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Pelizzo MR, Mazza EI, Mian C, Merante Boschin I. Medullary thyroid carcinoma. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2023; 23:943-957. [PMID: 37646181 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2023.2247566] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) constitutes approximately 5-10% of all thyroid cancers. Although the tumor forms in the thyroid, it doesn't originate from thyroid cells, but from the C cells or parafollicular cells which produce and release a hormone called calcitonin (CT). Starting from the second half of the 1900s, MTC was progressively studied and defined. AREAS COVERED This study aims to analyze the history, clinical presentation and biological behavior of MTC, bio-humoral and instrumental diagnosis, molecular profiling, genetic screening, preoperative staging and instrumental procedures, indispensable in expert and dedicated hands, such as high-resolution ultrasonography, CT-scan, MRI and PET/TC. We examine recommended and controversial surgical indications and procedures, prophylactic early surgery and multiple endocrine neoplasia surgery. Also, we discuss pathological anatomy classification and targeted therapies. The role of serum CT is valued both as undisputed and constant preoperative diagnostic marker, obscuring cytology and as early postoperative marker that predicts disease persistence. EXPERT OPINION With a complete preoperative study, unnecessary or useless, late and extended interventions can be reduced in favor of tailored surgery that also considers quality of life. Finally, great progress has been made in targeted therapy, with favorable impact on survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Pelizzo
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Esmeralda Isabella Mazza
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Caterina Mian
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Isabella Merante Boschin
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Diagnostic Accuracy of 18F-FDG PET/CT in Patients With Biochemical Evidence of Recurrent, Residual, or Metastatic Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma. Clin Nucl Med 2018; 44:194-200. [PMID: 30562193 DOI: 10.1097/rlu.0000000000002414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare malignancy. Location of residual, recurrent, or metastatic disease is crucial to treatment management and outcome. We aimed to evaluate the use of F-FDG PET/CT in localizing MTC foci in patients with biochemical relapse. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study. Review of 51 FDG PET/CT studies of 45 patients referred to restage MTC due to increased calcitonin (Ctn) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) values at follow-up. FDG PET/CT diagnostic accuracy was determined through a patient-based analysis, using histology as criterion standard when available, or other imaging studies and clinical follow-up otherwise (mean, 4 years). RESULTS There were 25 positive scans. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, diagnostic accuracy, and positive likelihood ratio were 66.7%, 83.3%, 88.0%, 57.7%, 72.5%, and 4.0, respectively. Using a Ctn cutoff of 1000 pg/mL, sensitivity increased to 76.9%. There were significant differences of Ctn and CEA values between positive and negative FDG PET/CT (P < 0.05). Regarding true-positive studies, average SUVmax comparing locoregional and metastatic disease was at the limit of significance (P = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS PET/CT can be useful to restage patients with biochemical relapse of MTC, with a better performance in higher Ctn levels. Its high positive predictive value (88%) may impact in the therapeutic management, although its low negative predictive value (57.7%) makes strict follow-up mandatory in examinations without pathologic findings.
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Lloyd RV, McNicoll AM. Annual review issue: An overview of 50 years of progress in endocrine pathology. Histopathology 2018; 72:4-5. [PMID: 29239043 DOI: 10.1111/his.13289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo V Lloyd
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Anne-Marie McNicoll
- Molecular and Cellular Pathology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Pawlak D, Rangger C, Kolenc Peitl P, Garnuszek P, Maurin M, Ihli L, Kroselj M, Maina T, Maecke H, Erba P, Kremser L, Hubalewska-Dydejczyk A, Mikołajczak R, Decristoforo C. From preclinical development to clinical application: Kit formulation for radiolabelling the minigastrin analogue CP04 with In-111 for a first-in-human clinical trial. Eur J Pharm Sci 2016; 85:1-9. [PMID: 26826279 PMCID: PMC4817208 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2016.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2015] [Revised: 01/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction A variety of radiolabelled minigastrin analogues targeting the cholecystokinin 2 (CCK2) receptor were developed and compared in a concerted preclinical testing to select the most promising radiotracer for diagnosis and treatment of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). DOTA–DGlu–DGlu–DGlu–DGlu–DGlu–DGlu– Ala–Tyr–Gly–Trp–Met–Asp–Phe–NH2 (CP04) after labelling with 111In displayed excellent characteristics, such as high stability, receptor affinity, specific and persistent tumour uptake and low kidney retention in animal models. Therefore, it was selected for further clinical evaluation within the ERA-NET project GRAN-T-MTC. Here we report on the development of a pharmaceutical freeze-dried formulation of the precursor CP04 for a first multi-centre clinical trial with 111In-CP04 in MTC patients. Materials and methods The kit formulation was optimised by adjustment of buffer, additives and radiolabelling conditions. Three clinical grade batches of a final kit formulation with two different amounts of peptide (10 or 50 μg) were prepared and radiolabelled with 111In. Quality control and stability assays of both the kits and the resulting radiolabelled compound were performed by HPLC analysis. Results Use of ascorbic acid buffer (pH 4.5) allowed freeze-drying of the kit formulation with satisfactory pellet-formation. Addition of methionine and gentisic acid as well as careful selection of radiolabelling temperature was required to avoid extensive oxidation of the Met11-residue. Trace metal contamination, in particular Zn, was found to be a major challenge during the pharmaceutical filling process in particular for the 10 μg formulation. The final formulations contained 10 or 50 μg CP04, 25 mg ascorbic acid, 0.5 mg gentisic acid and 5 mg l-methionine. The radiolabelling performed by incubation of 200–250 MBq 111InCl3 at 90 °C for 15 min resulted in reproducible radiochemical purity (RCP) >94%. Kit-stability was proven for >6 months at +5 °C and at +25 °C. The radiolabelled product was stable for >4 h at +25 °C. Conclusion A kit formulation to prepare 111In-CP04 for clinical application was developed, showing high stability of the kit as well as high RCP of the final product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Pawlak
- Radioisotope Centre POLATOM, National Centre for Nuclear Research, Otwock, Poland
| | | | - Petra Kolenc Peitl
- Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Piotr Garnuszek
- Radioisotope Centre POLATOM, National Centre for Nuclear Research, Otwock, Poland
| | - Michał Maurin
- Radioisotope Centre POLATOM, National Centre for Nuclear Research, Otwock, Poland
| | - Laura Ihli
- Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marko Kroselj
- Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Theodosia Maina
- Molecular Radiopharmacy, INRASTES, NCSR "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Helmut Maecke
- Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, Germany
| | - Paola Erba
- Dept. of Nuclear Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Leopold Kremser
- Division of Clinical Biochemistry, Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Renata Mikołajczak
- Radioisotope Centre POLATOM, National Centre for Nuclear Research, Otwock, Poland
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Pach D, Sowa-Staszczak A, Jabrocka-Hybel A, Stefańska A, Tomaszuk M, Mikołajczak R, Janota B, Trofimiuk-Müldner M, Przybylik-Mazurek E, Hubalewska-Dydejczyk A. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Imaging with [Lys (40) (Ahx-HYNIC- (99 m) Tc/EDDA)NH 2 ]-Exendin-4 for the Diagnosis of Recurrence or Dissemination of Medullary Thyroid Cancer: A Preliminary Report. Int J Endocrinol 2013; 2013:384508. [PMID: 23606839 PMCID: PMC3626320 DOI: 10.1155/2013/384508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Revised: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Epidemiological studies on medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) have shown that neither a change in stage at diagnosis nor improvement in survival has occurred during the past 30 years. In patients with detectable serum calcitonin and no clinically apparent disease, a careful search for local recurrence, and nodal or distant metastases, should be performed. Conventional imaging modalities will not show any disease until basal serum calcitonin is at least 150 pg/mL. The objective of the study was to present the first experience with labelled glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue [Lys(40)(Ahx-HYNIC-(99m)Tc/EDDA)NH2]-exendin-4 in the visualisation of MTC in humans. Material and Method. Four patients aged 22-74 years (two with sporadic and two with MEN2 syndrome-related disseminated MTC) were enrolled in the study. In all patients, GLP-1 receptor imaging was performed. Results. High-quality images were obtained in all patients. All previously known MTC lesions have been confirmed in GLP-1 scintigraphy. Moreover, one additional liver lesion was detected in sporadic MTC male patient. Conclusions. GLP-1 receptor imaging with [Lys(40)(Ahx-HYNIC-(99m)Tc/EDDA)NH2]-exendin-4 is able to detect MTC lesions. GLP-1 scintigraphy can serve as a confirmatory test in MTC patients, in whom other imaging procedures are inconsistent.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Pach
- Department of Endocrinology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika 17, 31-501 Krakow, Poland
| | - A. Sowa-Staszczak
- Department of Endocrinology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika 17, 31-501 Krakow, Poland
| | - A. Jabrocka-Hybel
- Department of Endocrinology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika 17, 31-501 Krakow, Poland
| | - A. Stefańska
- Department of Endocrinology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika 17, 31-501 Krakow, Poland
| | - M. Tomaszuk
- Department of Endocrinology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika 17, 31-501 Krakow, Poland
| | - R. Mikołajczak
- Radioisotope Center POLATOM, National Centre for Nuclear Research, 05-400 Otwock, Poland
| | - B. Janota
- Radioisotope Center POLATOM, National Centre for Nuclear Research, 05-400 Otwock, Poland
| | - M. Trofimiuk-Müldner
- Department of Endocrinology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika 17, 31-501 Krakow, Poland
| | - E. Przybylik-Mazurek
- Department of Endocrinology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika 17, 31-501 Krakow, Poland
| | - A. Hubalewska-Dydejczyk
- Department of Endocrinology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika 17, 31-501 Krakow, Poland
- *A. Hubalewska-Dydejczyk:
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Shepet K, Alhefdhi A, Lai N, Mazeh H, Sippel R, Chen H. Hereditary medullary thyroid cancer: age-appropriate thyroidectomy improves disease-free survival. Ann Surg Oncol 2012. [PMID: 23188542 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-012-2757-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Twenty-five percent of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) cases are hereditary. The ideal age for prophylactic thyroidectomy is based on the specific RET mutation involved. The purpose of this study was to determine whether such age-appropriate prophylactic thyroidectomy results in improved disease-free survival. METHODS Twenty-eight patients underwent thyroidectomy for hereditary MTC at our institution. Age-appropriate thyroidectomy was defined according to the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (NANETS) guidelines. Patients who had age-appropriate surgery (group 1, n = 9) were compared to those who had thyroidectomy past the recommended age (group 2, n = 19). RESULTS The mean age was 13 ± 2 years, and 61 % were female. Patients in group 1 were younger than in group 2 (4 ± 1 vs. 17 ± 2 years, p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in gender or RET mutation types between these two groups. Group 1 patients were cured with no disease recurrence compared with group 2 patients who had a 42 % recurrence rate (p = 0.05). Subanalysis of group 2 identified that patients who underwent surgery without evidence of disease did so at a shorter period following the guidelines compared with those who underwent therapeutic surgery (2 ± 2 vs. 16 ± 2 years, p = 0.01) and had longer disease-free survival (100 vs. 27 %, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS Patients with hereditary MTC should undergo age-appropriate thyroidectomy based on RET mutational status to avoid recurrence. Patients who are past the recommended age should have surgery as early as possible to improve disease-free survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Shepet
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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Chen H, Sippel RS, O'Dorisio MS, Vinik AI, Lloyd RV, Pacak K. The North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society consensus guideline for the diagnosis and management of neuroendocrine tumors: pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma, and medullary thyroid cancer. Pancreas 2010; 39:775-83. [PMID: 20664475 PMCID: PMC3419007 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0b013e3181ebb4f0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 368] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pheochromocytomas, intra-adrenal paraganglioma, and extra-adrenal sympathetic and parasympathetic paragangliomas are neuroendocrine tumors derived from adrenal chromaffin cells or similar cells in extra-adrenal sympathetic and parasympathetic paraganglia, respectively. Serious morbidity and mortality rates associated with these tumors are related to the potent effects of catecholamines on various organs, especially those of the cardiovascular system. Before any surgical procedure is done, preoperative blockade is necessary to protect the patient against significant release of catecholamines due to anesthesia and surgical manipulation of the tumor. Treatment options vary with the extent of the disease, with laparoscopic surgery being the preferred treatment for removal of primary tumors. Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a malignancy of the thyroid C cells or parafollicular cells. Thyroid C cells elaborate a number of peptides and hormones, such as calcitonin, carcinoembryonic antigen, and chromogranin A. Some or all of these markers are elevated in patients with MTC and can be used to confirm the diagnosis as well as to follow patients longitudinally for recurrence. Medullary thyroid cancer consists of a spectrum of diseases that ranges from extremely indolent tumors that are stable for many years to aggressive types associated with a high mortality rate. Genetic testing for RET mutations has allowed identification of familial cases and prophylactic thyroidectomy for cure. The only curative treatment is complete surgical resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792-7375, USA.
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Cook MR, Luo J, Ndiaye M, Chen H, Kunnimalaiyaan M. Xanthohumol inhibits the neuroendocrine transcription factor achaete-scute complex-like 1, suppresses proliferation, and induces phosphorylated ERK1/2 in medullary thyroid cancer. Am J Surg 2010; 199:315-8; discussion 318. [PMID: 20226902 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2009.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2009] [Revised: 08/09/2009] [Accepted: 08/10/2009] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Achaete-scute complex-like 1 (ASCL1) is a transcription factor important in the malignant development of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Activation of Raf-1 signaling is associated with ASCL1 suppression and growth inhibition. Xanthohumol, a natural compound, has recently been shown to have anticancer properties. We thus hypothesized that xanthohumol would suppress growth by activating Raf-1 signaling, thus altering the malignant phenotype of MTC. METHODS Human MTC cells were treated with xanthohumol (0-30 micromol/L) for up to 6 days. Proliferation was measured by a methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay. Western blot analysis was performed for ASCL1 and markers of Raf-1 pathway activation. RESULTS Treatment of MTC cells with xanthohumol resulted in a dose dependent inhibition of growth. Additionally, induction of phosphorylated ERK1/2 and a reduction of ASCL1 protein was noted. CONCLUSIONS Xanthohumol is a potent Raf-1 activator in MTC cells. This compound suppresses MTC growth, alters the malignant phenotype, and warrants further preclinical study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie R Cook
- Endocrine Surgery Research Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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Medullary thyroid carcinoma: targeted therapies and future directions. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2009; 2009:183031. [PMID: 20069043 PMCID: PMC2798103 DOI: 10.1155/2009/183031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2009] [Accepted: 11/24/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare neuroendocrine neoplasm that accounts for approximately 5% of all thyroid malignancies. The natural history of MTC is characterized by early lymph node and distant metastases, making complete surgical cure often impossible. Conventional chemotherapy and external beam radiation have been largely ineffective in altering the natural history of MTC. Therefore, there is a great need to develop novel therapeutic strategies to affect symptom control and reduce tumor burden in patients with widely disseminated disease. Here, we review several pathways which have been shown to be vital in MTC tumorigenesis and focus on the pathways of interest for which targeted drug therapies are currently being developed.
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Abstract
A growing body of literature is demonstrating that Notch signaling is a more complex process than originally thought. Contradictory findings of notch-1 acting as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor revealed that its role is very specific to the cellular context. In this review we focus on the tumor suppressor role of Notch-1 signaling in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) such as carcinoid and medullary thyroid cancers. NETs secrete various bioactive hormones that can cause debilitating symptoms. Surgery is the only potential curative treatment for the patients with NETs. Notch-1 signaling is absent in these tumors and activation of Notch-1 significantly reduces tumor growth in vitro. Therefore, identification of compound(s) that activate the Notch-1 pathway in NETs could be a potential strategy to treat patients with NETs.
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Guillem JG, Wood WC, Moley JF, Berchuck A, Karlan BY, Mutch DG, Gagel RF, Weitzel J, Morrow M, Weber BL, Giardiello F, Rodriguez-Bigas MA, Church J, Gruber S, Offit K. ASCO/SSO review of current role of risk-reducing surgery in common hereditary cancer syndromes. Ann Surg Oncol 2006; 13:1296-321. [PMID: 16990987 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-006-9036-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant portion of cancers are accounted for by a heritable component, which has increasingly been linked to mutations in specific genes. Clinical interventions have been formulated for mutation carriers within affected families. The primary interventions for mutation carriers of highly penetrant syndromes are surgical. METHODS The American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Society of Surgical Oncology formed a task force charged with presenting an educational symposium on surgical management of hereditary cancer syndromes at annual society meetings, and this resulted in a position paper on this topic. The content of both the symposium and the position paper was developed as a consensus statement. RESULTS This article addresses hereditary breast, colorectal, ovarian/endometrial, and multiple endocrine neoplasias. A brief introduction on the genetics and natural history of each disease is provided, followed by detailed descriptions of modern surgical approaches, clinical and genetic indications, timing of prophylactic surgery, and the efficacy of surgery (when known). Although several recent reviews have addressed the role of genetic testing for cancer susceptibility, this article focuses on the issues surrounding surgical technique, timing, and indications for surgical prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS Risk-reducing surgical treatment of hereditary cancer is a complex undertaking. It requires a clear understanding of the natural history of the disease, realistic appreciation of the potential benefits and risks of these procedures in potentially otherwise healthy individuals, and the long-term sequelae of such interventions, as well as the individual patient's and family's perceptions of surgical risk and anticipated benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Guillem
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, Room C-1077, New York, New York 10021, USA.
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Kunnimalaiyaan M, Vaccaro AM, Ndiaye MA, Chen H. Overexpression of the NOTCH1 intracellular domain inhibits cell proliferation and alters the neuroendocrine phenotype of medullary thyroid cancer cells. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:39819-30. [PMID: 17090547 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m603578200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of NOTCH1 as an oncogene or tumor suppressor appears to be cell type-specific. Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) cells characteristically express the transcription factor ASCL1 (achaete-scute complex-like 1) as well as high levels of the neuroendocrine (NE) markers calcitonin and chromogranin A (CgA). In this study, we show that the active NOTCH1 intracellular domain is absent in human MTC tumor tissue samples and MTC-TT cells. To determine the effects of NOTCH1 expression, we created a doxycycline-inducible NOTCH1 intracellular domain in MTC cells (TT-NOTCH cells). Treatment of TT-NOTCH cells with doxycycline led to dose-dependent induction of NOTCH1 protein with corresponding decreases in ASCL1 protein and NE hormones. ASCL1 promoter-reporter assay and Northern analysis revealed that ASCL1 reduction by NOTCH1 activation is predominantly via silencing of ASCL1 gene transcription. Overexpression of ASCL1 in MTC cells indicated that CgA expression is highly dependent on the levels of ASCL1. This was further confirmed by experiments using small interfering RNA against ASCL1, in which reduction in ASCL1 led to reduction in both CgA and calcitonin. Furthermore, we demonstrate that NOTCH1 signaling activation leads to ERK1/2 phosphorylation, but that reduction in NE markers is independent of ERK1/2 activation. Activation of NOTCH1 resulted in significant MTC cell growth inhibition. Notably, reduction in MTC cell growth was dependent on the level of NOTCH1 protein present. Moreover, no increase in growth upon expression of ASCL1 in NOTCH1-activated cells was observed, indicating that the growth suppression observed upon NOTCH1 activation is independent of ASCL1 reduction. Mechanistically, we show that MTC cell growth inhibition by NOTCH1 is mediated by cell cycle arrest associated with up-regulation of p21.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muthusamy Kunnimalaiyaan
- Endocrine Surgery Research Laboratories, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53792, USA
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13
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Guillem JG, Wood WC, Moley JF, Berchuck A, Karlan BY, Mutch DG, Gagel RF, Weitzel J, Morrow M, Weber BL, Giardiello F, Rodriguez-Bigas MA, Church J, Gruber S, Offit K. ASCO/SSO review of current role of risk-reducing surgery in common hereditary cancer syndromes. J Clin Oncol 2006; 24:4642-60. [PMID: 17008706 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2005.04.5260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the etiology of solid cancers is multifactorial, with environmental and genetic factors playing a variable role, a significant portion of the burden of cancer is accounted for by a heritable component. Increasingly, the heritable component of cancer predispositions has been linked to mutations in specific genes, and clinical interventions have been formulated for mutation carriers within affected families. The primary interventions for mutations carriers for highly penetrant syndromes such as multiple endocrine neoplasias, familial adenomatous polyposis, hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer, and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes are primarily surgical. For that reason, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) have undertaken an educational effort within the oncology community. A joint ASCO/SSO Task Force was charged with presenting an educational symposium on the surgical management of hereditary cancer syndromes at the annual ASCO and SSO meetings, resulting in an educational position article on this topic. Both the content of the symposium and the article were developed as a consensus statement by the Task Force, with the intent of summarizing the current standard of care. This article is divided into four sections addressing breast, colorectal, ovarian and endometrial cancers, and multiple endocrine neoplasia. For each, a brief introduction on the genetics and natural history of the disease is provided, followed by a detailed description of modern surgical approaches, including a description of the clinical and genetic indications and timing of prophylactic surgery, and the efficacy of prophylactic surgery when known. Although a number of recent reviews have addressed the role of genetic testing for cancer susceptibility, including the richly illustrated Cancer Genetics and Cancer Predisposition Testing curriculum by the ASCO Cancer Genetics Working Group (available through http://www.asco.org), this article focuses on the issues surrounding the why, how, and when of surgical prophylaxis for inherited forms of cancer. This is a complex process, which requires a clear understanding of the natural history of the disease and variance of penetrance, a realistic appreciation of the potential benefit and risk of a risk-reducing procedure in a potentially otherwise healthy individual, the long-term sequelae of such surgical intervention, as well as the individual patient and family's perception of surgical risk and anticipated benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Guillem
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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Chen H, Kunnimalaiyaan M, Van Gompel JJ. Medullary thyroid cancer: the functions of raf-1 and human achaete-scute homologue-1. Thyroid 2005; 15:511-21. [PMID: 16029117 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2005.15.511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a prototypic neuroendocrine tumor of the thyroid C cells. Other than surgery, there are no curative therapies for MTC. In this review, we detail recent studies that suggest that targeting specific signaling pathways may be a viable strategy to control MTC tumor progression. Specifically, we discuss the role of the raf-1 and achaete-scute homologue-1 pathways in the MTC tumor growth and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Medical School, the University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
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Sippel RS, Carpenter JE, Kunnimalaiyaan M, Chen H. The role of human achaete-scute homolog-1 in medullary thyroid cancer cells. Surgery 2004; 134:866-71; discussion 871-3. [PMID: 14668716 DOI: 10.1016/s0039-6060(03)00418-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human achaete-scute homolog-1 (hASH1) is a transcription factor that is expressed highly in neuroendocrine tumors such as medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Thyroid C-cells do not develop in hASH1 knockout mice, which suggests that hASH1 is essential for normal C-cell development. METHODS To determine the effect of raf-1 induction on hASH1 and hormone production, we used an estrogen inducible raf-1 construct in MTC cell line (TT) cells (TT-raf cells). TT or TT-raf cells were treated with control or 1 microM estradiol. After 48 hours, the cells were analyzed for levels of hASH1 and chromogranin A by Western blotting and for calcitonin production by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Activation of raf-1 in the TT-raf cells resulted in high levels of phosphorylated MEK and ERK1/2, a morphologic transdifferentiation, and a decrease in chromogranin A and calcitonin levels that are associated with a reduction in hASH1 production. Furthermore, using MEK inhibitors, we demonstrated that these raf-1-mediated changes are dependent on MEK but not ERK1/2 activation. CONCLUSION hASH1 down-regulation by raf-1 in MTC cells is associated with a significant decrease in hormone production. Thus, hASH1 appears to be important in the endocrine phenotype of MTC tumors and may serve as a molecular target for the treatment of patients with MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S Sippel
- Department of Surgery, The University of Wisconsin Medical School and the University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792, USA
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Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a neuroendocrine malignancy that occurs in hereditary (25%) and sporadic (75%) clinical settings. MTC is present in all patients with the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndromes. MTCs produce calcitonin, the measurement of which can indicate the presence of tumors in people who are at risk and the effectiveness of therapy in treated patients. Surgical cure is possible in young patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 who undergo preventative thyroidectomy (approximately 50% of patients who are diagnosed with a palpable thyroid mass) and in some patients with recurrent nodal metastatic disease in the neck. Mortality from MTC is caused by tumor invasion of the trachea, great vessels in the neck, or mediastinum or by the effects of distant metastatic disease. Surgery for cervical recurrence can prevent death from tracheal invasion. The role of radiation therapy is not well defined. There is no effective systemic therapy for MTC. Activating mutations in a tyrosine kinase receptor gene (RET) are present in most MTCs, and experience with tyrosine kinase inhibitors and other agents in clinical trials is critical for the identification of effective systemic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey F Moley
- Endocrine and Oncologic Surgery, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, Box 8109, 660 South Euclid, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a malignancy of the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid gland. It occurs sporadically or as part of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) syndromes. Patients who have inherited a mutation in the RET proto-oncogene should have thyroidectomy early in life to prevent formation and spread of this cancer. Most patients with sporadic disease present with a palpable neck mass. The diagnosis is made by fine needle aspiration biopsy and by measuring calcitonin levels in the blood. Primary treatment consists of surgical resection including a total thyroidectomy, central neck nodal dissection and functional lateral neck nodal dissections. Most patients with a palpable primary tumour have nodal disease present at the time of operation, and nodal involvement is often bilateral. Adequate resection of the primary tumour and cervical lymph nodes is important to optimize outcome and minimize the risk of recurrent disease. Proper handling of the parathyroid glands prevents hypoparathyroidism. Following primary surgical resection, more than half of the patients will have recurrent disease with persistent elevation of calcitonin levels. Currently, there is no adequate systemic therapy for treating recurrent disease. Surgical reoperation or conservative observation are the best available options. Diagnostic laparoscopy for liver evaluation is the most sensitive diagnostic test to detect the presence of distant metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Cohen
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA.
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Moley JF. Invited commentary: Are specific inherited mutations important in clinical management of hereditary cancer syndromes? Surgery 2002; 131:382-3. [PMID: 11935127 DOI: 10.1067/msy.2002.121094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey F Moley
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S Euclid Avenue, PO Box 8109, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
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