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de Jesus VHF, Donadio MDS, de Brito ÂBC, Gentilli AC. A narrative review on rare types of pancreatic cancer: should they be treated as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas? Ther Adv Med Oncol 2024; 16:17588359241265213. [PMID: 39072242 PMCID: PMC11282540 DOI: 10.1177/17588359241265213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest malignancies in humans and it is expected to play a bigger part in cancer burden in the years to come. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents 85% of all primary pancreatic malignancies. Recently, much attention has been given to PDAC, with significant advances in the understanding of the mechanisms underpinning disease initiation and progression, along with noticeable improvements in overall survival in both localized and metastatic settings. However, given their rarity, rare histological subtypes of pancreatic cancer have been underappreciated and are frequently treated as PDAC, even though they might present non-overlapping molecular alterations and clinical behavior. While some of these rare histological subtypes are true variants of PDAC that should be treated likewise, others represent separate clinicopathological entities, warranting a different therapeutic approach. In this review, we highlight clinical, pathological, and molecular aspects of rare histological types of pancreatic cancer, along with the currently available data to guide treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Hugo Fonseca de Jesus
- Oncoclínicas, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Santos Dumont St. 182, 4 floor, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina 88015-020, Brazil
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centro de Pesquisas Oncológicas, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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2
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Machado I, López-Guerrero JA, Fernandez A, López R, García Casado Z, Ferrandez A, Llombart-Bosch A, Charville GW. Adult Pancreatoblastoma: Report of 3 new Cases With Genetic Diversity and Autopsy Findings. Int J Surg Pathol 2022:10668969221133351. [PMID: 36573045 DOI: 10.1177/10668969221133351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We report the histopathological, immunohistochemical (IHC), and molecular findings in 3 patients with adult pancreatoblastoma, including 2 with autopsy features. The tumors were located in the tail and body of the pancreas, and the 2 autopsy examinations revealed liver and lung metastases. Histopathologically the neoplasms were composed of solid epithelial elements with nested or trabecular growth patterns, fibrous stroma, and squamoid clusters. Keratin 19 was positive mainly in squamoid corpuscles, and trypsin or chymotrypsin was positive in the acinar component. Neuroendocrine differentiation was observed in all tumors, and nuclear β-catenin expression in 2 tumors. Despite nuclear β-catenin expression, CTNNB1 mutation was found only in tumor 2. APC mutation was detected in tumor 1, and SMAD4 as well as MEN1 mutations in tumor 3. This last tumor also revealed chromosomal instability with many chromosomal losses and gains. The follow-up showed regional or distant metastases in all patients. Two patients died of disease after 3 and 26 months of follow-up and 1 patient is alive with no evidence of disease 6 years and 2 months after surgery. Adult pancreatoblastoma can display genetic heterogeneity, diverse histological appearance, and overlapping IHC findings. As a result, the differential diagnosis with other adult pancreatic tumors, such as acinar cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine neoplasm, solid pseudopapillary neoplasm, and mixed tumors may be challenging, especially when dealing with limited tumor tissue. The identification of squamoid corpuscles is essential for diagnosis. Although molecular findings might provide useful information, the integration of clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings is essential in pancreatoblastoma diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isidro Machado
- Department of Pathology, Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, Spain
- Patologika Laboratory, Hospital QuirónSalud, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Pathology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | - Raquel López
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, Spain
| | - Zaida García Casado
- Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, Spain
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3
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Calimano-Ramirez LF, Daoud T, Gopireddy DR, Morani AC, Waters R, Gumus K, Klekers AR, Bhosale PR, Virarkar MK. Pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma: A comprehensive review. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:5827-5844. [PMID: 36353206 PMCID: PMC9639656 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i40.5827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) is a rare pancreatic malignancy with distinctive clinical, molecular, and morphological features. The long-term survival of ACC patients is substantially superior to that of pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients. As there are no significant patient series about ACCs, our understanding of this illness is mainly based on case reports and limited patient series. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice for patients with the disease restricted to one organ; however, with recent breakthroughs in precision medicine, medicines targeting the one-of-a-kind molecular profile of ACC are on the horizon. There are no standard treatment protocols available for people in which a total surgical resection to cure the condition is not possible. As a result of shared genetic alterations, ACCs are chemosensitive to agents with activity against pancreatic adenocarcinomas and colorectal carcinomas. The role of neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemoradiotherapy has not been established. This article aims to do a comprehensive literature study and present the most recent information on acinar cell cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Taher Daoud
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Dheeraj Reddy Gopireddy
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL 32209, United States
| | - Ajaykumar C Morani
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Rebecca Waters
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Kazim Gumus
- Department of Research and Diagnostic Radiology, University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL 32209, United States
| | - Albert Russell Klekers
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Priya R Bhosale
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Mayur K Virarkar
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL 32209, United States
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Tsvetkova V, Magro G, Broggi G, Luchini C, Cappello F, Caporalini C, Buccoliero AM, Santoro L. New insights in gastrointestinal "pediatric" neoplasms in adult patients: pancreatoblastoma, hepatoblastoma and embryonal sarcoma of the liver. A practical approach by GIPPI-GIPAD Groups. Pathologica 2022; 114:64-78. [PMID: 35212317 PMCID: PMC9040550 DOI: 10.32074/1591-951x-559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric solid neoplasms are rare and very different from those observed in adults. The majority of them are referred to as embryonal because they arise as a result of alterations in the processes of organogenesis or normal growth and are characterized by proliferation of primitive cells, reproducing the corresponding tissue at various stages of embryonic development. This review will focus on embryonal gastrointestinal pediatric neoplasms in adult patients, including pancreatoblastoma, hepatoblastoma, and embryonal sarcoma of the liver. Although they are classically considered pediatric neoplasms, they may (rarely) occur in adult patients. Hepatoblastoma represents the most frequent liver neoplasm in the pediatric population, followed by hepatocellular carcinoma and embryonal sarcoma of the liver; while pancreatoblastoma is the most common malignant pancreatic tumor in childhood. Both in children and adults, the mainstay of treatment is complete surgical resection, either up front or following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Unresectable and/or metastatic neoplasms may be amenable to complete delayed surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. However, these neoplasms display a more aggressive behavior and overall poorer prognosis in adults than in children, probably because they are diagnosed in later stages of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassilena Tsvetkova
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, Verona University and Hospital Trust; Verona, Italy
| | - Gaetano Magro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G. F. Ingrassia", Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Broggi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G. F. Ingrassia", Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Luchini
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, Verona University and Hospital Trust; Verona, Italy
| | - Filippo Cappello
- Department of Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | - Luisa Santoro
- Department of Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Padova, Padova, Italy
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Thompson ED, Wood LD. Pancreatic Neoplasms With Acinar Differentiation: A Review of Pathologic and Molecular Features. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2021; 144:808-815. [PMID: 31869246 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2019-0472-ra] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— Pancreatic acinar lesions encompass a broad spectrum of malignant tumors and benign reactive processes affecting both adults and children, with clinical, pathologic, and molecular features that are distinct from more common ductal neoplasms. Accurate morphologic diagnosis and molecular assessment of these uncommon neoplasms is critical for effective patient care. OBJECTIVE.— To review the clinical, pathologic, and molecular features of pancreatic neoplasms with acinar differentiation, the most common of which is acinar cell carcinoma but which also includes mixed carcinomas with acinar components, cystic acinar lesions, and pancreatoblastoma. DATA SOURCES.— We assessed the current primary literature, as well as recently updated diagnostic manuals. CONCLUSIONS.— Pancreatic acinar neoplasms are a morphologically and molecularly heterogeneous group of diseases that are characterized by acinar differentiation of at least a subset of the neoplastic cells, defined either morphologically (granular cytoplasm, single prominent nucleoli) or immunohistochemically. Squamoid nests are a key morphologic feature of pancreatoblastoma. Alterations in WNT signaling and chromosomal 11p loss are common molecular features of both acinar cell carcinoma and pancreatoblastoma. Targetable molecular alterations in acinar carcinoma include BRAF rearrangements and DNA repair defects, including mismatch repair deficiency and BRCA pathway defects. For practicing pathologists, morphologic recognition of such acinar neoplasms is critical, and in the future, molecular diagnostics to identify lesions susceptible to targeted therapy will likely form an important component of patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth D Thompson
- From the Department of Pathology, Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Laura D Wood
- From the Department of Pathology, Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Luchini C, Grillo F, Fassan M, Vanoli A, Capelli P, Paolino G, Ingravallo G, Renzulli G, Doglioni C, D’Amuri A, Mattiolo P, Pecori S, Parente P, Florena AM, Zamboni G, Scarpa A. Malignant epithelial/exocrine tumors of the pancreas. Pathologica 2020; 112:210-226. [PMID: 33179623 PMCID: PMC7931574 DOI: 10.32074/1591-951x-167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic malignant exocrine tumors represent the most important cause of cancer-related death for pancreatic neoplasms. The most common tumor type in this category is represented by pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), an ill defined, stroma-rich, scirrhous neoplasm with glandular differentiation. Here we present the relevant characteristics of the most important PDAC variants, namely adenosquamous carcinoma, colloid carcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells, signet ring carcinoma, medullary carcinoma and hepatoid carcinoma. The other categories of malignant exocrine tumors, characterized by fleshy, stroma-poor, circumscribed neoplasms, include acinar cell carcinoma (pure and mixed), pancreatoblastoma, and solid pseudopapillary neoplasms. The most important macroscopic, histologic, immunohistochemical and molecular hallmarks of all these tumors, highlighting their key diagnostic/pathological features are presented. Lastly, standardized indications regarding gross sampling and how to compile a formal pathology report for pancreatic malignant exocrine tumors will be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Luchini
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Federica Grillo
- Anatomic Pathology, San Martino IRCCS Hospital, Genova, Italy
- Anatomic Pathology, Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genova, Italy
| | - Matteo Fassan
- Surgical Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vanoli
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, and IRCCS San Matteo Hospital, Italy
| | - Paola Capelli
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Gaetano Paolino
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ingravallo
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Section of Pathological Anatomy, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Renzulli
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Section of Pathological Anatomy, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Claudio Doglioni
- Vita e Salute University, Milan, Italy
- Pathology Unit, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Paola Mattiolo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Sara Pecori
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Paola Parente
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Ada M. Florena
- Department of Sciences for Promotion of Health and Mother and Child Care, Anatomic Pathology, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Zamboni
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
- IRCSS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Italy
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
- ARC-NET Research Centre, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Rezaei M, Hosseini A, Nikeghbalian S, Ghaderi A. Establishment and characterization of a new human acinar cell carcinoma cell line, Faraz-ICR, from pancreas. Pancreatology 2017; 17:303-309. [PMID: 28215484 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Basic research in the field of acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) as a rare neoplasm of the pancreas is dependent on the availability of pragmatic model such as new pancreatic cancer cell lines. Thus, establishment and characterization of new pancreatic cancer cell lines from ACC origin are deemed important. METHODS Faraz-ICR cell line was derived from a 58-years old woman with pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma by the collagenase digestion protocol. We characterized the cell line by examining its morphology and cytostructural and functional profile. RESULTS Faraz-ICR has a doubling time of 35 hours and grows in soft agar with a colony-forming efficiency of 25%. The cell had nearly normal pattern of chromosomes in karyotype analysis and Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) array analysis. Evaluation of cells by flowcytometry showed that Faraz-ICR is negative for EpCAM and mesenchymal markers in different passages, and has epithelial nature. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that cells were strongly positive for vimentin, desmin, ezrin, S100, nestin and they were negative for pan-cytokeratins, chromogranin and alpha smooth muscle actin. CONCLUSIONS We were able to establish a new pancreatic carcinoma cell line with partial aspects of Epithelial-mesenchymal transition and aggressiveness. This cell line might be suitable for studying various anticancer drugs and protein profile aiming to see any possible tumor associated marker for ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Rezaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Hosseini
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saman Nikeghbalian
- Department of Surgery, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abbas Ghaderi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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8
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Güngör C, Hofmann BT, Wolters-Eisfeld G, Bockhorn M. Pancreatic cancer. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:849-58. [PMID: 24024905 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Revised: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED In recent years, it has become clear that the current standard therapeutic options for pancreatic cancer are not adequate and still do not meet the criteria to cure patients suffering from this lethal disease. Although research over the past decade has shown very interesting and promising new therapeutic options for these patients, only minor clinical success was achieved. Therefore, there is still an urgent need for new approaches that deal with early detection and new therapeutic options in pancreatic cancer. To provide optimal care for patients with pancreatic cancer, we need to understand better its complex molecular biology and thus to identify new target molecules that promote the proliferation and resistance to chemotherapy of pancreatic cancer cells. In spite of significant progress in curing cancers with chemotherapy, pancreatic cancer remains one of the most resistant solid tumour cancers and many studies suggest that drug-resistant cancer cells are the most aggressive with the highest relapse and metastatic rates. In this context, activated Notch signalling is strongly linked with chemoresistance and therefore reflects a rational new target to circumvent resistance to chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer. Here, we have focused our discussion on the latest research, current therapy options and recently identified target molecules such as Notch-2 and the heparin-binding growth factor midkine, which exhibit a wide range of cancer-relevant functions and therefore provide attractive new therapeutic target molecules, in terms of pancreatic cancer and other cancers also. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Midkine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Güngör
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, Experimental Oncology, Campus Research, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Toll AD, Hruban RH, Ali SZ. Acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas: clinical and cytomorphologic characteristics. KOREAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2013; 47:93-9. [PMID: 23667367 PMCID: PMC3647135 DOI: 10.4132/koreanjpathol.2013.47.2.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Revised: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Acinar cell carcinoma is a rare malignant epithelial neoplasm with predominantly exocrine acinar differentiation and is seen primarily in older men (mean age, 62 years). The presenting symptoms are usually non-specific, and jaundice is often not present. Symptoms relating to the overproduction and release of lipase into the circulation are present in 10-15% of patients. Characteristic cytomorphologic features include a population of cells with minimal pleomorphism, eccentrically placed nuclei with a single prominent nucleoli and moderate hyperchromasia. The cytoplasm is finely granular, and the background may contain granular debris secondary to cytolysis. A significant proportion of the cases also have a minor neuroendocrine component or scattered neuroendocrine cells. Approximately 50% of patients have metastatic disease at presentation, often restricted to the regional lymph nodes and liver. The prognosis is poor, only slightly better than that of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D Toll
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
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