Elevated serum tumor markers in patients with testicular cancer after induction chemotherapy due to a reservoir of markers in cystic differentiated mature teratoma

Human Malignant Rhabdoid Tumor Antigens as Biomarkers and Potential Therapeutic Targets

INTRODUCTION

Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) is a lethal type of malignant rhabdoid tumor in the brain, seen mostly in children under two years old. ATRT is mainly linked to the biallelic inactivation of the SMARCB1 gene. To understand the deadly characteristics of ATRT and develop novel diagnostic and immunotherapy strategies for the treatment of ATRT, this study investigated tumor antigens, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), mucin-16 (MUC16/CA125), and osteopontin (OPN), and extracellular matrix modulators, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), in different human malignant rhabdoid tumor cell lines. In addition, the roles of MMPs were also examined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five human cell lines were chosen for this study, including two ATRT cell lines, CHLA-02-ATRT and CHLA-05-ATRT; a kidney malignant rhabdoid tumor cell line, G401; and two control cell lines, human embryonic kidney HEK293 and HEK293T. Both ATRT cell lines were treated with a broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor, GM6001, to investigate the effect of MMPs on cell proliferation, viability, and expression of tumor antigens and biomarkers. Gene expression was examined using a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and protein expression was characterized by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

All the rhabdoid tumor cell lines tested had high gene expression levels of MUC16, OPN, AFP, and MSLN. Low expression levels of neuron-specific enolase (ENO2) by the two ATRT cell lines demonstrated their lack of neuronal genotype. Membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP/MMP-14) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2) were highly expressed in these malignant rhabdoid tumor cells, indicating their invasive phenotypes. GM6001 significantly decreased ATRT cell proliferation and the gene expression of MSLN, OPN, and several mesenchymal markers, suggesting that inhibition of MMPs may reduce the aggressiveness of rhabdoid cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained from this study may advance our knowledge of the molecular landscapes of human malignant rhabdoid tumors and their biomarkers for effective diagnosis and treatment. This work analyzed the expression of human malignant rhabdoid tumor antigens that may serve as biomarkers for the development of novel therapeutic strategies, such as cancer vaccines and targeted and immunotherapies targeting osteopontin and mesothelin, for the treatment of patients with ATRT and other malignant rhabdoid tumors.

[Management of residual masses of testis germ cell tumors]

A residual mass (RM) is an abnormal image with a transverse axis of more than 1cm trans that remains visible on the CT scan performed after chemotherapy for metastatic germ cell tumors. Their management depends on the histology of the initial tumor. In the case of a non-seminomatous germ cell tumor, all residual lesions must be resected if the tumor markers are negative. The surgery usually begins with a retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. This lymphadenectomy is a programed regional surgery and not the only resection of visible masses. All RM must be resected, regardless of their location, and may require successive actions. In order to limit its morbidity, modifications on the extent of the lymphadenectomy and the use of minimally invasive approaches are proposed by some center. When the initial tumor is a pure seminoma the attitude is different: the decay of the masses in post chemotherapy is often postponed. If lesions less than 3cm can be monitored, the others benefit from 18FDG PET at the end of chemotherapy: a positive attachment to PET is suspected of the presence of residual active tissue. The surgery of these RM is curative. If its extent is precise in the case of non-seminomatous tumor, it is more controversial in the case of seminoma. In the case of residual markers, surgery has a place in very specific situations.

Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in the setting of elevated markers

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The management of residual tumor masses in patients with metastatic germ cell tumor and persistently elevated tumor marker levels after first- and second-line chemotherapy usually excludes surgical resection. The lack of benefit of salvage chemotherapy in patients with persistently elevated markers implies a degree of chemotherapy resistance. However, previous studies demonstrated therapeutic efficacy for a surgical approach in these very particular patients. Therefore, we evaluated pre and postoperative factors, which help to identify suitable candidates, who could potentially benefit from tumor resection.

RECENT FINDINGS

Preoperative parameters, which predict favorable outcomes, include good prognosis according to the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative group, a high preoperative level of alpha-fetoprotein in contrast to a high level of β-HCG, stable or decreasing preoperative tumor markers and teratomatous elements in the initial testicular tumor. Retroperitoneal and mediastinal lymph nodes as target lesions are predictive for good long-term outcome due to the higher chance of complete tumor resection. Teratoma or necrosis in the resected residual tissue and postoperative marker normalization additionally represent a favorable prognosis.

SUMMARY

Even in advanced chemorefractory germ cell tumor patients with elevated tumor markers the disease remains curative with radical surgery as a salvage option, if a complete resection can be achieved. Thus, a surgical approach should always be considered in the management of selected patients to avoid unnecessary salvage chemotherapy.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Assays for Testicular Tumors: Closing the Gap between Clinical and Laboratory Practice

BACKGROUND

Clinical practice guidelines recommend the measurement of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and/or hCGβ in serum for management of testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs). These guidelines, however, disregard relevant biochemical information on hCG variants to be detected for oncological application. We set out to provide a critical review of the clinical evidence together with a characterization of the selectivity of currently marketed hCG immunoassays, identifying assays suitable for management of GCTs.

CONTENT

Evidence sources in the available literature were critically appraised. Most instances of misdiagnosis and mismanagement of testicular GCTs have been associated with hCG results. According to the clinical evidence, 36% of patients with seminoma show an exclusive hCGβ increase, and 71% of patients with nonseminomatous GCTs (NSGCTs) show an increase of intact hCG and/or hCG + hCGβ, whereas the hCGβ increase in NSGCTs is variable according to the tumor stage and histology.

SUMMARY

hCG + hCGβ assays that display an equimolar recognition of hCG and hCGβ, or at least do not overtly underestimate hCGβ, may be employed for management of testicular GCTs. Assays that underestimate hCGβ are not recommended for oncological application. In addition to the hCG + hCGβ assay in service, an additional assay with broader selectivity for other hCG variants should be considered when false-negative or false-positive results are suspected on the basis of clinical data.

Significant biomarkers for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma

Surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is important for early detection. Imaging tests including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography with or without various kinds of contrast medium are important options for detecting HCC. In addition to the imaging tests, various kinds of biomarkers including alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), lectin-bound AFP (AFP-L3) and protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II (PIVKA-II) have been widely used to detect HCC and analyze treatment response. Recently, various kinds of novel biomarkers (proteins and miRNA) have been found to predict the malignancy potential of HCC and treatment response to specific therapies. Moreover, various combinations of well-established biomarkers and novel biomarkers have been tested to improve sensitivity and specificity. In practical terms, biomarkers that can be analyzed using peripheral blood samples might be more useful than immunohistochemical techniques. It has been reported that quantification of cytokines in peripheral blood and the analysis of peripheral immune subsets could be good biomarkers for managing HCC. Here, we describe the usefulness of and update well-established and novel biomarkers for the management of HCC.

Diagnosing and monitoring hepatocellular carcinoma with alpha-fetoprotein: new aspects and applications

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the 5th most common cancer in the world. Prognosis for this disease is poor since hepatocellular carcinoma is mostly diagnosed at an advanced stage. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is one of the most common diagnostic markers for hepatocellular carcinoma. However, its diagnostic value is more and more questioned. Therefore, research has focussed on AFP related parameters (AFP mRNA and AFP glycoforms). The aim of this paper is to review the present knowledge on AFP and its related parameters in diagnosing and monitoring HCC. AFP related parameters can be arranged in two types: AFP mRNA and AFP glycoforms. AFP mRNA is a potentially prognostic marker and AFP mRNA assays are based on PCR techniques. The AFP glycoforms have diagnostic potential and assays are based on isoelectric focussing and lectin affinity electrophoretic methods. Up to now the diagnostic use of the AFP related parameters is limited. Although some of them are recommended as a complementary test, they cannot (yet) replace serum AFP as the golden standard of diagnostic markers for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Post Chemotherapy RPLND in Patients with Elevated Markers: Current Concepts and Clinical Outcome

Elevated serum tumor markers after cisplatin-based chemotherapy usually contraindicate surgery because of the presence of active germ-cell elements; however, some patients have undergone PCRPLND with curative intent. We evaluated the role of surgery to resect retroperitoneal-only marker positive tumor. Residual germ-cell cancer was identified in 50% of patients with elevated tumor markers with one third alive at 5 years; 5-year survival with residual teratoma or necrosis was 77.5% and 85.7%, respectively. Predictors of retroperitoneal teratoma or fibrosis included declining tumor makers at surgery, betaHCG < 100, and first-line chemotherapy. Predictors of death included rising preoperative betaHCG, elevated AFP, redo RPLND, and active germ-cell cancer in the resected specimen. Select patients with elevated tumor markers after chemotherapy are cured with surgery.

Late recurrences of germ cell malignancies: a population-based experience over three decades

The purpose of this study was to explore the incidence of late relapse in patients with malignant germ cell tumour (MGCT) in a population-based series, with emphasis on the mode of detection, survival, and the relevance of histological findings. The clinical records from a population-based cohort of patients with seminoma (n=1123) or non-seminoma (n=826) were evaluated for late relapses. Twenty-five patients developed a late relapse. The cumulative 10-year incidence rate was 1.3%. All 10 seminoma patients, but only eight of 15 non-seminoma patients relapsed with vital malignant tumour (P=0.02). Teratoma or necrosis was found in seven of nine primarily chemotherapy-treated non-seminoma patients with normal tumour markers at late relapse. Six of nine patients operated with limited retroperitoneal lymph node dissection as part of the primary treatment had relapsed retroperitoneally outside the original operation field. The 10-year cause-specific survival was 68% in all patients, 50% in patients relapsing with vital malignant tumour and 100% in those with teratoma/ necrosis before or after salvage chemotherapy. The 10-year incidence rate of late relapses of 1.3% might reflect the true incidence rate in a population-based cohort of MGCT patients, with cure in at least half of them.

Pathologic findings and therapeutic outcome of desperation post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in advanced germ cell cancer

Increased serum tumor markers after cisplatin-based chemotherapy have usually been considered a contraindication to surgery because of the presence of persistent active germ cell elements. However, a select population of patients with elevated serum tumor markers have undergone post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) with curative intent. We evaluated the role of surgery to resect retroperitoneal-only marker positive tumor. Long-term survival was observed in 50% of patients. Residual germ cell cancer was identified in 50% of patients, with a third alive at 5 years with no observed benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. Select patients with increased tumor markers after chemotherapy are cured with surgery.

Significance of elevated preoperative α-fetoprotein in postchemotherapy residual tumor resection for the disseminated germ cell tumors

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the study is to determine the significance of elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the setting prior to residual tumor resection (RTR) following chemotherapy for metastatic germ cell tumor in terms of the prediction of histology of the specimen and postoperative survival.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of 68 patients undergoing RTR for metastatic nonseminomatous germ cell tumor or extragonadal germ cell tumor after at least a first-line chemotherapy. Pretreatment and postchemotherapy serum markers were evaluated in association with other clinical findings including results of pathological examination of RTR specimen and surgical outcome.

RESULTS

Of the 68 study patients, 54 (79%) and 45 (66%) had positive AFP and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG) in pretreatment settings. Rates of presence of residual malignant cell in RTR specimen were similar between patients with normal AFP (7/28 or 25%) and with mildly elevated (10-30 ng/ml) AFP (3/11 or 27%). In 26 patients who had residual viable malignancy in RTR specimen, patients with preoperative positive AFP had significantly better survival (P = 0.02) compared to those with preoperative positive beta-HCG.

CONCLUSIONS

Sole and mild elevation of AFP is not always associated with postoperative poor prognosis. It should be carefully considered individually whether a mild elevation of AFP after chemotherapy represents residual malignancy or benign pathogenesis.

Outcome Analysis for Patients With Elevated Serum Tumor Markers at Postchemotherapy Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection

Purpose

To evaluate the therapeutic benefit of postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PCRPLND) in patients with persistently elevated serum tumor markers.

Patients and Methods

One hundred fourteen patients with metastatic germ cell cancer with elevated serum tumor markers after first-line (50 patients) or second-line chemotherapy (64 patients) who underwent PCRPLND between 1977 and 2000 with a minimum follow-up of 2-years were included in this retrospective study.

Results

The 5-year overall survival was 53.9%. Sixty-one patients (53.5%) are alive with a medium follow-up of 72 months. Fifty-three patients died of disease, with a medium time to death of 8.0 months. Mean preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (βHCG) levels were 483 ng/mL and 555 mU/mL, respectively, with no difference in 5-year survival (P = .2). Retroperitoneal pathology revealed germ cell cancer in 53.5% of patients, teratoma in 34.2% of patients, and fibrosis in 12.2% of patients, with 5-year survival rates of 31.4%, 77.5%, and 85.7%, respectively (P < .0001). Predictors of retroperitoneal pathology included an increasing serum AFP or βHCG, βHCG more than 100 ng/mL, redo retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND), and second-line chemotherapy. Poor prognostic variables by multivariable analysis included βHCG status, serum AFP level, redo RPLND, and germ cell cancer in the resected specimen.

Conclusion

A subset of patients with elevated serum tumor markers after chemotherapy is curable with surgery. The prognostic factors predictive of outcome in this analysis include an increasing βHCG, serum AFP level, redo RPLND, and germ cell cancer in the resected specimen. These factors, along with clinical and surgical experience, should aid in determining the appropriate integration of surgery and chemotherapy in this population.

Diagnostic Value of Tumour Marker Regression Models in Stage 1 Marker-Positive Testicular Cancer

The decay pattern and half-life period evaluation of serum tumour markers are useful parameters in the management of testicular cancer in clinic stage 1. Alpha-fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin serum levels measured after orchiectomy can be used to predict the tumour stage. However, the optimal strategy for marker analysis after orchiectomy has not yet been defined. In this article we describe a graphic interactive method which uses tumour marker clearance to help identify patients with occult metastases after orchiectomy.

Tumor marker levels in post-chemotherapy cystic masses: clinical implications for patients with germ cell tumors

PURPOSE

Increased tumor markers after induction chemotherapy for patients with germ cell tumor usually represent systemic disease and consequently second line chemotherapy is instituted, while retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is reserved for patients with marker normalization. We report the concentration of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the fluid of post-chemotherapy cystic masses to evaluate this as a potential source for serum marker elevation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From March 2002 to December 2002, 11 consecutive patients with post-chemotherapy cystic masses underwent RPLND. Following resection, aspirated fluid was analyzed for AFP and HCG. Only 5 post-chemotherapy RPLNDs were performed in patients with increased serum tumor markers, including the 3 patients in our study. Patients with increasing tumor markers and/or multifocal disease with noncystic residual masses after induction chemotherapy underwent salvage chemotherapy despite teratomatous elements in the primary tumor.

RESULTS

All 11 patients had teratoma in the orchiectomy specimen and retroperitoneum, including one with malignant transformation. Cystic fluid markers were increased in all patients, 9 of 9 with HCG (range 7.0 to 6,880) and 9 of 11 with AFP (27.5 to 521.2). Two patients with an increased serum AFP before surgery (47.9 and 31.6) had cyst levels of 73.5 and 790.4 respectively. Both serum markers normalized postoperatively. One patient with increased pre-RPLND serum HCG (11.6) had a cyst level of 233. HCG continued to increase postoperatively and the patient died of disease. The remaining 10 patients remain disease free.

CONCLUSION

Fluid from cystic teratoma contains variably elevated levels of HCG and AFP in all patients and appears to be independent of serum marker level or pathology. It is possible that a "slow leak" of fluid from cystic teratoma may explain elevated serum markers in selected patients with teratoma and thus may potentially avoid second line chemotherapy.

Postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection is effective therapy in selected patients with elevated tumor markers after primary chemotherapy alone

OBJECTIVES

Elevated tumor markers after primary chemotherapy for metastatic testis cancer are usually an indication of persistent cancer. Subsequent treatment has usually been salvage chemotherapy. This article examines the possibility that selected patients can achieve long-term disease-free survival with surgery alone.

METHODS

Using a computerized data base of 627 postinduction chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissections (PC-RPLND), 23 patients with elevated tumor markers who have undergone PC-RPLND after induction chemotherapy alone were identified. Of the 23 patients, 15 were considered candidates for salvage chemotherapy, but instead underwent salvage surgery. Case histories were reviewed to establish selection criteria for PC-RPLND.

RESULTS

Eight patients originally presented as clinical Stage C, 6 as clinical Stage B-3, and 1 as clinical Stage B-2. All patients initially received cisplatin combination chemotherapy. Twelve patients had an elevated alpha-fetoprotein level and 3 patients had an elevated beta human chorionic gonadotropin level prior to PC-RPLND. Seven patients had rising markers at the time of PC-RPLND. Seven patients had teratoma only in their resected specimen and all have no evidence of disease (NED) at a median of 35 months. Two patients had necrosis only in their RPLND specimen and both are NED at 10 and 42 months. Six patients had cancer in their resected specimen and 2 are NED, 1 is alive with disease, and 3 are dead of disease. Five of the 6 patients with cancer in their resected specimen were the only patients who received postoperative chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Some patients with modest elevations of tumor markers after induction chemotherapy may only have teratoma or necrosis in the postchemotherapy resected specimen. These patients (n = 9) remain continuously NED. Patients who undergo salvage surgery and have cancer in the resected specimen do less well, but selected patients can be cured with this modality and thus avoid the morbidity of salvage chemotherapy.

Monocyte activation in patients with non-seminomatous germ cell tumour of the testis before and after tumour eradication

AIMS

To investigate the kinetics of normalisation of monocyte oxidative activity following tumour eradication.

METHODS

Whole blood lucigenin enhanced chemiluminescence was studied in patients with non-seminomatous germ cell tumours. Group 1 comprised 14 patients who had been "cured" of their cancer (the term "cured" as used in this report denotes a relapse free period of at least three years). Group 2 comprised 15 patients who were followed from diagnosis to up to two years after the start of treatment.

RESULTS

Lucigenin enhanced chemiluminescence of whole blood in the "cured" patients was similar to that of controls and lower than that in patients who had not yet received chemotherapy (group 2). After treatment, chemiluminescence decreased slowly and did not normalise until 18 months after the start of treatment. Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) concentrations were normal in "cured" patients but were raised in those who had not yet received treatment. TNF alpha was normalised 12 months after start of treatment. Alpha-fetoprotein concentrations were raised in most patients but normalised rapidly after tumour eradication.

CONCLUSIONS

The activity of blood monocytes, as measured by whole blood lucigenin enhanced chemiluminescence, is increased in cancer. This activity may be a consequence of the presence of tumour cells. Immunocompetent cells remain active for over a year after eradication of the tumour.

Results of salvage retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy (RLA) in the treatment of patients with nonseminomatous germ cell tumours remaining marker positive after inductive chemotherapy

The authors describe the evidence and results obtained in 21 out of 100 patients who underwent salvage retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy for advanced testicular cancer (UICC stage II/B bulky and stage III) in the period 1982-1993, and in whom inductive chemotherapy was not followed by marker conversion. It is stated that if AFP positivity is low (titres below 100 ng/ml) salvage retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy (RLA) is of high therapeutic value, whereas in all cases with HCG positivity or AFP titres higher than 500 ng/ml tumorous death ensued without exception. In our cases viable tumour residues occurred in 81%. Salvage resection was feasible in 76%, but every incomplete resection (19%) was followed by death due to tumour. In all but one of the cases marker positivity, an indicator of therapy-resistant viable tumour residues, persisted after having used more than four PVB combinations or changes in the chemotherapeutic regimen.

Immunoelectrophoretic differentiation of alpha-fetoprotein in disorders with elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein levels or during pregnancy

Our study aims to make differential diagnosis by immunoelectrophoresis for some common conditions with elevated levels of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). One hundred and nine cases with elevated AFP levels were included in this study: yolk sac tumor (n = 8), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 26), gastric cancer (n = 12), chronic hepatitis (n = 27) and normal pregnancy (n = 36). Lectin agarose gel electrophoresis, antibody-affinity blotting, and immunoreaction were used to identify the specific patterns of AFP in the respective conditions. The results showed that there were three possible bands: L1, L2 and L3. Yolk sac tumor produced a prominent L2 band and a light L3 band. Hepatocellular carcinoma produced a prominent L1 band and a light L3 band. Gastric cancer produced only an L1 band. Chronic hepatitis had a light L1 band and a pronounced L3 band. In pregnancy, the AFP pattern is similar to that of hepatocellular carcinoma. Immunoelectrophoresis is a useful method facilitating the differentiation of AFP origins.

Alpha-fetoprotein half-life as a predictor of residual testicular tumor. Effect of the analytic strategy on test sensitivity and specificity

BACKGROUND

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) serum values after orchiectomy for testicular cancer can be used to predict the residual disease status. However, the optimal strategy for postorchiectomy marker analysis has not been studied. This article evaluated different analytic methods in an effort to identify the approach that provided the greatest sensitivity and specificity for occult residual disease.

METHODS

Statistical information on the AFP half-life (t1/2) derived from a clinical data set of 24 patients with AFP-secreting clinical Stage A testicular cancer and pathologically defined nodal status was incorporated into a mathematic model of postorchiectomy marker values as a function of residual tumor volume and time. The model was used to test the effect of various analytic strategies on detecting the residual tumor. The clinical data set then was analyzed to measure the effect of different analytic methods on the predictive value of the AFP t1/2.

RESULTS

In the model, the AFP t1/2 calculated from a single set of serum measurements obtained from the initial serum t1/2 was a poor predictor of disease status in patients with up to 40% residual tumor volume. Determined by the sequential addition of serum values obtained at normal t1/2 intervals, the AFP t1/2 improved in sensitivity but required up to seven serial values (35 days) to detect an abnormal t1/2 in patients with 10% residual tumor. By contrast, changes in the most recent interval t1/2 relative to the initial calculated t1/2 predicted the disease status in patients with 10% residual tumor after four t1/2 (20 days) and in patients with 1% residual volume after 35 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of this last strategy in the clinical data set improved both the sensitivity and specificity of the AFP t1/2 in predicting residual tumor relative to the other methods.

The changing role of surgery in metastatic non-seminomatous germ cell tumour

In the last 2 years (1989-1990) we have treated a total of 53 patients with metastatic nonseminomatous germ cell tumours (teratoma). In ten cases surgery to remove residual abdominal masses was required on completion of chemotherapy and normalisation of tumour markers (HCG and AFP). In a further three patients with large intra-abdominal masses and little or no other sites of disease surgery was performed as a therapeutic intervention, in the context of plateauing or rising tumour markers despite intensive chemotherapy. In all three, this approach resulted in a rapid fall in tumour markers, and following further chemotherapy all three remain disease free at 7, 12 and 25 months. For this small sub-group of patient failing to respond to chemotherapy who have resectable lesions, interventional surgery should be considered as part of a combined approach to treatment.