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Desai R, Pelargos PE, Dunn IF. Chordoma: Genetics and Contemporary Management. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5877. [PMID: 38892063 PMCID: PMC11172617 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115877] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Chordomas, arising from notochord remnants, are rare neoplasms with aggressive growth patterns despite their histologically low-grade nature. This review explores their embryological origins, molecular markers like brachyury, and genetic alterations driving pathogenesis. Diagnosis relies on advanced imaging and biopsy confirmation due to overlapping features with chondrosarcoma. The WHO classification distinguishes conventional, dedifferentiated, and poorly differentiated chordomas, each with distinct prognostic implications. Recent genomic analyses uncovered recurrent mutations in PI3K signaling pathways and chromatin remodeling genes, informing prognostic models. Surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment, though adjuvant radiation complements surgical resection. Although chordomas are generally considered refractory to medical therapy, emerging targeted molecular strategies show potential promise in ongoing trials. This review aims to provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of chordomas, guiding clinicians in diagnosis, treatment, and prognostication for improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ian F. Dunn
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (R.D.); (P.E.P.)
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Young K, Nielsen T, Bulosan H, Thorne TJ, Ogasawara CT, Birkeland AC, Tang DM, Wu AW, Steele TO. Metastatic skull base chordoma: A systematic review. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol 2022; 7:1280-1291. [PMID: 36258855 PMCID: PMC9575061 DOI: 10.1002/lio2.906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective/Hypothesis To investigate the clinical features, management strategies and outcomes for patients with metastatic primary skull base chordomas. Study Design Systematic review. Methods A systematic search through Pubmed/Medline, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost (CINAHL) was conducted without restriction on dates. After study screening and full‐text assessment, two authors independently extracted all data using a pre‐established abstraction form. Results Forty cases were included from 38 studies. The average age (standard deviation [SD]) of the sample at presentation was 28.5 (23.3) and was equally distributed across genders. The average time (SD) between initial diagnosis to local recurrence was 40.1 (60.3) months. The average time (SD) from primary tumor detection to the diagnosis of metastatic disease was 55.2 (49.0) months. The most common subsite for metastatic spread were the lungs (32.5%). Of the 33 patients with data on outcomes, 48.5% were found to have expired by the time of publication. The median overall survival was estimated to be 84 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 62.3–105.7). Conclusions The most common subsites for metastatic spread of skull base chordoma were the lungs and bone. Overall survival for patients in the current cohort was a median of 84 months, with no significant differences noted when stratifying by the extent of surgery or the site of metastases. Level of Evidence 3a
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurtis Young
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine Honolulu Hawaii USA
| | - Torbjoern Nielsen
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine Honolulu Hawaii USA
| | - Hannah Bulosan
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine Honolulu Hawaii USA
| | - Tyler J. Thorne
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine Honolulu Hawaii USA
| | - Christian T. Ogasawara
- Department of Neurosurgery University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston Galveston Texas USA
| | - Andrew C. Birkeland
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery University of California Davis Medical Center Sacramento California USA
| | - Dennis M. Tang
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Cedars‐Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles California USA
| | - Arthur W. Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Cedars‐Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles California USA
| | - Toby O. Steele
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery University of California Davis Medical Center Sacramento California USA
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Ectopic Recurrence of Skull Base Chordoma after Proton Therapy. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:2364-2375. [PMID: 35448165 PMCID: PMC9026729 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29040191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chordoma are very rare tumors of the spine and skull base. Due to close proximity of crucial organs, like the brain stem, complete removal can often not be achieved, and tumor tissue, either macroscopic or microscopic, remains in situ. Local recurrence up to 88% occurs in 10 years. Ectopic recurrence as an early sign of treatment failure is considered rare. We retrospectively reviewed five patients with ectopic recurrence as a first sign of treatment failure after treatment with surgery and proton therapy, and studied the applied treatment strategies and imaging follow-up. We found 18 ectopic recurrences in these five patients, of which 17 (94%) could be related to prior surgical tracts. Our theory is that these relapses occur due to microscopic tumor spill during surgery. These cells did not receive a therapeutic radiation dose. Advances in surgical possibilities and adjusted radiotherapy target volumes might improve local control and survival. Abstract Background: Chordoma are rare tumors of the axial skeleton. The treatment gold standard is surgery, followed by particle radiotherapy. Total resection is usually not achievable in skull base chordoma (SBC) and high recurrence rates are reported. Ectopic recurrence as a first sign of treatment failure is considered rare. Favorable sites of these ectopic recurrences remain unknown. Methods: Five out of 16 SBC patients treated with proton therapy and surgical resection developed ectopic recurrence as a first sign of treatment failure were critically analyzed regarding prior surgery, radiotherapy, and recurrences at follow-up imaging. Results: Eighteen recurrences were defined in five patients. A total of 31 surgeries were performed for primary tumors and recurrences. Seventeen out of eighteen (94%) ectopic recurrences could be related to prior surgical tracts, outside the therapeutic radiation dose. Follow-up imaging showed that tumor recurrence was difficult to distinguish from radiation necrosis and anatomical changes due to surgery. Conclusions: In our cohort, we found uncommon ectopic recurrences in the surgical tract. Our theory is that these recurrences are due to microscopic tumor spill during surgery. These cells did not receive a therapeutic radiation dose. Advances in surgical possibilities and adjusted radiotherapy target volumes might improve local control and survival.
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Wang EW, Zanation AM, Gardner PA, Schwartz TH, Eloy JA, Adappa ND, Bettag M, Bleier BS, Cappabianca P, Carrau RL, Casiano RR, Cavallo LM, Ebert CS, El-Sayed IH, Evans JJ, Fernandez-Miranda JC, Folbe AJ, Froelich S, Gentili F, Harvey RJ, Hwang PH, Jane JA, Kelly DF, Kennedy D, Knosp E, Lal D, Lee JYK, Liu JK, Lund VJ, Palmer JN, Prevedello DM, Schlosser RJ, Sindwani R, Solares CA, Tabaee A, Teo C, Thirumala PD, Thorp BD, de Arnaldo Silva Vellutini E, Witterick I, Woodworth BA, Wormald PJ, Snyderman CH. ICAR: endoscopic skull-base surgery. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol 2020; 9:S145-S365. [PMID: 31329374 DOI: 10.1002/alr.22326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endoscopic skull-base surgery (ESBS) is employed in the management of diverse skull-base pathologies. Paralleling the increased utilization of ESBS, the literature in this field has expanded rapidly. However, the rarity of these diseases, the inherent challenges of surgical studies, and the continued learning curve in ESBS have resulted in significant variability in the quality of the literature. To consolidate and critically appraise the available literature, experts in skull-base surgery have produced the International Consensus Statement on Endoscopic Skull-Base Surgery (ICAR:ESBS). METHODS Using previously described methodology, topics spanning the breadth of ESBS were identified and assigned a literature review, evidence-based review or evidence-based review with recommendations format. Subsequently, each topic was written and then reviewed by skull-base surgeons in both neurosurgery and otolaryngology. Following this iterative review process, the ICAR:ESBS document was synthesized and reviewed by all authors for consensus. RESULTS The ICAR:ESBS document addresses the role of ESBS in primary cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea, intradural tumors, benign skull-base and orbital pathology, sinonasal malignancies, and clival lesions. Additionally, specific challenges in ESBS including endoscopic reconstruction and complication management were evaluated. CONCLUSION A critical review of the literature in ESBS demonstrates at least the equivalency of ESBS with alternative approaches in pathologies such as CSF rhinorrhea and pituitary adenoma as well as improved reconstructive techniques in reducing CSF leaks. Evidence-based recommendations are limited in other pathologies and these significant knowledge gaps call upon the skull-base community to embrace these opportunities and collaboratively address these shortcomings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Adam J Folbe
- Michigan Sinus and Skull Base Institute, Royal Oak, MI
| | | | | | - Richard J Harvey
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Charles Teo
- Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Australia
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Fernandes Cabral DT, Zenonos GA, Fernandez-Miranda JC, Wang EW, Gardner PA. Iatrogenic seeding of skull base chordoma following endoscopic endonasal surgery. J Neurosurg 2017; 129:947-953. [PMID: 29271711 DOI: 10.3171/2017.6.jns17111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Iatrogenic tumor seeding after open surgery for chordoma has been well described in the literature. The incidence and particularities related to endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) have not been defined. METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed their experience with EES for clival chordoma, focusing on cases with iatrogenic seeding. The clinical, radiographic, pathological, and molecular characterization data were reviewed. RESULTS Among 173 EESs performed for clival chordomas at the authors' institution between April 2003 and May 2016, 2 cases complicated by iatrogenic seeding (incidence 1.15%) were identified. The first case was a 10-year-old boy, who presented 21 months after an EES for a multiply recurrent clival chordoma with a recurrence along the left inferior turbinate, distinct from a right petrous apex recurrence. Both appeared as a T2-hypertintense, T1-isointense, and heterogeneously enhancing lesion on MRI. Resection of the inferior turbinate recurrence and debulking of the petrous recurrence were both performed via a purely endoscopic endonasal approach. Unfortunately, the child died 2 years later due progression of disease at the primary site, but with no sign of progression at the seeded site. The second patient was a 79-year-old man with an MRI-incompatible pacemaker who presented 19 months after EES for his clival chordoma with a mass involving the floor of the left nasal cavity that was causing an oro-antral fistula. On CT imaging, this appeared as a homogeneously contrast-enhancing mass eroding the hard palate inferiorly, the nasal septum superiorly, and the nasal process of the maxilla, with extension into the subcutaneous tissue. This was also treated endoscopically (combined transnasal-transoral approach) with resection of the mass, and repair of the fistula by using a palatal and left lateral wall rotational flap. Adjuvant hypofractionated stereotactic CyberKnife radiotherapy was administered using 35 Gy in 5 fractions. No recurrence was appreciated endoscopically or on imaging at the patient's last follow-up, 12 months after this last procedure. In both cases, pathological investigation of the original tumors revealed a fairly aggressive biology with 1p36 deletions, and high Ki-67 levels (10%-15%, and > 20%, respectively). The procedures were performed by a team of right-handed surgeons (otolaryngology and neurosurgery), using a 4-handed technique (in which the endoscope and suction are typically passed through the right nostril, and other instruments are passed through the left nostril without visualization). CONCLUSIONS Although uncommon, iatrogenic seeding occurs during EES for clival chordomas, probably because of decreased visualization during tumor removal combined with mucosal trauma and exposure of subepithelial elements (either inadvertently or because of mucosal flaps). In addition, tumors with more aggressive biology (1p36 deletions, elevated Ki-67, or both) are probably at a higher risk and require increased vigilance on surveillance imaging and endoscopy. Further prospective studies are warranted to evaluate the authors' proposed strategies for decreasing the incidence of iatrogenic seeding after EES for chordomas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eric W Wang
- 2Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Nasser R, Drazin D, Nakhla J, Al-Khouja L, Brien E, Baron EM, Kim TT, Patrick Johnson J, Yassari R. Resection of spinal column tumors utilizing image-guided navigation: a multicenter analysis. Neurosurg Focus 2017; 41:E15. [PMID: 27476839 DOI: 10.3171/2016.5.focus16136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The use of intraoperative stereotactic navigation has become more available in spine surgery. The authors undertook this study to assess the utility of intraoperative CT navigation in the localization of spinal lesions and as an intraoperative tool to guide resection in patients with spinal lesions. METHODS This was a retrospective multicenter study including 50 patients from 2 different institutions who underwent biopsy and/or resection of spinal column tumors using image-guided navigation. Of the 50 cases reviewed, 4 illustrative cases are presented. In addition, the authors provide a description of surgical technique with image guidance. RESULTS The patient group included 27 male patients and 23 female patients. Their average age was 61 ± 17 years (range 14-87 years). The average operative time (incision to closure) was 311 ± 188 minutes (range 62-865 minutes). The average intraoperative blood loss was 882 ± 1194 ml (range 5-7000 ml). The average length of hospitalization was 10 ± 8.9 days (range 1-36 days). The postoperative complications included 2 deaths (4.0%) and 4 radiculopathies (8%) secondary to tumor burden. CONCLUSIONS O-arm 3D imaging with stereotactic navigation may be used to localize lesions intraoperatively with real-time dynamic feedback of tumor resection. Stereotactic guidance may augment resection or biopsy of primary and metastatic spinal tumors. It offers reduced radiation exposure to operating room personnel and the ability to use minimally invasive approaches that limit tissue injury. In addition, acquisition of intraoperative CT scans with real-time tracking allows for precise targeting of spinal lesions with minimal dissection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rani Nasser
- Department of Neurosurgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York;
| | | | - Jonathan Nakhla
- Department of Neurosurgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York;
| | | | - Earl Brien
- Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles; and
| | | | - Terrence T Kim
- Departments of 2 Neurosurgery and.,Orthopedics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles; and
| | - J Patrick Johnson
- Departments of 2 Neurosurgery and.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Reza Yassari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York;
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Krengli M, Poletti A, Ferrara E, Fossati P. Tumour seeding in the surgical pathway after resection of skull base chordoma. Rep Pract Oncol Radiother 2016; 21:407-11. [PMID: 27330428 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpor.2016.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study is to review the clinical series in which tumour seeding was reported after skull base surgery for chordomas. BACKGROUND The occurrence of implantation of cancer cells during surgical procedures for the removal of chordoma is a rare event described by a number of authors in a few patient series and case reports. MATERIALS AND METHODS Literature search was performed by PubMed and Scopus by using the words "surgical tumour seeding, tumour implantation, surgical pathway recurrence, skull base chordoma, and clivus chordoma". RESULTS Six retrospective series and 7 case reports were included in the analysis. In total, 34 patients are described with pathway recurrence, 30 at a single site and 4 at multiple sites. In the 5 largest chordoma series, the rate of occurrence of surgical seeding ranged from 1.3% to 7.3% (3.9%). In the 34 patients diagnosed with tumour seeding, the most frequent surgical approach was trans-nasal/trans-sphenoidal, that was used in 12 cases. The median time from primary treatment to surgical pathway tumour seeding ranged from 7 to 78 months. Data of the treatment of seeding are available in 26/34 patients. All of them underwent a new surgery, 6 received additional external beam radiotherapy, and 2 intraoperative radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS The risk of surgical seeding should be taken into consideration when deciding on the surgical approach and the planning treatment volume for postoperative radiation therapy. The surgical pathway should be included in follow-up studies to diagnose this peculiar type of treatment failure possibly at an early phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Krengli
- Division of Radiotherapy, University Hospital "Maggiore della Carità", Novara, Italy; Department of Translational Medicine, University of "Piemonte Orientale", Novara, Italy; Centro Nazionale Adroterapia Oncologica (CNAO), Pavia, Italy
| | - Arturo Poletti
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Ferrara
- Division of Radiotherapy, University Hospital "Maggiore della Carità", Novara, Italy; Department of Translational Medicine, University of "Piemonte Orientale", Novara, Italy
| | - Piero Fossati
- Centro Nazionale Adroterapia Oncologica (CNAO), Pavia, Italy; Department of Radiotherapy, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia (IEO), Milan, Italy
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Vogin G, Calugaru V, Bolle S, George B, Oldrini G, Habrand JL, Mammar H, Dendale R, Salleron J, Noël G, Feuvret L. Investigation of ectopic recurrent skull base and cervical chordomas: The Institut Curie's proton therapy center experience. Head Neck 2015; 38 Suppl 1:E1238-46. [DOI: 10.1002/hed.24199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Vogin
- Department of Radiation Oncology; Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine; Nancy France
| | - Valentin Calugaru
- Department of Radiation Oncology; Institut Curie; Paris France
- Protontherapy Center; Institut Curie; Orsay France
| | - Stéphanie Bolle
- Department of Radiation Oncology; Institut Gustave Roussy; Villejuif France
- Protontherapy Center; Institut Curie; Orsay France
| | - Bernard George
- Department of Neurosurgery; Hôpital Lariboisière, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris; Paris France
| | - Guillaume Oldrini
- Department of Radiology; Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine; Nancy France
| | - Jean-Louis Habrand
- Department of Radiation Oncology; Centre François Baclesse; Caen France
- Protontherapy Center; Institut Curie; Orsay France
| | - Hamid Mammar
- Department of Radiation Oncology; Institut Curie; Paris France
- Protontherapy Center; Institut Curie; Orsay France
| | - Rémi Dendale
- Department of Radiation Oncology; Institut Curie; Paris France
- Protontherapy Center; Institut Curie; Orsay France
| | - Julia Salleron
- Department of Biostatistics; Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine; Nancy France
| | - Georges Noël
- Department of Radiation Oncology; Centre Paul Strauss; Strasbourg France
| | - Loïc Feuvret
- Protontherapy Center; Institut Curie; Orsay France
- Department of Radiation Oncology; Hôpital La Pitié Salpétrière, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris; Paris France
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