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Nabel CS, Ackman JB, Hung YP, Louissaint A, Riely GJ. Single-Cell Sequencing Illuminates Thymic Development: An Updated Framework for Understanding Thymic Epithelial Tumors. Oncologist 2024; 29:473-483. [PMID: 38520743 PMCID: PMC11145005 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyae046] [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: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are rare tumors for which treatment options are limited. The ongoing need for improved systemic therapies reflects a limited understanding of tumor biology as well as the normal thymus. The essential role of the thymus in adaptive immunity is largely effected by its epithelial compartment, which directs thymocyte (T-cell) differentiation and immunologic self-tolerance. With aging, the thymus undergoes involution whereby epithelial tissue is replaced by adipose and other connective tissue, decreasing immature T-cell production. Against this natural drive toward involution, a fraction of thymuses will instead undergo oncologic transformation, leading to the formation of TETs, including thymoma and thymic carcinoma. The rarity of these tumors restricts investigation of the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and development of rational treatment options. To this end, the development of technologies which allow deep molecular profiling of individual tumor cells permits a new window through which to view normal thymic development and contrast the malignant changes that result in oncogenic transformation. In this review, we describe the findings of recent illuminating studies on the diversity of cell types within the epithelial compartment through thymic differentiation and aging. We contextualize these findings around important unanswered questions regarding the spectrum of known somatic tumor alterations, cell of origin, and tumor heterogeneity. The perspectives informed by single-cell molecular profiling offer new approaches to clinical and basic investigation of thymic epithelial tumors, with the potential to accelerate development of improved therapeutic strategies to address ongoing unmet needs in these rare tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher S Nabel
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jeanne B Ackman
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yin P Hung
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Abner Louissaint
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gregory J Riely
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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2
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Deng H. Utility of Immunohistochemistry in the Diagnosis of Pleuropulmonary and Mediastinal Cancers: A Review and Update. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2024; 148:267-283. [PMID: 37406295 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2022-0483-ra] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— Immunohistochemistry has become a valuable ancillary tool for the accurate classification of pleuropulmonary and mediastinal neoplasms necessary for therapeutic decisions and predicting prognostic outcome. Diagnostic accuracy has significantly improved because of the continuous discoveries of tumor-associated biomarkers and the development of effective immunohistochemical panels. OBJECTIVE.— To increase the accuracy of diagnosis and classify pleuropulmonary neoplasms through immunohistochemistry. DATA SOURCES.— Literature review and the author's research data and personal practice experience. CONCLUSIONS.— This review article highlights that appropriately selecting immunohistochemical panels enables pathologists to effectively diagnose most primary pleuropulmonary neoplasms and differentiate primary lung tumors from a variety of metastatic tumors to the lung. Knowing the utilities and pitfalls of each tumor-associated biomarker is essential to avoid potential diagnostic errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbing Deng
- From the Department of Pathology, Geisinger Commonwealth Medical School and Pathology, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Geisinger Health System, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
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Maniar R, Loehrer PJ. What Have We Learned from Molecularly Informed Clinical Trials on Thymomas and Thymic Carcinomas-Current Status and Future Directions? Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:416. [PMID: 38254905 PMCID: PMC10813974 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020416] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs), which include thymomas and thymic carcinomas, are a rare, heterogeneous group of malignancies that originate from the thymus gland. As an important organ of immune cell development, thymic tumors, particularly thymomas, are often associated with paraneoplastic autoimmune disorders. The advances in targeted therapies for both solid and hematologic malignancies have resulted in improved patient outcomes, including better and more durable efficacy and improved toxicity. Targeted therapies have also been investigated in the treatment of TETs, though the results have largely been modest. These have included somatostatin-receptor-targeting therapies, KIT- and EGFR-directed tyrosine kinase inhibitors, epigenetic modulators, anti-angiogenesis agents, and agents targeting the cell proliferation and survival pathways and cell cycle regulators. Numerous investigated treatments have failed or underperformed due to a lack of a strong biomarker of efficacy. Ongoing trials are attempting to expand on previous experiences, including the exploration of effective drugs in early-stage disease. Novel combination therapy strategies are also undergoing evaluation, with the goal of augmenting efficacy and understanding the toxicity while expanding the biomarkers of efficacy and safety. With advances in technology to improve target identification and drug delivery, old targets may become new opportunities, and the subsequently developed drugs may find their place in the treatment of thymic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrick J. Loehrer
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
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Barachini S, Pardini E, Burzi IS, Sardo Infirri G, Montali M, Petrini I. Molecular and Functional Key Features and Oncogenic Drivers in Thymic Carcinomas. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:166. [PMID: 38201593 PMCID: PMC10778094 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010166] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors, comprising thymic carcinomas and thymomas, are rare neoplasms. They differ in histology, prognosis, and association with autoimmune diseases such as myasthenia gravis. Thymomas, but not thymic carcinomas, often harbor GTF2I mutations. Mutations of CDKN2A, TP53, and CDKN2B are the most common thymic carcinomas. The acquisition of mutations in genes that control chromatin modifications and epigenetic regulation occurs in the advanced stages of thymic carcinomas. Anti-angiogenic drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis have shown promising results for the treatment of unresectable tumors. Since thymic carcinomas are frankly aggressive tumors, this report presents insights into their oncogenic drivers, categorized under the established hallmarks of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Barachini
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eleonora Pardini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Irene Sofia Burzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gisella Sardo Infirri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marina Montali
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Iacopo Petrini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Agrafiotis AC, Brandão M, Berghmans T, Durieux V, Jungels C. Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapies Efficacy in Thymic Epithelial Tumors: A Systematic Review. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2722. [PMID: 37893096 PMCID: PMC10604659 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102722] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymic epithelial tumors (TET) are rare neoplasms of the anterior mediastinum. Surgery is the mainstay treatment for resectable TET, whereas systemic treatments are reserved for unresectable and metastatic tumors. The development of new treatments, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and targeted therapies, with promising results in other types of solid tumors, has led to the investigation of their potential efficacy in TET. The study of tumor microenvironments (TME) is another field of investigation that has gained the interest of researchers. Taking into account the complex structure of the thymus and its function in the development of immunity, researchers have focused on TME elements that could predict ICI efficacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS The primary objective of this systematic review was to investigate the efficacy of ICI in TET. Secondary objectives included the toxicity of ICI, the efficacy of targeted therapies in TET, and the evaluation of the elements of TME that may be predictive factors of ICI efficacy. A literature search was conducted in February 2023 using the Ovid Medline and SciVerse Scopus databases. RESULTS 2944 abstracts were retrieved, of which 31 were retained for the systematic review. Five phase II and one retrospective study assessed ICI efficacy. The overall response rate (ORR) varied from 0% to 34%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) ranged from 3.8 to 8.6 months, being lower in thymic carcinoma (TC) (3.8-4.2 months). Median overall survival (OS) ranged from 14.1 to 35.4 months. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 6.6% to 27.3% of patients. Sixteen studies assessed targeted therapies. The most active molecule was lenvatinib, with 38% ORR in patients with TC while no activity was detected for imatinib, erlotinib plus bevacizumab, and saracatinib. Ten studies assessed TME elements that could predict ICI efficacy. Four studies focused on the tumor-infiltrating immune cells suggesting improved outcomes in patients with TC and high tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte densities. Another study showed that CD8+, CD20+, and CD204+ tumor-infiltrating immune cells in cancer stroma might be prognostic biomarkers in TC. Another study identified the immune-related long non-coding RNAs as a predictor of response to ICI. Tumor mutational burden was identified as a predictive factor of ICI efficacy in one study. CONCLUSIONS Despite study heterogeneity, this review shows that ICI could be a therapeutic option for selected patients with TET that are not amenable to curative radical treatment after first-line chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apostolos C. Agrafiotis
- Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, B-2650 Edegem, Belgium
- European Lung Cancer Working Party (ELCWP), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mariana Brandão
- European Lung Cancer Working Party (ELCWP), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Institut Jules Bordet, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thierry Berghmans
- European Lung Cancer Working Party (ELCWP), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Institut Jules Bordet, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Valérie Durieux
- European Lung Cancer Working Party (ELCWP), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
- Bibliothèque des Sciences de la Santé, Université libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christiane Jungels
- European Lung Cancer Working Party (ELCWP), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Oncological Medicine, Institut Jules Bordet, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
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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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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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8
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Dapergola A, Gomatou G, Trontzas I, Panagiotou E, Dimakakos E, Syrigos N, Kotteas E. Emerging therapies in thymic epithelial tumors (Review). Oncol Lett 2023; 25:84. [PMID: 36760515 PMCID: PMC9877504 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs), including thymomas and thymic carcinomas, are rare malignancies arising from the thymus gland. The optimal management requires a multidisciplinary approach. Standard first-line systemic treatment involves cytotoxic chemotherapeutic regimens; however, alternative options for systemic treatment are required. Current research focuses on the unique profile of immune-related pathogenic mechanisms of TETs, involving an overlap with certain autoimmune phenotypes, as well as on determining the landscape of oncogenic molecular alterations and the role of tumor angiogenesis. The aim of the present review is to summarize the current clinical investigation on immunotherapy and targeted agents in the management of TETs. Regarding immune checkpoint inhibitors, efficacy results are promising in certain subsets of patients; however, caution is required concerning their toxicity. Anti-angiogenic agents, mainly potent small-molecule inhibitors, have demonstrated antitumor activity in TETs, whereas other targeted agents, including KIT inhibitors and epigenetic agents, are associated with encouraging, yet still modest results for unselected populations, in the absence of predictive biomarkers. Future research should focus on identifying predictive biomarkers for patients with TETs, and should implement multicenter collaborations and appropriate clinical trials tailored for rare tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athina Dapergola
- Oncology Unit, Third Department of Medicine, ‘Sotiria’ General Hospital for Diseases of The Chest, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Georgia Gomatou
- Oncology Unit, Third Department of Medicine, ‘Sotiria’ General Hospital for Diseases of The Chest, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece,Correspondence to: Dr Georgia Gomatou, Oncology Unit, Third Department of Medicine, ‘Sotiria’ General Hospital for Diseases of The Chest, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 152 Messogion Avenue, Athens 11527, Greece, E-mail:
| | - Ioannis Trontzas
- Oncology Unit, Third Department of Medicine, ‘Sotiria’ General Hospital for Diseases of The Chest, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Panagiotou
- Oncology Unit, Third Department of Medicine, ‘Sotiria’ General Hospital for Diseases of The Chest, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Evangelos Dimakakos
- Oncology Unit, Third Department of Medicine, ‘Sotiria’ General Hospital for Diseases of The Chest, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Syrigos
- Oncology Unit, Third Department of Medicine, ‘Sotiria’ General Hospital for Diseases of The Chest, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Elias Kotteas
- Oncology Unit, Third Department of Medicine, ‘Sotiria’ General Hospital for Diseases of The Chest, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Radical surgery is the best therapeutic option for thymic malignancies. However, patients with advanced or recurrent thymic malignancies often require chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Since thymic malignancies are rare cancers, the efficacy and safety of treatments have been verified based on small Phase 2 trials or retrospective studies. AREA COVERED We comprehensively reviewed the treatment strategies for thymic malignancies, including surgery, radiotherapy, and pharmacotherapy, including cytotoxic chemotherapy, molecular-targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Additionally, we reviewed specific situations, such as pleural dissemination, central nervous system metastasis, and paraneoplastic syndrome. EXPERT OPINION Cytotoxic chemotherapy remains the standard option in pharmacotherapy. However, multikinase inhibitors, such as sunitinib and lenvatinib, and immune checkpoint inhibitors including pembrolizumab have been developed to treat thymic carcinomas. Now, a Phase 2 study is evaluating whether lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab benefits patients with type B3 thymoma or thymic carcinoma. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT/ mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors may contribute to disease control and octreotide scan is only applicable to somatostatin analogues. Although the genomic characteristics of thymic malignancies have been analyzed, few actionable mutations have been detected in general. The development of a treatment strategy using combination pharmacotherapy is anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Muto
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Yusuke Okuma
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
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Kashima J, Hishima T, Okuma Y, Horio H, Ogawa M, Hayashi Y, Horiguchi SI, Motoi T, Ushiku T, Fukayama M. CD70 in Thymic Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Potential Diagnostic Markers and Immunotherapeutic Targets. Front Oncol 2022; 11:808396. [PMID: 35145909 PMCID: PMC8821901 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.808396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CD70 – a ligand protein of CD27 on lymphocytes – is expressed in a large spectrum of malignancies. It is an attractive target for antibody-based therapy and several clinical trials are currently being conducted. However, there is no evidence regarding the expression of CD70 and its relationship with expression of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and CD27+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues of thymic tumors. FFPE tissues of thymic squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) (operative specimens, n = 31; biopsy specimens, n = 11), thymoma (n = 60), thymic carcinoid (n = 3), and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) (n = 30) were analyzed immunohistochemically. Immunoreactivity for CD70 was semi-quantitatively scored according to the proportion of positive tumor cells. Moreover, the densities of CD27-positive intratumoral TIL (iTIL) and stromal TIL of TSCC were assessed and survival was compared. Most TSCC cases (87%; 27/31) were CD70-positive. In contrast, all thymoma and thymic carcinoid cases were CD70-negative. In LSCC cases, CD70-positivity was significantly lower than TSCC cases (20%; 6/30). Biopsy and resected specimens obtained from the same patients demonstrated a consistent staining pattern (6/6 patients). The proportion of CD70-positive TSCC was comparable with those of CD5 (87%) and CD117 (90%). Correlation between CD70 and PD-L1 expression score was observed. There was no significant difference in survival between the CD70-high and CD70-low expression groups. Meanwhile, patients with CD27-positive iTIL-high tumors exhibited better survival than those with iTIL-low tumors. This tendency was weaker in the CD70-high subset. CD70 immunohistochemistry is useful in diagnosing TSCC. CD70 may prevent anti-tumor immunity via CD27. Immunotherapy targeting the CD70–CD27 axis may be a promising option for the treatment of TSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jumpei Kashima
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsunekazu Hishima
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Tsunekazu Hishima,
| | - Yusuke Okuma
- Department of Thoracic Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotoshi Horio
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masumi Ogawa
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukiko Hayashi
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shin-ichiro Horiguchi
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toru Motoi
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Ushiku
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masashi Fukayama
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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11
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Future Perspective of Chemotherapy and Pharmacotherapy in Thymic Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205239. [PMID: 34680386 PMCID: PMC8533972 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Thymic carcinoma is a rare cancer, and its biology remains largely unknown. Although complete surgical resection is a standard treatment for thymic carcinoma, systemic chemotherapy is frequently administered in metastatic or recurrent cases. Given the rarity, therapeutic agents are often confirmed on the basis of the results of phase II trials or retrospective studies. Platinum-based combination chemotherapy has long been employed for treating thymic carcinoma. Recently, biomarkers have been explored, and molecular profiles and major oncogenic pathways have gradually been revealed by next-generation sequencing, resulting in the development of targeted therapies. Moreover, clinical trials assessing combination therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors are ongoing and are expected to be efficacious for treating thymic epithelial tumors. We reviewed the current role of systemic chemotherapy, including targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors, considering recent findings regarding its biology. Abstract Thymic carcinoma is a rare cancer that arises from thymic epithelial cells. Its nature and pathology differ from that of benign thymoma, presenting a poorer prognosis. If surgically resectable, surgery alone or surgery followed by chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy is recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines. Metastatic and refractory thymic carcinomas require systemic pharmacotherapy. Combined carboplatin and paclitaxel, and cisplatin and anthracycline-based regimens have been shown a fair response rate and survival to provide a de facto standard of care when compared with other drugs employed as first-line chemotherapy. Cytotoxic agents have been pivotal for treating thymic carcinoma, as little is known regarding its tumorigenesis. In addition, genetic alterations, including driver mutations, which play an important role in treatments, have not yet been discovered. However, molecular pathways and biomarker studies assessing thymic epithelial tumors have been reported recently, resulting in the development of new agents, such as molecular targeted agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors. As treatment options are currently limited and the prognosis remains poor in metastases and recurrent thymic carcinoma, genetic alterations need to be assessed. In the present review, we focused on the current role of targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors in treating thymic carcinoma.
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12
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Liang N, Liu L, Huang C, Liu H, Guo C, Li J, Wang W, Li N, Lin R, Wang T, Ding L, Mao L, Li S. Transcriptomic and Mutational Analysis Discovering Distinct Molecular Characteristics Among Chinese Thymic Epithelial Tumor Patients. Front Oncol 2021; 11:647512. [PMID: 34568003 PMCID: PMC8456088 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.647512] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are malignancies arising from the epithelium of the thymic gland, rare but with relatively favorable prognosis. TETs have different pathological subtypes: thymomas and thymic carcinoma, and they show different clinical characteristics regarding prognosis, pathology, and molecular profiles, etc. Although some studies have investigated the pathogenesis of TETs, more molecular data is still needed to further understand the underlying mechanisms among different TETs subtypes and populations. METHODS In this study, we performed targeted gene panel sequencing and whole transcriptome sequencing on the tumor tissues from 27 Chinese TET patients, including 24 thymomas (A, AB, and B subtypes) and 3 thymic squamous cell carcinomas. We analyzed the genetic variations and differentially expressed genes among multiple TET subtypes. Moreover, we compared our data with the published The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) TET data on both the genetic and transcriptomic levels. RESULTS Compared with the TCGA TET genomic data, we found that NF1 and ATM were the most frequently mutated genes (each with a frequency of 11%, 3/27). These mutations were not mutually exclusive, since one B1 thymoma showed mutations of both genes. The GTF2I mutation was mainly enriched in subtype A and AB thymomas, consistent with the previous reports. RNA-seq results unveiled that the genes related to thymus development (FGF7, FGF10 and CLDN4) were highly expressed in certain TET subtypes, implicating that the developmental process of thymus might be linked to the tumorigenesis of these subtypes. We found high expression of CD274 (PD-L1) in B2 and B3 thymoma samples, and validated its expression using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Based on the expression profiles, we further established a machine learning model to predict the myasthenia gravis status of TET patients and achieved 90% sensitivity and 70.6% specificity in the testing cohort. CONCLUSION This study provides the first genomic and transcriptomic analysis of a Chinese TET cohort. The high expression of genes involved in thymus developmental processes suggests the potential association between tumorigenesis of TETs and dysregulation of developmental pathways. The high expression of PD-L1 in B2 and B3 thymomas support the potential application of immunotherapy on certain thymoma subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naixin Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongsheng Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ji Li
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of R&D, Hangzhou Repugene Technology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Rui Lin
- Department of R&D, Hangzhou Repugene Technology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of R&D, Hangzhou Repugene Technology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Lieming Ding
- Department of Medical, Betta Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Mao
- Department of Medical, Betta Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Shanqing Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Hoel IM, Ali IAM, Ishtiaq S, Sviland L, Wiker H, Mustafa T. Immunochemistry-Based Diagnosis of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis: A Strategy for Large-Scale Production of MPT64-Antibodies for Use in the MPT64 Antigen Detection Test. Antibodies (Basel) 2021; 10:34. [PMID: 34462410 PMCID: PMC8406093 DOI: 10.3390/antib10030034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is a global health problem. The immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based MPT64 antigen detection test has shown promising results for diagnosing extrapulmonary TB in previous studies. However, the anti-MPT64 antibody currently used in the test is in limited supply, and reproduction of a functional antibody is a prerequisite for further large-scale use. Various antigen-adjuvant combinations and immunisation protocols were tested in mice and rabbits to generate monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Antibodies were screened in IHC, and the final new antibody was validated on clinical human specimens. We were not able to generate monoclonal antibodies that were functional in IHC, but we obtained multiple functional polyclonal antibodies through careful selection of antigen-adjuvant and comprehensive screening in IHC of both pre-immune sera and antisera. To overcome the limitation of batch-to-batch variability with polyclonal antibodies, the best performing individual polyclonal antibodies were pooled to one final large-volume new anti-MPT64 antibody. The sensitivity of the new antibody was in the same range as the reference antibody, while the specificity was somewhat reduced. Our results suggest that it possible to reproduce a large-volume functional polyclonal antibody with stable performance, thereby securing stable supplies and reproducibility of the MPT64 test, albeit further validation remains to be done.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Marie Hoel
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway; (I.A.M.A.); (T.M.)
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway;
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway;
| | - Iman A Mohammed Ali
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway; (I.A.M.A.); (T.M.)
| | - Sheeba Ishtiaq
- Department of Histopathology, Gulab Devi Chest Hospital Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan;
| | - Lisbet Sviland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway;
- Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Harald Wiker
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway;
| | - Tehmina Mustafa
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway; (I.A.M.A.); (T.M.)
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
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Prays J, Ortiz-Villalón C. Molecular landscape of thymic epithelial tumors. Semin Diagn Pathol 2021; 39:131-136. [PMID: 34272124 DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2021.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are extremely rare and represent the most frequent tumors of the anterior mediastinum originating from epithelial cells in the thymus. Thymic epithelial tumors include thymomas (TM), thymic carcinomas (TC) and thymic neuroendocrine neoplasms (TNEN). Thymomas are the most predominant and are associated with autoimmune diseases. The available data suggests that the different histological subtypes have specific molecular alterations. Thymic carcinoma shows recurrent gene mutations, but further investigations are needed to understand the role of those mutations in the pathogenetic of the TETs. Some of the new emerging identified molecular alterations have the potential to offer new targeted therapies opening new possibilities for the treatment of thymic epithelial tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Prays
- Department of Pathology, Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden
| | - Cristian Ortiz-Villalón
- Department of Pathology, Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden; Department of Oncology and pathology (ONKPAT), Karolinska Institute, Sweden.
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15
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Clinical management of patients with thymic epithelial tumors: the recommendations endorsed by the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM). ESMO Open 2021; 6:100188. [PMID: 34116501 PMCID: PMC8193108 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2021.100188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Italian Association of Medical Oncology recommendations on thymic epithelial tumors, which have been drawn up for the first time in 2020 through an evidence-based approach, report indications on all the main aspects of clinical management of this group of rare diseases, from diagnosis and staging, to new available systemic treatments, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies. A summary of key recommendations is presented here and complete recommendations are reported as Supplementary Materials, available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esmoop.2021.100188. Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs). Multidisciplinary management of patients with TETs. Rare cancers. Updated recommendations.
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Tateo V, Manuzzi L, Parisi C, De Giglio A, Campana D, Pantaleo MA, Lamberti G. An Overview on Molecular Characterization of Thymic Tumors: Old and New Targets for Clinical Advances. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:316. [PMID: 33915954 PMCID: PMC8066729 DOI: 10.3390/ph14040316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic tumors are a group of rare mediastinal malignancies that include three different histological subtypes with completely different clinical behavior: the thymic carcinomas, the thymomas, and the rarest thymic neuroendocrine tumors. Nowadays, few therapeutic options are available for relapsed and refractory thymic tumors after a first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. In the last years, the deepening of knowledge on thymus' biological characterization has opened possibilities for new treatment options. Several clinical trials have been conducted, the majority with disappointing results mainly due to inaccurate patient selection, but recently some encouraging results have been presented. In this review, we summarize the molecular alterations observed in thymic tumors, underlying the great biological differences among the different histology, and the promising targeted therapies for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Tateo
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico di Sant’Orsola University Hospital, Via P. Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (V.T.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (D.C.); (M.A.P.); (G.L.)
| | - Lisa Manuzzi
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico di Sant’Orsola University Hospital, Via P. Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (V.T.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (D.C.); (M.A.P.); (G.L.)
| | - Claudia Parisi
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico di Sant’Orsola University Hospital, Via P. Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (V.T.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (D.C.); (M.A.P.); (G.L.)
| | - Andrea De Giglio
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico di Sant’Orsola University Hospital, Via P. Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (V.T.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (D.C.); (M.A.P.); (G.L.)
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via P. Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Campana
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico di Sant’Orsola University Hospital, Via P. Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (V.T.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (D.C.); (M.A.P.); (G.L.)
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via P. Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Abbondanza Pantaleo
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico di Sant’Orsola University Hospital, Via P. Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (V.T.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (D.C.); (M.A.P.); (G.L.)
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via P. Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lamberti
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico di Sant’Orsola University Hospital, Via P. Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (V.T.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (D.C.); (M.A.P.); (G.L.)
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via P. Albertoni 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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Sakane T, Sakamoto Y, Masaki A, Murase T, Okuda K, Nakanishi R, Inagaki H. Mutation Profile of Thymic Carcinoma and Thymic Neuroendocrine Tumor by Targeted Next-generation Sequencing. Clin Lung Cancer 2020; 22:92-99.e4. [PMID: 33414055 DOI: 10.1016/j.cllc.2020.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymic carcinoma is a rare mediastinal neoplasm, and little is known about its genetic variability, which has hampered the development of targeted therapies. PATIENTS AND METHODS We tested a next-generation sequencing panel containing 50 common cancer-related genes in 48 cases of thymic carcinoma and 6 cases of thymic neuroendocrine tumor. RESULTS We detected 42 variant calls in 21 of 54 cases. There was no significant difference in mutation frequency between thymic carcinoma and thymic neuroendocrine tumors. Among these, TP53 was the most frequently mutated gene (18.5%), followed by KIT (7.4%) and PDGFRA (5.6%). According to the gene pathways and groups, the p53 pathway, including TP53 and ATM, was most frequently affected (20.4%), followed by the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)/RAS pathway (18.5%) and PI3K pathway (5.6%). According to the OncoKB, an expert-guided precision oncology knowledge base, 7 genes among 10 cases (18.5%) were annotated with level 1 evidence, suggesting potentially therapeutic targets. Prognostic analyses, conducted in thymic squamous cell carcinomas, revealed that tumor cases harboring gene mutations in RTKs, including KIT (7.4%), PDGFRA (5.6%) and EGFR (3.7%), were significantly associated with a worse overall survival time (P = .0481). Among clinicopathologic factors, the advanced Masaoka stage was marginally associated with a worse overall survival (P = .0757). In the subsequent multivariate analysis, neither of the factors achieved statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS In this preliminary next-generation sequencing study, we unexpectedly found evidence suggesting that several gene mutations might be therapeutic targets. The gene mutations in RTKs may be a valuable prognostic factor in thymic squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Sakane
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan; Department of Oncology, Immunology and Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuma Sakamoto
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ayako Masaki
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takayuki Murase
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Katsuhiro Okuda
- Department of Oncology, Immunology and Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Nakanishi
- Department of Oncology, Immunology and Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Inagaki
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan.
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Abstract
Thymoma is the commonest epithelial neoplasm arising from thymus gland. Tumour is slow growing and in the absence of metastasis, surgery is the treatment of choice. Complete resection and bland morphology are important prognostic features. However, a significant proportion of these tumours tend to recur. These recurrent tumours, advanced thymomas and thymic carcinomas require platinum-based combination chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Efforts are being made to explore additional treatment modalities to control disease with the aim of improving survival. Number of thymoma cases worldwide is small in comparison to lung cancers. As a result, fewer studies have been carried out to enhance our understanding of molecular events responsible for the initiation, maintenance, and progression of thymomas. Inspite of this there are advances in understanding the pathology of thymic epithelial neoplasms including genetics, PD-L1 and molecular testing which has bearing on the prognosis, post-surgical management, and testing algorithm. Similar to pulmonary pathology, thymic epithelial tumours will require adequate tumour sampling to carry out ancillary testing. Mutational analytical tests include EGFR, RAS, BRAF, RET, AKT1, PIK3CA and T53 genes. If adequate sample is available (upto100 cells), PD-L1 testing should be considered for immunotherapy in recurrent/ advanced thymomas and thymic carcinomas. This list is likely to expand in future with increasing emphasis on molecular testing to support treatment with newer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irshad Nabi Soomro
- Department of Histopathology, Nottingham University Hospital, Nottingham, UK
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19
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Jeong JH, Pyo JS, Kim NY, Kang DW. Diagnostic Roles of Immunohistochemistry in Thymic Tumors: Differentiation between Thymic Carcinoma and Thymoma. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:E460. [PMID: 32640732 PMCID: PMC7399973 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10070460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The present study aims to evaluate the diagnostic roles of various immunohistochemical (IHC) markers in thymic tumors, including thymic carcinoma (TC) and thymoma (TM). Methods: Eligible studies were obtained by searching the PubMed databases and screening the searched articles. Thirty-eight articles were used in the present meta-analysis and included 636 TCs and 1861 TMs. Besides, for IHC markers with statistical significance, a diagnostic test accuracy review was performed. Results: The comparison of various IHC expressions between TC and TM was performed for 32 IHC markers. Among these IHC markers, there were significant differences between TC and TM for beta-5t, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), calretinin, CD1a, CD5, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cytokeratin19 (CK19), CD117, glucose transporter 1 (Glut-1), insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R), mesothelin, MOC31, mucin1 (MUC1), p21, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT). Markers with higher expressions in TCs were Bcl-2, calretinin, CD5, CEA, CD117, Glut-1, IGF-1R, mesothelin, MOC31, MUC1, and p21. Among these markers, there were no significant differences between TC and TM type B3 in immunohistochemistries for Bcl-2 and CK19. On the other hand, β-catenin and CD205 showed a considerable difference in IHC expressions between TC and TM type B3, but not between TC and overall TM. In diagnostic test accuracy review, MUC1 and beta-5t were the most useful markers for TC and TM, respectively. Conclusions: Taken together, our results showed that the expression rates for various IHC markers significantly differed between TC and TM. The IHC panel can be useful for differentiation from limited biopsied specimens in daily practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Han Jeong
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Chosun University Hospital, Chosun University School of Medicine, Gwangju 61453, Korea;
| | - Jung-Soo Pyo
- Department of Pathology, Daejeon Eulji University Hospial, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon 35233, Korea;
| | - Nae-Yu Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Daejeon Eulji University Hospital, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon 35233, Korea;
| | - Dong-Wook Kang
- Department of Pathology, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital, 20 Bodeum 7-ro, Sejong 30099, Korea
- Department of Pathology, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, 266 Munhwa Street, Daejeon 35015, Korea
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Suster D, Suster S. The role of needle core biopsies in the evaluation of thymic epithelial neoplasms. J Am Soc Cytopathol 2020; 9:346-358. [PMID: 32467048 DOI: 10.1016/j.jasc.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial neoplasms are rare tumors derived from thymic epithelium that most often present as large anterior mediastinal masses. The vast majority of thymic epithelial neoplasms fall under the diagnostic category of thymoma, with a smaller percentage qualifying for a diagnosis of thymic carcinoma. The ability to render a definitive diagnosis on these tumors is generally hampered by their deep location and close proximity to vital structures, which makes biopsy sampling for histopathologic evaluation difficult. In recent years, the trend in medicine has been to opt for the least invasive procedure to obtain tissue samples that, by definition, implies also obtaining smaller and smaller biopsies, resulting in lesser amounts of tissue available for examination. In the mediastinum, the most common modalities for procuring biopsy samples from mass lesions include fine-needle aspiration, percutaneous core needle biopsy and video-assisted thoracoscopic biopsy. In this review, we will deal only with the role and limitations of percutaneous core biopsies in the interpretation of thymic epithelial neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Suster
- Departments of Pathology, Mount Sinai Hospital and Icahn School of Medicine, New York City, New York
| | - Saul Suster
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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21
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Conforti F, Pala L, Giaccone G, De Pas T. Thymic epithelial tumors: From biology to treatment. Cancer Treat Rev 2020; 86:102014. [PMID: 32272379 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2020.102014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In the last few years, meaningful advances have been made in the knowledge of the biology of Thymic Epithelial Tumors (TETs). Data available suggest that in most cases, the different histological subtypes could be distinct biological entities, characterized by specific molecular aberrations, rather than representing a histological continuum of diseases. Recurrent gene mutations in Thymomas and Thymic Carcinoma have been identified, but we still do not know the exact role played by these mutations in TETs pathogenesis. Relevant new data are now available on the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the association between TETs and autoimmune diseases that warrant further investigations for the potential therapeutic implications. The progress in knowledge of the molecular pathways involved in TETs pathogenesis, allowed to identify and to test target therapies potentially active in such diseases. Platinum-based chemotherapy remains the standard first line treatment for patients with advanced or metastatic TETs. However, some promising data have been reported on the activity of new target therapies, including anti-angiogenic drugs, Cycline Dependent Kinases and PI3K/mTOR inhibitors, as well as of Immune-checkpoint inhibitors. A number of new drugs and combinations are currently under evaluation. The efficacy of new drugs should be balanced with their toxicity profiles, in such complex patients that seem to be more susceptible to develop drug-related toxicities, in particular with immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Conforti
- Division of Medical Oncology for Melanoma, Sarcoma, and Rare Tumors, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
| | - Laura Pala
- Division of Medical Oncology for Melanoma, Sarcoma, and Rare Tumors, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Tommaso De Pas
- Division of Medical Oncology for Melanoma, Sarcoma, and Rare Tumors, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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Abstract
Thymic carcinoma is a rare entity and can be distinguished from benign thymomas by their aggressive nature and poor prognosis. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend resection followed by adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy for resectable tumors. However, the outcomes for metastatic or relapsed thymic carcinomas are poor with no regimen showing a consistent benefit. Moreover, the relative rarity of these tumors makes clinical trials difficult. Molecular analysis of thymomas shows a high incidence of genetic mutations and targeted therapy holds promise. We will briefly outline and review the current role of targeted therapy in thymic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mridula Krishnan
- 1 Department of Hematology Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Apar K Ganti
- 2 Department of Internal Medicine, VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA.,3 Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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23
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Imbimbo M, Ottaviano M, Vitali M, Fabbri A, Leuzzi G, Fiore M, Franceschini D, Pasello G, Perrino M, Schiavon M, Pruneri G, Dei Tos AP, Sangalli C, Garassino MC, Berardi R, Alessi A, Calareso G, Petrini I, Scorsetti M, Scotti V, Rosso L, Rea F, Pastorino U, Casali PG, Ramella S, Ricardi U, Abate-Daga L, Torri V, Trama A, Palmieri G, Marino M, Zucali PA. Best practices for the management of thymic epithelial tumors: A position paper by the Italian collaborative group for ThYmic MalignanciEs (TYME). Cancer Treat Rev 2018; 71:76-87. [PMID: 30366202 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are a heterogenous group of rare tumors, with a complex histopatological classification. Furthermore, the recent introduction of the first TNM staging system, that is scheduled to replace the Masaoka-Koga system, may create further difficulties in TET management, that remains challenging. Several guidelines for treatment of TETs are available and provide recommendations based mainly on non randomized trials and retrospective or limited series. Often the lack of evidence leads to formulation of indications based on expert opinions. As for other rare cancers it is crucial to create networks to coordinate the work among centres involved in treatment of these diseases in order to offer the best diagnostic and therapeutic tools. For this purpose, in 2014 a network named TYME (ThYmic MalignanciEs), was founded in Italy with the aim of improving care and research in TETs. In September 2017 a panel of multidisciplinary experts from TYME network and from other Italian centres strongly involved in TET diagnosis and treatment convened a first Italian Expert meeting together with representatives of association for patients affected by rare thoracic cancers Tu.To.R, to explore how these tumors are managed in the different centres of Italy compared to ESMO guidelines. In this paper we summarize the issues discussed during that meeting and we propose recommandations based on Masaoka Koga and the new TNM staging system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Imbimbo
- Unit of Thoracic Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.
| | - Margaret Ottaviano
- Rare Tumors Reference Center, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Milena Vitali
- Unit of Thoracic Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Fabbri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Leuzzi
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Fiore
- Radiation Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Italy
| | - Davide Franceschini
- Radiotherapy and Radiosurgery Department, Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital, Rozzano (Milan), Italy
| | - Giulia Pasello
- Medical Oncology 2, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Matteo Perrino
- Department of Medical Oncology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital, Rozzano (Milan), Italy
| | - Marco Schiavon
- Thoracic Surgery Unit Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Pruneri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Sangalli
- Department of Radiology and Radiotherapy, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Rossana Berardi
- Clinica Oncologica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alessandra Alessi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Calareso
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Iacopo Petrini
- General Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Marta Scorsetti
- Radiotherapy and Radiosurgery Department, Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital, Rozzano (Milan), Italy; Humanitas University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rozzano (Milan), Italy
| | - Vieri Scotti
- Department of Oncology, Radiation Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Rosso
- Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Rea
- Thoracic Surgery Unit Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Ugo Pastorino
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Giovanni Casali
- Adult Mesenchymal Tumor Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Ramella
- Radiation Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Italy
| | | | | | - Valter Torri
- Laboratory of Methodology for Biomedical Research, IRCCS-Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Trama
- Evaluative Epidemiology Unit-Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovannella Palmieri
- Rare Tumors Reference Center, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Mirella Marino
- Department of Pathology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Roma, Italy
| | - Paolo Andrea Zucali
- Department of Medical Oncology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital, Rozzano (Milan), Italy
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Bahk WJ, Lee AH, Chang ED, Min DW, Kang YK. Thymic carcinoma initially presented with geographic destruction of scapula in a child. Skeletal Radiol 2017. [PMID: 28643111 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-017-2696-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
As the conventional histopathologic examination of thymic carcinoma (TC) is nonspecific, immunohistochemical studies along with correlative radiographic investigations are needed for its correct diagnosis. TC commonly occurs in the late 5th to early 6th decades of life but is extremely rare in childhood. It may be incidentally detected from chest radiographs taken as routine or for other reasons. However, most patients present with symptoms such as chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, dysphagia and hoarseness, which are directly attributable to the mediastinal mass. Although TC frequently invades the neighboring organs, pleura and pericardium and metastasizes to the lymph nodes, liver and lung at the time of the first diagnosis, initial or late metastasis to the bone has been seldom reported in adults. Indeed, the English literature revealed no earlier report on initial bony metastasis in a child to date. We report a case of TC in a 12-year-old boy who initially presented with scapular osteolysis masquerading as a primary bone tumor to emphasize the usefulness of combined imaging for staging and histologic studies, particularly for such an unexpected case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Jong Bahk
- The Musculoskeletal Oncology Group, The Catholic University of Korea, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Uijongbu St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, 65-1, Geumohdong, Gyunggido, 480-130, South Korea.
| | - An-Hi Lee
- The Musculoskeletal Oncology Group, The Catholic University of Korea, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Uijongbu St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, 65-1, Geumohdong, Gyunggido, 480-130, South Korea
| | - Eun-Deok Chang
- The Musculoskeletal Oncology Group, The Catholic University of Korea, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Uijongbu St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, 65-1, Geumohdong, Gyunggido, 480-130, South Korea
| | - Dong-Wook Min
- The Musculoskeletal Oncology Group, The Catholic University of Korea, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Uijongbu St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, 65-1, Geumohdong, Gyunggido, 480-130, South Korea
| | - Yong-Koo Kang
- The Musculoskeletal Oncology Group, The Catholic University of Korea, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Uijongbu St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, 65-1, Geumohdong, Gyunggido, 480-130, South Korea
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Gomez JMD, Syed G, Co MLF, Bayoumi M, Abrams R. A rare highly aggressive tumour: lymphoepithelioma-like thymic carcinoma. BMJ Case Rep 2017; 2017:bcr-2017-221478. [PMID: 28942409 PMCID: PMC5747802 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2017-221478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphoepithelioma-likethymic carcinoma is a rare neoplasm that presents with compressive symptoms or as an incidental radiological finding of an anterior mediastinal mass. It is an aggressive carcinoma with a high rate of invasion, metastasis and recurrence. Its diagnosis usually carries a poor prognosis largely due to propensity for late diagnosis. To date, guidance for treatment remains limited. This is a case of lymphoepithelioma-like thymic carcinoma in a young male adult who presented initially with back pain. Despite prompt initiation of chemotherapy with cisplatin, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide, he had a complicated hospital course leading to demise within 2 months of diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gulrana Syed
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Mohamed Bayoumi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Richard Abrams
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Abstract
Thymic carcinoma is a rare cancer, accounting for only 1% to 4% of thymic epithelial tumors. Endobronchial metastasis is a rare presentation of these tumors. A 64-year-old man presented with a cough. Lung cancer was suspected because a chest radiograph showed a 7-cm mass in the left pulmonary hilum. Computed tomography showed a mass in the anterior mediastinum and an infiltrate in the upper lobe of the left lung. Bronchoscopy demonstrated bilateral polypoid tumors in the left B bronchus and the right B bronchus. Endobronchial biopsies of both lesions resulted in a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma that was positive for c-KIT by immunohistochemical staining. The patient was eventually found to have thymic squamous cell carcinoma with bilateral endobronchial metastases (stage IVb according to the Masaoka-Koga staging system) by diagnostic video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. He was subsequently treated with platinum-doublet chemotherapy and achieved a partial response for 18.8 months.
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Feng Y, Lei Y, Wu X, Huang Y, Rao H, Zhang Y, Wang F. GTF2I mutation frequently occurs in more indolent thymic epithelial tumors and predicts better prognosis. Lung Cancer 2017; 110:48-52. [PMID: 28676218 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2017.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A missense mutation in GTF2I was previously identified in thymic epithelioid tumor (TET). However, the clinicopathological relevance of GTF2I mutation has not been illustrated. We studied the prognostic importance of GTF2I mutation as well as its relation to histological subtypes in a large number of TETs. METHODS TET samples from 296 patients with clinical and follow-up data were collected, and histological subtypes were classified. Analysis of the GTF2I (chromosome 7 c.74146970T>A) mutation was undertaken by using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and direct sequencing. The association of GTF2I mutation with clinicopathological features as well as prognosis was analyzed. RESULTS One hundred twenty-four out of 296 (41.9%) patients harbored the GTF2I mutation (chromosome 7 c.74146970T>A). GTF2I mutation was observed in 20 (87.0%) cases of type A thymoma, 70 (78.7%) of type AB thymoma, and the frequency decreased with the degree of histological subtype aggressiveness, with the lowest rate in thymic carcinoma (7.7%). The difference of GTF2I mutation distribution in histological subtypes was statistically significant (p<0.001). The GTF2I mutation was found more frequently in patients with early Masaoka stage (I-II, n=112, 90.3%) than in those with advanced stage (III-IV) disease (n=12, 9.6%, p<0.001). However, only histological subtype significantly predicted the presence of the GTF2I mutation in patients with TETs. The presence of the GTF2I mutation correlated with better prognosis (90.0% compared to 72.0% 5-year survival, and 86% compared to 56% 10-year survival, respectively; log-rank p=0.001). Moreover, it was an independent prognostic factor [hazard ratio (HR), 0.35; 95% confidential interval (CI), 0.15-0.81; p=0.014)]. CONCLUSIONS The frequency of the GTF2I mutation is higher in more indolent TETs, and correlates with better prognosis. Further studies are required to elucidate the role of the GTF2I mutation in TETs and its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfen Feng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, PR China; Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, PR China.
| | - Yiyan Lei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, PR China.
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, PR China; Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, PR China.
| | - Yuhua Huang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, PR China; Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, PR China.
| | - Huilan Rao
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, PR China; Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, PR China.
| | - Yu Zhang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, PR China; Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, PR China.
| | - Fang Wang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, PR China; Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, PR China.
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Hirai F, Edagawa M, Shimamatsu S, Toyozawa R, Toyokawa G, Nosaki K, Yamaguchi M, Seto T, Twakenoyama M, Ichinose Y. c-kit mutation-positive advanced thymic carcinoma successfully treated as a mediastinal gastrointestinal stromal tumor: A case report. Mol Clin Oncol 2016; 4:527-529. [PMID: 27073655 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2016.752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymic carcinoma is an exceptionally rare tumor, which has a very poor prognosis, differing from thymoma. Although cytotoxic chemotherapy is commonly used to treat advanced thymic carcinoma, its effectiveness has not been found to be sufficient. There are several reports that thymic carcinoma also harbors an oncogenic driver mutation, similar to lung cancer. A patient with a c-kit mutation-positive thymic carcinoma received imatinib followed by sunitinib consecutively, which are both c-Kit inhibitors. Although the patient had achieved long-term disease control for 21 months, the primary lesion and pulmonary metastases had increased in size by November, 2014. Following failure of imatinib treatment, the patient received sunitinib, a multiple kinase inhibitor, initiated in December, 2014. Following administration of sunitinib, a computed tomography scan revealed a partial response and the disease was effectively controlled with continued sunitinib treatment for 6 months, up to June, 2015. The patient achieved long-term disease control (~27 months) with imatinib followed by sunitinib. The efficacy of consecutive molecular-targeted therapy for thymic carcinoma was demonstrated in this case. Therefore, thymic carcinoma with oncogenic driver mutations should be treated with molecular-targeted agents rather than with cytotoxic drugs, and it may be suitable to treat c-kit mutation-positive thymic carcinoma as a mediastinal gastrointestinal stromal tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumihiko Hirai
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Kyushu Cancer Center, Fukuoka, Fukuoka 811-1395, Japan
| | - Makoto Edagawa
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Kyushu Cancer Center, Fukuoka, Fukuoka 811-1395, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Shimamatsu
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Kyushu Cancer Center, Fukuoka, Fukuoka 811-1395, Japan
| | - Ryo Toyozawa
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Kyushu Cancer Center, Fukuoka, Fukuoka 811-1395, Japan
| | - Gouji Toyokawa
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Kyushu Cancer Center, Fukuoka, Fukuoka 811-1395, Japan
| | - Kaname Nosaki
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Kyushu Cancer Center, Fukuoka, Fukuoka 811-1395, Japan
| | - Masafumi Yamaguchi
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Kyushu Cancer Center, Fukuoka, Fukuoka 811-1395, Japan
| | - Takashi Seto
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Kyushu Cancer Center, Fukuoka, Fukuoka 811-1395, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Twakenoyama
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Kyushu Cancer Center, Fukuoka, Fukuoka 811-1395, Japan
| | - Yukito Ichinose
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Kyushu Cancer Center, Fukuoka, Fukuoka 811-1395, Japan
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Abstract
The rapid advent of technology in recent years has resulted in a substantial increase in our knowledge of the molecular underpinnings of thymic epithelial tumors. In addition to previously described chromosomal aberrations and alterations in DNA methylation, genome sequencing has helped unravel hitherto unknown mutations in these tumors. Attempts are also being made to develop gene signatures to help in the identification of patients likely to benefit from adjuvant therapy. Some of the recently identified genetic alterations have the potential to serve as targets for biological therapy, thus opening newer avenues for treatment of thymic epithelial tumors and increasing the number of effective options for treatment of recurrent or refractory disease.
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Abstract
The diagnosis of thymic epithelial neoplasms is normally rendered after careful evaluation of their histologic features. In some cases, however, the morphological heterogeneity or overlap with neoplasms of other organ systems can lead to diagnostic uncertainty. On the basis of this, the use of immunohistochemical stains as a diagnostic adjunct has become a popular tool. Although undoubtedly, immunohistochemistry has its role in the diagnosis of difficult cases, to date there are no specific markers that would distinguish thymic epithelial neoplasms from other tumors and interpretation of immunohistochemical results should only ever be made in conjunction with accurate morphologic analysis and careful clinical evaluation. This article will review the current knowledge of the immunohistochemical phenotype of thymic epithelial neoplasms with particular emphasis on its use for diagnostic purposes and the latest advances in this field.
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Cho EN, Park HS, Kim TH, Byun MK, Kim HJ, Ahn CM, Chang YS. A rare case of primary thymic adenocarcinoma mimicking small cell lung cancer. Tuberc Respir Dis (Seoul) 2015; 78:112-9. [PMID: 25861345 PMCID: PMC4388894 DOI: 10.4046/trd.2015.78.2.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Revised: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary thymic adenocarcinoma is a very rare malignancy of the anterior mediastinum with no standardized treatment. A 36-year-old male patient presented with hoarseness over the past 3 months. A chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed an infiltrative mass to the proximal vessels and aortic arch in left upper mediastinum (4.1×3.1×5.4 cm). Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed focal lesions, suggesting metastasis in the left frontal lobe. A thoracoscopic biopsy of the mediastinal mass confirmed a primary thymic adenocarcinoma forming a glandular structure with atypia of tumor cells. The patient received four cycles of systemic chemotherapy, consisting of etoposide and cisplatin, with concurrent radiotherapy (6,000 cGy/30 fractions) to the mediastinal lesion and the metastatic brain lesion (4,200 cGy/12 fractions). A follow-up chest CT scan and brain MRI showed a decrease in the size of the left upper mediastinal mass and brain lesion. We report a rare case of the primary thymic adenocarcinoma with a literature review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Na Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Sung Park
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Radiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min Kwang Byun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyung Jung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chul Min Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoon Soo Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Massively Parallel Sequencing Identifies Recurrent Mutations in TP53 in Thymic Carcinoma Associated with Poor Prognosis. J Thorac Oncol 2015; 10:373-80. [DOI: 10.1097/jto.0000000000000397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Thomas A, Rajan A, Berman A, Tomita Y, Brzezniak C, Lee MJ, Lee S, Ling A, Spittler AJ, Carter CA, Guha U, Wang Y, Szabo E, Meltzer P, Steinberg SM, Trepel JB, Loehrer PJ, Giaccone G. Sunitinib in patients with chemotherapy-refractory thymoma and thymic carcinoma: an open-label phase 2 trial. Lancet Oncol 2015; 16:177-86. [PMID: 25592632 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(14)71181-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No standard treatments are available for advanced thymic epithelial tumours after failure of platinum-based chemotherapy. We investigated the activity of sunitinib, an orally administered tyrosine kinase inhibitor. METHODS Between May 15, 2012, and Oct 2, 2013, we did an open-label phase 2 trial in patients with histologically confirmed chemotherapy-refractory thymic epithelial tumours. Patients were eligible if they had disease progression after at least one previous regimen of platinum-containing chemotherapy, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of two or lower, measurable disease, and adequate organ function. Patients received 50 mg of sunitinib orally once a day, in 6-week cycles (ie, 4 weeks of treatment followed by 2 weeks without treatment), until tumour progression or unacceptable toxic effects arose. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed best tumour response at any point, which we analysed separately in thymoma and thymic carcinoma cohorts. Patients who had received at least one cycle of treatment and had their disease reassessed were included in the analyses of response. The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01621568. FINDINGS 41 patients were enrolled, 25 with thymic carcinoma and 16 with thymoma. One patient with thymic carcinoma was deemed ineligible after enrolment and did not receive protocol treatment. Of patients who received treatment, one individual with thymic carcinoma was not assessable because she died. Median follow-up on trial was 17 months (IQR 14.0-18.4). Of 23 assessable patients with thymic carcinoma, six (26%, 90% CI 12.1-45.3, 95% CI 10.2-48.4) had partial responses, 15 (65%, 95% CI 42.7-83.6) achieved stable disease, and two (9%, 1.1-28.0) had progressive disease. Of 16 patients with thymoma, one (6%, 95% CI 0.2-30.2) had a partial response, 12 (75%, 47.6-92.7) had stable disease, and three (19%, 4.1-45.7) had progressive disease. The most common grade 3 and 4 treatment-related adverse events were lymphocytopenia (eight [20%] of 40 patients), fatigue (eight [20%]), and oral mucositis (eight [20%]). Five (13%) patients had decreases in left-ventricular ejection fraction, of which three (8%) were grade 3 events. Three (8%) patients died during treatment, including one individual who died of cardiac arrest that was possibly treatment-related. INTERPRETATION Sunitinib is active in previously treated patients with thymic carcinoma. Further studies are needed to identify potential biomarkers of activity. FUNDING National Cancer Institute (Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anish Thomas
- Thoracic and GI Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Arun Rajan
- Thoracic and GI Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Arlene Berman
- Thoracic and GI Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yusuke Tomita
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christina Brzezniak
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Min-Jung Lee
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sunmin Lee
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alexander Ling
- Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Aaron J Spittler
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Corey A Carter
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Udayan Guha
- Thoracic and GI Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yisong Wang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Eva Szabo
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Paul Meltzer
- Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Seth M Steinberg
- Biostatistics and Data Management Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jane B Trepel
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Patrick J Loehrer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Giuseppe Giaccone
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
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Huang R, Wu D, Yuan Y, Li X, Holm R, Trope CG, Nesland JM, Suo Z. CD117 expression in fibroblasts-like stromal cells indicates unfavorable clinical outcomes in ovarian carcinoma patients. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112209. [PMID: 25380303 PMCID: PMC4224427 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The stem cell factor (SCF) receptor CD117 (c-kit), is widely used for identification of hematopoietic stem cells and cancer stem cells. Moreover, CD117 expression in carcinoma cells indicates a poor prognosis in a variety of cancers. However the potential expression in tumor microenvironment and the biological and clinical impact are currently not reported. The expression of CD117 was immunohistochemically evaluated in a serial of 242 epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cases. Thirty-eight out of 242 cases were CD117 positive in fibroblast-like stromal cells and 22 cases were positive in EOC cells. Four cases were both positive in fibroblast-like stromal cells and EOC cells for CD117. CD117 expression in fibroblast-like stromal cells in ovarian carcinoma was closely linked to advanced FIGO stage, poor differentiation grade and histological subtype (p<0.05), and it was significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) (Kaplan-Meier analysis; p<0.05, log-rank test). CD117 expression in ovarian carcinoma cells was not associated with these clinicopathological variables. The CD117 positive fibroblast-like stromal cells were all positive for mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) marker CD73 but negative for fibroblast markers fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), indicating that the CD117+/CD73+ fibroblast-like stromal cells are a subtype of mesenchymal stem cells in tumor stroma, although further characterization of these cells are needed. It is concluded herewith that the presence of CD117+/CD73+ fibroblast-like stromal cells in ovarian carcinoma is an unfavorable clinical outcome indication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixia Huang
- Departments of Pathology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dan Wu
- Department of Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Medical College of Shanghai, Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Department of Pathology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoran Li
- Departments of Pathology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ruth Holm
- Departments of Pathology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Claes G. Trope
- Department of Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Gynecology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jahn M. Nesland
- Departments of Pathology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Zhenhe Suo
- Departments of Pathology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail:
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35
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A new KIT gene mutation in thymic cancer and a promising response to imatinib. J Thorac Oncol 2014; 8:e91-2. [PMID: 24457249 DOI: 10.1097/jto.0b013e31829d51bd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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36
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Petrini I, Meltzer PS, Kim IK, Lucchi M, Park KS, Fontanini G, Gao J, Zucali PA, Calabrese F, Favaretto A, Rea F, Rodriguez-Canales J, Walker RL, Pineda M, Zhu YJ, Lau C, Killian KJ, Bilke S, Voeller D, Dakshanamurthy S, Wang Y, Giaccone G. A specific missense mutation in GTF2I occurs at high frequency in thymic epithelial tumors. Nat Genet 2014; 46:844-9. [PMID: 24974848 DOI: 10.1038/ng.3016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We analyzed 28 thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) using next-generation sequencing and identified a missense mutation (chromosome 7 c.74146970T>A) in GTF2I at high frequency in type A thymomas, a relatively indolent subtype. In a series of 274 TETs, we detected the GTF2I mutation in 82% of type A and 74% of type AB thymomas but rarely in the aggressive subtypes, where recurrent mutations of known cancer genes have been identified. Therefore, GTF2I mutation correlated with better survival. GTF2I β and δ isoforms were expressed in TETs, and both mutant isoforms were able to stimulate cell proliferation in vitro. Thymic carcinomas carried a higher number of mutations than thymomas (average of 43.5 and 18.4, respectively). Notably, we identified recurrent mutations of known cancer genes, including TP53, CYLD, CDKN2A, BAP1 and PBRM1, in thymic carcinomas. These findings will complement the diagnostic assessment of these tumors and also facilitate development of a molecular classification and assessment of prognosis and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iacopo Petrini
- Medical Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Paul S Meltzer
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - In-Kyu Kim
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Marco Lucchi
- Thoracic Surgery, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Kang-Seo Park
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA
| | | | - James Gao
- Medical Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Paolo A Zucali
- Medical Oncology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Federico Rea
- Thoracic Surgery, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Robert L Walker
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Marbin Pineda
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Yuelin J Zhu
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Christopher Lau
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Keith J Killian
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sven Bilke
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Donna Voeller
- Medical Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Yisong Wang
- 1] Medical Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. [2] Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Giuseppe Giaccone
- 1] Medical Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. [2] Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA
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37
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Nagamata M, Okuma Y, Yamada Y, Hosomi Y, Hishima T. Crucial role of treatment with palliative intent for a patient with advanced thymic carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2014; 8:513-516. [PMID: 25013463 PMCID: PMC4081363 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2014.2217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic carcinoma is a rare cancer that is more aggressive and shows a poorer prognosis compared with thymoma. Molecular analysis has demonstrated that this entity is clearly distinct from thymoma. However, no definitive clinical management has been reported, and the roles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for advanced thymic carcinoma remain unclear given the rarity of this clinicopathology. The current study reports the case of a 65-year-old male who presented with advanced thymic carcinoma with solitary brain and pulmonary metastases, but demonstrated long-term survival following multiple lines of chemotherapy and radiotherapy with palliative intent. Although the solitary brain metastasis was well controlled for several years using whole-brain irradiation, cognitive function gradually declined with cerebral atrophy. Thymic carcinoma is known to show a poor prognosis and aggressive clinical progress, however, it occasionally demonstrates a clinically indolent course. Modalities of treatment should thus be selected prudently to avoid toxicity, in consideration of the possibility of long-term survival. Stereotactic radiation therapy for brain metastases, including cyberknife or γ-knife surgery, appears to represent the optimal local treatment for such patients with unexpectedly longer survival due to indolent thymic carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Nagamata
- Department of Thoracic Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Okuma
- Department of Thoracic Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Yamada
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukio Hosomi
- Department of Thoracic Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsunekazu Hishima
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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38
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Okuma Y, Hosomi Y, Watanabe K, Yamada Y, Horio H, Maeda Y, Okamura T, Hishima T. Clinicopathological analysis of thymic malignancies with a consistent retrospective database in a single institution: from Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer Center. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:349. [PMID: 24885581 PMCID: PMC4039543 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2013] [Accepted: 05/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs), which comprise thymoma and thymic carcinoma, are rare cancers with specific morphological and clinical features. Their clinical characteristics and outcomes have gradually been clarified by assessing large-scale, retrospective data obtained with international cooperation. METHODS The study is a retrospective review of 187 Japanese patients with TETs who attended our institution from 1976 to 2012. Relevant clinical features of patients with TETs and their tumors, including histology, staging, treatment strategies, and overall survival, were investigated. Differences in survival were assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method and uni- and multi-variate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. RESULTS The 187 patients included 52 patients with stage I, 37 with stage II, 22 with stage III, and 76 with stage IVa/IVb tumors according to the Masaoka-Koga Staging System. As to histological type, five patients had type A, 33 type AB, 19 type B1, 39 type B2, and 15 type B3 thymomas, whereas 68 patients had thymic carcinoma, including 11 with neuroendocrine carcinomas according to the 2004 WHO classification. Either insufficient data were available to classify the tumors of the remaining eight patients or they had rare types. Immunological abnormalities were present in 26 patients, most of whom had thymomas (21.8% of the thymoma group). Most of the patients who presented with symptoms had myasthenia gravis or extensive thymic carcinoma. Secondary cancers were present in 25 patients (13.3%). The overall 5- and 10-year survival rates for thymoma were 85.4 and 71.5%, respectively, and those for thymic carcinoma were 33.8 and 2.3%, respectively. OS differed significantly between stage IVa thymomas and thymic carcinomas. The stage and whether the tumors were thymomas or thymic carcinomas were significant determinants of survival according to multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION The efficacy of treatments for thymoma and thymic carcinoma should be investigated separately because these tumors differ in their clinical features and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Okuma
- Department of Thoracic Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious diseases Center Komagome Hospital, 3-18-22 Honkomagome, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8677, Japan
- Division of Oncology, Research Center for Medical Science, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Minato, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukio Hosomi
- Department of Thoracic Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious diseases Center Komagome Hospital, 3-18-22 Honkomagome, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8677, Japan
| | - Kageaki Watanabe
- Department of Thoracic Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious diseases Center Komagome Hospital, 3-18-22 Honkomagome, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8677, Japan
| | - Yuko Yamada
- Departments of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotoshi Horio
- Departments of Thoracic Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Maeda
- Department of Chemotherapy, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuru Okamura
- Department of Thoracic Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious diseases Center Komagome Hospital, 3-18-22 Honkomagome, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8677, Japan
| | - Tsunekazu Hishima
- Departments of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Catania C, Conforti F, Spitaleri G, Barberis M, Preda L, Noberasco C, Lazzari C, Toffalorio F, de Marinis F, Manzotti M, De Pas TM. Antitumor activity of sorafenib and imatinib in a patient with thymic carcinoma harboring c-KIT exon 13 missense mutation K642E. Onco Targets Ther 2014; 7:697-702. [PMID: 24855380 PMCID: PMC4020909 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s58902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the case of a man with an advanced nonkeratinizing squamous cell thymic carcinoma harboring c-KIT exon 13 missense mutation K642E. This aberration is rare and has never been described previously in patients with thymic cancers. It has been found in a small number of cases of gastrointestinal stromal tumor and also in several cases of acral and mucosal melanomas. Some of the patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor or melanoma harboring this rare mutation have had a tumor response when treated with imatinib. In contrast, in our case, the mutation was associated with primary resistance to full doses of imatinib but, at the same time, it was not a cause of resistance to sorafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Catania
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Conforti
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Spitaleri
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Barberis
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Preda
- Division of Radiology, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Noberasco
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Lazzari
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Filippo de Marinis
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Manzotti
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
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Zhao F, Chen Y, Wu Q, Wang Z, Lu J. Prognostic value of CD117 in cancer: a meta-analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2014; 7:1012-1021. [PMID: 24696718 PMCID: PMC3971304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognostic value of CD117 expression in cancers has been evaluated for several years while the results remain controversial. We thus performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies assessing the impact of CD117 expression on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) to clarify this issue. METHODS We searched Pubmed, Embase and Web of Science to identify studies on the prognostic impact of CD117 expression in cancers. A total of 4,458 patients from 39 eligible studies were included in the analysis. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated to estimate the effect using random-effects model. RESULTS The analysis indicated that CD117 had significant association with poor OS of osteosarcoma (OR=1.36, 95% CI=1.03-1.79, I2=0%, fixed model) and renal carcinoma (OR=4.86, 95% CI=2.72-8.67, I2=0%, fixed model).However, no significant association between CD117 and DFS was found in overall studies. CONCLUSIONS CD117 expression might be a predictive factor of poor prognosis in some surgically treated cancers, particularly in renal carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuyou Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu, Anhui 233000, China
| | - Yuqing Chen
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu, Anhui 233000, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu, Anhui 233000, China
| | - Zian Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu, Anhui 233000, China
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Microbiology, Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu, Anhui 233000, China
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Rashid OM, Cassano AD, Takabe K. Thymic neoplasm: a rare disease with a complex clinical presentation. J Thorac Dis 2013; 5:173-83. [PMID: 23585946 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2013.01.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2013] [Accepted: 01/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Thymic neoplasms constitute a broad category of rare lesions with a wide spectrum of pathologic characteristics and clinical presentations which therefore require a high index of suspicion to diagnose. The natural history of the disease is seldom predictable, anywhere from an indolent to an aggressively malignant course. Although the classification and staging of these lesions are complex and controversial, complete radical surgical resection remains the gold standard of therapy. Radiation and chemotherapy are important elements of the multimodality approach to treating these patients and it is important for thoracic surgeons to work closely with their colleagues in other disciplines in the management of and future research endeavors in thymic neoplasm. In this review, we discuss the evaluation of the patient with an anterior mediastinal mass, the classification and staging of thymic neoplasms, the role of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy in treating this disease, as well as future directions in research for novel targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar M Rashid
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University and Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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42
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Petrini I, Wang Y, Zucali PA, Lee HS, Trung P, Voeller D, Meltzer PS, Giaccone G. Copy number aberrations of genes regulating normal thymus development in thymic epithelial tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2013; 19:1960-71. [PMID: 23444221 PMCID: PMC3630263 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-12-3260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSES To determine whether the deregulation of genes relevant for normal thymus development can contribute to the biology of thymic epithelial tumors (TET). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Using array comparative genomic hybridization, we evaluated the copy number aberrations of genes regulating thymus development. The expression of genes most commonly involved in copy number aberrations was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and correlated with patients' outcome. Correlation between FOXC1 copy number loss and gene expression was determined in a confirmation cohort. Cell lines were used to test the role of FOXC1 in tumors. RESULTS Among 31 thymus development-related genes, PBX1 copy number gain and FOXC1 copy number loss were presented in 43.0% and 39.5% of the tumors, respectively. Immunohistochemistry on a series of 132 TETs, including those evaluated by comparative genomic hybridization, revealed a correlation between protein expression and copy number status only for FOXC1 but not for PBX1. Patients with FOXC1-negative tumors had a shorter time to progression and a trend for a shorter disease-related survival. The correlation between FOXC1 copy number loss and mRNA expression was confirmed in a separate cohort of 27 TETs. Ectopic FOXC1 expression attenuated anchorage-independent cell growth and cell migration in vitro. CONCLUSION Our data support a tumor suppressor role of FOXC1 in TETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iacopo Petrini
- Medical Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD, USA, 20892
| | - Yisong Wang
- Medical Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD, USA, 20892
| | - Paolo A. Zucali
- Department of Medical Oncology, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan 20089, Italy
| | - Hye Seung Lee
- Medical Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD, USA, 20892
| | - Pham Trung
- Medical Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD, USA, 20892
| | - Donna Voeller
- Medical Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD, USA, 20892
| | - Paul S. Meltzer
- Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD,USA, 20892
| | - Giuseppe Giaccone
- Medical Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD, USA, 20892
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Clinical outcomes with chemotherapy for advanced thymic carcinoma. Lung Cancer 2013; 80:75-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2012.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Revised: 12/02/2012] [Accepted: 12/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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44
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Song N, Chen G, Zhang P, Liu M, He WX, Jiang GN. Diagnostic and clinical significance of KIT(CD117) expression in thymic epithelial tumors in China. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2013; 13:2745-8. [PMID: 22938452 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2012.13.6.2745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS To study KIT (CD117) expression in thymic epithelial tumors in China, and investigate diagnostic and clinical significance. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) from 102 patients (3 type A, 29 type AB, 5 type B1, 22 type B2, 29 typeB3 and 16 thymic carcinomas) were examined. Immunohistochemical staining with an antic-kit monoclonal antibody was performed on a tissue microarray. Relationships between KIT positive expression and the TET clinical characteristics (WHO histologic classification and Masaoka stage system) were analysed. RESULTS The KIT positive expression rate was significantly higher in thymic carcinoma (60%, 9/16) than in thymoma (8%, 7/86), a strong correlation being found with the WHO classification, but not the Masaoka tumor stage. The overall survival for patients with KIT positive lesions was significantly worse. CONCLUSIONS KIT is a good molecule marker to differentially diagnose thymic carcinoma from thymoma, while also serving as a predictor of prognosis for TETs. Further research into KIT mutations in Chinese TETs should be conducted to assess the efficacy of targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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45
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Weissferdt A, Wistuba II, Moran CA. Molecular aspects of thymic carcinoma. Lung Cancer 2012; 78:127-32. [PMID: 22921473 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2012.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2012] [Revised: 07/26/2012] [Accepted: 08/05/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Thymic carcinomas are tumors of the anterior mediastinum derived from the epithelial cells of the thymic gland. Due to their low incidence they are often investigated in combination with thymomas under the rubric of "thymic epithelial neoplasms" and studies exclusively addressing thymic carcinomas are sparse. Thymic carcinomas are characterized by their histologic variability, often resembling tumors seen in other organ systems. This morphologic variation coupled with their rarity has prevented large scale research of these tumors and little is known about the etiology, biologic behavior or best treatment for thymic carcinoma. In recent years, attempts have been made to investigate the molecular characteristics of these tumors in the hope that molecular profiling can be used to predict the prognosis or lead to the development of new treatment strategies. Herein we provide an overview of the recent advances of the molecular analysis of thymic carcinoma with particular emphasis on the potential use for molecularly targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annikka Weissferdt
- Department of Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Schirosi L, Nannini N, Nicoli D, Cavazza A, Valli R, Buti S, Garagnani L, Sartori G, Calabrese F, Marchetti A, Buttitta F, Felicioni L, Migaldi M, Rea F, Di Chiara F, Mengoli MC, Rossi G. Activating c-KIT mutations in a subset of thymic carcinoma and response to different c-KIT inhibitors. Ann Oncol 2012; 23:2409-2414. [PMID: 22357254 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdr626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To analyze a multi-institutional series of type C thymic carcinomas (TCs) (including neuroendocrine tumors), focusing on the expression and mutations of c-KIT. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunohistochemical expression of c-KIT/CD117, p63, CD5 and neuroendocrine markers, as well as mutational analysis of c-KIT exons 9, 11, 13, 14, 17 by direct sequencing of 48 cases of TCs. Immunohistochemical and molecular data were statistically crossed with clinicopathological features. RESULTS Overall, 29 tumors (60%) expressed CD117, 69% were positive for CD5 and 85% (41 cases) for p63. Neuroendocrine markers stained all six atypical carcinoids and five poorly-differentiated thymic squamous cell carcinomas. Overall, six CD117-positive cases (12.5%) showed c-KIT mutation. No mutation was detected in CD117-negative tumors and carcinoids. All the mutations were found in poorly-differentiated thymic squamous cell carcinomas expressing CD117, CD5, p63 and lacking neuroendocrine markers (6 of 12 cases with these features). Mutations involved exon 11 (four cases: V559A, L576P, Y553N, W557R), exon 9 (E490K) and exon 17 (D820E). CONCLUSIONS All TCs need an immunohistochemical screening with CD117, while c-KIT mutation analysis is mandatory only in CD117-positive cases, particularly when coexpressing CD5 and p63, lacking neuroendocrine differentiation. The finding of c-KIT mutation can predict efficacy with different c-KIT inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Schirosi
- Section of Pathologic Anatomy, University Clinic Policlinico of Modena, Modena
| | - N Nannini
- Department of Diagnostic Medical Sciences and Special Therapies, Special Pathological Anatomy Section, University of Padua Medical School, Padova
| | - D Nicoli
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hospital St. Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia
| | - A Cavazza
- Section of Pathologic Anatomy, Hospital St. Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia
| | - R Valli
- Section of Pathologic Anatomy, Hospital St. Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia
| | - S Buti
- Oncology Division, Hospital of Cremona, Cremona
| | - L Garagnani
- Section of Pathologic Anatomy, University Clinic Policlinico of Modena, Modena
| | - G Sartori
- Section of Pathologic Anatomy, University Clinic Policlinico of Modena, Modena
| | - F Calabrese
- Department of Diagnostic Medical Sciences and Special Therapies, Special Pathological Anatomy Section, University of Padua Medical School, Padova
| | - A Marchetti
- Center of Predictive Molecular Medicine, Center of Excellence on Aging, University of Chieti, Chieti
| | - F Buttitta
- Center of Predictive Molecular Medicine, Center of Excellence on Aging, University of Chieti, Chieti
| | - L Felicioni
- Center of Predictive Molecular Medicine, Center of Excellence on Aging, University of Chieti, Chieti
| | - M Migaldi
- Section of Pathologic Anatomy, University Clinic Policlinico of Modena, Modena
| | - F Rea
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua Medical School, Padova, Italy
| | - F Di Chiara
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua Medical School, Padova, Italy
| | - M C Mengoli
- Section of Pathologic Anatomy, University Clinic Policlinico of Modena, Modena
| | - G Rossi
- Section of Pathologic Anatomy, University Clinic Policlinico of Modena, Modena.
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Petrini I, Meltzer PS, Zucali PA, Luo J, Lee C, Santoro A, Lee HS, Killian KJ, Wang Y, Tsokos M, Roncalli M, Steinberg SM, Wang Y, Giaccone G. Copy number aberrations of BCL2 and CDKN2A/B identified by array-CGH in thymic epithelial tumors. Cell Death Dis 2012; 3:e351. [PMID: 22825469 PMCID: PMC3406591 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2012.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The molecular pathology of thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) is largely unknown. Using array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), we evaluated 59 TETs and identified recurrent patterns of copy number (CN) aberrations in different histotypes. GISTIC algorithm revealed the presence of 126 significant peaks of CN aberration, which included 13 cancer-related genes. Among these peaks, CN gain of BCL2 and CN loss of CDKN2A/B were the only genes in the respective regions of CN aberration and were associated with poor outcome. TET cell lines were sensitive to siRNA knockdown of the anti-apoptotic molecules BCL2 and MCL1. Gx15-070, a pan-BCL2 inhibitor, induced autophagy-dependent necroptosis in TET cells via a mechanism involving mTOR pathways, and inhibited TET xenograft growth. ABT263, an inhibitor of BCL2/BCL-XL/BCL-W, reduced proliferation in TET cells when administered in combination with sorafenib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor able to downregulate MCL1. Immunohistochemistry on 132 TETs demonstrated that CN loss of CDKN2A correlated with lack of expression of its related protein p16INK4 and identified tumors with poor prognosis. The molecular markers BCL2 and CDKN2A may be of potential value in diagnosis and prognosis of TETs. Our study provides the first preclinical evidence that deregulated anti-apoptotic BCL2 family proteins may represent suitable targets for TET treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Petrini
- Medical Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Iriki T, Ishii S, Takeda Y, Nishijima T, Teruya K, Oka S, Mochizuki M, Sugiyama H, Kobayashi N. Chemotherapy for thymic carcinoma in an adult patient with HIV infection. Int Cancer Conf J 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s13691-012-0027-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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Pan Y, Zhao X, Yang J, Deng J, Zhan Z, Luo Y, Li Q, Guo Y, Zhai Q, Sun B. Absence of gene mutations in KIT-positive carcinoma showing thymus-like elements of the thyroid. Hum Pathol 2012; 43:350-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2011.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2011] [Revised: 04/02/2011] [Accepted: 05/04/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Okuma Y, Hosomi Y, Takagi Y, Iguchi M, Okamura T, Shibuya M. Cisplatin and irinotecan combination chemotherapy for advanced thymic carcinoma: Evaluation of efficacy and toxicity. Lung Cancer 2011; 74:492-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2011.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2010] [Revised: 05/02/2011] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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