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Brandenburg T, Kroiß M. [Thyroid carcinomas: the role of systemic therapies in internal medicine]. INNERE MEDIZIN (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 65:642-655. [PMID: 38900279 DOI: 10.1007/s00108-024-01728-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The molecular pathogenesis of thyroid carcinoma is well studied and of importance for the treatment of advanced stages. Differentiated, poorly differentiated and anaplastic carcinomas originate in the follicular cells, while medullary carcinomas derive from the C‑cells. The prognosis of differentiated thyroid carcinoma is generally very favourable after surgery and radioiodine therapy. Where tumours progress and lose the ability to enrich iodine, curative treatment is usually not possible. A strategy of watchful waiting is often appropriate. Activating mutations in BRAF or gene fusions of RET and NTRK provide opportunities for targeted therapies. These may be applied with the aim of restoring iodine uptake (redifferentiation). In the absence of molecular therapy targets, multityrosine kinase inhibitors (MKI) are the therapy of choice. If anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is suspected, rapid diagnostic workup including molecular pathology is warranted. Surgery where possible and radiochemotherapy are essential components of therapy. In the presence of a BRAF mutation, inhibition of BRAF and MEK is effective, even if it is not approved in Germany. Where molecular targets are lacking, combination therapy with the MKI lenvatinib and immune checkpoint inhibition is highly effective. Mutations in RET are present in the vast majority of cases of medullary thyroid carcinoma. In aggressive advanced disease, selective RET inhibition has recently been approved as first-line therapy and often leads to an objective response and long-lasting disease stabilisation. In summary, thyroid carcinomas are among the tumour entities for which molecularly targeted therapies can be used most frequently. The involvement of specialised centres is advisable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Brandenburg
- Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Stoffwechsel, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147, Essen, Deutschland.
- Endokrines Tumorzentrum am Westdeutschen Tumorzentrum (WTZ), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Member of Endo-ERN and EURACAN, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg-Essen, Deutschland.
| | - Matthias Kroiß
- Medizinische Klinik IV, Universitätsklinikum, Member of Endo-ERN and EURACAN, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Ziemssenstr. 5, 80336, München, Deutschland.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Deutschland.
- Bayerisches Zentrum für Krebsforschung, München, Deutschland.
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2
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Gigliotti BJ, Brooks JA, Wirth LJ. Fundamentals and recent advances in the evaluation and management of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 592:112295. [PMID: 38871174 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112295] [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] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare primary neuroendocrine thyroid carcinoma that is distinct from other thyroid or neuroendocrine cancers. Most cases of MTC are sporadic, although MTC exhibits a high degree of heritability as part of the multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes. REarranged during Transfection (RET) mutations are the primary oncogenic drivers and advances in molecular profiling have revealed that MTC is enriched in druggable alterations. Surgery at an early stage is the only chance for cure, but many patients present with or develop metastases. C-cell-specific calcitonin trajectory and structural doubling times are critical biomarkers to inform prognosis, extent of surgery, likelihood of residual disease, and need for additional therapy. Recent advances in the role of active surveillance, regionally directed therapies for localized disease, and systemic therapy with multi-kinase and RET-specific inhibitors for progressive/metastatic disease have significantly improved outcomes for patients with MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer A Brooks
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Lori J Wirth
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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3
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Ragnarsson O, Juhlin CC, Torpy DJ, Falhammar H. A clinical perspective on ectopic Cushing's syndrome. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024; 35:347-360. [PMID: 38143211 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Cushing's syndrome (CS) refers to the clinical features of prolonged pathological glucocorticoid excess. About 10-20% of individuals with CS have ectopic CS (ECS), that is, an adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)-producing tumour outside the pituitary gland. ACTH-secreting neuroendocrine neoplasia (NENs) can arise from many organs, although bronchial NEN, small cell lung cancer (SCLC), pancreatic NEN, thymic NEN, medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), and pheochromocytoma are the most common. Patients with ECS frequently present with severe hypercortisolism. The risk of life-threatening complications is high in severe cases, unless the hypercortisolism is effectively treated. A good outcome in ECS requires a methodical approach, incorporating prompt diagnosis, tumour localization, control of cortisol excess, and resection of the primary tumour when possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oskar Ragnarsson
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, SE-413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - C Christofer Juhlin
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David J Torpy
- Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Henrik Falhammar
- Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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4
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A Contemporary Review of the Treatment of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma in the Era of New Drug Therapies. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 2023; 32:233-250. [PMID: 36925182 DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor that can be sporadic or inherited and is often associated with mutations in the RET (Rearranged during Transfection) oncogene. The primary treatment for MTC is surgical resection of all suspected disease, but recent advances in targeted therapies for MTC, including the selective RET inhibitors selpercatinib and pralsetinib, have led to changes in the management of patients with locally advanced, metastatic, or recurrent MTC. In this article, we review updates on the evaluation and management of patients with MTC, focusing on new and emerging therapies that are likely to improve patient outcomes.
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5
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Agaimy A, Kasajima A, Stoehr R, Haller F, Schubart C, Tögel L, Pfarr N, von Werder A, Pavel ME, Sessa F, Uccella S, La Rosa S, Klöppel G. Gene fusions are frequent in ACTH-secreting neuroendocrine neoplasms of the pancreas, but not in their non-pancreatic counterparts. Virchows Arch 2023; 482:507-516. [PMID: 36690805 PMCID: PMC10033480 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-022-03484-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Ectopic Cushing syndrome is a rare clinical disorder resulting from excessive adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) produced by non-pituitary neoplasms, mainly neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) of the lung, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract, and other less common sites. The genetic background of ACTH-producing NENs has not been well studied. Inspired by an index case of ACTH-producing pancreatic NEN carrying a gene fusion, we postulated that ACTH-producing NENs might be enriched for gene fusions. We herein examined 21 ACTH-secreting NENs of the pancreas (10), lung (9), thymus (1), and kidney (1) using targeted RNA sequencing. The tumors were classified according to the most recent WHO classification as NET-G1/typical carcinoid (n = 4), NETG-2/atypical carcinoid (n = 14), and NET-G3 (n = 3). Overall, targeted RNA sequencing was successful in 11 cases (4 of 10 pancreatic tumors, 5 of 9 pulmonary tumors, and in the one renal and one thymic tumor). All four successfully tested pancreatic tumors revealed a gene fusion: two had a EWSR1::BEND2 and one case each had a KMT2A::BCOR and a TFG::ADGRG7 fusion, respectively. EWSR1 rearrangements were confirmed in both tumors with a EWSR1::BEND2 by FISH. Gene fusions were mutually exclusive with ATRX, DAXX, and MEN1 mutations (the most frequently mutated genes in NETs) in all four cases. Using RNA-based variant assessment (n = 16) or via the TSO500 panel (n = 5), no pathogenic BCOR mutations were detected in any of the cases. Taken together, gene fusions were detected in 4/4 (100%) pancreatic versus 0/7 (0%) non-pancreatic tumors, respectively. These results suggest a potential role for gene fusions in triggering the ACTH production in pancreatic NENs presenting with ectopic Cushing syndrome. While the exact mechanisms responsible for the ectopic ACTH secretion are beyond the scope of this study, overexpressed fusion proteins might be involved in promoter-mediated overexpression of pre-ACTH precursors in analogy to the mechanisms postulated for EWSR1::CREB1-mediated paraneoplastic phenomena in certain mesenchymal neoplasms. The genetic background of the ACTH-producing non-pancreatic NENs remains to be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Agaimy
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg & Comprehensive Cancer Center, European Metropolitan Area Erlangen-Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Atsuko Kasajima
- Institute of Pathology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Robert Stoehr
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg & Comprehensive Cancer Center, European Metropolitan Area Erlangen-Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Florian Haller
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg & Comprehensive Cancer Center, European Metropolitan Area Erlangen-Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christoph Schubart
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg & Comprehensive Cancer Center, European Metropolitan Area Erlangen-Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lars Tögel
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg & Comprehensive Cancer Center, European Metropolitan Area Erlangen-Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nicole Pfarr
- Institute of Pathology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Marianne E Pavel
- Department of Medicine 1, Division of Endocrinology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Erlangen University Hospital, European Metropolitan Area Erlangen-Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Fausto Sessa
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Silvia Uccella
- Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano La Rosa
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Günter Klöppel
- Institute of Pathology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
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Corsello A, Ramunno V, Locantore P, Pacini G, Rossi ED, Torino F, Pontecorvi A, De Crea C, Paragliola RM, Raffaelli M, Corsello SM. Medullary Thyroid Cancer with Ectopic Cushing's Syndrome: A Case Report and Systematic Review of Detailed Cases from the Literature. Thyroid 2022; 32:1281-1298. [PMID: 35833793 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2021.0696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a neuroendocrine tumor arising from parafollicular C-cells of the thyroid gland that, in rare cases, can cause a paraneoplastic ectopic Cushing's syndrome (ECS). The development of Cushing's syndrome (CS) in MTC patients is generally associated with advanced disease and poor prognosis. Summary: We described a case of severe CS due to MTC in a young male. We performed a systematic review to identify cases of ECS due to MTC. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for publications between database inception and February 2022 and we collected the patient characteristics, disease presentation, employed treatment strategies, and disease outcomes. In addition to our patient, we identified 96 cases of ECS due to MTC reported in literature. Mean age at diagnosis was 44.4 years (range 10-84), and there was a male predominance (male:female [M:F] = 1.8:1). Most patients (51%) presented with metastatic disease at diagnosis and showed severe hypercortisolism. Seventeen patients developed distant metastasis and hypercortisolism during follow-up. Interestingly, in 48% of patients, the diagnosis of CS followed the diagnosis of MTC with a median time of 48 months but, among patients in whom the diagnosis was concomitant (38%), symptoms due to hypercortisolism were frequently the reason for seeking medical advice. Pathology results showed evidence of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) or corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) positive cells in 76% of patients in whom they were tested. The management of hypercortisolism was challenging in most patients with 48% requiring, eventually, definitive treatment with bilateral adrenalectomy (BLA). Recently, some limited evidence has emerged regarding tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) treatment for hypercortisolism in patients with ECS due to MTC. Despite limited information on survival, prognosis was generally poor and the main causes of death were either complications of CS or disease progression. Conclusions: Despite its rarity, MTC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ECS. Management of hypercortisolism is a key factor to improve the patient's symptoms but it is often challenging and BLA is frequently required. Further studies are needed for investigating the role of TKIs in patients with MTC with ECS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Corsello
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittoria Ramunno
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Locantore
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pacini
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Esther Diana Rossi
- Division of Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Torino
- Medical Oncology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alfredo Pontecorvi
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmela De Crea
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Paragliola
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Raffaelli
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Maria Corsello
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Department of Medicine, UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
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Ragnarsson O, Piasecka M, Hallqvist A. Successful Treatment with Selpercatinib for Ectopic Cushing's Syndrome Due to Medullary Thyroid Cancer. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:3494-3498. [PMID: 35621672 PMCID: PMC9139362 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29050282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Selpercatinib, a RET kinase inhibitor, is an effective treatment for patients with medullary thyroid cancer with RET mutations. In this paper, we present the case of a 62-year-old man with ectopic Cushing’s syndrome due to medullary thyroid cancer who received treatment with selpercatinib. Six months later, all the cushingoid features had resolved, and s-calcitonin had decreased from 580 pmol/L to 3.5 pmol/L (normal < 3). After further 6 months, s-calcitonin had normalized (1.5 pmol/L), and radiological evaluation showed a profound tumour volume reduction. We are aware of two other cases where treatment with selpercatinib has also been successful. Thus, selpercatinib may be a promising treatment alternative in patients with ectopic Cushing’s syndrome due to medullary thyroid cancer, especially when other treatment options are ineffective or not tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oskar Ragnarsson
- Department of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-41302 Gothenburg, Sweden;
- Correspondence:
| | - Marta Piasecka
- Department of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-41302 Gothenburg, Sweden;
| | - Andreas Hallqvist
- Department of Oncology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-41302 Gothenburg, Sweden;
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