1
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Robertson IJ, Gregory TA, Waguespack SG, Penas-Prado M, Majd NK. Recent Therapeutic Advances in Pituitary Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOTHERAPY AND PRECISION ONCOLOGY 2023; 6:74-83. [PMID: 37214211 PMCID: PMC10195013 DOI: 10.36401/jipo-22-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary carcinoma (PC) is a rare, aggressive malignancy that comprises 0.1-0.2% of all pituitary tumors. PC is defined anatomically as a pituitary tumor that metastasizes outside the primary intrasellar location as noncontiguous lesions in the central nervous system or as metastases to other organs. Similar to pituitary adenoma, PC originates from various cell types of the pituitary gland and can be functioning or nonfunctioning, with the former constituting the majority of the cases. Compression of intricate skull-based structures, excessive hormonal secretion, impaired pituitary function from therapy, and systemic metastases lead to debilitating symptoms and a poor survival outcome in most cases. PC frequently recurs despite multimodality treatments, including surgical resection, radiotherapy, and biochemical and cytotoxic treatments. There is an unmet need to better understand the pathogenesis and molecular characterization of PC to improve therapeutic strategies. As our understanding of the role of signaling pathways in the tumorigenesis of and malignant transformation of PC evolves, efforts have focused on targeted therapy. In addition, recent advances in the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors to treat various solid cancers have led to an interest in exploring the role of immunotherapy for the treatment of aggressive refractory pituitary tumors. Here, we review our current understanding of the pathogenesis, molecular characterization, and treatment of PC. Particular attention is given to emerging treatment options, including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian J. Robertson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Timothy A. Gregory
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Steven G. Waguespack
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marta Penas-Prado
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nazanin K. Majd
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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2
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Melmed S, Kaiser UB, Lopes MB, Bertherat J, Syro LV, Raverot G, Reincke M, Johannsson G, Beckers A, Fleseriu M, Giustina A, Wass JAH, Ho KKY. Clinical Biology of the Pituitary Adenoma. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:1003-1037. [PMID: 35395078 PMCID: PMC9695123 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnac010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
All endocrine glands are susceptible to neoplastic growth, yet the health consequences of these neoplasms differ between endocrine tissues. Pituitary neoplasms are highly prevalent and overwhelmingly benign, exhibiting a spectrum of diverse behaviors and impact on health. To understand the clinical biology of these common yet often innocuous neoplasms, we review pituitary physiology and adenoma epidemiology, pathophysiology, behavior, and clinical consequences. The anterior pituitary develops in response to a range of complex brain signals integrating with intrinsic ectodermal cell transcriptional events that together determine gland growth, cell type differentiation, and hormonal production, in turn maintaining optimal endocrine health. Pituitary adenomas occur in 10% of the population; however, the overwhelming majority remain harmless during life. Triggered by somatic or germline mutations, disease-causing adenomas manifest pathogenic mechanisms that disrupt intrapituitary signaling to promote benign cell proliferation associated with chromosomal instability. Cellular senescence acts as a mechanistic buffer protecting against malignant transformation, an extremely rare event. It is estimated that fewer than one-thousandth of all pituitary adenomas cause clinically significant disease. Adenomas variably and adversely affect morbidity and mortality depending on cell type, hormone secretory activity, and growth behavior. For most clinically apparent adenomas, multimodal therapy controlling hormone secretion and adenoma growth lead to improved quality of life and normalized mortality. The clinical biology of pituitary adenomas, and particularly their benign nature, stands in marked contrast to other tumors of the endocrine system, such as thyroid and neuroendocrine tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ursula B Kaiser
- Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M Beatriz Lopes
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Jerome Bertherat
- Université de Paris, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Luis V Syro
- Hospital Pablo Tobon Uribe and Clinica Medellin - Grupo Quirónsalud, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Gerald Raverot
- Hospices Civils de Lyon and Lyon 1 University, Lyon, France
| | - Martin Reincke
- University Hospital of LMU, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Gudmundur Johannsson
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital & Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | | | - Andrea Giustina
- San Raffaele Vita-Salute University and IRCCS Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Ken K Y Ho
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and St. Vincents Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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3
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Hani U, Tariq Q, Bari A, Anis SB, Diwan A. Benign pituitary adenoma with multiple intracranial metastases-a case report and review of the literature. J Surg Case Rep 2022; 2022:rjab382. [PMID: 35665399 PMCID: PMC9155169 DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjab382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic benign pituitary adenomas (PAs), also known as pituitary carcinomas (PCs), represent 0.1-0.2% of all intracranial lesions. They are rare and challenging pathologies. We present the case of a 34-year-old female, who presented to the clinic with headache and visual loss. She was diagnosed with PA with multiple extra-axial metastases. Debulking and biopsy of the lesions was done. Postoperatively, there was gross residual disease, and the patient's visual disturbances did not improve. Only 165 cases of PCs have been reported in the current literature. Existing consensus on management of these uncommon lesions is based on trial and previously published case reports and surgery appears to be the only definitive treatment. Further research regarding any non-surgical expectant management is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ummey Hani
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Quratulain Tariq
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Amman Bari
- University of Western Australia, School of Medicine, Perth, Australia
| | - Saad Bin Anis
- Department of Surgery, Section of Neurosurgery, Shaukat Khanum Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Asad Diwan
- Department of Histopathology, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
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4
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Du Four S, Van Der Veken J, Duerinck J, Vermeulen E, Andreescu CE, Bruneau M, Neyns B, Velthoven V, Velkeniers B. Pituitary carcinoma - case series and review of the literature. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:968692. [PMID: 36157469 PMCID: PMC9493437 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.968692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Although pituitary adenomas (PAs) account for 15% of intracranial tumors, pituitary carcinomas (PCs) are a rare entity. Most commonly, PCs evolve from aggressive PAs invading the surrounding structures and eventually leading to metastatic lesions. Due to the low incidence, the diagnosis and treatment remains challenging. We report a case series of five patients with pituitary carcinoma (PC) treated in our center. At first diagnosis 3 patients had an ACTH-producing adenoma, 1 a prolactinoma and 1 a double secreting adenoma (GH and prolactin). The mean time interval from initial diagnosis to diagnosis of PC was 10.7 years (range 5-20 years). All patients underwent multiple surgical resections and radiotherapy. Four patients were treated with temozolomide for metastatic disease. One patient with concomitant radiochemotherapy for local recurrence. Temozolomide led to a stable disease in 2 patients. One patient had a progressive disease after 9 cycles of temozolomide. In absence of standard treatment, immunotherapy was initiated, resulting in a stable disease. We report five cases of PCs. Three patients obtained a stable disease after tailored multidisciplinary treatment. Additionally, one patient was treated with immunotherapy, opening a new treatment option in PCs. Overall, PCs are rare intracranial neoplasms occurring several years after the initial diagnosis of aggressive PAs. Currently, the absence of predictive factors for an aggressive clinical course, provokes a challenging management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Du Four
- Department of Neurosurgery, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Neurosurgery, AZ Delta, Roeselare, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Stephanie Du Four,
| | - Jorn Van Der Veken
- Department of Neurosurgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Elle Vermeulen
- Department of Neurosurgery, AZ Delta, Roeselare, Belgium
| | - Corina E. Andreescu
- Department of Endocrinology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Bart Neyns
- Department of Medical Oncology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Van Velthoven
- Department of Neurosurgery, AZ Delta, Roeselare, Belgium
| | - Brigitte Velkeniers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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5
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Vekaria S, Chen F, Zan E, William C, Sen C, Lebowitz R, Zagzag D, Warren FA, Brandler TC, Agrawal N. Growth hormone secreting pituitary carcinomas: Case report and review of literature. Growth Horm IGF Res 2021; 60-61:101430. [PMID: 34607164 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2021.101430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pituitary carcinoma is a rare tumor, defined as a tumor of adenohypophyseal cells with systemic or craniospinal metastasis. We present a case of a growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary carcinoma with a review of literature to better characterize this disease. DESIGN Case report and literature review of 25 cases of GH-secreting pituitary carcinomas RESULTS: The age of diagnosis of GH-secreting carcinomas ranged 24-69 years old with a mean age of 44.4 with 52% of cases present in females. Mean latency period between diagnosis of acromegaly and transition to pituitary carcinoma was 11.4 years with mean survival being 3.4 years. CONCLUSION Growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary carcinomas are rare and hard to distinguish from aggressive pituitary adenomas. From review of literature, treatment options include debulking surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy with dismal outcomes. There are no diagnostic markers or features which can predict metastatic progression of these tumors. Future studies with genomic landscapes and relevant tumor markers are needed to identify pituitary tumors most likely to metastasize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Vekaria
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elcin Zan
- Department of Radiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher William
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chandra Sen
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard Lebowitz
- Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Zagzag
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY, USA
| | - Floyd A Warren
- Department of Ophthalmology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY, USA; Department of Neurology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tamar C Brandler
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nidhi Agrawal
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY, USA.
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6
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Gokden M. Commentary: Neuropathology of Pituitary Adenomas and Sellar Lesions. Neurosurgery 2021; 88:E374-E376. [PMID: 33476390 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyaa569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Murat Gokden
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas forMedical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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7
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Araujo-Castro M, Berrocal VR, Pascual-Corrales E. Pituitary tumors: epidemiology and clinical presentation spectrum. Hormones (Athens) 2020; 19:145-155. [PMID: 31933100 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-019-00168-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary tumors (PTs) are a heterogeneous group of lesions of the central nervous system that are usually benign. Most of them occur sporadically, but 5% can do so within family syndromes, usually at a young age. There are differences by sex, age, race, and genetic factors in the prevalence of different tumor cell types and clinical presentation. Functioning-PTs (FPTs) are usually diagnosed earlier than non-functioning PTs (NFPTs). However, this depends on the PT type. Headaches and visual disturbances are the most frequent mass-effect symptoms, but seizures or hydrocephalus may also occur. Pituitary apoplexy is another possible mode of presentation, and it requires special attention because of its potential severity. PTs in pregnancy, childhood, and old age present a series of clinical peculiarities that must be taken into account when evaluating these patients. Ectopic PTs (EPTs) are uncommon and share the same clinical-epidemiological data as eutopic PTs, but, depending on their location, other types of clinical manifestations may appear. Silent PTs are often detected as an incidentaloma or due to neurologic symptoms related to mass-effect. Aggressive PTs and pituitary carcinomas (PCs), which are very rare, are characterized by multiple local recurrences and metastases, respectively. This review addresses the epidemiology and clinical presentation of PTs, from the classical hormonal and mass-effect symptoms to the different rare presentations, such as pituitary apoplexy, hydrocephalus, or diabetes insipidus. Moreover, special situations of the presentation of PTs are discussed, namely, PTs in pregnancy, childhood, and the elderly, EPTs, silent and aggressive PTs, and PCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Araujo-Castro
- Neuroendocrinology Unit, Endocrinology Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Eider Pascual-Corrales
- Neuroendocrinology Unit, Endocrinology Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
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8
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Xu L, Khaddour K, Chen J, Rich KM, Perrin RJ, Campian JL. Pituitary carcinoma: Two case reports and review of literature. World J Clin Oncol 2020; 11:91-102. [PMID: 32133278 PMCID: PMC7046923 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v11.i2.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pituitary carcinoma is a rare type of malignancy that can be very difficult to diagnose and treat. Many cases were diagnosed at autopsy. Delays in diagnosis often adversely impact patients' outcomes. Even with prompt diagnosis, treatment decisions remain challenging in the absence of randomized controlled trials.
CASE SUMMARY We report two cases of pituitary carcinoma in men with a history of pituitary adenoma. In the first case, a 55-year-old man was initially diagnosed with pituitary macroadenoma. He underwent subtotal debulking of the tumor followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. Subsequently, he developed relapsed disease and multifocal intracranial metastases and a diagnosis of pituitary carcinoma was rendered. He passed away despite several lines of systemic therapies including temozolomide, lomustine and bevacizumab. Another 52-year-old man was diagnosed with atypical pituitary adenoma with presentation of sudden onset of vision loss in the right eye. He had recurrent pituitary carcinoma with spinal metastases, treated with surgery, radiation and temozolomide.
CONCLUSION Pituitary carcinoma is a rare neoplasm with poor prognosis that is difficult to diagnose and treat. The small number of cases restricts our ability to design randomized clinical trials. Management is largely driven by retrospective studies and case series. Establishing molecular biomarkers and comprehensive genomic profiling could help in decisions about diagnosis and management of pituitary carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lai Xu
- Divisions of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Karam Khaddour
- Divisions of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Keith M Rich
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Richard J Perrin
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Jian Li Campian
- Divisions of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
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9
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Nishioka H, Yamada S. Cushing's Disease. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8111951. [PMID: 31726770 PMCID: PMC6912360 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8111951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In patients with Cushing's disease (CD), prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for favorable long-term outcomes, although this remains a challenging task. The differential diagnosis of CD is still difficult in some patients, even with an organized stepwise diagnostic approach. Moreover, despite the use of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with advanced fine sequences, some tumors remain invisible. Surgery, using various surgical approaches for safe maximum tumor removal, still remains the first-line treatment for most patients with CD. Persistent or recurrent CD after unsuccessful surgery requires further treatment, including repeat surgery, medical therapy, radiotherapy, or sometimes, bilateral adrenalectomy. These treatments have their own advantages and disadvantages. However, the most important thing is that this complex disease should be managed by a multidisciplinary team with collaborating experts. In addition, a personalized and individual-based approach is paramount to achieve high success rates while minimizing the occurrence of adverse events and improving the patients' quality of life. Finally, the recent new insights into the pathophysiology of CD at the molecular level are highly anticipated to lead to the introduction of more accurate diagnostic tests and efficacious therapies for this devastating disease in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Nishioka
- Department of Hypothalamic and Pituitary surgery, Toranomon Hospital, Tokyo 1058470, Japan;
- Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo 1058470, Japan
| | - Shozo Yamada
- Hypothalamic and Pituitary Center, Moriyama Neurological Center Hospital, Tokyo 1340081, Japan
- Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo 1058470, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-336-751-211
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10
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Alshaikh OM, Asa SL, Mete O, Ezzat S. An Institutional Experience of Tumor Progression to Pituitary Carcinoma in a 15-Year Cohort of 1055 Consecutive Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors. Endocr Pathol 2019; 30:118-127. [PMID: 30706322 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-019-9568-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary carcinoma is a rare disease, defined by the presence of cerebrospinal or distant metastasis of a pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET). To review our institutional experience of pituitary carcinoma, we searched the database of the UHN Endocrine Oncology Site group and the University Health Network pathology laboratory information system from 2001 to 2016. Among 1055 PitNETs from 1169 transsphenoidal resections, we identified 4 cases of pituitary carcinoma, indicating that pituitary carcinoma represents around 0.4% of PitNETs. All four patients were women. The age at initial presentation ranged from 23 to 54 years. Two patients had Cushing disease with corticotroph tumors; one was initially a densely granulated corticotroph tumor that evolved to become sparsely granulated, while the other was a Crooke cell tumor. One patient had a functioning sparsely granulated lactotroph tumor and one had a clinically silent poorly differentiated PIT1 lineage tumor. Apart from a relatively high Ki67 labeling index (≥ 10%) in three tumors, there were no cytomorphologic features at the time of initial presentation that could predict subsequent metastatic behavior. The time from diagnosis of the pituitary neuroendocrine tumor to the diagnosis of malignancy was 3 to 14 years. Therapies included somatostatin analogs, external beam radiotherapy, chemotherapies including capecitabine/temozolomide, everolimus, sunitinib, bevacizumab, and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). One patient died of disease 18 years after initial diagnosis, underscoring the protracted course of this ultimately fatal neuroendocrine malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omalkhaire M Alshaikh
- Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Al Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sylvia L Asa
- Department of Pathology, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ozgur Mete
- Department of Pathology, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shereen Ezzat
- Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Room 7-327, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada.
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11
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Mantovani G, Giardino E, Treppiedi D, Catalano R, Mangili F, Spada A, Arosio M, Peverelli E. Stem Cells in Pituitary Tumors: Experimental Evidence Supporting Their Existence and Their Role in Tumor Clinical Behavior. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:745. [PMID: 31708878 PMCID: PMC6823178 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although generally benign, pituitary tumors frequently show local invasiveness and resistance to pharmacological therapy. After the demonstration of the existence of pituitary gland stem cells, over the past decade, the presence of a stem cell subpopulation in pituitary tumors has been investigated, analogous to the cancer stem cell model developed for malignant tumors. This review recapitulates the experimental evidence supporting the existence of a population of stem-like cells in pituitary tumors, focusing on their potential role in tumor initiation, progression, recurrence and resistance to pharmacological therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Mantovani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giovanna Mantovani
| | - Elena Giardino
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Treppiedi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosa Catalano
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- PhD Program in Endocrinological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Mangili
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Spada
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Maura Arosio
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Erika Peverelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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12
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Abstract
Pituitary adenomas are unique in multiple ways. They are rarely malignant in terms of metastases; yet, they may be aggressive. Their cancerous potential is defined in a classic oncological way by the ability to metastasise, and therefore, it has been crucial to differentiate this process from aggressive behaviour, characterised as a particularly invasive and/or recurrent behaviour and resistance to common modalities of therapy. Recently, however, important changes have been introduced to the diagnosis and management of aggressive and malignant pituitary tumours including the 4th edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification for endocrine tumours (2017) as well as ESE Clinical Guidelines (2018), although an attempt to establish predictive and/or prognostic markers of clinical aggressiveness remains difficult. In this review, we focus on a group of pituitary tumours causing significant problems in clinical practice and requiring multidisciplinary input. We summarise updates in definitions of tumour invasiveness, aggressiveness and malignant transformation, as well as histological classification, and emphasise the new considerations regarding aggressive and malignant potential and its relationship to therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Dworakowska
- Department of Hypertension and Diabetes, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- Guys Richard Dimbleby Department of Cancer Research, Kings College London, London, UK
- Endocard LTD, London, UK
| | - Ashley B Grossman
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, London, UK
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13
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Renner U, Ciato D, Stalla GK. Recent advances in understanding corticotroph pituitary tumor initiation and progression. F1000Res 2018; 7. [PMID: 30228864 PMCID: PMC6117851 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.14789.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cushing’s disease is the most frequent form of hypercortisolism and is caused by hypophyseal corticotroph adenomas secreting excessive amounts of adrenocorticotropic hormone. Most of the tumors develop sporadically and only a limited number of corticotroph adenomas have been found to be associated with different neuroendocrine syndromes or with familial isolated pituitary adenomas. The pathogenic mechanisms of corticotroph adenomas are largely unknown, but the discovered aberrant chaperoning activity of heat shock protein 90 on the one hand and the presence of ubiquitin-specific protease 8 mutations on the other hand partially explained the causes of their development. Corticotroph tumors arise initially as benign microadenomas but with time form invasively growing aggressive macroadenomas which can switch to corticotroph carcinomas in extremely rare cases. The mechanisms through which corticotroph tumors escape from glucocorticoid negative feedback are still poorly understood, as are the processes that trigger the progression of benign corticotroph adenomas toward aggressive and malignant phenotypes. This review summarizes recent findings regarding initiation and progression of corticotroph pituitary tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Renner
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Clinical Neuroendocrinology Group, Munich, Germany
| | - Denis Ciato
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Clinical Neuroendocrinology Group, Munich, Germany
| | - Günter K Stalla
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Clinical Neuroendocrinology Group, Munich, Germany
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Giordano TJ. 65 YEARS OF THE DOUBLE HELIX: Classification of endocrine tumors in the age of integrated genomics. Endocr Relat Cancer 2018; 25:T171-T187. [PMID: 29980645 DOI: 10.1530/erc-18-0116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The classification of human cancers represents one of the cornerstones of modern pathology. Over the last century, surgical pathologists established the current taxonomy of neoplasia using traditional histopathological parameters, which include tumor architecture, cytological features and cellular proliferation. This morphological classification is efficient and robust with high reproducibility and has served patients and health care providers well. The most recent decade has witnessed an explosion of genome-wide molecular genetic and epigenetic data for most cancers, including tumors of endocrine organs. The availability of this expansive multi-dimensional genomic data, collectively termed the cancer genome, has catalyzed a re-examination of the classification of endocrine tumors. Here, recent cancer genome studies of various endocrine tumors, including those of the thyroid, pituitary and adrenal glands, pancreas, small bowel, lung and skin, are presented with special emphasis on how genomic insights are impacting endocrine tumor classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Giordano
- Divisions of Anatomic Pathology and Molecular & Genomic PathologyDepartments of Pathology and Internal Medicine, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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15
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Abstract
Non-functioning pituitary carcinomas (NFPC) are defined as tumours of adenophyseal origin with craniospinal or systemic dissemination, with the absence of a hormonal hypersecretion syndrome. These are a histologically heterogenous group of tumours, comprising gonadotroph, null cell, "silent" tumours of corticotroph, somatotroph or lactotroph cell lineages as well as plurihormonal Pit-1 tumours. NFPC are exceedingly rare, and hence few cases have been described. This review has identified 38 patients with NFPC reported in the literature. Recurrent invasive non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) were observed in a majority of patients. Various factors have been identified as markers of the potential for aggressive behaviour, including rapid tumour growth, growth after radiotherapy, gain or shift of hormone secretion and raised proliferative markers. Typically, there is a latency of several years from the original presentation with an NFPA to identification of metastases and only 5 cases reported with rapidly progressive malignant disease within 1 month of presentation. Therapeutic options include debulking surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy with temozolomide recommended as first line systemic treatment. Although long-term survivors are described, prognosis remains generally very poor (median survival 8 months). Improvements in molecular tumour profiling may assist in predicting tumour behaviour, guide therapeutic choices and identify novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nèle Lenders
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, St Vincent's Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ann McCormack
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia.
- Department of Endocrinology, St Vincent's Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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16
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Neuro-Ophthalmic Manifestations of Pituitary Carcinoma. J Neuroophthalmol 2018; 38:339-341. [PMID: 29315125 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000000620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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17
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Bettencourt-Silva R, Pereira J, Belo S, Magalhães D, Queirós J, Carvalho D. Prolactin-Producing Pituitary Carcinoma, Hypopituitarism, and Graves' Disease-Report of a Challenging Case and Literature Review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:312. [PMID: 29928263 PMCID: PMC5997786 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The diagnosis of pituitary carcinoma is very rare, requires the evidence of metastatic disease, and has a poor overall survival. Malignant prolactinoma frequently requires dopamine agonist therapy, pituitary surgery, radiotherapy, and even chemotherapy. CASE DESCRIPTION A 19-year-old female presented with galactorrhea, primary amenorrhea, and left hemianopsia. Complementary study detected hyperprolactinemia and a pituitary macroadenoma with cavernous sinus invasion and suprasellar growth. She was treated with cabergoline and bromocriptine without clinical or analytical improvement. Resection of the pituitary lesion was programmed and a non-contiguous lesion of the nasal mucosa was detected during the approach. This metastasis led to the diagnosis of prolactin-producing pituitary carcinoma. After partial resection, the patient was submitted to radiotherapy for residual disease with persistent symptoms. She developed growth hormone deficiency, central hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, and permanent diabetes insipidus. Six years later she was admitted for the suspicion of secondary adrenal insufficiency and thyrotoxicosis. Physical findings, laboratory data, thyroid ultrasound, and scintigraphy achieved the diagnosis of Graves' disease and hypocortisolism. She was treated with hydrocortisone and methimazole, but central hypothyroidism recurred after antithyroid drug withdrawal. Nine years after the diagnosis of a pituitary carcinoma, she maintains treatment with bromocriptine, has a locally stable disease, with no metastases. CONCLUSION This report highlights an unusual presentation of a prolactin-producing pituitary carcinoma in a young female. The patient had multiple hormone deficiencies due to a pituitary lesion and treatments. The posterior development of hyperthyroidism and adrenal insufficiency brought an additional difficulty to the approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Bettencourt-Silva
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Centro Hospitalar São João, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Josué Pereira
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Neurosurgery, Centro Hospitalar São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Belo
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Centro Hospitalar São João, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniela Magalhães
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Centro Hospitalar São João, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Queirós
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Centro Hospitalar São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Davide Carvalho
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Centro Hospitalar São João, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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18
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Wang S, Li D, Jia G, Ni M. An atypical pituitary adenoma with a high degree of malignancy: a case report. Chin Neurosurg J 2017. [DOI: 10.1186/s41016-017-0097-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Mercado M, Melgar V, Salame L, Cuenca D. Clinically non-functioning pituitary adenomas: Pathogenic, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 64:384-395. [PMID: 28745610 DOI: 10.1016/j.endinu.2017.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Clinically non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) are among the most common tumors in the sellar region. These lesions do not cause a hormonal hypersecretion syndrome, and are therefore found incidentally (particularly microadenomas) or diagnosed based on compressive symptoms such as headache and visual field defects, as well as clinical signs of pituitary hormone deficiencies. Immunohistochemically, more than 45% of these adenomas stain for gonadotropins or their subunits and are therefore called gonadotropinomas, while 30% of them show no immunostaining for any hormone and are known as null cell adenomas. The diagnostic approach to NFPAs should include visual field examination, an assessment of the integrity of all anterior pituitary hormone systems, and magnetic resonance imaging of the sellar region to define tumor size and extension. The treatment of choice is transsphenoidal resection of the adenoma, which in many instances cannot be completely accomplished. The recurrence rate after surgery may be up to 30%. Persistent or recurrent adenomas are usually treated with radiation therapy. In a small proportion of these cases, drug treatment with dopamine agonists and, to a lesser extent, somatostatin analogs may achieve reduction or at least stabilization of the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moises Mercado
- Experimental Endocrinology Unit, Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional S.XXI, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico; Neurological Center, American British Cowdray Medical Center, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Virgilio Melgar
- Neurological Center, American British Cowdray Medical Center, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Latife Salame
- Experimental Endocrinology Unit, Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional S.XXI, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Dalia Cuenca
- Department of Medicine, American British Cowdray Medical Center, Mexico City, Mexico
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