of invasion in human PAs and have been indicated as markers for poor outcome. Furthermore, several studies have reported that angiogenesis decreases tumor sizes in experimental animal models of pituitary tumors. The expression of VEGF is relatively high in PAs; therefore, anti-VEGF therapy has been used in some refractory PAs and PCs. To date, anti-VEGF has been reported as monotherapy, in combination with temozolomide (TMZ), TMZ and radiotherapy, and with pasireotide, which might be a promising alternative therapy for refractory PAs and PCs resistant to conventional treatments. However, the role of anti-VEGF therapy in pituitary tumors is still controversial due to a lack of large-scale clinical trials. In summary, the results from preclinical studies and clinical trials indicated that anti-VEGF therapy monotherapy or in combination with other treatments may be a promising alternative therapy for refractory PAs and PCs resistant to conventional treatments. More preclinical studies and clinical trials are needed to further evaluate the exact efficacy of anti-VEGF in refractory PAs and PCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congxin Dai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Siyu Liang
- Eight-Year Program of Clinical Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Chinese Academe of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, China
| | - Bowen Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Kang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Orr M, Findling J, Zwagerman N, Connelly J, Albano K, Bovi J. Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Secreting Pituitary Carcinoma: Rare, Durable Response to Concurrent Chemotherapy and Reirradiation With a Review of the Literature. Adv Radiat Oncol 2021; 7:100813. [PMID: 34849427 PMCID: PMC8608604 DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2021.100813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Ng S, Messerer M, Engelhardt J, Bruneau M, Cornelius JF, Cavallo LM, Cossu G, Froelich S, Meling TR, Paraskevopoulos D, Schroeder HWS, Tatagiba M, Zazpe I, Berhouma M, Daniel RT, Laws ER, Knosp E, Buchfelder M, Dufour H, Gaillard S, Jacquesson T, Jouanneau E. Aggressive pituitary neuroendocrine tumors: current practices, controversies, and perspectives, on behalf of the EANS skull base section. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2021; 163:3131-3142. [PMID: 34365544 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-021-04953-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Aggressive pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (APT) account for 10% of pituitary tumors. Their management is a rapidly evolving field of clinical research and has led pituitary teams to shift toward a neuro-oncological-like approach. The new terminology "Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors" (PitNet) that was recently proposed to replace "pituitary adenomas" reflects this change of paradigm. In this narrative review, we aim to provide a state of the art of actual knowledge, controversies, and recommendations in the management of APT. We propose an overview of current prognostic markers, including the recent five-tiered clinicopathological classification. We further establish and discuss the following recommendations from a neurosurgical perspective: (i) surgery and multi-staged surgeries (without or with parasellar resection in symptomatic patients) should be discussed at each stage of the disease, because it may potentialize adjuvant medical therapies; (ii) temozolomide is effective in most patients, although 30% of patients are non-responders and the optimal timeline to initiate and interrupt this treatment remains questionable; (iii) some patients with selected clinicopathological profiles may benefit from an earlier local radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy; (iv) novel therapies such as VEGF-targeted therapies and anti-CTLA-4/anti-PD1 immunotherapies are promising and should be discussed as 2nd or 3rd line of treatment. Finally, whether neurosurgeons have to operate on "pituitary adenomas" or "PitNets," their role and expertise remain crucial at each stage of the disease, prompting our community to deal with evolving concepts and therapeutic resources.
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Raverot G, Ilie MD, Lasolle H, Amodru V, Trouillas J, Castinetti F, Brue T. Aggressive pituitary tumours and pituitary carcinomas. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2021; 17:671-684. [PMID: 34493834 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-021-00550-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although usually benign, anterior pituitary tumours occasionally exhibit aggressive behaviour, with invasion of surrounding tissues, rapid growth, resistance to conventional treatments and multiple recurrences. In very rare cases, they metastasize and are termed pituitary carcinomas. The time between a 'classical' pituitary tumour and a pituitary carcinoma can be years, which means that monitoring should be performed regularly in patients with clinical (invasion and/or tumour growth) or pathological (Ki67 index, mitotic count and/or p53 detection) markers suggesting aggressiveness. However, although both invasion and proliferation have prognostic value, such parameters cannot predict outcome or malignancy without metastasis. Future research should focus on the biology of both tumour cells and their microenvironment, hopefully with improved therapeutic outcomes. Currently, the initial therapeutic approach for aggressive pituitary tumours is generally to repeat surgery or radiotherapy in expert centres. Standard medical treatments usually have no effect on tumour progression but they can be maintained on a long-term basis to, at least partly, control hypersecretion. In cases where standard treatments prove ineffective, temozolomide, the sole formally recommended treatment, is effective in only one-third of patients. Personalized use of emerging therapies, including peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, angiogenesis-targeted therapy and immunotherapy, will hopefully improve the outcomes of patients with this severe condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gérald Raverot
- Endocrinology Department, Reference Centre for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, "Groupement Hospitalier Est" Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
- Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne, France
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Centre of Lyon (CRLC), Lyon, France
| | - Mirela Diana Ilie
- Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne, France
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Centre of Lyon (CRLC), Lyon, France
- Endocrinology Department, "C.I.Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Hélène Lasolle
- Endocrinology Department, Reference Centre for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, "Groupement Hospitalier Est" Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
- Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne, France
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Centre of Lyon (CRLC), Lyon, France
| | - Vincent Amodru
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Endocrinology Department, Hôpital de la Conception, Reference Centre for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1251, Marseille Medical Genetics (MMG), Institut Marseille Maladies Rares (MarMaRa), Marseille, France
| | | | - Frédéric Castinetti
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Endocrinology Department, Hôpital de la Conception, Reference Centre for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1251, Marseille Medical Genetics (MMG), Institut Marseille Maladies Rares (MarMaRa), Marseille, France
| | - Thierry Brue
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Endocrinology Department, Hôpital de la Conception, Reference Centre for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, Marseille, France.
- Aix-Marseille Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1251, Marseille Medical Genetics (MMG), Institut Marseille Maladies Rares (MarMaRa), Marseille, France.
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13
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Dai C, Sun B, Guan S, Wang W, Liu H, Li Y, Zhang J, Kang J. Evolution of a refractory prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma into a pituitary carcinoma: report of a challenging case and literature review. BMC Endocr Disord 2021; 21:217. [PMID: 34715828 PMCID: PMC8555299 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-021-00874-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pituitary carcinomas (PCs), defined as distant metastases of pituitary neoplasms, are very rare malignancies. Because the clinical presentation of PCs is variable, early diagnosis and management remain challenging. PCs are always refractory to comprehensive treatments, and patients with PCs have extremely poor prognoses. CASE PRESENTATION We describe one case of a prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma (PA) refractory to conventional therapy that evolved into a PC with intraspinal metastasis. A 34-year-old female was diagnosed with an invasive prolactin-secreting PA in 2009 and was unresponsive to medical treatment with bromocriptine. The tumor was gross totally removed via transsphenoidal surgery (TSS). However, the patient experienced multiple tumor recurrences or regrowth despite comprehensive treatments, including medical therapy, two gamma knife radiosurgeries (GKSs), and four frontal craniotomies. In 2016, she was found to have an intradural extramedullary mass at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra. The intraspinal lesion was completely resected and was confirmed as a metastatic PC based on histomorphology and immunohistochemical staining. The literature on the diagnosis, molecular pathogenesis, treatment, and prognosis of patients with prolactin-secreting PCs was reviewed. CONCLUSION PCs are very rare neoplasms with variable clinical features and poor prognosis. Most PCs usually arise from aggressive PAs refractory to conventional therapy. There is no reliable marker to identify aggressive PAs with a risk for progression to PCs; thus, it is difficult to diagnose these PCs early until the presence of metastatic lesions. It is still very challenging to manage patients with PCs due to a lack of standardized protocols for diagnosis and treatment. Establishing molecular biomarkers and the pathobiology of PCs could help in the early identification of aggressive PAs most likely to evolve into PCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congxin Dai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Bowen Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Shusen Guan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Honggang Liu
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jialiang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jun Kang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China.
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14
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Kontogeorgos G. Update on pituitary adenomas in the 2017 World Health Organization classification: innovations and perspectives. Hormones (Athens) 2021; 20:287-291. [PMID: 33453046 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-020-00269-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifications of tumors offer invaluable support in the diagnosis of tumors, with every new edition including novel information and diagnostic updates. The new 2017 WHO Classification of Tumors of Endocrine Organs, 4th edition, includes innovations in both terminology and diagnostic guidelines for pituitary adenomas, along with new entities, molecular information, and novel treatment modalities. The recommended reporting system of pituitary adenomas is based on morphology and assessment of the hormonal content by immunohistochemistry. Electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry for Ki-67 and p53 and transcription factors, while presenting additional information, are not recommended for routine diagnosis. Other markers may also yield information of prognostic and predictive significance. In sum, the 2017 WHO classification provides pathologists and clinicians with new and comprehensive information of great use for the diagnosis and treatment of pituitary tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Kontogeorgos
- Endocrine Unit, First Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Laikon Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
- Department of Pathology, G. Gennimatas, Athens General Hospital, 154 Messogion Ave., BLDG#1, 115 27, Athens, Greece.
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15
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Petersenn S. Medical Therapy of Aggressive Pituitary Tumors. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2021; 129:186-193. [PMID: 33690871 DOI: 10.1055/a-1331-6939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The rare aggressive pituitary adenoma presents a special challenge, due to the heterogenous presentation of the disease. The prognosis of aggressive pituitary adenomas has been improved due to recent studies demonstrating clinically-relevant efficacy of temozolomide, which is now considered first-line chemotherapy. However, there is limited data on second-line therapies in patients with treatment failure. This review presents a summary on the potential of medical therapies in aggressive pituitary tumors.
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Cooper O, Bonert V, Liu NA, Mamelak AN. Treatment of Aggressive Pituitary Adenomas: A Case-Based Narrative Review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:725014. [PMID: 34867776 PMCID: PMC8634600 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.725014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Management of aggressive pituitary adenomas is challenging due to a paucity of rigorous evidence supporting available treatment approaches. Recent guidelines emphasize the need to maximize standard therapies as well as the use of temozolomide and radiation therapy to treat disease recurrence. However, often these adenomas continue to progress over time, necessitating the use of additional targeted therapies which also impact quality of life and long-term outcomes. In this review, we present 9 cases of aggressive pituitary adenomas to illustrate the importance of a multidisciplinary, individualized approach. The timing and rationale for surgery, radiation therapy, temozolomide, somatostatin receptor ligands, and EGFR, VEGF, and mTOR inhibitors in each case are discussed within the context of evidence-based guidelines and clarify strategies for implementing an individualized approach in the management of these difficult-to-treat-adenomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odelia Cooper
- Pituitary Center, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Odelia Cooper,
| | - Vivien Bonert
- Pituitary Center, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ning-Ai Liu
- Pituitary Center, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Adam N. Mamelak
- Pituitary Center, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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17
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Nakano-Tateno T, Lau KJ, Wang J, McMahon C, Kawakami Y, Tateno T, Araki T. Multimodal Non-Surgical Treatments of Aggressive Pituitary Tumors. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:624686. [PMID: 33841328 PMCID: PMC8033019 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.624686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Up to 35% of aggressive pituitary tumors recur and significantly affect mortality and quality of life. Management can be challenging and often requires multimodal treatment. Current treatment options, including surgery, conventional medical therapies such as dopamine agonists, somatostatin receptor agonists and radiotherapy, often fail to inhibit pituitary tumor growth. Recently, anti-tumor effects of chemotherapeutic drugs such as Temozolomide, Capecitabine, and Everolimus, as well as peptide receptor radionuclide therapy on aggressive pituitary tumors have been increasingly investigated and yield mixed, although sometimes promising, outcomes. The purpose of this review is to provide thorough information on non-surgical medical therapies and their efficacies and used protocols for aggressive pituitary adenomas from pre-clinical level to clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Nakano-Tateno
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Kheng Joe Lau
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Justin Wang
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Cailin McMahon
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Yasuhiko Kawakami
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Toru Tateno
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Toru Tateno, ; Takako Araki,
| | - Takako Araki
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- *Correspondence: Toru Tateno, ; Takako Araki,
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18
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Osterhage K, Rotermund R, Droste M, Dierlamm J, Saeger W, Petersenn S, Aberle J, Flitsch J. Bevacizumab in Aggressive Pituitary Adenomas - Experience with 3 Patients. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2020; 129:178-185. [PMID: 33285600 DOI: 10.1055/a-1260-3975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate bevacizumab as alternative treatment of aggressive pituitary adenomas after exhaustion of standard therapies. DESIGN AND METHODS Retrospectively, 3 patients undergoing microscopic transsphenoidal surgery of aggressive pituitary adenomas from 2008 till 2018 that were treated with bevacizumab were identified. Development of disease and treatment were evaluated. RESULTS Two patients suffered from ACTH-secreting adenomas, one from a non-functioning adenoma. All patients underwent multiple surgical, chemo- and radiotherapeutical approaches including temozolomide, showing favorable results in one patient. Deterioration of clinical condition in all patients led to an individual, palliative attempt of bevacizumab. Patients 1 and 2 showed a decrease of ACTH after first administrations, but therapy had to be ended shortly after due to a further deterioration of their condition. Patient 3 showed a stabilization of the disease for 18 months. Patients died 8, 15 and 7 years after initial diagnosis, respectively, and 2, 4, and 24 months after initiation of bevacizumab therapy, respectively. CONCLUSION The demonstrated results suggest a considerable effect of bevacizumab in aggressive pituitary adenomas. The advanced stage of disease in all three patients, the overall short period of administration and just one patient showing a clinical benefit do not allow a general statement on the effectiveness. At the current stage of clinical experience, an approach with bevacizumab can be considered as an individual palliative attempt of treatment, when standard treatments are exhausted. Our results underline the need for further studies to evaluate this drug as potential player in therapy resistant aggressive pituitary tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Osterhage
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Roman Rotermund
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Judith Dierlamm
- Department of Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Saeger
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Jens Aberle
- Department of Endocrinology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Flitsch
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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19
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Abstract
A subset of pituitary tumors present an aggressive behavior that remains difficult to predict, and in rare cases they metastasize. The current European Society for Endocrinology (ESE) guidelines for the management of aggressive pituitary tumors and carcinomas provide valuable guidance, but several issues remain unaddressed because of the scarcity of data in the literature. This article presents key clinical aspects regarding aggressive pituitary tumors and carcinomas, and also discusses some of the unanswered questions of the ESE guidelines, focusing on both diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela Diana Ilie
- Endocrinology Department VI, "C.I.Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, 34-36 Aviatorilor Boulevard, Bucharest 011863, Romania. https://twitter.com/the_hormone_doc
| | - Emmanuel Jouanneau
- Neurosurgery Department, Reference Center for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, "Groupement Hospitalier Est" Hospices Civils de Lyon, "Claude Bernard" Lyon 1 University, Hôpital Pierre Wertheimer, 59 Pinel Boulevard, Lyon, Bron 69677, France
| | - Gérald Raverot
- Endocrinology Department, Reference Center for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, "Groupement Hospitalier Est" Hospices Civils de Lyon, "Claude Bernard" Lyon 1 University, Hôpital Louis Pradel, 59 Pinel Boulevard, Lyon, Bron 69677, France.
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20
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Marques P, Grossman AB, Korbonits M. The tumour microenvironment of pituitary neuroendocrine tumours. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 58:100852. [PMID: 32553750 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The tumour microenvironment (TME) includes a variety of non-neoplastic cells and non-cellular elements such as cytokines, growth factors and enzymes surrounding tumour cells. The TME emerged as a key modulator of tumour initiation, progression and invasion, with extensive data available in many cancers, but little is known in pituitary tumours. However, the understanding of the TME of pituitary tumours has advanced thanks to active research in this field over the last decade. Different immune and stromal cell subpopulations, and several cytokines, growth factors and matrix remodelling enzymes, have been characterised in pituitary tumours. Studying the TME in pituitary tumours may lead to a better understanding of tumourigenic mechanisms, identification of biomarkers useful to predict aggressive disease, and development of novel therapies. This review summarises the current knowledge on the different TME cellular/non-cellular elements in pituitary tumours and provides an overview of their role in tumourigenesis, biological behaviour and clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Marques
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
| | - Ashley B Grossman
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
| | - Márta Korbonits
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
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21
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Abstract
Defining the role of radiation techniques in treatment of aggressive pituitary tumours and carcinomas is a difficult task: indeed, studies reported in the literature on this topic can probably be counted on the fingers of one hand. To try to better define these roles, it is thus necessary to extrapolate based on anti-secretory and anti-tumor efficacy reported in studies on non-selected pituitary tumours, regardless of their pathological status and intrinsic aggressiveness. Generally, radiation techniques are delivered as part of a multimodal treatment, usually with the primary aim of controlling tumor volume. Side-effects need to be divided into short and long-term, also depending on the overall prognosis of the tumour, since hypopituitarism will likely appear in the majority of patients, extra-pituitary side-effects, which have been reported after a significant delay after the procedure, can only be considered in patients with less aggressive pituitary tumours. In this review, we will first detail the different modalities of radiation techniques and the inherent limits of each technique depending on the volume and the localization of the tumour. We will then discuss the anti-tumour and anti-secretory efficacy of radiation techniques in aggressive pituitary tumors, either as a single treatment or as part of a multimodal treatment. Finally we will discuss the technique-specific side-effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic Castinetti
- Marseille Medical Genetics, INSERM, and Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Marseille, Department of Endocrinology, French reference center for rare pituitary diseases, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France.
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22
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Petersenn S, Heaney AP. Targeted systemic and peptide radio-ligand therapy for aggressive pituitary tumors and carcinomas. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2020; 21:277-286. [PMID: 32415583 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-020-09554-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aggressive pituitary tumors comprise a rare but challenging subset of pituitary tumors. A major issue currently is the absence of a holistic definition that reliably identifies these tumors in a prospective manner. Although comprehensive evaluation of patient gender, age, local invasiveness, treatment responses, radiological and histopathological features may be informative to assess the potential for aggressiveness, a definitive diagnosis of this entity cannot be confidently made until disease progression is actually observed despite standard medical and surgical therapy. Failure to diagnose these aggressive pituitary tumors early may impede initiation of suitable intensive stepwise multimodal treatments, and lessen their ultimate therapeutic success. Even though current therapeutic options for aggressive pituitary tumors are suboptimal in many cases, large-scale randomized prospective clinic trials are impractical and will likely never be conducted due to the rarity of this disease entity. Therefore, the majority of novel therapies in this subset of tumors derive from case reports or small case series, which greatly reduces their validity to make strong recommendations. This chapter, as part of this series on aggressive pituitary tumors, focuses on the role of systemic targeted medical and peptide radio-receptor therapy in treatment of aggressive pituitary tumors and carcinomas, and discusses future directions in these fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Petersenn
- Departments of Medicine, ENDOC Center for Endocrine Tumors, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anthony P Heaney
- Departments of Medicine & Neurosurgery (1&2), University of California, Los Angeles, USA.
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23
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Burman P, Lamb L, McCormack A. Temozolomide therapy for aggressive pituitary tumours - current understanding and future perspectives. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2020; 21:263-276. [PMID: 32147777 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-020-09551-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The use of temozolomide (TMZ) for the management of aggressive pituitary tumours (APT) has revolutionised clinical practice in this field with significantly improved clinical outcomes and long-term survival. Its use is now well established however a large number of patients do not respond to treatment and recurrence after cessation of TMZ is common. A number of challenges remain for clinicians such as appropriate patient selection, treatment duration and the role of combination therapy. This review will examine the use of TMZ to treat APT including mechanism of action, treatment regimen and duration; biomarkers predicting response to treatment and patient selection; and current evidence for administration of TMZ in combination with other agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Burman
- Department of Endocrinology, Skåne University Hospital, University of Lund, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Lydia Lamb
- Department of Endocrinology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ann McCormack
- Department of Endocrinology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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24
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Burcea I, Poiana C. UPDATES IN AGGRESSIVE PITUITARY TUMORS. ACTA ENDOCRINOLOGICA (BUCHAREST, ROMANIA : 2005) 2020; 16:267-273. [PMID: 33029249 PMCID: PMC7535899 DOI: 10.4183/aeb.2020.267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Aggressive pituitary tumors lie between pituitary adenomas and carcinomas, displaying a particular behavior, with invasion, resistance to conventional therapy and early recurrence. The radiological grading, along with prognostic markers such as Ki-67 proliferation index, p53, MGMT and transcription factors are important factors in establishing the benign, aggressive, or malignant nature of pituitary tumors, with a more accurate treatment strategy. In this article, we report the novelties in defining, classifying, and managing aggressive pituitary tumors and their malignant potential, focusing on clinicopathological, histological, molecular and radiological data.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. Burcea
- “C.I. Parhon” National Institute of Endocrinology - Pituitary and Neuroendocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
- “C.I. Parhon” National Institute of Endocrinology - Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - C. Poiana
- “C.I. Parhon” National Institute of Endocrinology - Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine - Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
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25
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Xu L, Khaddour K, Chen J, Rich KM, Perrin RJ, Campian JL. Pituitary carcinoma: Two case reports and review of literature. World J Clin Oncol 2020; 11:91-102. [PMID: 32133278 PMCID: PMC7046923 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v11.i2.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pituitary carcinoma is a rare type of malignancy that can be very difficult to diagnose and treat. Many cases were diagnosed at autopsy. Delays in diagnosis often adversely impact patients' outcomes. Even with prompt diagnosis, treatment decisions remain challenging in the absence of randomized controlled trials.
CASE SUMMARY We report two cases of pituitary carcinoma in men with a history of pituitary adenoma. In the first case, a 55-year-old man was initially diagnosed with pituitary macroadenoma. He underwent subtotal debulking of the tumor followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. Subsequently, he developed relapsed disease and multifocal intracranial metastases and a diagnosis of pituitary carcinoma was rendered. He passed away despite several lines of systemic therapies including temozolomide, lomustine and bevacizumab. Another 52-year-old man was diagnosed with atypical pituitary adenoma with presentation of sudden onset of vision loss in the right eye. He had recurrent pituitary carcinoma with spinal metastases, treated with surgery, radiation and temozolomide.
CONCLUSION Pituitary carcinoma is a rare neoplasm with poor prognosis that is difficult to diagnose and treat. The small number of cases restricts our ability to design randomized clinical trials. Management is largely driven by retrospective studies and case series. Establishing molecular biomarkers and comprehensive genomic profiling could help in decisions about diagnosis and management of pituitary carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lai Xu
- Divisions of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Karam Khaddour
- Divisions of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Keith M Rich
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Richard J Perrin
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Jian Li Campian
- Divisions of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
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26
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Abstract
Consensus guidelines recommend dopamine agonists (DAs) as the mainstay treatment for prolactinomas. In most patients, DAs achieve tumor shrinkage and normoprolactinemia at well tolerated doses. However, primary or, less often, secondary resistance to DAs may be also encountered representing challenging clinical scenarios. This is particularly true for aggressive prolactinomas in which surgery and radiotherapy may not achieve tumor control. In these cases, alternative medical treatments have been considered but data on their efficacy should be interpreted within the constraints of publication bias and of lack of relevant clinical trials. The limited reports on somatostatin analogues have shown conflicting results, but cases with optimal outcomes have been documented. Data on estrogen modulators and metformin are scarce and their usefulness remains to be evaluated. In many aggressive lactotroph tumors, temozolomide has demonstrated optimal outcomes, whereas for other cytotoxic agents, tyrosine kinase inhibitors and for inhibitors of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), higher quality evidence is needed. Finally, promising preliminary results from in vitro and animal reports need to be further assessed and, if appropriate, translated in human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Souteiro
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, IBR Tower, Level 2, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - N Karavitaki
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, IBR Tower, Level 2, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK.
- Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.
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27
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Lamb LS, Sim HW, McCormack AI. Exploring the Role of Novel Medical Therapies for Aggressive Pituitary Tumors: A Review of the Literature-"Are We There Yet?". Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020308. [PMID: 32012988 PMCID: PMC7072681 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggressive pituitary tumors account for up to 10% of pituitary tumors and are characterized by resistance to medical treatment and multiple recurrences despite standard therapies, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. They are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, particularly pituitary carcinomas, which have mortality rates of up to 66% at 1 year after diagnosis. Novel targeted therapies under investigation include mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), tyrosine kinase, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors. More recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors have been proposed as a potential treatment option for pituitary tumors. An increased understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of aggressive pituitary tumors is required to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This review discusses novel approaches to the management of aggressive pituitary tumors and the role of molecular profiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia S. Lamb
- Department of Endocrinology, St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia;
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia;
| | - Hao-Wen Sim
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia;
- St Vincent’s Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Ann I. McCormack
- Department of Endocrinology, St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia;
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia;
- St Vincent’s Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-9295-8489
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Lamb LS, Sim HW, McCormack AI. Case Report: A Case of Pituitary Carcinoma Treated With Sequential Dual Immunotherapy and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibition Therapy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:576027. [PMID: 33312158 PMCID: PMC7708326 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.576027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggressive pituitary tumors (APTs) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and effective treatment options are limited. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized clinical cancer care; however, there is little experience with these agents in the management of APTs. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) targeted therapy has reported success in a small number of APT case reports. Here we describe a case of pituitary carcinoma responding to ICI therapy and subsequently VEGF inhibition. We discuss the possible mechanisms and experience with ICI therapy and VEGF inhibitors in the management of APTs, biomarkers that may predict response, and the potential role of combination therapies including ICIs and temozolomide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia S. Lamb
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- St Vincent’s Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hao-Wen Sim
- St Vincent’s Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ann I. McCormack
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- St Vincent’s Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Ann I. McCormack,
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29
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Kontogeorgos G, Thodou E. Is MGMT the best marker to predict response of temozolomide in aggressive pituitary tumors? Alternative markers and prospective treatment modalities. Hormones (Athens) 2019; 18:333-337. [PMID: 31721137 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-019-00145-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- George Kontogeorgos
- First Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Laikon Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str., Athens, 11527, Attica, Greece.
- Department of Pathology, "G. Gennimatas" Athens General Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | - Eleni Thodou
- Department of Pathology, University of Thessaly, School of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
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30
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Iglesias P, Magallón R, Mitjavila M, Rodríguez Berrocal V, Pian H, Díez JJ. Multimodal therapy in aggressive pituitary tumors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 67:469-485. [PMID: 31740190 DOI: 10.1016/j.endinu.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The concept of aggressive pituitary tumor (APT) has been precisely defined in recent years. These tumors are characterized by morphological (radiological or histopathological) data of invasion, proliferative activity superior to that of typical adenomas and a clinical behavior characterized by resistance to standard therapies and frequent recurrences. The absence of cerebrospinal or distant metastases differentiates them from the pituitary carcinoma. APTs account for about 10% of all pituitary neoplasm. Proper diagnostic implies participation not only of radiological and hormonal investigation but also a thorough pathological assessment including proliferation markers and immunohistochemistry for hormones and transcription factors. Surgical resection, aiming gross total resection or tumor debulking, is the mainstay initial therapy in most patients. Most patients with APTs need more than one surgical intervention, pituitary radiation, sometimes on more than one occasion, and multiple sequential or combined medical treatments, to finally be doomed to unusual treatments, such as alkylating agents (temozolomide alone or in combination), molecular targeted therapies, or peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. Multimodal therapy, implemented by experts, preferably in specialized centers with high volume caseload, is the only way to improve the prognosis of patients with these uncommon tumors. The research needs in this area are multiple and include a greater knowledge of the molecular biology of these tumors, establishment of protocols for monitoring and sequencing of treatments, development of multicenter studies and international registries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Iglesias
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Rosa Magallón
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Mitjavila
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Héctor Pian
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitario, Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan J Díez
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
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31
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Ilie MD, Vasiljevic A, Raverot G, Bertolino P. The Microenvironment of Pituitary Tumors-Biological and Therapeutic Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101605. [PMID: 31640258 PMCID: PMC6826349 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) includes resident and infiltrative non-tumor cells, as well as blood and lymph vessels, extracellular matrix molecules, and numerous soluble factors, such as cytokines and chemokines. While the TME is now considered to be a prognostic tool and a therapeutic target for many cancers, little is known about its composition in pituitary tumors. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the TME within pituitary tumors and the strong interest in TME as a therapeutic target. While we cover the importance of angiogenesis and immune infiltrating cells, we also address the role of the elusive folliculostellate cells, the emerging literature on pituitary tumor-associated fibroblasts, and the contribution of extracellular matrix components in these tumors. The cases of human pituitary tumors treated with TME-targeting therapies are reviewed and emerging concepts of vascular normalization and combined therapies are presented. Together, this snapshot overview of the current literature pinpoints not only the underestimated role of TME components in pituitary tumor biology, but also the major promise it may offer for both prognosis and targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela Diana Ilie
- Cancer Research Centre of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Claude Bernard University, 69008 Lyon, France, (M.D.I.).
- "Claude Bernard" Lyon 1 University, University of Lyon, 69100 Villeurbanne, France.
- Endocrinology Department, "C.I.Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, 011863 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Alexandre Vasiljevic
- Cancer Research Centre of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Claude Bernard University, 69008 Lyon, France, (M.D.I.).
- "Claude Bernard" Lyon 1 University, University of Lyon, 69100 Villeurbanne, France.
- Pathology Department, "Groupement Hospitalier Est" Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69677 Bron, France.
| | - Gérald Raverot
- Cancer Research Centre of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Claude Bernard University, 69008 Lyon, France, (M.D.I.).
- "Claude Bernard" Lyon 1 University, University of Lyon, 69100 Villeurbanne, France.
- Endocrinology Department, "Groupement Hospitalier Est" Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69677 Bron, France.
| | - Philippe Bertolino
- Cancer Research Centre of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Claude Bernard University, 69008 Lyon, France, (M.D.I.).
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Ilie MD, Lasolle H, Raverot G. Emerging and Novel Treatments for Pituitary Tumors. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8081107. [PMID: 31349718 PMCID: PMC6723109 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8081107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A subset of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) have an aggressive behavior, showing resistance to treatment and/or multiple recurrences in spite of the optimal use of standard therapies (surgery, conventional medical treatments, and radiotherapy). To date, for aggressive PitNETs, temozolomide (TMZ) has been the most used therapeutic option, and has resulted in an improvement in the five-year survival rate in responders. However, given the fact that roughly only one third of patients showed a partial or complete radiological response on the first course of TMZ, and even fewer patients responded to a second course of TMZ, other treatment options are urgently needed. Emerging therapies consist predominantly of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (20 cases), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-targeted therapy (12 cases), tyrosine kinase inhibitors (10 cases), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors (six cases), and more recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors (one case). Here, we present the available clinical cases published in the literature for each of these treatments. The therapies that currently show the most promise (based on the achievement of partial radiological response in a certain number of cases) are immune checkpoint inhibitors, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-targeted therapy. In the future, further improvement of these therapies and the development of other novel therapies, their use in personalized medicine, and a better understanding of combination therapies, will hopefully result in better outcomes for patients bearing aggressive PitNETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela Diana Ilie
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, 28 Laennec Street, 69008 Lyon, France
- "Claude Bernard" Lyon 1 University, University of Lyon, 43 "11 Novembre 1918" Boulevard, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
- Endocrinology Department, "C.I.Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, 34-36 Aviatorilor Boulevard, 011863 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Hélène Lasolle
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, 28 Laennec Street, 69008 Lyon, France
- "Claude Bernard" Lyon 1 University, University of Lyon, 43 "11 Novembre 1918" Boulevard, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
- "Groupement Hospitalier Est" Hospices Civils de Lyon, Endocrinology Department, Reference Center for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, 59 Pinel Boulevard, 69677 Bron, France
| | - Gérald Raverot
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, 28 Laennec Street, 69008 Lyon, France.
- "Claude Bernard" Lyon 1 University, University of Lyon, 43 "11 Novembre 1918" Boulevard, 69100 Villeurbanne, France.
- "Groupement Hospitalier Est" Hospices Civils de Lyon, Endocrinology Department, Reference Center for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, 59 Pinel Boulevard, 69677 Bron, France.
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Carey RM, Kuan EC, Workman AD, Patel NN, Kohanski MA, Tong CCL, Chen J, Palmer JN, Adappa ND, Brant JA. A Population-Level Analysis of Pituitary Carcinoma from the National Cancer Database. J Neurol Surg B Skull Base 2019; 81:180-186. [PMID: 32206537 DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1683435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Pituitary carcinoma is a rare entity with fewer than 200 total cases reported in the English literature. Analysis of the population-level data from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) affords the opportunity to study this poorly understood tumor type. Methods The NCDB was queried for site, histology, and metastasis codes corresponding to pituitary carcinoma. Statistical analyses were performed to determine factors associated with overall survival (OS). Results A total of 92 patients with pituitary carcinoma met inclusion criteria. The 1 and 5 years of OS for all patients was 93.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 88.2-98.6%) and 80.0% (95% CI: 71.6-89.4%), respectively. Patients with invasive primary tumor behavior had 1 and 5 years of OS of 69.2% (95% CI: 48.2-99.5%) and 52.7% (95% CI: 31.2-89.2%), respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that compared with benign primary behavior, invasive behavior had increased all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1,296, 95% CI: 15.1- > 2,000). Surgery without adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy was the most common therapy (48.9%), followed by no treatment (40.2%). Compared with surgery alone, no treatment had worse OS (HR, 11.83, 95% CI: 1.41-99.56). Increasing age and female sex were both associated with increased mortality. Conclusions The most common treatment for pituitary carcinoma is surgery alone followed by no surgery. Surgery alone has significantly better OS compared with no treatment. The efficacy of radiation, chemotherapy, and neurohormonal treatments needs to be examined with prospective studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Carey
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Edward C Kuan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alan D Workman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Neil N Patel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Michael A Kohanski
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Charles C L Tong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Jinbo Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - James N Palmer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Nithin D Adappa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Jason A Brant
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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Wang Y, He Q, Meng X, Zhou S, Zhu Y, Xu J, Tao R. Apatinib (YN968D1) and temozolomide in recurrent invasive pituitary adenoma: case report and literature review. World Neurosurg 2019; 124:319-322. [PMID: 30639490 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.12.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive pituitary adenomas often recurred after postoperative radiotherapy and are difficult to treat. Temozolomide (TMZ) is an alkylating cytostaticum and has been reported to reduce pituitary tumor size and hormone hypersecretion, However, this is far from enough. Pituitary adenomas have relatively high expression of vascular endothelial growth factor. Therefore, antiangiogenic agent has been used in a small number of aggressive or malignant pituitary tumors after recurrence. Apatinib (YN968D1) is a small-molecule antiangiogenic agent that selectively inhibits VEGFR-2 and also mildly inhibits c-Kit and c-Src tyrosine kinases, abundant in invasive pituitary adenomas. CASE PRESENTATION present a 41-year-old female with a growth hormone (GH)-secreting invasive pituitary adenoma causing menstrual disorder and headache symptoms. Over three years, she underwent four surgeries and a stereotactic radiosurgery, but the results were poor. Two months after the fourth operation, she started treatment with temozolomide (200mg/m2, d1-5, 28d, orally) and apatinib (0.425g, daily, orally). Her GH level dropped to normal with a >90% decrease in tumor size, after 1-year treatment. There was no evidence of recurrence by imaging or by serum GH levels over 31.5 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION we successfully treated this patient with recurrent invasive pituitary adenoma with temozolomide and apatinib for 31.5 months without recurrence. Angiogenesis is an active process in the cases of invasive pituitary adenomas that cannot be controlled by conventional therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No.440. Jiyan Road, Jinan, 250117, China.
| | - Qiaowei He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qingdao University affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, No.20 Road yuhuangding. Yantai, 264000, China.
| | - Xiangji Meng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No.440. Jiyan Road, Jinan, 250117, China.
| | - Shizhen Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No.440. Jiyan Road, Jinan, 250117, China.
| | - Yufang Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No.440. Jiyan Road, Jinan, 250117, China.
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No.440. Jiyan Road, Jinan, 250117, China.
| | - Rongjie Tao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No.440. Jiyan Road, Jinan, 250117, China.
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Zubeldía-Brenner L, De Winne C, Perrone S, Rodríguez-Seguí SA, Willems C, Ornstein AM, Lacau-Mengido I, Vankelecom H, Cristina C, Becu-Villalobos D. Inhibition of Notch signaling attenuates pituitary adenoma growth in Nude mice. Endocr Relat Cancer 2019; 26:13-29. [PMID: 30121620 DOI: 10.1530/erc-18-0337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies support that Notch signaling may play an important oncogenic role in cancer, but there is scarce information for pituitary tumors. We therefore undertook a functional study to evaluate Notch participation in pituitary adenoma growth. Tumors generated in Nude mice by subcutaneous GH3 somatolactotrope cell injection were treated in vivo with DAPT, a γ-secretase inhibitor, thus inactivating Notch signaling. This treatment led to pituitary tumor reduction, lower prolactin and GH tumor content and a decrease in angiogenesis. Furthermore, in silico transcriptomic and epigenomic analyses uncovered several tumor suppressor genes related to Notch signaling in pituitary tissue, namely Btg2, Nr4a1, Men1, Zfp36 and Cnot1. Gene evaluation suggested that Btg2, Nr4a1 and Cnot1 may be possible players in GH3 xenograft growth. Btg2 mRNA expression was lower in GH3 tumors compared to the parental line, and DAPT increased its expression levels in the tumor in parallel with the inhibition of its volume. Cnot1 mRNA levels were also increased in the pituitary xenografts by DAPT treatment. And the Nr4a1 gene was lower in tumors compared to the parental line, though not modified by DAPT. Finally, because DAPT in vivo may also be acting on tumor microenvironment, we determined the direct effect of DAPT on GH3 cells in vitro. We found that DAPT decreases the proliferative, secretory and migration potential of GH3 cells. These results position selective interruption of Notch signaling as a potential therapeutic tool in adjuvant treatments for aggressive or resistant pituitary tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catalina De Winne
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sofía Perrone
- Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, CITNOBA (UNNOBA-CONICET), Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Santiago A Rodríguez-Seguí
- Departamento de Fisiología y Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Christophe Willems
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Unit of Stem Cell Research, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ana María Ornstein
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Isabel Lacau-Mengido
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Hugo Vankelecom
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Unit of Stem Cell Research, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carolina Cristina
- Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, CITNOBA (UNNOBA-CONICET), Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Dai C, Liu X, Ma W, Wang R. The Treatment of Refractory Pituitary Adenomas. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:334. [PMID: 31191457 PMCID: PMC6548863 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Refractory pituitary adenomas (PAs) are defined as aggressive-invasive PAs characterized by a high Ki-67 index, rapid growth, frequent recurrence, and resistance to conventional treatments. It is notoriously difficult to manage refractory PAs because the efficacy of current therapeutic options is limited. The purpose of this review is to address currently employed and promising therapeutic strategies for the treatment of refractory PAs. Except for prolactinomas, neurosurgery is the first-line option, but most refractory PAs often recur or re-grow after initial surgery and require further treatments. Medical therapy, radiotherapy and re-operation are explored when surgery has failed to completely resect tumors; however, refractory PAs are usually resistant to these treatments. As a salvage treatment, temozolomide (TMZ) has shown promising results and is currently used for all types of refractory PAs. However, not all refractory PAs are responsive to TMZ treatment, and some of these PAs are resistant to TMZ. Although targeted therapies such as vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor and mTOR inhibitors have also been used to treat refractory PAs, the effectiveness of these targeted therapies is still not known due to a lack of data from randomized prospective trials. As a novel therapeutic method, cancer immunotherapy is a promising strategy for the treatment of refractory PAs, but further preclinical research and clinical trials are needed to assess the efficacy of this new approach. In summary, early identification and a multidisciplinary approach are required to treat refractory PAs.
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Syro LV, Rotondo F, Ortiz LD, Kovacs K. 65 YEARS OF THE DOUBLE HELIX: Treatment of pituitary tumors with temozolomide: an update. Endocr Relat Cancer 2018. [PMID: 29535142 DOI: 10.1530/erc-18-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Temozolomide is an alkylating chemotherapeutic agent used in malignant neuroendocrine neoplasia, melanoma, brain metastases and an essential component of adjuvant therapy in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme and anaplastic astrocytoma. Since 2006, it has been used for the treatment of pituitary carcinomas and aggressive pituitary adenomas. Here, we discuss the current indications and results of temozolomide therapy in pituitary tumors, as well as frequently asked questions regarding temozolomide treatment, duration of therapy, dosage, tumor recurrence and resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis V Syro
- Department of NeurosurgeryHospital Pablo Tobon Uribe and Clinica Medellin, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Fabio Rotondo
- Division of PathologyDepartment of Laboratory Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leon D Ortiz
- Division of Neuro-OncologyInstituto de Cancerologia, Clinica Las Americas. Medellin, Colombia
| | - Kalman Kovacs
- Division of PathologyDepartment of Laboratory Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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38
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Maghathe T, Miller WK, Mugge L, Mansour TR, Schroeder J. Immunotherapy and potential molecular targets for the treatment of pituitary adenomas resistant to standard therapy: a critical review of potential therapeutic targets and current developments. J Neurosurg Sci 2018; 64:71-83. [PMID: 30014686 DOI: 10.23736/s0390-5616.18.04419-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pituitary adenomas (PAs) are primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors, accounting for as much as 25% of intracranial neoplasms. Although existing remedies show success in treating most PAs, treatment of invasive and non-functioning PAs, in addition to functioning PAs unresponsive to standard therapy, remains challenging. With the continually increasing understanding of biochemical pathways involved in tumorigenesis, immunotherapy stands as a promising alternative therapy for pituitary tumors that are resistant to standard therapy. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A literature search was conducted of the PubMed database for immunotherapies of PAs. The search yielded a total of 2621 articles, 26 of which were included in our discussion. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Several pathologically expressed molecules could potentially serve as promising targets of current or future immunotherapies for PAs. Programmed death ligand-1, matrix metalloproteinases, EpCAM (Trop1) and Trop2, cancer-testis antigen MAGE-A3, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), folate receptor alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor, and galectin-3 have all been implicated as crucial factors involved with tumor survival and invasion. Inhibition of these pathways may prove efficacious in the management of invasive and treatment-resistant PAs. CONCLUSIONS Rapid advancements in tumor immunology may increase the probability of successful treatment of PAs by exploitation of the normal immune response or by targeting novel proteins. Current research on many of the targets reviewed in this article are successfully being utilized to manage various neoplastic disease including CNS tumors. These therapies may eventually play a key role in the treatment of PAs that do not respond to standard therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Maghathe
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - William K Miller
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Luke Mugge
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Tarek R Mansour
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Jason Schroeder
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH, USA -
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McCormack A, Dekkers OM, Petersenn S, Popovic V, Trouillas J, Raverot G, Burman P. Treatment of aggressive pituitary tumours and carcinomas: results of a European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) survey 2016. Eur J Endocrinol 2018; 178:265-276. [PMID: 29330228 DOI: 10.1530/eje-17-0933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To collect outcome data in a large cohort of patients with aggressive pituitary tumours (APT)/carcinomas (PC) and specifically report effects of temozolomide (TMZ) treatment. DESIGN Electronic survey to ESE members Dec 2015-Nov 2016. RESULTS Reports on 166 patients (40 PC, 125 APT, 1 unclassified) were obtained. Median age at diagnosis was 43 (range 4-79) years. 69% of the tumours were clinically functioning, and the most frequent immunohistochemical subtype were corticotroph tumours (45%). Ki-67 index did not distinguish APT from PC, median 7% and 10% respectively. TMZ was first-line chemotherapy in 157 patients. At the end of the treatment (median 9 cycles), radiological evaluation showed complete response (CR) in 6%, partial response (PR) in 31%, stable disease (SD) in 33% and progressive disease in 30%. Response was more frequent in patients receiving concomitant radiotherapy and TMZ. CR was seen only in patients with low MGMT expression. Clinically functioning tumours were more likely to respond than non-functioning tumours, independent of MGMT status. Of patients with CR, PR and SD, 25, 40 and 48% respectively progressed after a median of 12-month follow-up. Other oncological drugs given as primary treatment and to TMZ failures resulted in PR in 20%. CONCLUSION This survey confirms that TMZ is established as first-line chemotherapeutic treatment of APT/PC. Clinically functioning tumours, low MGMT and concurrent radiotherapy were associated with a better response. The limited long-term effect of TMZ and the poor efficacy of other drugs highlight the need to identify additional effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann McCormack
- St Vincent's Hospital and Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Olaf M Dekkers
- Department of Internal Medicine (Section Endocrinology) & Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Jacqueline Trouillas
- Centre de Pathologie et de Biologie Est, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Gerald Raverot
- Fédération d'Endocrinologie, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Pia Burman
- Department of Endocrinology, Skåne University Hospital Malmö, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
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Syro LV, Rotondo F, Camargo M, Ortiz LD, Serna CA, Kovacs K. Temozolomide and Pituitary Tumors: Current Understanding, Unresolved Issues, and Future Directions. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:318. [PMID: 29963012 PMCID: PMC6013558 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Temozolomide, an alkylating agent, initially used in the treatment of gliomas was expanded to include pituitary tumors in 2006. After 12 years of use, temozolomide has shown a notable advancement in pituitary tumor treatment with a remarkable improvement rate in the 5-year overall survival and 5-year progression-free survival in both aggressive pituitary adenomas and pituitary carcinomas. In this paper, we review the mechanism of action of temozolomide as alkylating agent, its interaction with deoxyribonucleic acid repair systems, therapeutic effects in pituitary tumors, unresolved issues, and future directions relating to new possibilities of targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis V. Syro
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Pablo Tobon Uribe and Clinica Medellin, Medellin, Colombia
- *Correspondence: Luis V. Syro,
| | - Fabio Rotondo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mauricio Camargo
- Genetics, Regeneration and Cancer Laboratory, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Leon D. Ortiz
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Instituto de Cancerología, Clinica Las Americas, Pharmacogenomics, Universidad CES, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Carlos A. Serna
- Laboratorio de Patologia y Citologia Rodrigo Restrepo, Department of Pathology, Clinica Las Américas, Universidad CES, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Kalman Kovacs
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Raverot G, Burman P, McCormack A, Heaney A, Petersenn S, Popovic V, Trouillas J, Dekkers OM. European Society of Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guidelines for the management of aggressive pituitary tumours and carcinomas. Eur J Endocrinol 2018; 178:G1-G24. [PMID: 29046323 DOI: 10.1530/eje-17-0796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 332] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pituitary tumours are common and easily treated by surgery or medical treatment in most cases. However, a small subset of pituitary tumours does not respond to standard medical treatment and presents with multiple local recurrences (aggressive pituitary tumours) and in rare occasion with metastases (pituitary carcinoma). The present European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) guideline aims to provide clinical guidance on diagnosis, treatment and follow-up in aggressive pituitary tumours and carcinomas. METHODS We decided upfront, while acknowledging that literature on aggressive pituitary tumours and carcinomas is scarce, to systematically review the literature according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system. The review focused primarily on first- and second-line treatment in aggressive pituitary tumours and carcinomas. We included 14 single-arm cohort studies (total number of patients = 116) most on temozolomide treatment (n = 11 studies, total number of patients = 106). A positive treatment effect was seen in 47% (95% CI: 36-58%) of temozolomide treated. Data from the recently performed ESE survey on aggressive pituitary tumours and carcinomas (165 patients) were also used as backbone for the guideline. SELECTED RECOMMENDATION: (i) Patients with aggressive pituitary tumours should be managed by a multidisciplinary expert team. (ii) Histopathological analyses including pituitary hormones and proliferative markers are needed for correct tumour classification. (iii) Temozolomide monotherapy is the first-line chemotherapy for aggressive pituitary tumours and pituitary carcinomas after failure of standard therapies; treatment evaluation after 3 cycles allows identification of responder and non-responder patients. (iv) In patients responding to first-line temozolomide, we suggest continuing treatment for at least 6 months in total. Furthermore, the guideline offers recommendations for patients who recurred after temozolomide treatment, for those who did not respond to temozolomide and for patients with systemic metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Raverot
- Fédération d'Endocrinologie, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares Hypophysaires HYPO, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
- Faculté de Médecine Lyon Est, Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Centre of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Pia Burman
- Department of Endocrinology, Skane University Hospital Malmö, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ann McCormack
- Garvan Institute, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, St Vincent's Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anthony Heaney
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Vera Popovic
- Medical Faculty, University Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jacqueline Trouillas
- Faculté de Médecine Lyon Est, Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- Centre de Pathologie et de Biologie Est, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Olaf M Dekkers
- Departments of Internal Medicine (Section Endocrinology) & Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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