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Pini C, Matassa G, Gelardi F, Antunovic L. Now you see me: lights on Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Eur J Hybrid Imaging 2023; 7:6. [PMID: 36935458 PMCID: PMC10025171 DOI: 10.1186/s41824-023-00164-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is a rare primary cutaneous cancer with aggressive behaviour and poor prognosis. Although MCC cells express somatostatin receptors (SSTR), SSTR-targeted PET/CT is not routinely performed in clinical practice. In contrast, the use of [18F]FDG PET/CT is more widespread and its prognostic role is well established. We present the case of an MCC patient suspected recurrence who underwent restaging with both [18F]FDG and [68 Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC PET/CT. [18F]FDG PET/CT showed pathological uptake only in mediastinal lymph nodes, but SSTR imaging also revealed multiple liver and skeletal metastases, leading to significant disease upstaging and relevant changes in the therapeutic management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiano Pini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Matassa
- IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo di Pavia, Viale Camillo Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Gelardi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20090, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Lidija Antunovic
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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Lee ONY, Tan KV, Tripathi V, Yuan H, Chan WWL, Chiu KWH. The Role of 68 Ga-DOTA-SSA PET/CT in the Management and Prediction of Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy Response for Patients With Neuroendocrine Tumors : A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clin Nucl Med 2022; 47:781-793. [PMID: 35485851 DOI: 10.1097/rlu.0000000000004235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate the role of 68 Ga-DOTA-somatostatin analog (SSA) PET/CT in guiding treatment for patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) based on published literature, with specific focus on the ability of PET/CT to impact clinical management and predict peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) response. PATIENTS AND METHODS A systematic literature search of articles up to December 2021 was performed using PubMed and Scopus. Eligible studies included ≥10 patients with confirmed or suspected NETs who had undergone pretreatment staging 68 Ga-DOTA-SSA PET/CT. A meta-analysis using the random-effects model was conducted to determine the overall change in management after PET/CT, whereas PET/CT-derived parameters that correlated with PRRT outcome were summarized from studies that assessed its predictive capabilities. RESULTS A total of 39 studies were included in this systemic review, of which 2266 patients from 24 studies were included for meta-analysis. We showed that PET/CT resulted in a change in clinical management in 36% (95% confidence interval, 31%-41%; range, 3%-66%) of patients. Fifteen studies consisting of 618 patients examined the prognostic ability of 68 Ga-DOTA-SSA PET/CT for PRRT. Of those, 8 studies identified a higher pretreatment SUV to favor PRRT, and 4 identified PET-based radiomic features for somatostatin receptor heterogeneity to be predictive of PRRT response. CONCLUSIONS Along with its diagnostic abilities, 68 Ga-DOTA-SSA PET/CT can impact treatment decision-making and may predict PRRT response in patients with NETs. More robust studies should be conducted to better elucidate the prognostic role of somatostatin receptor PET/CT in optimizing treatment for clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osher Ngo Yung Lee
- From the Edinburgh Medical School, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kel Vin Tan
- Department of Oncology, The University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Vrijesh Tripathi
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Hui Yuan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Keith Wan Hang Chiu
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong
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Franklin C, Wetter A, Baba HA, Theysohn J, Haubold J, Cosgarea I, Hadaschik E, Livingstone E, Zimmer L, Stoffels I, Klode J, Lodde G, Placke JM, Schadendorf D, Ugurel S. Computed tomography-guided biopsy of radiologically unclear lesions in advanced skin cancer: A retrospective analysis of 47 cases. Eur J Cancer 2021; 150:119-129. [PMID: 33895683 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2021.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiological imaging such as computed tomography (CT) is used frequently for disease staging and therapy monitoring in advanced skin cancer patients. Detected lesions of unclear dignity are a common challenge for treating physicians. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and outcome of CT-guided biopsy (CTGB) of radiologically unclear, suspicious lesions and to depict its usefulness in different clinical settings. METHODS This retrospective monocentric study included advanced skin cancer patients (melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, angiosarcoma, cutaneous lymphoma) with radiologically unclear lesions who underwent CTGB between 2010 and 2018. RESULTS Of 59 skin cancer patients who received CTGB, 47 received CTGB to clarify radiologically suspicious lesions of unclear dignity. 32 patients had no systemic therapy (cohort A), while 15 patients received systemic treatment at CTGB (cohort B). In both cohorts, CTGB revealed skin cancer metastasis in a large proportion of patients (37.5%, 40.0%, respectively), but benign tissue showing inflammation, fibrosis or infection in an equally large percentage (37.5%, 46.7%, respectively). Additionally, a significant number of other cancer entities was found (25.0%, 13.3%, respectively). In patients receiving BRAF/MEK inhibitors, CTGB confirmed suspicious lesions as skin cancer metastasis in 83.3%, leading to treatment change. In immune checkpoint inhibitor-treated patients, skin cancer metastasis was confirmed in 11.1% of patients only, whereas benign tissue changes (inflammation/fibrosis) were found in 77.8%. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight the relevance of clarifying radiologically unclear lesions by CTGB before start or change of an anti-tumour therapy to exclude benign alterations and secondary malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Franklin
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Axel Wetter
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Partner Site University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Hideo Andreas Baba
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Partner Site University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jens Theysohn
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Partner Site University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Johannes Haubold
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Partner Site University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ioana Cosgarea
- Newcastle Upon Thyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Newcastle Oncology and Dermatology, Newcastle Upon Thyne, United Kingdom
| | - Eva Hadaschik
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Partner Site University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Livingstone
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Partner Site University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lisa Zimmer
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Partner Site University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ingo Stoffels
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Partner Site University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Joachim Klode
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Partner Site University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Georg Lodde
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Partner Site University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jan-Malte Placke
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Partner Site University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dirk Schadendorf
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Partner Site University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Selma Ugurel
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Partner Site University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the most recently discovered human oncogenic virus. MCPyV asymptomatically infects most of the human population. In the elderly and immunocompromised, however, it can cause a highly lethal form of human skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Distinct from the productive MCPyV infection that replicates the viral genome as episomes, MCC tumors contain replication-incompetent, integrated viral genomes. Mutant MCPyV tumor antigen genes expressed from the integrated viral genomes are essential for driving the oncogenic development of MCPyV-associated MCC. In this chapter, we summarize recent discoveries on MCPyV virology, mechanisms of MCPyV-mediated oncogenesis, and the current therapeutic strategies for MCPyV-associated MCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jianxin You
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Sachpekidis C, Sidiropoulou P, Hassel JC, Drakoulis N, Dimitrakopoulou-Strauss A. Positron Emission Tomography in Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2897. [PMID: 33050255 PMCID: PMC7601068 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare neuroendocrine skin malignancy usually arising as a nonspecific nodule on sun-exposed areas of the head and neck. Given the poor prognosis of this aggressive tumor, assessment of disease burden in pre- and post-treatment care may ensure an optimal management with significant implications for patient surveillance and prognosis. Although imaging has established its role in locally advanced or distant metastatic MCC, a standard imaging algorithm is yet to be determined and respective recommendations are mainly based on melanoma. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is increasingly evolving as a valuable imaging tool in metastatic or unresectable MCC, mostly utilizing the glucose analogue 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) as a radiotracer. Despite being inferior in detecting the disease in its early stages compared to the "gold standard" of sentinel lymph node biopsy, recent evidence suggests an important role for 18F-FDG PET/CT in the routine workup of localized MCC. Moreover, 68Ga-labeled somatostatin analogues have been employed as PET tracers in the field of MCC with promising, yet comparable to 18F-FDG, results. This article provides a structured literature review of the most important studies investigating the role of PET or PET/CT in the clinical practice of MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Sachpekidis
- German Cancer Research Center, Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Polytimi Sidiropoulou
- 1st Department of Dermatology-Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “A. Sygros” Hospital for Cutaneous & Venereal Diseases, GR-16121 Athens, Greece;
| | - Jessica C. Hassel
- Department of Dermatology and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Nikolaos Drakoulis
- Research Group of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR-15771 Athens, Greece;
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Taralli S, Sollini M, Milella M, Perotti G, Filice A, Menga M, Versari A, Rufini V. 18F-FDG and 68Ga-somatostatin analogs PET/CT in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma: a comparison study. EJNMMI Res 2018; 8:64. [PMID: 30032450 PMCID: PMC6054830 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-018-0423-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine skin tumor. Currently, 18F-fluoro-deoxy-glucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT is the functional imaging modality of choice. Few data are available on the use of 68Ga-somatostatin analogs. The aim of our study was to evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of 18F-FDG and 68Ga-somatostatin analog PET/CT in MCC patients. RESULTS Fifteen patients (12 males, 3 females; median age 73 years; range 41-81 years) with histologically proven MCC (4 with unknown primary lesion) who underwent both 18F-FDG and 68Ga-somatostatin analog PET/CT for staging, re-staging, or treatment response assessment were retrospectively evaluated. Results of both studies were qualitatively analyzed and compared on a patient- and lesion-based analysis, using histology or clinical/radiological follow-up as reference standard for final diagnosis. According to final diagnosis, 8/15 patients had at least one MCC lesion and 7/15 had no evidence of disease. On a patient-based analysis, 18F-FDG and 68Ga-somatostatin analogs correctly classified as positive 8/8 (100% sensitivity) patients and as negative 6/7 (85.7% specificity) and 5/7 (71.4% specificity) patients, respectively, with no significant difference. On a lesion-based analysis, 18F-FDG detected 67/75 lesions (89%) and 68Ga-somatostatin analogs 69/75 (92%), with no significant difference. In four patients with unknown primary MCC, both tracers failed to identify the primary MCC site. CONCLUSIONS Our preliminary data suggest that 18F-FDG and 68Ga-somatostatin analog PET/CT provide good and equivalent diagnostic performance, adding interesting insights into the complex MCC biology. However, these results do not suggest that 18F-FDG PET/CT should be replaced by 68Ga-somatostatin receptor imaging, which should be performed in addition, according to clinical indication, to the perspective of "personalized medicine."
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Taralli
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Radiation Oncology and Hematology, Nuclear Medicine Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italia
| | - Martina Sollini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele (Milan), Italy
| | - Michele Milella
- Division of Medical Oncology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Germano Perotti
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Radiation Oncology and Hematology, Nuclear Medicine Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italia
| | - Angelina Filice
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova—IRCCS Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Massimo Menga
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova—IRCCS Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Annibale Versari
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova—IRCCS Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Vittoria Rufini
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Radiation Oncology and Hematology, Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma—Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli, 8, 00168 Roma, Italia
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Müller-Richter UDA, Gesierich A, Kübler AC, Hartmann S, Brands RC. Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: Recommendations for Diagnostics and Treatment. Ann Surg Oncol 2017; 24:3430-3437. [PMID: 28762116 PMCID: PMC5596053 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-017-5993-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive tumor that often occurs in the head and neck region. Because of these features, the classifications and diagnostic and treatment regimens are frequently modified. Especially in the anatomically complex head and neck region, it is crucial to be aware of the current recommendations for diagnostics and treatment of MCC to ensure appropriate treatment. This overview aims to summarize the currently available literature. Methods The authors reviewed the relevant literature and international guidelines for MCC from 2012 to 2017 with respect to epidemiology and prognosis, diagnostic procedures and imaging, surgery, radiation, systemic treatment, and aftercare. These results were compared with existing guidelines, some of them current, and recommendations were derived. Results Marked developments in imaging have resulted in an increased use of functional imaging. The surgical concepts have changed regarding safety margins and the use of sentinel node biopsies. In systemic treatment, a move from conventional agents toward immuno-oncology can be observed. Conclusions For staging, it is important to be as exact as possible using functional imaging (e.g., positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan), especially in the head and neck area with its complex lymph drainage. This often plays an especially important role in early stages of the tumor, when the resection margin can be reduced to preserve the organ. Aftercare also should include functional imaging. In an advanced, metastatic stage, immuno-oncology (PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4) is superior to the previous methods of systemic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anja Gesierich
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Hartmann
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany.,Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Roman Camillus Brands
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
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