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Suzuki T, Hishida T, Suzuki S, Okubo Y, Masai K, Kaseda K, Asakura K, Emoto K, Asamura H. Clinicopathological predictors of postoperative long-term myasthenic status in resected thymoma with myasthenia gravis. Surg Today 2024; 54:787-794. [PMID: 38416144 DOI: 10.1007/s00595-024-02806-0] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Surgical patients with thymoma and myasthenia gravis (MG) must have their MG status and oncological outcomes critically monitored. We aimed to identify clinicopathological predictors of the postoperative MG status. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of 40 consecutive surgical patients with MG-related thymomas between 2002 and 2020. The quantitative myasthenia gravis score (QMGS) and Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America post-intervention status (MGFA-PIS) were used to evaluate postoperative MG status. RESULTS All patients underwent extended total thymectomy. The most common WHO type was type B2 (32%), while 65% of patients had type B1-B3 and 35% had type A-AB thymomas. Eleven patients (28%) achieved controlled MG status in MGFA-PIS 6 months after surgery. This controlled status was observed more frequently in type A-AB than in B1-B3 (57% vs. 12%, p = 0.007). In a multivariate analysis, WHO type (A-AB or B1-B3) was an independent predictor of worsening episodes of MG based on the QMGS (Type B1-B3, hazard ratio: 3.23, 95% confidence interval: 1.12-9.25). At the last follow-up, 23 patients (58%) achieved controlled MG status. The 5-year overall survival rate of all patients was 93.7%. CONCLUSION The WHO type of thymoma is an informative predictor of postoperative MG status in patients with MG-related thymoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Suzuki
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Hishida
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Shigeaki Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yu Okubo
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kyohei Masai
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kaoru Kaseda
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Keisuke Asakura
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Katsura Emoto
- Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hisao Asamura
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
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Yang Y, Yu Y, Fan Y, Li H. Evolving treatment landscape in thymic epithelial tumors: From mechanism to therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189145. [PMID: 38942215 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are rare neoplasms of the anterior mediastinum that arise from thymic epithelial cells. Although surgery is the preferred treatment for resectable TETs, the options for unresectable or recurrent advanced-stage TETs are limited beyond platinum-based chemotherapy. The evolving landscape of TET treatments is marked by significant advancements in targeted therapies and immunotherapies, particularly with anti-angiogenic agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). While monotherapies demonstrated certain efficacy, the development of combination strategies is vital for improving patient outcomes. This review consolidates progress in anti-angiogenic therapies and ICIs, emphasizing the evolution of combination therapies of TETs. Furtherly, we particularly discuss new first-line strategies based on these advancements and emphasizes exploring novel treatments like antibody-drug conjugates, immunomodulatory drugs and cytokine-based agents for TETs. Mechanistically, the molecular features of TETs integrated with clinical diagnosis and targeted therapy, and immunophenotyping of TETs along with its impact on the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy are discussed. Thus, this review systemizes the development in the treatment landscape of TETs, integrating the corresponding molecular and immune mechanisms, aiming to provide new references for the treatment of TETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehao Yang
- Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Ying Yu
- Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Yun Fan
- Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China.
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China.
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Ahn Y, Lee SM, Choi S, Choe J, Oh SY, Do KH, Seo JB. CT-guided pretreatment biopsy diagnosis in patients with thymic epithelial tumours: diagnostic accuracy and risk of seeding. Clin Radiol 2024; 79:263-271. [PMID: 38220515 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2023.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the diagnostic performance of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) for thymic epithelial tumours (TETs) and the complication rate after PTNB including seeding after PTNB. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study identified PTNBs for anterior mediastinal lesions between May 2007 and September 2021. The diagnostic performance for TETs and complications were investigated. The concordance of the histological grades of TETs between PTNB and surgery was evaluated. The factors associated with pleural seeding after PTNB were determined using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS Of 387 PTNBs, 235 PTNBs from 225 patients diagnosed as TETs (124 thymomas and 101 thymic carcinomas) and 150 PTNBs from 133 patients diagnosed as other than TETs were included. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for TETs were 89.4% (210/235), 100% (210/210), and 93.5% (360/385), respectively, with an immediate complication rate of 4.4% (17/385). The concordance rate of the histological grades between PTNB and surgery was 73.3% (77/105) after excluding uncategorised types of thymomas. During follow-up after PTNB (median duration, 38.8 months; range, 0.3-164.6 months), no tract seeding was observed. Pleural seeding was observed in 26 patients. Thymic carcinoma (hazard ratio [HR], 5.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.07-17.08; p=0.001) and incomplete resection (HR, 3.29; 95% CI, 1.20-9.02; p=0.02) were associated with pleural seeding, while the biopsy approach type (transpleural versus parasternal) was not associated (p=0.12). CONCLUSIONS Pretreatment biopsy for TETs was accurate and safe and may be considered for diagnosing TETs, particularly when the diagnosis is challenging and histological diagnosis is mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Ahn
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - S M Lee
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - S Choi
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - J Choe
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - S Y Oh
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - K-H Do
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - J B Seo
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
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Agaoglu Sanli B, Duman E, Gulmez B, Aguloglu N, Yazgan S, Ceylan KC, Ucvet A. Evaluation of the effect of PET/CT Fluorodeoxyglucose inclusion on mortality and survival in operated thymoma patients. Nucl Med Commun 2024; 45:236-243. [PMID: 38165166 DOI: 10.1097/mnm.0000000000001805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE In recent years, the use of fluorodeoxyglucose PET-computed tomography (PET-CT) has become widespread to evaluate the diagnosis, metabolism, stage and distant metastases of thymoma. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the connection of malignancy potential, survival and maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max ) measured by PET-CT before surgery according to the histological classification of the WHO in patients operated for thymoma. In addition, the predictive value of the Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) generated by C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin values on recurrence and survival was investigated and its potential as a prognostic biomarker was evaluated. METHODS Forty-five patients who underwent surgical resection for thymoma and were examined with PET-CT in the preoperative period between January 2010 and January 2022 were included in the study. The relationship between WHO histological classification, tumor size and SUV max values on PET-CT according to TNM classification of retrospectively analyzed corticoafferents were evaluated. Preoperative albumin and CRP values were used to determine GPS. RESULTS The cutoff value for SUV max was found to be 5.65 in the patients and the overall survival rate of low-risk (<5.65) and high-risk (>5.65) patients was compared according to the SUV max threshold value (5.65) and found to be statistically significant. In addition, the power of PET/CT SUV max value to predict mortality (according to receiver operating characteristics analysis) was statistically significant ( P = 0.048). Survival expectancy was 127.6 months in patients with mild GPS (O points), 96.7 months in patients with moderate GPS (1 point), and 25.9 months in patients with severe GPS (2 points). CONCLUSION PET/CT SUV max values can be used to predict histological sub-type in thymoma patients, and preoperative SUV max and GPS are parameters that can provide information about survival times and mortality in thymoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Agaoglu Sanli
- University of Health Sciences , Dr Suat Seren Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Thoracic Surgery Clinic, İzmir
| | - Elif Duman
- University of Health Sciences , Dr Suat Seren Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Thoracic Surgery Clinic, İzmir
| | - Bariş Gulmez
- University of Health Sciences, Van Training and Research Hospital, Thoracic Surgery Clinic, Van
| | - Nurşin Aguloglu
- University of Health Sciences, Dr Suat Seren Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Nuclear Medicine Clinic, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Serkan Yazgan
- University of Health Sciences , Dr Suat Seren Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Thoracic Surgery Clinic, İzmir
| | - Kenan Can Ceylan
- University of Health Sciences , Dr Suat Seren Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Thoracic Surgery Clinic, İzmir
| | - Ahmet Ucvet
- University of Health Sciences , Dr Suat Seren Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Thoracic Surgery Clinic, İzmir
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Hermann J, Atay S, Swanson M. A Painless Right Anterior Neck Mass. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2024; 150:181-182. [PMID: 38127334 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2023.3953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
A 58-year-old woman presents with a several-week history of a painless right-sided swelling on her anterior neck. What is your diagnosis?
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Hermann
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Scott Atay
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Mark Swanson
- Caruso Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
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Berry K, Cooper C. Disseminated thymoma in pleural fluid: An unusual case. Diagn Cytopathol 2024; 52:131-135. [PMID: 38102931 DOI: 10.1002/dc.25266] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumours show characteristic cytological features on fine-needle aspiration cytology, however the cytological features of thymoma in fluid cytology are not well described. We present the case of a 77 year-old-woman with known pleural dissemination of type B2/B3 thymoma presenting with shortness of breath and orthopnoea due to a pleural effusion. Cytological evaluation of the pleural fluid showed cellular smears composed of numerous small lymphocytes with small numbers of admixed mesothelial cells. There was no epithelial component. On immunohistochemical (IHC) staining the lymphocytes were T cells which were positive for CD3. CD1a and terminal deoxynucleotide transferase (TdT) were also positive, consistent with immature lymphocytes of thymic origin. Despite the lack of an epithelial component, this case was diagnosed as suspicious for recurrent/ metastatic thymoma. This is only the second published case of thymoma identified on pleural fluid cytology, and to our knowledge the first case describing thymoma in pleural fluid with no epithelial component, a potential pitfall with the more common differential diagnosis of a reactive lymphocytic effusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Berry
- Pathology Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Caroline Cooper
- Pathology Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Zhao K, Liu L, Zhou X, Wang G, Zhang J, Gao X, Yang L, Rao K, Guo C, Zhang Y, Huang C, Liu H, Li S, Chen Y. Re-exploration of prognosis in type B thymomas: establishment of a predictive nomogram model. World J Surg Oncol 2024; 22:26. [PMID: 38263144 PMCID: PMC10804589 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-023-03293-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the risk factors for disease progression after initial treatment of type B thymomas using a predictive nomogram model. METHODS A single-center retrospective study of patients with type B thymoma was performed. The Cox proportional hazard model was used for univariate and multivariate analyses. Variables with statistical and clinical significance in the multivariate Cox regression were integrated into a nomogram to establish a predictive model for disease progression. RESULTS A total of 353 cases with type B thymoma were retrieved between January 2012 and December 2021. The median follow-up was 58 months (range: 1-128 months). The 10-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 91.8%. The final nomogram model included R0 resection status and Masaoka stage, with a concordance index of 0.880. Non-R0 resection and advanced Masaoka stage were negative prognostic factors for disease progression (p < 0.001). No benefits of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) were observed in patients with advanced stage and non-R0 resection (p = 0.114 and 0.284, respectively). CONCLUSION The best treatment strategy for type B thymoma is the detection and achievement of R0 resection as early as possible. Long-term follow-up is necessary, especially for patients with advanced Masaoka stage and who have not achieved R0 resection. No prognostic benefits were observed for PORT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Guige Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xuehan Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Libing Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Ke Rao
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Hongsheng Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Shanqing Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Yeye Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China.
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von der Thüsen J. Thymic epithelial tumours: histopathological classification and differential diagnosis. Histopathology 2024; 84:196-215. [PMID: 37994555 DOI: 10.1111/his.15097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial and lymphoid compartments of the thymus can give rise to a wide variety of tumours, including thymomas, thymic carcinomas, lymphoreticular proliferations, germ cell tumours, and sarcomas. While some of these have close similarity to their counterparts in other organs, both in terms of histology and immunohistochemistry, as well as molecular features, others are unique to the thymus. The epithelial tumours, which can develop in the thymus, will be discussed in this review, with a particular emphasis on resolving differential diagnosis by means of morphology, immunohistochemical profiles, and molecular diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan von der Thüsen
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Bioinformatics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Gao J, Ao Y, Wang S, Chen Z, Zhang Y, Ding J, Jiang J. WHO histological classification and tumor size are predictors of the locally aggressive behavior of thymic epithelial tumors. Lung Cancer 2024; 187:107446. [PMID: 38113654 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2023.107446] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore the influencing factors that affect the local invasive behavior of thymic epithelial tumors (TETs). METHOD We retrospectively analyzed 524 patients with TETs who underwent surgical treatment at our center from January 2010 to January 2022. Cox regression analysis was applied to identify predictors associated with the prognosis of TET. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors associated with the locally invasive behavior of TETs. Receiver operating characteristic analysis and the Youden index were applied to determine the predictive efficiency and cutoff value. RESULTS There were 275 males and 249 females with a median age of 56 years. Seventy-seven patients had locally invasive behavior. The prognosis of local invasive TETs was significantly worse that of noninvasive TETs (P < 0.001). WHO classification and tumor size were two hazard factors for tumor invasive behavior. The risk of local invasion increased by 2.196 (OR (95 % CI): 1.813-2.659) times for each grade in WHO classification with a change from type A to thymic carcinoma. The tumor size cutoff of 6 cm represented a distinct boundary in predicting the hazard of local invasion (AUC: 0.784, specificity: 0.711, sensitivity: 0.726). CONCLUSION WHO classification and tumor size are important factors in predicting the locally aggressive behavior of TETs. The invasion capability of TETs is constantly increasing with an escalation in WHO classification. Tumors greater than 6 cm in size have a higher risk for local invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongqiang Ao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zongwei Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianyong Ding
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jiahao Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Okumura M, Marino M, Cilento V, Goren E, Ruffini E, Dibaba D, Ahmad U, Appel S, Bille A, Boubia S, Brambilla C, Cangir AK, Detterbeck F, Falkson C, Fang W, Filosso PL, Giaccone G, Girard N, Guerrera F, Huang J, Infante M, Kim DK, Lucchi M, Marom EM, Nicholson AG, Rami-Porta R, Rimner A, Simone CB, Asamura H. The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Thymic Epithelial Tumor Staging Project: Proposal for the T Component for the Forthcoming (Ninth) Edition of the TNM Classification of Malignant Tumors. J Thorac Oncol 2023; 18:1638-1654. [PMID: 37634808 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2023.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A TNM-based stage classification system of thymic epithelial tumors was adopted for the eighth edition of the stage classification of malignant tumors. The Thymic Domain of the Staging and Prognostics Factor Committee of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer developed a new database with the purpose to make proposals for the ninth edition stage classification system. This article outlines the proposed definitions for the T categories for the ninth edition TNM stage classification of thymic malignancies. METHODS A worldwide collective database of 11,347 patients with thymic epithelial tumors was assembled. Analysis was performed on 9147 patients with available survival data. Overall survival, freedom-from-recurrence, and cumulative incidence of recurrence were used as outcome measures. Analysis was performed separately for thymomas, thymic carcinomas, and neuroendocrine thymic tumors. RESULTS Proposals for the T categories include the following: T1 category is divided into T1a (≤5 cm) and T1b (>5 cm), irrespective of mediastinal pleura invasion; T2 includes direct invasion of the pericardium, lung, or phrenic nerve; T3 denotes direct invasion of the brachiocephalic vein, superior vena cava, chest wall, or extrapericardial pulmonary arteries and veins; and T4 category remains the same as in the eighth edition classification, involving direct invasion of the aorta and arch vessels, intrapericardial pulmonary arteries and veins, myocardium, trachea, or esophagus. CONCLUSIONS The proposed T categories for the ninth edition of the TNM classification provide good discrimination in outcome for the T component of the TNM-based stage system of thymic epithelial tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meinoshin Okumura
- National Hospital Organization Osaka Toneyama Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mirella Marino
- IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Vanessa Cilento
- Cancer Research And Biostatistics (CRAB), Seattle, Washington
| | - Emily Goren
- Cancer Research And Biostatistics (CRAB), Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Daniel Dibaba
- Cancer Research And Biostatistics (CRAB), Seattle, Washington
| | - Usman Ahmad
- Thoracic Surgery in the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | | | | | - Cecilia Brambilla
- Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Hospitals, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Wentao Fang
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Jiaotong University Medical School, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | - Nicolas Girard
- Institut Curie, Thorax Institute Curie Montsouris, Paris, France; Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, Versailles, France
| | | | - James Huang
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Dong Kwan Kim
- Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Marco Lucchi
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Edith M Marom
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Andrew G Nicholson
- Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Hospitals, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ramon Rami-Porta
- Hospital Universitari Mutua Terrassa, Terrassa, Spain; Network of Centers for Biomedical Research in Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES) Lung Cancer Group, Terrassa, Spain
| | - Andreas Rimner
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Hisao Asamura
- Keio University, Tokyo, Japan; Present Address: Tokyo Dental College Ichikawa General Hospital, Chiba, Japan
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Hirai M, Suzuki M, Imoto T, Shimizu R, Harada M, Hishima T, Horio H. Atypical type A thymoma component identified by pulmonary metastasectomy 11 years after surgery of type AB thymoma. Respir Med Case Rep 2023; 46:101944. [PMID: 38025250 PMCID: PMC10663813 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2023.101944] [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: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Atypical type A thymomas exhibit more aggressive features than conventional type A thymomas. Type AB thymomas rarely have atypical type A components. We report a rare case of type AB thymoma with an atypical type A component, that was identified after pulmonary metastasectomy 11 years after the primary surgery and long-term follow-up after recurrence. A 61-year-old female underwent extended thymectomy for an anterior mediastinal tumor 11 years prior and was diagnosed with type AB thymoma (Masaoka stage II). Five years ago, follow-up computed tomography showed well-circumscribed pulmonary nodules up to 1.0 cm in both lungs. All the pulmonary nodules grew slowly; however, one of the nodules grew to 1.6 cm, and thoracoscopic wedge resection was performed for diagnosis. Pathologically, the pulmonary nodule was consisted of type A thymoma component. Conventional type AB thymomas are usually locally aggressive neoplasms; thus, we reviewed the tissue slides of primary thymomas. Histologically, cytological atypia, hypercellularity, and increased mitosis are observed in the type A component. Consequently, the diagnosis was revised to a type AB thymoma with an atypical type A component. The pulmonary nodule exhibited the same atypical type A features. Pulmonary metastasectomy was performed two more times as volume-reduction surgery. The residual metastasis was located only in the lung with slow growth, 4 years after the first pulmonary resection; therefore, we followed up as an outpatient without treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Hirai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, 3-18-22 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8677, Japan
| | - Mikito Suzuki
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, 3-18-22 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8677, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Imoto
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, 3-18-22 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8677, Japan
| | - Reiko Shimizu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, 3-18-22 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8677, Japan
| | - Masahiko Harada
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, 3-18-22 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8677, Japan
| | - Tsunekazu Hishima
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, 3-18-22 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8677, Japan
| | - Hirotoshi Horio
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, 3-18-22 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8677, Japan
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12
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Li J, Cui N, Jiang Z, Li W, Liu W, Wang S, Wang K. Differentiating thymic epithelial tumors from mediastinal lymphomas: preoperative nomograms based on PET/CT radiomic features to minimize unnecessary anterior mediastinal surgery. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:14101-14112. [PMID: 37552308 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05054-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Clinical feasibility nomograms were developed to facilitate the differentiation between thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) and mediastinal lymphomas (MLs), aiming to minimize the occurrence of non-therapeutic thymectomy. METHODS A total of 255 patients diagnosed with TETs or MLs underwent pre-treatment 18F-FDG PET/CT. Comprehensive clinical and imaging data were collected, including age, gender, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, pathological results, presence of myasthenia gravis symptoms, B symptoms, mass size, location, morphology, margins, density, and metabolic parameters derived from PET/CT. Radiomic features were extracted from the region of interest (ROI) of the primary lesion. Feature selection techniques were employed to identify the most discriminative subset of features. Machine learning methods were utilized to build candidate models, which were subsequently evaluated based on their area under the curve (AUC). Finally, nomograms were constructed using the optimal model to provide a clinical tool for improved diagnostic accuracy. The performance of the radiomic models was evaluated by their calibration, discrimination, and clinical utility. RESULTS Several independent risk factors were identified for distinguishing TETs from MLs, including average standardized uptake value (SUVavg), LDH, age, mass size, and radiomic score (rad-score). Significance was observed in differentiating the two types of tumors based on these factors. The best clinical efficacy was demonstrated by the combined model, with an impressive AUC of 0.954. Decision curve analysis and calibration curves indicated that the combined model was clinically advantageous for discriminating TETs from MLs. Besides, the results of external validation showed a sensitivity of 0.8 and a specificity of 0.78. CONCLUSION Preoperatively, the differentiation of TETs from MLs can be facilitated by the utilization of the combined clinical information and radiomics model. This approach holds promise in minimizing the occurrence of unnecessary anterior mediastinal surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiatong Li
- PET-CT/MRI Department, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical University, 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Nan Cui
- PET-CT/MRI Department, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical University, 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zhiyun Jiang
- Radiology Department, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical University, 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wei Li
- Interventional Vascular Surgery Department, The 4th Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, 37 Yiyuan Road, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wei Liu
- PET-CT/MRI Department, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical University, 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180, Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Kezheng Wang
- PET-CT/MRI Department, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical University, 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China.
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13
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Okumura M, Yoshino I, Funaki S, Okuda K, Watanabe SI, Tsuboi M, Shimizu K, Date H, Chen-Yoshikawa TF, Nakajima J, Toyooka S, Asamura H. Long-term outcomes following surgical treatment for thymic epithelial tumor in Japan and an analysis of prognostic factors based on the Japanese Association for Research on the Thymus nationwide database. Surg Today 2023; 53:1247-1259. [PMID: 37460670 DOI: 10.1007/s00595-023-02705-w] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with a thymic epithelial tumor (TET), comprising thymoma, thymic carcinoma (TC), and thymic neuroendocrine neoplasm (TNEN), are rarely encountered. The present study was conducted to determine the recent outcomes of surgical treatment for TET in Japan and clarify the significance of prognostic factors by analyzing a nationwide database created by the Japanese Association for Research on the Thymus (JART). METHODS The JART database includes records of 2471 thymoma, 285 TC, and 56 TNEN cases surgically treated between 1991 and 2010. At the time of the final follow-up examination, 439 patients had died, with tumor the cause of death in 188. The disease-specific survival was examined using the Kaplan-Meier method, with Cox's proportional hazards model utilized to determine independent prognostic factors. RESULTS The 10-year survival rate according to TNM-based Stage I, II, IIIA, IIIB, IVA, and IVB classification was 98.7%, 76.8%, 85.0%, 68.9%, 66.2%, and 59.8%, respectively. The T factor, M factor, and tumor size were independent prognostic factors in both thymoma and thymic carcinoma cases, while the N factor had tendency to be a prognostic factor in thymoma but not in thymic carcinoma cases. The WHO histological type was an independent factor in thymoma cases. CONCLUSION The significance of pathology and TNM classification as prognostic factors was confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meinoshin Okumura
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, National Hospital Organization (NHO), Osaka Toneyama Medical Center, 5-1-1 Toneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-8552, Japan.
| | - Ichiro Yoshino
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Soichiro Funaki
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Katsuhiro Okuda
- Department of Thoracic and Pediatric Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shun-Ichi Watanabe
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Tsuboi
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kimihiro Shimizu
- Division of General Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Date
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Jun Nakajima
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Toyooka
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hisao Asamura
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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14
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Zhang X, Zhang P, Cong A, Feng Y, Chi H, Xia Z, Tang H. Unraveling molecular networks in thymic epithelial tumors: deciphering the unique signatures. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1264325. [PMID: 37849766 PMCID: PMC10577431 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1264325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are a rare and diverse group of neoplasms characterized by distinct molecular signatures. This review delves into the complex molecular networks of TETs, highlighting key aspects such as chromosomal abnormalities, molecular subtypes, aberrant gene mutations and expressions, structural gene rearrangements, and epigenetic changes. Additionally, the influence of the dynamic tumor microenvironment on TET behavior and therapeutic responses is examined. A thorough understanding of these facets elucidates TET pathogenesis, offering avenues for enhancing diagnostic accuracy, refining prognostic assessments, and tailoring targeted therapeutic strategies. Our review underscores the importance of deciphering TETs' unique molecular signatures to advance personalized treatment paradigms and improve patient outcomes. We also discuss future research directions and anticipated challenges in this intriguing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pengpeng Zhang
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ansheng Cong
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanlong Feng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Chi
- School of Clinical Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhijia Xia
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hailin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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15
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Alqaidy D. Thymoma: An Overview. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2982. [PMID: 37761349 PMCID: PMC10527963 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13182982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymomas are considered one of the most prevalent types of mediastinal epithelial tumors, which frequently develop in the anterior mediastinum. Due to their rarity, these tumors' nomenclature, classification, and staging are likely to be the subject of debate and argument for most expert pathologists. Furthermore, the significance of thymoma histologic classifications have been debated over the past twenty years. While certain advocates argue that staging at the time of diagnosis is more significant, others believe that histologic subtyping has a significant impact on how patients behave clinically. In this review, we will focus on some of the challenges that diagnostic surgical pathologists may experience while evaluating the histopathology of thymomas and staging these tumors. We will additionally glance over the clinical characteristics of these distinct tumors and the current management strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa Alqaidy
- Department of Pathology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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16
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Shimada M, Taniguchi H, Yamaguchi H, Gyotoku H, Sasaki D, Kaku N, Senju C, Senju H, Imamura E, Takemoto S, Yamamoto K, Sakamoto N, Obase Y, Tsuchiya T, Fukuda M, Soda H, Ashizawa K, Fukuoka J, Nagayasu T, Yanagihara K, Mukae H. Genetic profile of thymic epithelial tumors in the Japanese population: an exploratory study examining potential therapeutic targets. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2023; 12:707-718. [PMID: 37197618 PMCID: PMC10183388 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-22-794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are prone to developing in East Asian populations. However, little is known about the genomic profile of TETs in East Asian populations, and the genomic aberrations in TETs have not yet been fully clarified. Thus, molecular targeted therapies for patients with TETs have not been established. This prospective study was conducted to explore the genetic abnormalities of surgically resected TETs in a Japanese cohort and to identify clues for carcinogenesis and potential therapeutic targets in TETs. Methods Genetic profiles of TETs were investigated using fresh-frozen specimens resected from operable cases with TETs. DNA sequencing was performed using a next-generation sequencing (NGS) gene panel test with Ion Reporter™ and CLC Genomics Workbench 11.0. The mutation sites were further confirmed by Sanger sequencing, digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR), and TA cloning for validation. Results Among 43 patients diagnosed with anterior mediastinal tumors between January 2013 and March 2019, NGS and validation analyses were performed in 31 patients [29 thymomas and two thymic cancers (TCs)] who met the study criteria. Of these, 12 cases of thymoma types A, AB, B1, and B2 harbored the general transcription factor 2-I (GTF2I) mutation (L424H). Conversely, the mutation was not detected in type B3 thymoma or TC, suggesting that the GTF2I mutation existed in indolent types of TETs. Rat sarcoma viral oncogene (RAS) mutations were detected in three cases [Harvey RAS (HRAS) in two cases of type AB thymoma and neuroblastoma RAS (NRAS)] in one case of type B1 thymoma), and additional sex combs like 1 (ASXL1) mutation was present in one case of TC. All RAS mutations were observed in GTF2I-mutated cases. Conclusions The GTF2I mutation (L424H) is the most frequently occurring mutation in the limited histology of thymoma, consistent with those in the non-Asian population. HRAS and NRAS mutations co-occurred in cases harboring the GTF2I mutation. These findings suggest that the existence of the GTF2I mutation might be related to indolent types of TETs, and RAS mutations could be candidates as therapeutic targets in TETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Midori Shimada
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
- Clinical Research Center, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Taniguchi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yamaguchi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
- Clinical Oncology Center, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Gyotoku
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sasaki
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Norihito Kaku
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Chikako Senju
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
- Senju Hospital, Sasebo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Senju
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
- Senju Hospital, Sasebo, Japan
| | - Erika Imamura
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shinnosuke Takemoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuko Yamamoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
- Division of Infectious, Respiratory, and Digestive Medicine, First Department of Internal Medicine, University of the Ryukyus Graduate School of Medicine, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Noriho Sakamoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yasushi Obase
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tomoshi Tsuchiya
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Minoru Fukuda
- Clinical Oncology Center, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki Prefecture Shimabara Hospital, Shimabara, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Soda
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sasebo City General Hospital, Sasebo, Japan
| | - Kazuto Ashizawa
- Clinical Oncology Center, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Junya Fukuoka
- Department of Pathology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nagayasu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Katsunori Yanagihara
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Mukae
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
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Naso JR, Vrana JA, Koepplin JW, Molina JR, Roden AC. EZH2 and POU2F3 Can Aid in the Distinction of Thymic Carcinoma from Thymoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082274. [PMID: 37190202 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymic carcinoma is an aggressive malignancy that can be challenging to distinguish from thymoma using histomorphology. We assessed two emerging markers for these entities, EZH2 and POU2F3, and compared them with conventional immunostains. Whole slide sections of 37 thymic carcinomas, 23 type A thymomas, 13 type B3 thymomas, and 8 micronodular thymomas with lymphoid stroma (MNTLS) were immunostained for EZH2, POU2F3, CD117, CD5, TdT, BAP1, and MTAP. POU2F3 (≥10% hotspot staining), CD117, and CD5 showed 100% specificity for thymic carcinoma versus thymoma with 51%, 86%, and 35% sensitivity, respectively, for thymic carcinoma. All POU2F3 positive cases were also positive for CD117. All thymic carcinomas showed >10% EZH2 staining. EZH2 (≥80% staining) had a sensitivity of 81% for thymic carcinoma and a specificity of 100% for thymic carcinoma versus type A thymoma and MNTLS but had poor specificity (46%) for thymic carcinoma versus B3 thymoma. Adding EZH2 to a panel of CD117, TdT, BAP1, and MTAP increased cases with informative results from 67/81 (83%) to 77/81 (95%). Overall, absent EZH2 staining may be useful for excluding thymic carcinoma, diffuse EZH2 staining may help to exclude type A thymoma and MNTLS, and ≥10% POU2F3 staining has excellent specificity for thymic carcinoma versus thymoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia R Naso
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Julie A Vrana
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Justin W Koepplin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Julian R Molina
- Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Anja C Roden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
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Zhao K, Chen Y, Liu L, Wang G, Zhang J, Zhou M, Gao X, Rao K, Yang L, Guo C, Zhang Y, Huang C, Liu H, Li S. Real-world study of treatment and outcome of type B2 + B3 thymoma: The neglected part of thymoma. Thorac Cancer 2023; 14:1339-1347. [PMID: 37037477 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.14875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to examine the treatment and prognosis of patients with type B2 + B3 thymoma and compare it with those patients with type B2 and B3 thymoma. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of the results of 39 patients with type B2 + B3 thymoma, 133 patients with type B2 thymoma, and 64 patients with type B3 thymoma. The Kaplan-Meier technique was used to generate survival curves. For multivariate analysis, the Cox proportional hazard model was applied. RESULTS With a median follow-up of 60 months (range: 1-128 months), the percentage of patients with tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stage III and IV disease gradually increased from 19.5% to 25.6% to 35.9% among those with histological subtypes B2, B2 + B3, and B3, respectively, p = 0.045. Twenty-three patients experienced recurrence or metastasis. The total 10-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 86.0% overall (85.0% in type B2, 87.2% in type B2 + B3, and 87.5% in type B3). Age, R0 resection, and Masaoka-Koga stage were found to have a significant on PFS in all patients. There was no statistically significant difference in PFS between different histotypes of thymoma, p = 0.650. PFS was predicted by R0 resection in all histotypes and by the Masaoka-Koga stage in the type B2 subgroup. CONCLUSION Combining the two staging methods to guide the diagnosis and treatment of patients with B2 + B3 thymoma is recommended. R0 resection is recommended to reduce recurrence. Patients with B2 + B3 thymoma have a prognosis similar to those with a B2 thymoma or a B3 thymoma alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yeye Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Guige Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Mengxin Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xuehan Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Rao
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Libing Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hongsheng Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shanqing Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Cusano A, Wellington IJ, Forouhar FA, Mallozzi SS. Type A Thymoma with Spinal and Cranial Metastases: A Case Report. J Orthop Case Rep 2023; 13:66-70. [PMID: 37193387 PMCID: PMC10182573 DOI: 10.13107/jocr.2023.v13.i04.3620] [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: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction While metastases of malignant thymomas have been shown, type A thymomas are often treated as benign. Type A thymomas often have excellent response to treatment, low recurrence rate, and a small malignant potential. To date, there have been no reports of type A thymomas with spinal metastases. Case Report A 66-year-old female with a type A thymoma metastatic to the T7 and T8 vertebral bodies and brain, with associated pathologic burst fracture, collapse of T7, and significant focal kyphosis . The patient underwent successful T7-T8 posterior corpectomy and T4-T11 posterior spinal fusion. At 2 years of follow-up, she was ambulating without assistive devices and completed spinal radiation and initial chemotherapy. Conclusion Metastatic type A thymoma is a rare phenomenon. While traditionally thought to have low recurrence rates and overall excellent survival rates, our case suggests that the biologic malignant potential of a type A thymoma may not be fully understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Cusano
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut, United States
| | - Ian J Wellington
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut, United States
- Address of Correspondence: Dr. Ian J Wellington, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, United States. E-mail:
| | - Faripour A Forouhar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut, United States
| | - Scott S Mallozzi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut, United States
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20
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Altshuler E, Mathavan A, Mathavan A, Krekora U, Mathavan M, Hones K, Daily K. Clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and long-term outcomes associated with epithelial malignancies of the thymus: A 20-year single-institution experience. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2023; 6:e1750. [PMID: 36369906 PMCID: PMC10026295 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1750] [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: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymic epithelial tumors are rare and include thymomas and thymic carcinomas. There is scarce literature characterizing prognostic factors and long-term outcomes in these tumors. AIMS This review aims to describe disease features of thymomas and thymic carcinomas and to report clinical differences among thymoma histological subtypes. METHODS AND RESULTS A retrospective chart review was performed at the University of Florida Shands Hospital, a tertiary care academic medical center in Gainesville, Florida, USA. The review included clinical data of adults with thymic epithelial tumors diagnosed between 2001 and 2021. Significant associations among demographics, histology, stage, and outcomes were investigated. Thymoma subgroup analysis was performed using histological subtype and sex. Forty patients with thymoma and seven patients with thymic carcinoma were included in the final analysis. Among those with thymomas, patients with subtype B1, B2, or B3 tumors were younger, had larger tumors, and presented with higher stage disease when compared to those with subtypes A or AB. Tumor recurrence was most common in subtype B2 and B3 tumors (50.0% and 16.7% vs. 0%; p < .01). However, there was no significant difference in overall survival between histologic subtypes. Compared to females, males with thymomas had superior overall survival (103.0 vs. 62.9 months; p = .021) despite presenting with larger tumors (9.8 vs. 5.8 cm; p = .041). Concomitant myasthenia gravis was associated with increased recurrence but not worsened mortality. Compared to thymomas, patients with thymic carcinoma presented with higher-stage disease and had poorer 5-year survival (50.0% vs. 93.1%; p < .01). CONCLUSION This study affirmed pathologic stage and resectability as prognostic factors for thymic epithelial tumors. New findings include inferior overall survival in female patients and higher recurrence rates in those with thymomas and concomitant myasthenia gravis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellery Altshuler
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Akash Mathavan
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Akshay Mathavan
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Urszula Krekora
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Mohit Mathavan
- Department of Internal Medicine, St George's University School of Medicine, Great River, New York, USA
| | - Keegan Hones
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Karen Daily
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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21
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Tang M, Shao Y, Dong J, Gao X, Wei S, Ma J, Hong Y, Li Z, Bi T, Yin Y, Zhang W, Liu W. Risk factors for postoperative myasthenia gravis in patients with thymoma without myasthenia gravis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1061264. [PMID: 36845745 PMCID: PMC9944936 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1061264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction According to the principle, thymomas combined with myasthenia gravis (MG) require surgical treatment. However, patients with non-MG thymoma rarely develop MG and early- or late-onset MG after surgery is called postoperative MG (PMG). Our study used a meta-analysis to examine the incidence of PMG and risk factors. Methods Relevant studies were searched for in the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CNKI,and Wanfang databases. Investigations that directly or indirectly analyzed the risk factors for PMG development in patients with non-MG thymoma were included in this study. Furthermore, risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using meta-analysis, and fixed-effects or random-effects models were used depending on the heterogeneity of the included studies. Results Thirteen cohorts containing 2,448 patients that met the inclusion criteria were included. Metaanalysis revealed that the incidence of PMG in preoperative patients with non-MG thymoma was 8%. Preoperative seropositive acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR-Ab) (RR = 5.53, 95% CI 2.36 - 12.96, P<0.001), open thymectomy (RR =1.84, 95% CI 1.39 - 2.43, P<0.001), non-R0 resection (RR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.36 - 2.54, P<0.001), world health organization (WHO) type B (RR =1.80, 95% CI 1.07 - 3.04, P= 0.028), and postoperative inflammation (RR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.26 - 2.12, P<0.001) were the risk factors for PMG in patients with thymoma. Masaoka stage (P = 0.151) and sex (P = 0.777) were not significantly associated with PMG. Discussion Patients with thymoma but without MG had a high probability of developing PMG. Although the incidence of PMG was very low, thymectomy could not completely prevent the occurrence of MG. Preoperative seropositive AChR-Ab level, open thymectomy, non-R0 resection, WHO type B, and postoperative inflammation were risk factors for PMG. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022360002.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingbo Tang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yifeng Shao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Junxue Dong
- Laboratory of Infection Oncology, Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Christian Albrechts University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Xinliang Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Shixiong Wei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jianzun Ma
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yang Hong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhiqin Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Taiyu Bi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yipeng Yin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Wenyu Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China,*Correspondence: Wei Liu,
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Kuhn E, Pescia C, Mendogni P, Nosotti M, Ferrero S. Thymic Epithelial Tumors: An Evolving Field. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020314. [PMID: 36836670 PMCID: PMC9964105 DOI: 10.3390/life13020314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite their rarity, thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) have attracted much interest over the years, leading to an impressive number of histological and staging classifications. At present, TETs are divided by the WHO classification into four main subtypes: type A, type AB, and type B thymomas (subdivided into B1, B2, and B3), and thymic carcinomas, going from the more indolent to the most aggressive ones. Among many debated staging proposals, the TNM and the Masaoka-Koga staging systems have been widely accepted and used in routine practice. The four-tiered histological classification is symmetrically mirrored by the molecular subgrouping of TETs, which identifies an A-like and an AB-like cluster, with frequent GTF2I and HRAS mutations; an intermediate B-like cluster, with a T-cell signaling profile; and a carcinoma-like cluster comprising thymic carcinomas with frequent CDKN2A and TP53 alterations and a high tumor molecular burden. Molecular investigations have opened the way to tailored therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting KIT, mTOR, and VEGFR, and immune-checkpoints that have been adopted as second-line systemic treatments. In this review, we discuss the crucial events that led to the current understanding of TETs, while disclosing the next steps in this intriguing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Kuhn
- S.C. Anatomia Patologica, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche ed Odontoiatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-025-032-0564
| | - Carlo Pescia
- S.C. Anatomia Patologica, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche ed Odontoiatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Mendogni
- S.C. Chirurgia Toracica e Trapianti di Polmone, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Mario Nosotti
- S.C. Chirurgia Toracica e Trapianti di Polmone, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy
- Dipartimento di Patofisiologia Medico-Chirurgica e dei Trapianti, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferrero
- S.C. Anatomia Patologica, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche ed Odontoiatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
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23
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Li Y, Tang Z, Zhu X, Tian H. Nomogram based on TNM stage to predict the prognosis of thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) patients undergoing extended thymectomy. Front Surg 2023; 10:1136166. [PMID: 36936648 PMCID: PMC10020510 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2023.1136166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Thymomas and thymic carcinoma are thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) of the anterior mediastinum. On the basis of The AJCC 8th Edition of TNM classification, no prognostic prediction model has been established for TETs patients undergoing surgical resection. In this study, based on data from Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, we identified prognostic factors and developed a nomogram to predict the prognosis for TETs patients undergoing extended thymectomy. Methods Patients with TETs who underwent thymectomy between 2010 and 2020 were consecutively enrolled. An analysis of multivariate Cox regression and stepwise regression using the Akaike information criterion (AIC) was conducted to identify prognostic factors, and a nomogram for TETs was derived from the results of these analyses. The model was validated internally with the Kaplan-Meier curves, ROC curves and calibration curves. Results There were 350 patients with TETs enrolled in the study, and they were divided into a training group (245,0.7) and a validation group (105,0.3). Age, histological type, tumor size, myasthenia gravis, and TNM stage were independent prognostic factors for CSS. The Kaplan-Meier curves showed a significant difference between high nomorisk group and low nomorisk group. A nomogram for CSS was formulated based on the independent prognostic factors and exhibited good discriminative ability as a means of predicting cause-specific mortality, as evidenced by the area under the ROC curves (AUCs) of 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year being 0.946, 0.949, and 0.937, respectively. The calibration curves further revealed excellent consistency between the predicted and actual mortality when using this nomogram. Conclusion There are several prognostic factors for TETs. Based on TNM stage and other prognostic factors, the nomogram accurately predicted the 3-, 5-, and 10-year mortality rates of patients with TETs in this study. The nomogram could be used to stratify risk and optimize therapy for individual patients.
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24
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Sakai T, Aokage K, Miyoshi T, Tane K, Ishii G, Goto K, Tsuboi M. Tumor size exceeding 5 cm as a valid prognostic factor in all stages of thymic epithelial tumors. Surg Today 2023; 53:42-50. [PMID: 35908101 DOI: 10.1007/s00595-022-02530-7] [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: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study investigated the prognostic factors of thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) to identify patients who require multidisciplinary treatment and improve the TET prognosis. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the data of 268 TET patients. Prognostic variables for the overall survival (OS) were analyzed in all TET stages (n = 268), and the recurrence-free survival (RFS) was analyzed in patients who achieved complete resection (n = 164). RESULTS The median follow-up period was 7 years; thymic carcinomas (TCs) and advanced stages of tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM) classification had the worse prognosis according to a Kaplan-Meier analysis. The cut-off value of the tumor size to predict the OS and RFS was determined using modified Harrell's c-index calculated by a Cox regression analysis of the OS. Regarding the OS, a multivariate analysis revealed that age > 70 years old (p = 0.011), tumor size > 5 cm (p < 0.001), and TCs (p = 0.002) were significant prognostic factors aside from the TNM stage (p < 0.001). Regarding the RFS, tumor size > 5 cm was the only significant prognostic factor in the multivariate analysis (p = 0.002) aside from the TNM stage (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS Tumor size > 5 cm was shown to be a prognostic predictor in addition to the WHO and TNM classifications. Therefore, multidisciplinary treatment should be developed for TET patients with poor prognostic factors, specifically tumor size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Sakai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital East, 6-5-1, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8577, Japan
- Division of Chest Surgery, Department of Surgery, Toho University School of Medicine, Ota, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiju Aokage
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital East, 6-5-1, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8577, Japan.
| | - Tomohiro Miyoshi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital East, 6-5-1, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8577, Japan
| | - Kenta Tane
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital East, 6-5-1, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8577, Japan
| | - Genichiro Ishii
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Laboratories, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Koichi Goto
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Masahiro Tsuboi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital East, 6-5-1, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8577, Japan
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25
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Tan S, Chen J, Wang Z, Zhao X, Sun Y, Zhu Y, Gong Z, Zhang D. Genomic characterization of thymic epithelial tumors reveals critical genes underlying tumorigenesis and poor prognosis. Clin Genet 2022; 103:529-539. [PMID: 36541162 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are rare mediastinal tumors whose tumorigenesis mechanism is poorly understood. Characterization of molecular alterations in TETs may contribute to a better understanding of tumorigenesis and prognosis. Hybrid capture-based next-generation sequencing was performed on tumor tissues from 47 TETs (39 thymomas and 8 thymic carcinomas) to detect mutations in 315 tumor-associated genes. In total, 178 nonsynonymous mutations were identified, with a median of 3.79 per tumor in 47 TETs. Higher tumor mutation burden (TMB) level was more common in older TET patients, and significantly associated with the more advanced pathological type, especially in thymic carcinomas (TC) patients. The gene mutation profiles of B1-3, A/AB, and TC patients varied greatly. In the actionable mutations analysis, we found 32 actionable mutations in 24 genes. Among them, NFKBIA and TP53 mutations was the most frequently, which were only identified in TCs. Additionally, TCGA database analysis found that the expression of NFKBIA mRNA in the TCs were significantly higher than thymomas. TET patients with high NFKBIA expression had shorter overall survival compared with patients with low/medium NFKBIA expression, thus providing insights to consider NFKBIA as a potential prognosis biomarker and therapeutic target in TETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Tan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jili Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiaokai Zhao
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Companion Diagnostics, Jiaxing Yunying Medical Inspection Co., Ltd., Jiaxing, China.,Department of R&D, Zhejiang Yunying Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Jiaxing, China
| | - Yonghua Sun
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Companion Diagnostics, Jiaxing Yunying Medical Inspection Co., Ltd., Jiaxing, China.,Department of R&D, Zhejiang Yunying Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Jiaxing, China
| | - Youcai Zhu
- Zhejiang Rongjun Hospital, Jiaxing, China
| | - Ziying Gong
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Companion Diagnostics, Jiaxing Yunying Medical Inspection Co., Ltd., Jiaxing, China.,Department of R&D, Zhejiang Yunying Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Jiaxing, China
| | - Daoyun Zhang
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Companion Diagnostics, Jiaxing Yunying Medical Inspection Co., Ltd., Jiaxing, China.,Department of R&D, Zhejiang Yunying Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Jiaxing, China
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26
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Dhandapani K, Gandhi J, Timaniya S, Joshi K, Gami A, Shah A, Trivedi P. Histomorphological Spectrum and Diagnostic Challenges in Thymic Epithelial Neoplasms with their Prognostic Significance: A Case Series of 33 Cases at a Regional Cancer Center in Western India. South Asian J Cancer 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1757556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Pathological diagnosis of thymic epithelial neoplasms is challenging due to multiple subtypes, tumor heterogeneity, and variations in inter-observer reproducibility. Very few studies are available on their spectrum in the Indian subcontinent. In this study, we aimed to explore the morphological spectrum and diagnostic difficulties in the classification and subtyping of thymic epithelial neoplasms along with their prognostic significance in the Indian population.
Material and Methods Retrospectively, all surgically resected thymectomy specimens operated at our institute as well as outside review cases during the period were included. Histomorphology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) slides were reviewed and correlated with clinicopathological variables.
Statistical Analysis Microsoft Excel 2019 and SPSS version 20 were used for data analysis.
Results Among the 33 thymic epithelial neoplasms operated during the study period, the commonest subtype was thymoma B2 type followed by AB, B1, A, and B3 types. A single case each of micronodular thymoma, microscopic thymoma, and thymic carcinoma were identified. Six cases of thymomas with more than one pattern (other than ‘A’) were noted. The male:female ratio was 2:1. Stage I in Modified Masaoka staging and pT1a in TNM staging were most common. Seven cases had metastasis, four during initial presentation and three during subsequent follow-up.
Discussion and Conclusion Thymic epithelial neoplasms show morphological overlapping of features. Thorough sampling, morphology, and IHC for exact subtyping of thymoma and diligent search and documenting of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) are vital as both are separate risk factors for metastasis/recurrence and help the clinician in a better follow-up of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Dhandapani
- Department of Onco-pathology, Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Jahnavi Gandhi
- Department of Onco-pathology, Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Sonali Timaniya
- Department of Onco-pathology, Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Krutika Joshi
- Department of Onco-pathology, Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Amisha Gami
- Department of Onco-pathology, Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Ashini Shah
- Department of Onco-pathology, Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Priti Trivedi
- Department of Onco-pathology, Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
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Lu JJ, Zhao HL, Deng YD, Song B. Type B2 thymoma invading the superior vena cava and right atrium and with lung metastases: A young-case report. Asian J Surg 2022; 45:2748-2749. [PMID: 35717289 DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2022.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Ju Lu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Hong-Lin Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yun-Dan Deng
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Bing Song
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, China.
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28
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Jiang B, Tan Q, Deng B, Mei L, Lin Y, Zhu L. Robot-assisted thymectomy in large anterior mediastinal tumors: A comparative study with video-assisted thymectomy and open surgery. Thorac Cancer 2022; 14:267-273. [PMID: 36433677 PMCID: PMC9870738 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.14744] [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: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of robot-assisted thymectomy (RAT) in large anterior mediastinal tumors (AMTs) (size ≥6 cm) compared with video-assisted thymectomy (VAT) and open surgery. METHODS A total of 132 patients with large AMTs who underwent surgical resection from January 2016 to June 2022 were included in this study. A total of 61 patients underwent RAT, 36 patients underwent VAT and 35 patients underwent open surgery. Perioperative outcomes were compared. RESULTS There were no significant differences in tumor size (p = 0.141), or pathological types (p = 0.903). Compared with the open group, the RAT and VAT groups were associated with a shorter operation time (115.00 vs. 160.00, p = 0.012; 122.50 vs. 160.00, p = 0.071), and less blood loss (50.00 vs. 200.00, p < 0.001; 50.00 vs. 200.00, p < 0.001), respectively. The rate of conversion in the RAT group was similar to that in the VAT group (6.56% vs. 13.89%, p = 0.229). Concomitant resection was less frequently performed in the VAT group than in the RAT and open groups (5.56% vs. 31.15%, p = 0.040; 5.56% vs. 31.43%, p = 0.006). VAT patients had a lower drainage volume (365.00 vs. 700.00 and 910.00 mL, p < 0.001), shorter duration of chest tube (2.00 vs. 3.00 and 4.00, p < 0.001), and shorter hospital stay (5.00 vs. 6.00 and 7.00, p < 0.001) than the RAT and open groups. There was no 30-day mortality in any group. No difference was seen in R0 resection rates (p = 0.846). The postoperative complication rates were similar among the three groups (p = 0.309). Total in-hospital costs (66493.90 vs. 33581.05 and 42876.40, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the RAT group. CONCLUSIONS RAT is safe and effective for the resection of large AMTs compared to VAT and open surgery. Vascular resection in RAT is technically feasible. A long-term follow-up is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Jiang
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Qun‐You Tan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Daping Hospital (Army Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army)Army Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Bo Deng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Daping Hospital (Army Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army)Army Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Long‐Yong Mei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Daping Hospital (Army Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army)Army Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Yi‐Dan Lin
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Long‐Fei Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Daping Hospital (Army Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army)Army Medical UniversityChongqingChina
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Chang CC, Lin CY, Huang LT, Chuang MT, Lu YH, Huang WL, Chen YY, Lai WW, Tseng YL, Yen YT. Diagnostic value of apparent diffusion coefficient in predicting pathological T stage in patients with thymic epithelial tumor. Cancer Imaging 2022; 22:56. [PMID: 36199129 PMCID: PMC9533584 DOI: 10.1186/s40644-022-00495-x] [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: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Purposes This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic capacity of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in predicting pathological Masaoka and T stages in patients with thymic epithelial tumors (TETs). Methods Medical records of 62 patients who were diagnosed with TET and underwent diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) prior to surgery between August 2017 and July 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. ADC values were calculated from DWI images using b values of 0, 400, and 800 s/mm2. Pathological stages were determined by histological examination of surgical specimens. Cut-off points of ADC values were calculated via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results Patients had a mean age of 56.3 years. Mean ADC values were negatively correlated with pathological Masaoka and T stages. Higher values of the area under the ROC curve suggested that mean ADC values more accurately predicated pathological T stages than pathological Masaoka stages. The optimal cut-off points of mean ADC were 1.62, 1.31, and 1.48 × 10–3 mm2/sec for distinguishing pathological T2-T4 from pathological T1, pathological T4 from pathological T1-T3, and pathological T3-T4 from pathological T2, respectively. Conclusion ADC seems to more precisely predict pathological T stages, compared to pathological Masaoka stage. The cut-off values of ADC identified may be used to preoperatively predict pathological T stages of TETs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40644-022-00495-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Chun Chang
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medical College, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ying Lin
- Department of Medical Imaging, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medical College, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ting Huang
- Department of Medical Imaging, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medical College, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Tsung Chuang
- Department of Medical Imaging, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medical College, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Hung Lu
- Department of Medical Imaging, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medical College, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Li Huang
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medical College, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Yuan Chen
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medical College, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wu-Wei Lai
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medical College, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yau-Lin Tseng
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medical College, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Yen
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medical College, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan. .,Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medical College, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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The immune landscape of human thymic epithelial tumors. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5463. [PMID: 36115836 PMCID: PMC9482639 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33170-7] [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: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Human thymic epithelial tumors (TET) are common malignancies in the anterior mediastinum with limited biological understanding. Here we show, by single cell analysis of the immune landscape, that the developmental pattern of intra-tumoral T-cells identify three types within TETs. We characterize the developmental alterations and TCR repertoires of tumor-infiltrating T cells in the context of the distinguishing epithelial tumor cell types. We demonstrate that a subset of tumor cells, featuring medullary thymic epithelial cell (TEC) phenotype and marked by KRT14/GNB3 expression, accumulate in type 1 TETs, while T-cell positive selection is inhibited. Type 2 TETs are dominated by CCL25+ cortical TEC-like cells that appear to promote T-cell positive selection. Interestingly, the CHI3L1+ medullary TEC-like cells that are the characteristic feature of type 3 TETs don’t seem to support T-cell development, however, they may induce a tissue-resident CD8+ T cell response. In summary, our work suggests that the molecular subtype of epithelial tumour cells in TETs determine their tumour immune microenvironment, thus GNB3 and CHI3L1 might predict the immunological behavior and hence prognosis of these tumours. Thymic epithelial tumours represent a heterogenous group of malignancies with varied immune cell infiltration and prognosis. Here authors systematically analyze the phenotypes of both epithelial and immune cells that form these tumours, and identify three major subtypes with different T cell involvement that might affect prognosis.
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Pediatric Thymoma: A Review and Update of the Literature. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12092205. [PMID: 36140606 PMCID: PMC9497562 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12092205] [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: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric thymomas are extremely rare and slow-growing malignant tumors. The recent publication of the first Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)/American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Tumor–Node–Metastasis (TNM) stage classification and updated treatment guidelines for thymomas has prompted us to perform a review of the literature on pediatric thymomas. A search of English-language articles in the PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Embase databases was conducted. Additional articles were identified through reference lists of retrieved publications. Thirty-two articles involving 82 pediatric thymomas were included. Males comprised 60% of patients, and 13% manifested myasthenia gravis (MG). Histotype B1 (45%) and stage I (52% Masaoka–Koga and 71% UICC/AJCC TNM) were the most frequent. Of note is the possibility that the lack of cases with mixed histologies in the reviewed publications might be related to a sampling issue, as it is well known that the more sections are available for review, the more likely it is that the majority of these neoplasms will show mixed histologies. Both staging systems showed a gradual increase in the percentage of cases, with more advanced stages of disease moving from type A to B3 thymomas. Complete surgical resection (R0) was the main therapeutic approach in Masaoka–Koga stage I (89%) and UICC/AJCC TNM stage I (70%) thymomas. Advanced stages of disease and incomplete surgical resection were most often associated with recurrence and death. An association between stage and outcome, and completeness of resection and outcome, was found. Interestingly, though an association between histotype and staging was found, this does not take into account the possibility of mixed histologies which would reduce the clinical impact of histologic subtyping over staging.
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Wang G, Du L, Lu X, Liu J, Zhang M, Pan Y, Meng X, Xu X, Guan Z, Yang J. Multiparameter diagnostic model based on 18F-FDG PET and clinical characteristics can differentiate thymic epithelial tumors from thymic lymphomas. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:895. [PMID: 35974323 PMCID: PMC9382789 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09988-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the diagnostic performance of combined multiparametric 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18FDG PET) with clinical characteristics in differentiating thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) from thymic lymphomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 173 patients with 80 TETs and 93 thymic lymphomas who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT before treatment were enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients were confirmed by pathology, and baseline characteristics and clinical data were also collected. The semi-parameters of 18F-FDG PET/CT, including lesion size, SUVmax (maximum standard uptake value), SUVmean (mean standard uptake value), TLG (total lesion glycolysis), MTV (metabolic tumor volume) and SUVR (tumor-to-normal liver standard uptake value ratio) were evaluated. The differential diagnostic efficacy was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Integrated discriminatory improvement (IDI) and net reclassification improvement (NRI), and Delong test were used to evaluate the improvement in diagnostic efficacy. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS Age, clinical symptoms, and metabolic parameters differed significantly between patients with TETs and thymic lymphomas. The ROC curve analysis of SUVR showed the highest differentiating diagnostic value (sensitivity = 0.763; specificity = 0.888; area under the curve [AUC] = 0.881). The combined diagnostics model of age, clinical symptoms and SUVR resulted in the highest AUC of 0.964 (sensitivity = 0.882, specificity = 0.963). Compared with SUVR, the diagnostic efficiency of the model was improved significantly. The DCA also confirmed the clinical efficacy of the model. CONCLUSIONS The multiparameter diagnosis model based on 18F-FDG PET and clinical characteristics had excellent value in the differential diagnosis of TETs and thymic lymphomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanyun Wang
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong'an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, China.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Lei Du
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xia Lu
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong'an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Jiajin Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Mingyu Zhang
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong'an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yue Pan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xiaolin Meng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xiaodan Xu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Zhiwei Guan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China.
| | - Jigang Yang
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong'an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, China.
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Conforti F, Pala L, De Pas T, He Y, Giaccone G. Investigational drugs for the treatment of thymic cancer: a focus on phase 1 and 2 clinical trials. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:895-904. [PMID: 35961945 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2113373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are rare tumors of thymic epithelial cells. Treatment options for advanced disease patients who failed standard platinum-based chemotherapy are limited. AREAS COVERED Phase I and II trials published in the last five years testing new systemic treatments for advanced TET patients are discussed, as well as ongoing trials. A PubMed database literature review was conducted for articles published between January 2016 and December 2021, and ongoing clinical trials were retrieved from ClinicalTrials.gov database. EXPERT OPINION The most promising classes of new drugs in TET patients are angiogenesis inhibitors and immune checkpoint antibodies (ICIs). Sunitinib and Lenvatinib showed response rates of 26% and 38%, respectively, and ICIs showed durable responses in 20-25% in thymic carcinoma patients (TCs). Both approaches are mainly active in TCs, therefore new treatment options for thymomas is an unmet medical need.Two major new therapeutic strategies are ICIs combinations with other drugs and drugs that target pathways that are dysregulated in TETs.Future challenges include the development of preclinical models to help identify novel targets and test new treatment strategies, and randomized clinical trials to provide reliable evidence based on survival endpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Conforti
- Division of Medical Oncology for Melanoma, Sarcoma, and Rare Tumors, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Pala
- Division of Medical Oncology for Melanoma, Sarcoma, and Rare Tumors, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Tommaso De Pas
- Division of Medical Oncology for Melanoma, Sarcoma, and Rare Tumors, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Yongfeng He
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
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Zhang J, Zhang Z, Zhang H, Cui Y, Chen Y, Lv P, Zhang P. Thymectomy in ocular myasthenia gravis-prognosis and risk factors analysis. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:309. [PMID: 35945595 PMCID: PMC9361517 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02454-y] [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: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several retrospective studies have identified risk factors associated with ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) generalization in non-surgical patients. However, the outcomes of OMG after thymectomy have not been investigated fully. This study aimed to explore the clinical predictors of post-thymectomy OMG prognosis. Methods We performed a retrospective review of OMG patients who underwent thymectomy at our institution from January 2012 to December 2021. Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were used to evaluate associations between clinical features and prognosis. The main outcome measures were OMG conversion, complete stable remission (CSR), and clinical improvement. Results Fifty-eight patients were identified for conversion analysis. Thirteen (22.4%) developed generalized myasthenia gravis (GMG) at a median time of 12.7 (3–37.3) months from symptom onset. Repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS)-positivity was associated with increased risk of conversion to GMG (P = 0.002). Patients with histotype B2/B3 thymoma showed a higher risk of conversion (P = 0.002) than did patients with hyperplasia and AB/B1 thymoma. Fifty-two patients fulfilled the criteria for CSR and improvement. Sixteen (30.8%) achieved CSR at a median time of 28.7 (15–54) months after thymectomy. Fifteen (28.8%) showed clinical improvement at last follow up. Patients who achieved CSR showed a younger age of onset (P = 0.022), lower percentage of acetylcholine receptor antibody-seropositivity (P = 0.029). Histologically, patients with thymic hyperplasia and stage I thymoma showed a higher chance of CSR (P = 0.010) than did patients with stage II/III thymoma. Multivariate analysis revealed that RNS-positivity (hazard ratio [HR] 6.007, P = 0.021) and histotype B2/B3 thymoma (HR 4.611, P = 0.048) were associated with OMG conversion. Thymic hyperplasia and stage I thymoma (HR 0.300, P = 0.026) were associated with OMG CSR after thymectomy. Conclusion For OMG patients after thymectomy, RNS-positivity and histotype B2/B3 thymoma are independent predictors of conversion to GMG. On the other hand, thymic hyperplasia and stage I thymoma independently predict CSR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwei Zhang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No.154, Anshan Road, Tianjin, China
| | - Zeyang Zhang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No.154, Anshan Road, Tianjin, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No.154, Anshan Road, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuantao Cui
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No.154, Anshan Road, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No.154, Anshan Road, Tianjin, China
| | - Peng Lv
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No.154, Anshan Road, Tianjin, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No.154, Anshan Road, Tianjin, China.
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Szpechcinski A, Szolkowska M, Winiarski S, Lechowicz U, Wisniewski P, Knetki-Wroblewska M. Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing of Thymic Epithelial Tumours Revealed Pathogenic Variants in KIT, ERBB2, KRAS, and TP53 in 30% of Thymic Carcinomas. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143388. [PMID: 35884448 PMCID: PMC9324890 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The biology of thymic epithelial tumours (TETs), including thymomas and thymic carcinomas, and particularly the extent of molecular dysregulation, is poorly understood. Through next-generation sequencing of 15 genes implicated in common solid tumours in 53 TETs, we found a larger number of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in thymic carcinomas than thymomas. About 30% of thymic carcinomas had at least one somatic pathogenic gene variant in TP53, ERBB2, KIT, or KRAS, whereas variants of uncertain clinical significance in KIT, ERBB2, and FOXL2 were found exclusively in thymomas. The presence of somatic pathogenic variants was non-significantly associated with shorter disease-free survival in thymic carcinoma patients. No somatic pathogenic or likely pathogenic SNV was found in thymomas. Importantly, we also evaluated germline SNVs, adding to the number of known genetic alterations in TETs and thereby enhancing our molecular understanding of these neoplasms. Abstract A better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of thymic epithelial tumours (TETs) could revolutionise their treatment. We evaluated thymomas and thymic carcinomas by next-generation sequencing (NGS) of somatic or germline single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in genes commonly mutated in solid tumours. In total, 19 thymomas and 34 thymic carcinomas were analysed for nonsynonymous SNVs in 15 genes by targeted NGS (reference genome: hg19/GRCh37). Ten SNVs in TP53 (G154V, R158P, L194H, R267fs, R273C, R306 *, Q317 *), ERBB2 (V773M), KIT (L576P), and KRAS (Q61L) considered somatic and pathogenic/likely pathogenic were detected in 10 of 34 (29.4%) thymic carcinomas. No somatic SNVs confirmed as pathogenic/likely pathogenic were found in thymomas. Rare SNVs of uncertain or unknown functional and clinical significance, to our knowledge not reported previously in TETs, were found in ERBB2 (S703R), KIT (I690V), and FOXL2 (P157S) in 3 of 19 (16%) thymomas. The most frequent germline SNVs were TP53 P72R (94% TETs), ERBB2 I655V (40% TETs), and KIT M541L (9% TETs). No significant difference in median disease-free survival (DFS) was found between thymic carcinoma patients with and without pathogenic SNVs (p = 0.190); however, a trend toward a longer DFS was observed in the latter (16.0 vs. 30.0 months, respectively). In summary, NGS analysis of TETs revealed several SNVs in genes related to the p53, AKT, MAPK, and K-Ras signalling pathways. Thymic carcinomas showed greater genetic dysregulation than thymomas. The germline and rare SNVs of uncertain clinical significance reported in this study add to the number of known genetic alterations in TETs, thus extending our molecular understanding of these neoplasms. Druggable KIT alterations in thymic carcinomas have potential as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Szpechcinski
- Department of Genetics and Clinical Immunology, The Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, 01-138 Warsaw, Poland;
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (M.S.); Tel.: +48-22-43-12-105 (A.S.); +48-22-43-12-257 (M.S.)
| | - Malgorzata Szolkowska
- Department of Pathology, The Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, 01-138 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (M.S.); Tel.: +48-22-43-12-105 (A.S.); +48-22-43-12-257 (M.S.)
| | - Sebastian Winiarski
- Clinics of Thoracic Surgery, The Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, 01-138 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Urszula Lechowicz
- Department of Genetics and Clinical Immunology, The Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, 01-138 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Piotr Wisniewski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Knetki-Wroblewska
- Department of Lung Cancer and Chest Tumours, The Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland;
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Atypical thymomas with squamoid and spindle cell features: clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical and molecular genetic study of 120 cases with long-term follow-up. Mod Pathol 2022; 35:875-894. [PMID: 35145198 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-022-01013-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Thymomas are rare tumors characterized by a broad range of morphologic appearances that can sometimes give rise to difficulties for classification. We have studied a series of 120 thymoma patients in whom the tumors were characterized by sheets of atypical epithelial cells with squamoid and/or spindle cell features. They occurred in 63 men and 57 women and presented as a discrete mass in the anterior mediastinum measuring 2-23 cm (mean: 8.2 cm). Patients' ages ranged from 14 to 86 years (mean: 57.8) and most had symptoms referable to a mass lesion. 20 patients had myasthenia gravis or other autoimmune disorder. 76 cases were characterized by a predominant population of round to polygonal tumor cells while 32 cases were characterized by atypical oval or spindle cells. 12 cases showed mixed features and 16 cases showed the development of thymic carcinoma arising from thymoma. All cases were positive for p40/p63 and cytokeratin AE1/AE3. 23 cases were positive for CD5 (25%), and 13 for CD117 (14%). MIB1 showed a significant increase in proliferative activity (mean = 11.6%). Next generation sequencing in 47 cases did not disclose any variants amenable to current targeted therapies. Clinical follow up ranging from 2 to 29 years showed a progressive increase in aggressive behavior and fatality rate with advancing stage. Overall survival was 87% at 5 years, 67% at 10 years, and 23% at 20 years. Completeness of resection and staging were the most significant parameters for survival. The more aggressive tumors followed a protracted clinical course with multiple recurrences and metastases over a long period of time (mean = 19.8 years from time of initial relapse to death). Atypical thymomas are a distinct category of thymic epithelial neoplasm characterized by a slowly progressive clinical course with increased potential for metastases, transformation to a higher-grade malignancy, and fatal outcome in some cases.
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Arrossi AV, Dermawan JK, Bolen M, Raymond D. Thymomas With Intravascular and Intracardiac Growth. Front Oncol 2022; 12:881553. [PMID: 35814455 PMCID: PMC9268891 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.881553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymomas are derived from the epithelial component of the thymus and constitute the most common tumor of the anterior mediastinum. These neoplasms are considered malignant for their potential for invasion and metastases. Several histopathologic subclassification schemes have been proposed over the years, however, correlation of histotypes with prognosis remains controversial. In contrast, studies invariably have shown that staging and resection status correlate with oncologic behavior and disease outcomes. In this regard, several staging systems have been presented, though transcapsular invasion and degree of involvement of adjacent anatomic structures are common denominators of all schemes. Involvement of the great vessels and heart most commonly results from direct invasion, which may lead to unusual clinical presentations such as superior vena cava syndrome. Moreover, intravascular and intracardiac growth with or without direct mural invasion rarely occurs. We provide an overview of thymomas with intravascular and intracardiac involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Valeria Arrossi
- Department of Pathology, Robert J. (R.J) Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Andrea Valeria Arrossi,
| | - Josephine K. Dermawan
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Michael Bolen
- Imaging Institute, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Radiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Daniel Raymond
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Girard N, Basse C, Schrock A, Ramkissoon S, Killian K, Ross JS. Comprehensive Genomic Profiling of 274 Thymic Epithelial Tumors Unveils Oncogenic Pathways and Predictive Biomarkers. Oncologist 2022; 27:919-929. [PMID: 35749302 PMCID: PMC9632319 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyac115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymic malignancies represent a heterogeneous group of rare thoracic cancers, which are classified according to the World Health Organization histopathologic classification, that distinguishes thymomas from thymic carcinomas. Data regarding the biology of those tumors are limited in the literature, and the vast majority have been obtained using surgical specimens from early-stage disease. Meanwhile, treatment of advanced, refractory thymic tumors currently relies on chemotherapy, with limited efficacy. Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) of advanced, refractory tumors would open some opportunities for innovative treatments. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 90 and 174 consecutive patients with thymoma or thymic carcinoma, respectively, for whom formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens from recurrent, refractory tumor were sequenced, were included. Sequencing was performed using hybridization-captured, adaptor ligation-based libraries to a mean coverage depth of >500× for up to 315 cancer-related genes plus 37 introns from 28 genes frequently rearranged in cancer. RESULTS Thymomas featured a low frequency of genomic alterations (average of 1.8/tumor), and low levels of TMB. The genomic alterations identified in more than 10% of cases were in the CDKN2A/B and TP53 genes. Amplification in the NTRK1 gene was found in an unresectable, stage III, type B3 thymoma. Thymic carcinomas featured a significantly higher frequency of alterations at 4.0/tumor (P < .0001). Clinically relevant genomic alterations were observed in the CDKN2A, KIT, and PTEN/PI3K/MTOR pathways. Elevated TMB in thymic carcinomas was uncommon with only 6% of cases featuring ≥10 mutations/Mb. CONCLUSIONS Our cohort is the largest available so far, reporting on CGP of thymic epithelial tumors in the setting of advanced disease. The identification of clinically relevant genomic alterations in the KIT, PI3K, CDKN2A/B, or NTRK genes provides a strong rationale for potential precision medicine approaches using targeted agents. A subset of thymic carcinomas show high tumor mutation burden, what may be a predictor of efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Girard
- Corresponding author: Nicolas Girard, Institut Curie, 26 rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France. Tel: +33 144324677; Fax: +33 153104017;
| | - Clémence Basse
- Institut Curie, Institut du Thorax Curie Montsouris, Paris, France,Faculté de Médecine Simonbe Veil, UVSQ, Paris Saclay Campus, Versailles, France
| | | | | | | | - Jeffrey S Ross
- Foundation Medicine, Cambridge, MA, USA,SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
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Ma WL, Lin CC, Hsu FM, Lee JM, Chen JS, Huang YL, Chang YL, Chang CH, Yang JCH. Clinical outcomes for patients with thymoma and thymic carcinoma after undergoing different front-line chemotherapy regimens. Cancer Med 2022; 11:3445-3456. [PMID: 35348307 PMCID: PMC9487882 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4711] [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: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Front‐line platinum‐base chemotherapy for advanced thymoma and thymic carcinoma (TC) improves resectability and prolongs patients' overall survival (OS). In this study, we evaluated patients' outcomes given different front‐line regimens: cisplatin, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (CAP); cisplatin and etoposide (EP); or cisplatin and paclitaxel (TP). Materials and Methods We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of patients with advanced thymoma and TC who were treated at our medical center between 2005 and 2015. We investigated objective response rates (ORRs), progression‐free survival (PFS), and OS after undergoing different front‐line regimens. Results Among the 108 enrolled patients, 37 (34%) had thymoma and 71 (66%) had TC; 45 received CAP, 36 received EP, and 27 received TP regimens. The ORRs of patients receiving CAP, EP, and TP were 51%, 50%, and 41%, respectively. For patients with stage III and IVA disease, the median PFS after CAP, EP, and TP were 34.5, 26.4, and 18.0 months (p = 0.424), respectively, and the 5‐year OS rates were 84.9%, 70.6%, and 60.0% (p = 0.509). In patients with stage IVB disease, the median PFS were 9.4, 8.2, and 11.6 months after undergoing CAP, EP, and TP (p = 0.173), respectively, and the 5‐year OS rates were 41.1%, 39.1%, and 14.3% (p = 0.788). TC pathology subtype and liver metastasis were associated with poor OS. Three patients with stage IVB TC had an OS of more than 5 years. Conclusion Different front‐line chemotherapy regimens may provide similar long‐term PFS and OS in patients with advanced thymoma and TC. In addition to TC and liver metastasis were associated with poor OS, other potential prognostic factors are warranted for studying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Li Ma
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chi Lin
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Ming Hsu
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jang-Ming Lee
- Division of Thoracic surgery, Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Shing Chen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Lin Huang
- Department of Pathology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yih-Leong Chang
- Department of Pathology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Hao Chang
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - James Chih-Hsin Yang
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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The IASLC Thymic Epithelial Tumors Staging Project: unresolved issues to be addressed for the next 9th edition of the TNM classification of malignant tumors. J Thorac Oncol 2022; 17:838-851. [PMID: 35321838 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Smith A, Cavalli C, Harling L, Harrison-Phipps K, Routledge T, Pilling J, King J, Bille A, Nonaka D. Impact of the TNM staging system for thymoma. MEDIASTINUM (HONG KONG, CHINA) 2022; 5:32. [PMID: 35118337 PMCID: PMC8801005 DOI: 10.21037/med-21-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Masaoka-Koga staging system remains the most frequently applied clinical staging system for thymic malignancy. However, the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC)/International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group (ITMIG) proposed a tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system in 2014. This study aims to evaluate its impact on stage distribution, clinical implementation, and prognosis for thymomas. Methods We performed a single institution, retrospective analysis of 245 consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection for thymoma. 9 patients with thymic carcinoma were excluded. No patients were lost to follow up. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to calculate overall survival. Results Median age was 62 years; 129 patients (53%) were female. The median overall survival was 158 months (range, 108–208 months), and disease-free survival 194 months (range, 170–218 months). At the end of follow up 63 patients were dead. Early Masaoka-Koga stages I (n=74) and II (n=129) shifted to the IASLC/ITMIG stage I (n=203). 8 patients were down staged from Masaoka-Koga stage III to IASLC/ITMIG stage II because of pericardial involvement. Advanced stages III (Masaoka-Koga: n=30; IASLC/ITMIG: n=22) and IV (Masaoka-Koga: n=12; IASLC/ITMIG: n=12) remained similar and were associated with more aggressive WHO thymoma histotypes (B2/B3). Masaoka-Koga (P=0.004), IASLC/ITMIG staging (P<0.0001) and complete surgical resection (P<0.0001) were statistically associated with survival. At multivariate analysis only R status was an independent prognostic factor for survival. Conclusions The proportion of patients with stage I disease increased significantly when IASLC/ITMIG system used, whilst the proportion with stages III and IV were similar in both systems. Completeness of resection, Masaoka-Koga and the IASLC/ITMIG staging system are strong predictors of survival. The TNM staging system is useful in disease management and a strong predictor of overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Smith
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, UK
| | | | - Leanne Harling
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, UK
| | | | - Tom Routledge
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, UK
| | - John Pilling
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, UK
| | - Juliet King
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, UK
| | - Andrea Bille
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, UK.,King's College London, The Strand, London, UK
| | - Daisuke Nonaka
- King's College London, The Strand, London, UK.,Department of Pathology, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, UK
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Zhang T, Liu L, Qiu B. Development of a competing risk nomogram for the prediction of cause-specific mortality in patients with thymoma: a population-based analysis. J Thorac Dis 2022; 13:6838-6847. [PMID: 35070368 PMCID: PMC8743403 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-21-931] [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: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Background This study was developed to assess the odds of cause-specific mortality and other types of mortality in thymoma patients. In addition, these analyses were leveraged to develop a comprehensive competing risk model-based nomogram capable of predicting cause-specific mortality as a result of thymoma. Methods Thymoma patients included within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2004–2016 were identified, and the odds of cause-specific mortality due to thymoma and other forms of mortality for these patients were estimated. In addition, Fine and Gray’s proportional subdistribution hazard model was constructed, and a competing risk nomogram was developed using this model that was capable of predicting the odds of 3-, 5-, and 10-year cause-specific mortality in thymoma patients. Results In total, 1,591 relevant cases in the SEER database were selected for analysis. In this patient cohort, the respective 5-year cumulative incidence rates for cause-specific mortality and mortality attributable to other causes were 12.4% and 8.2%. Variables significantly associated with cause-specific mortality included age, chemotherapy, surgery, and Masaoka stage. Additionally, the odds of other-cause-specific mortality rose with increasing patient age, and chemotherapy was correlated with other-cause-specific mortality. The competing risk nomogram that was developed exhibited good discriminative ability as a means of predicting cause-specific mortality, as evidenced by a concordance index (C-index) value of 0.84. Calibration curves further revealed excellent consistency between predicted and actual mortality when using this nomogram. Conclusions In summary, we herein assessed the odds of cause-specific and other-cause-specific mortality among thymoma patients, and we designed a novel nomogram capable of predicting cause-specific mortality for thymoma, providing a promising tool that may be of value in the context of individualized patient prognostic evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lipin Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Qiu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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OUP accepted manuscript. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2022; 62:6571693. [DOI: 10.1093/ejcts/ezac238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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OUP accepted manuscript. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2022; 62:6574354. [DOI: 10.1093/ejcts/ezac274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Marcuse F, Peeters S, Herman K, Vaassen F, van Elmpt W, Maat APWM, Praag J, Billiet C, Van Schil P, Lambrecht M, Van Raemdonck D, Cao K, Grigoroiu M, Girard N, Hochstenbag M, Maessen J, De Ruysscher D. Optimal delineation of the clinical target volume for thymomas in the post-resection setting: A multi-center study. Radiother Oncol 2021; 165:8-13. [PMID: 34673091 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2021.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The definition of the clinical target volume (CTV) for post-operative radiotherapy (PORT) for thymoma is largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to analyze the difference in CTV delineation between radiation oncologists (RTO) and surgeons. METHODS This retrospective multi-center study enrolled 31 patients who underwent PORT for a thymoma from five hospitals. Three CTVs were delineated per patient: one CTV by the RTO, one CTV by the surgeon (blinded to the results of the RTO) and a joint CTV after collaboration. Volumes (cm3), Hausdorff distances (HD) and Dice similarity coefficients (DSC) were analyzed. RESULTS RTO delineated significantly bigger CTVs than surgeons (mean: 93.9 ± 63.1, versus 57.9 ± 61.3 cm3, p = 0.003). Agreement was poor between RO and surgeons, with a low mean DSC (0.34 ± 0.21) and high mean HD of 4.5 (±2.2) cm. Collaborative delineation resulted in significantly smaller volumes compared to RTO (mean 57.1 ± 58.6 cm3, p < 0.001). A mean volume of 18.9 (±38.1) cm3 was included in joint contours, but missed by RTO. Conversely, a mean volume of 55.7 (±39.9) cm3 was included in RTO's delineations, but not in the joint delineations. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating CTV definition in thymoma. We demonstrated a significant variability between RTO and surgeons. Joint delineation prompted revisions in smaller CTV as well as favoring the surgeons' judgement, suggesting that surgeons provided relevant insight into other risk areas than RTO. We recommend a multidisciplinary approach to PORT for thymomas in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florit Marcuse
- Department of Pulmonology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, the Netherlands.
| | - Stephanie Peeters
- Department of Radiation Oncology (Maastro Clinic), GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, the Netherlands
| | - Kato Herman
- Department of Pulmonology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, the Netherlands
| | - Femke Vaassen
- Department of Radiation Oncology (Maastro Clinic), GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter van Elmpt
- Department of Radiation Oncology (Maastro Clinic), GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander P W M Maat
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - John Praag
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Charlotte Billiet
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Iridium Netwerk, Wilrijk, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Paul Van Schil
- Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital and Antwerp University, Belgium
| | - Maarten Lambrecht
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven/KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Van Raemdonck
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven/KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kim Cao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, L'Institut du Thorax Curie-Montsouris, Paris, France
| | - Madalina Grigoroiu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, L'Institut du Thorax Curie-Montsouris, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Girard
- Institut du Thorax Curie-Montsouris, Institut Curie, Paris, France; UVSQ, Paris Saclay, Versailles, France
| | - Monique Hochstenbag
- Department of Pulmonology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, the Netherlands
| | - Jos Maessen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center+, the Netherlands
| | - Dirk De Ruysscher
- Department of Radiation Oncology (Maastro Clinic), GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, the Netherlands
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Marino M, Marx A, Anemona L, Lauriola L, Ströbel P, Müller-Hermelink HK. Juan Rosai as master of our comprehensive understanding of thymus and thymoma. Pathologica 2021; 113:360-370. [PMID: 34837094 PMCID: PMC8720410 DOI: 10.32074/1591-951x-539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the authors report on the activity of Juan Rosai, one of the pathologists most engaged in the definition of cells, diseases and tumors occurring in the thymus and in the mediastinum during the last 60 years. With his morphological skills and tireless interest in clarification of disease patterns, he contributed extraordinarily to expand our knowledge of the mediastinal diseases and to improve our diagnostic approach. He determined extraordinary advances also in trasmission electron microscopy and in immunohistochemistry as powerful diagnostic tools. Moreover, he proposed and promoted, together with an international panel of Pathologists, the World Health Classification of Thymic tumors as a definite progress in our comprehension and diagnostics of thymic epithelial tumors (TET). Our purpose is to review J. Rosai's achievements in thymic normal structure, in TET and particularly in the entity now definied as "thymoma", in distinction from the thymic carcinoma. To do this, our narrative will also be based on personal memories, longstanding collaborations and/or friendship with J. Rosai.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirella Marino
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Alexander Marx
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Lucia Anemona
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Libero Lauriola
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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Jain D, Guleria P, Singh V, Parshad R, Kumar S, Gaiser T, Kurz KS, Ott G, Porubsky S, Preissler G, Sauer CG, Schölch S, Ströbel P, Hielscher T, Marx A, Popovic ZV. GTF2I Mutation in Thymomas: Independence From Racial-Ethnic Backgrounds. An Indian/German Comparative Study. Pathol Oncol Res 2021; 27:1609858. [PMID: 34497477 PMCID: PMC8419886 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2021.1609858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Thymomas are the most frequent adult mediastinal cancers. Their etiology is unknown and their pathogenesis poorly understood. Racial, ethnic and environmental factors influence tumorigenesis in many cancers, but their role in thymomas remains unclear to date. In this study that included pretreatment thymoma cases from India and Germany (n = 37 and n = 77, respectively) we compared i) the prevalence of the thymoma-specific chromosome 7 c.74146970T > A mutation of the GTF2I gene in type A and AB thymomas; ii) epidemiological features; and iii) the frequency of myasthenia gravis (MG). Due to a known predominance of GTF2I mutation in A and AB histotypes, we included only a marginal number of type B thymomas as a control group in both cohorts. While the distribution of histological types between the cohorts was similar (p = 0.1622), Indian patients were strikingly younger (p < 0.0001; median age 50 vs. 65 years) and showed significantly lower tumour stage (Masaoka-Koga stage I) at primary diagnosis (p = 0.0005) than the German patients. In patients with known MG status (n = 17 in Indian and n = 25 in German cohort), a clear trend towards more frequent MG was observed in the Indian group (p = 0.0504; 48 vs. 82%). The prevalence of the GTF2I mutation (analysed in n = 34 Indian and n = 77 German patients) was identical in the two cohorts. We conclude that racial-ethnic and environmental factors do not significantly influence the most common molecular feature of thymomas but may have an impact on the timing of clinical presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepali Jain
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Prerna Guleria
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Varsha Singh
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajinder Parshad
- Department of Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Surgical Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Timo Gaiser
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Katrin S Kurz
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute for Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany.,Department of Clinical Pathology, Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - German Ott
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute for Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany.,Department of Clinical Pathology, Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Stefan Porubsky
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, University Hospital, Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Gerhard Preissler
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Schillerhöhe Clinics, Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus, Gerlingen, Germany
| | - Christian G Sauer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sebastian Schölch
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.,Junior Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Surgical Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Philipp Ströbel
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Hielscher
- Department of Biostatistics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Marx
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Zoran V Popovic
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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Savu C, Melinte A, Gibu A, Hallabrin I, Zafiu A, Tudor VA, Diaconu C, Gherghiceanu F, Furtunescu F, Radavoi D, Balescu I, Bacalbasa N. A Large Thymoma Resected via Left Antero-lateral Thoracotomy. CANCER DIAGNOSIS & PROGNOSIS 2021; 1:363-370. [PMID: 35403149 PMCID: PMC8988950 DOI: 10.21873/cdp.10048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Thymomas are a rare type of mediastinal tumors with a slow growth rate. Because of this, they are well tolerated and patients usually present with large masses, which can extend in either of the thoracic cavities. The surgical approach for such tumors is dictated by the size and localization of the mass. CASE REPORT We present the case of a patient with a large thymoma, resected through surgery performed by left antero-lateral thoracotomy. The patient presented in our clinic with a persistent cough, dyspnea, chest pain and tightness. Standard thoracic X-ray revealed a bilateral increase in size of the mediastinal shadow, mainly on the left side, with well-defined margins and subcostal intensity. A thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan discovered a tumoral mass within the antero-superior mediastinum, with compression of the mediastinal organs; presentation being suggestive for a thymoma. Surgery was performed, removing a 15/13/10 cm thymoma with a weight of 1126 g. Pathological examination as well as immunohistochemistry confirmed our diagnosis of type AB thymoma, stage I Masaoka-Koga. CONCLUSION In conclusion, surgical treatment remains the main therapeutic option in thymomas, but it is often difficult to perform due to tumor size and local invasion. However, even in large thymomas of stages I and II, surgery can be performed using an antero-lateral thoracotomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornel Savu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, "Marius Nasta" National Institute of Pneumology, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Melinte
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, "Marius Nasta" National Institute of Pneumology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Gibu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, "Marius Nasta" National Institute of Pneumology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ionut Hallabrin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, "Marius Nasta" National Institute of Pneumology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Zafiu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, "Marius Nasta" National Institute of Pneumology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Vasilica-Adrian Tudor
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, "Marius Nasta" National Institute of Pneumology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Camelia Diaconu
- Department of Internal Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florentina Gherghiceanu
- Department of Marketing and Medical Technology, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florentina Furtunescu
- Department of Public Health and Management University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniel Radavoi
- Department of Urology, "Prof. Dr. Th. Burghele" Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Urology, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irina Balescu
- Department of Surgery, "Ponderas" Academic Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Nicolae Bacalbasa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine "Fundeni" Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
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Calabrese F, Fortarezza F, Pezzuto F, Lunardi F, Comacchio G, Sbaraglia M, Pasello G, Marulli G, Dei Tos AP, Rea F. The Rarest of Rare Thymic Lesions: A 10-Year Surgical Pathology Experience. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4056. [PMID: 34439210 PMCID: PMC8392427 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164056] [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: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is a specialized primary lymphoid organ located in the midline pre-vascular mediastinum. The organ is the site of various pathological processes, neoplastic and not, whose rarity has not allowed in-depth studies on clinical or histological features of rarest and unusual variants. Herein, we report a 10-year Padova experience in the surgical pathology of the thymus, focusing on the pathological description of nonneoplastic lesions and rare epithelial and mesenchymal tumors recorded in our database, which comprises over 600 thymectomies. The extrapolated rare cases have been categorized into four groups that included 15 cysts, 18 carcinomas, 5 neuroendocrine tumors, and 2 soft tissue tumors. The cases are described from a clinical and pathological point of view and discussed in dedicated sections with a review of the most important literature. In this case, review series, we aim to update the epidemiology of these rare entities, improve diagnostic awareness, and finally, promote a collaborative network between referral centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorella Calabrese
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (F.F.); (F.P.); (F.L.); (G.C.); (F.R.)
| | - Francesco Fortarezza
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (F.F.); (F.P.); (F.L.); (G.C.); (F.R.)
| | - Federica Pezzuto
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (F.F.); (F.P.); (F.L.); (G.C.); (F.R.)
| | - Francesca Lunardi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (F.F.); (F.P.); (F.L.); (G.C.); (F.R.)
| | - Giovanni Comacchio
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (F.F.); (F.P.); (F.L.); (G.C.); (F.R.)
| | - Marta Sbaraglia
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (M.S.); (A.P.D.T.)
| | - Giulia Pasello
- Department of Surgery, Oncology, and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Marulli
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Angelo Paolo Dei Tos
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (M.S.); (A.P.D.T.)
| | - Federico Rea
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (F.F.); (F.P.); (F.L.); (G.C.); (F.R.)
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PECATI: A Multicentric, Open-Label, Single-Arm Phase II Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib in Pretreated B3-Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma Patients. Clin Lung Cancer 2021; 23:e243-e246. [PMID: 34393061 DOI: 10.1016/j.cllc.2021.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors are rare neoplastic proliferations of thymic epithelial cells. The aggressiveness of these malignancies increases as higher is the histologic subtype, being thymic carcinoma the most aggressive subtype, with a greater tendency to metastatic spread. In metastatic setting, there is no standard treatment after progression on platinum-based chemotherapy. In this scenario, monotherapy treatment either with lenvatinib, a multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor with antiangiogenic properties, or pembrolizumab, an immune-checkpoint inhibitor, has reported clinical activity. Potential combination of both agents may have synergistic activity as reported in other cancer types. PECATI trial is a single-arm, investigator-initiated phase II study aiming to assess the activity and safety of the combination of lenvatinib and pembrolizumab in 43 patients with advanced B3-thymoma or thymic carcinoma who progressed on or after at least one previous line of platinum-based chemotherapy. The primary endpoint of the trial is 5-month progression-free survival rate and the secondary endpoints include overall response rate, duration of response, and overall survival.
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