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Ilie MD, De Alcubierre D, Carretti AL, Jouanneau E, Raverot G. Therapeutic targeting of the pituitary tumor microenvironment. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 250:108506. [PMID: 37562699 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108506] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME), the complex environment in which tumors develop, has been increasingly targeted for cancer treatment in recent years. Aggressive pituitary tumors and pituitary carcinomas have been so far targeted with immune-checkpoint inhibitors (28 cases, including a large cohort), and anti-angiogenic drugs (34 cases), specifically bevacizumab (30 cases), sunitinib (three cases), and apatinib (one case). Here, we reviewed all these cases, reporting tumor response, potential predictors of response, as well as adverse events. Given that the histological type could potentially influence treatment response, we present the existing data separately for each type. Briefly, under ICIs, complete response was noted in one case, partial response in a third of cases, stable disease in 10% of cases, while 54% of tumors progressed. Under BVZ monotherapy, most cases (57%) showed stable disease, while 36% of tumors progressed; partial response was reported in only one case. The three cases treated with sunitinib monotherapy progressed. Regarding predictive factors of response, the tumor type (aggressive pituitary tumor versus pituitary carcinoma) appears as the strongest predictor of response to ICIs. To date, no predictor of response to anti-angiogenic drugs in the treatment of pituitary carcinomas and aggressive pituitary tumors has been identified. The interest of BZV add-on to first- or second-line chemotherapy warrants further investigation. In addition, we discuss perspectives regarding the TME-targeting in aggressive pituitary tumors and pituitary carcinomas, including perspectives on immunotherapy, anti-angiogenic drugs, as well as on other TME components, namely stromal cells, extracellular matrix, and secreted molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela-Diana Ilie
- Inserm U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France; Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne, France; Endocrinology Department, "C.I. Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dario De Alcubierre
- Inserm U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France; Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Lucia Carretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Endocrinology Department, Reference Center for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, "Groupement Hospitalier Est" Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Emmanuel Jouanneau
- Inserm U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France; Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne, France; Neurosurgery Department, Reference Center for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, "Groupement Hospitalier Est" Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Gérald Raverot
- Inserm U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France; Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne, France; Endocrinology Department, Reference Center for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, "Groupement Hospitalier Est" Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France.
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Padovan M, Cerretti G, Caccese M, Barbot M, Bergo E, Occhi G, Scaroni C, Lombardi G, Ceccato F. Knowing when to discontinue Temozolomide therapy in responding aggressive pituitary tumors and carcinomas: a systematic review and Padua (Italy) case series. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2023; 18:181-198. [PMID: 36876325 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2023.2185221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pituitary adenomas can show a tendency to grow, despite multimodal treatment. Temozolomide (TMZ) has been used in the last 15 years in patients with aggressive pituitary tumors. TMZ requires a careful balance of different expertise, especially for selection criteria. AREAS COVERED We conducted: (1) a systematic review of the published literature from 2006 to 2022, collecting only cases with a complete description of patient follow-up after TMZ discontinuation; (2) a description of all patients with aggressive pituitary adenoma or carcinoma treated in Padua (Italy). EXPERT OPINION There is considerable heterogeneity in the literature: TMZ cycles duration ranged from 3 to 47 months; the follow-up time after TMZ discontinuation ranged from 4 to 91 months (mean 24 months, median 18 months), at least a stable disease has been reported in 75% of patients after a mean 13 months (range 3-47 months, median 10 months). The Padua (Italy) cohort reflects the literature. Future directions to explore are to understand the pathophysiological mechanism of TMZ resistance escape, to develop predicting factors to TMZ treatment (especially through the delineation of the underlying transformation processes), and to further expand the therapeutic applications of TMZ (as neoadjuvant, combined with radiotherapy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Padovan
- Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Giulia Cerretti
- Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Mario Caccese
- Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Mattia Barbot
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Eleonora Bergo
- Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Gianluca Occhi
- Department of Biology DIBIO, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Carla Scaroni
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lombardi
- Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Filippo Ceccato
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Management of Nelson’s Syndrome. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58111580. [DOI: 10.3390/medicina58111580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Nelson’s syndrome is a potentially severe condition that may develop in patients with Cushing’s disease treated with bilateral adrenalectomy. Its management can be challenging. Pituitary surgery followed or not by radiotherapy offers the most optimal tumour control, whilst pituitary irradiation alone needs to be considered in cases requiring intervention and are poor surgical candidates. Observation is an option for patients with small lesions, not causing mass effects to vital adjacent structures but close follow-up is required for a timely detection of corticotroph tumour progression and for further treatment if required. To date, no medical therapy has been consistently proven to be effective in Nelson’s syndrome. Pharmacotherapy, however, should be considered when other management approaches have failed. A subset of patients with Nelson’s syndrome may develop further tumour growth after primary treatment, and, in some cases, a truly aggressive tumour behaviour can be demonstrated. In the absence of evidence-based guidance, the management of these cases is individualized and tailored to previously offered treatments. Temozolomide has been used in patients with aggressive Nelson’s with no consistent results. Development of tumour-targeted therapeutic agents are an unmet need for the management of aggressive cases of Nelson’s syndrome.
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Dai C, Liang S, Sun B, Li Y, Kang J. Anti-VEGF Therapy in Refractory Pituitary Adenomas and Pituitary Carcinomas: A Review. Front Oncol 2021; 11:773905. [PMID: 34869016 PMCID: PMC8635636 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.773905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Most pituitary tumors are considered benign adenomas, and only 0.1%–0.2% of them present metastasis and are defined as pituitary carcinomas (PCs). Refractory pituitary adenomas (PAs) lie between benign adenomas and true malignant PCs and are defined as aggressive-invasive PAs, characterized by a high Ki-67 index, rapid growth, frequent recurrence, and resistance to conventional treatments. Refractory PAs and PCs are notoriously difficult to manage because of limited therapeutic options. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a crucial role in angiogenesis not only during development but also during pathological processes in pituitary tumors. Recently, increasing numbers of preclinical studies and clinical research have demonstrated that anti-VEGF therapy plays an important role in pituitary tumors. The purpose of this review is to report the role of VEGF in the development and pathology of pituitary tumors and the progress of anti-VEGF therapy in pituitary tumors, including refractory PAs and PCs. Previous preclinical studies indicated that cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5)-mediated VEGF expression might play a crucial role in the development of PAs. Vascular endothelial growth inhibitors have been reported as independent predictors of invasion in human PAs and have been indicated as markers for poor outcome. Furthermore, several studies have reported that angiogenesis decreases tumor sizes in experimental animal models of pituitary tumors. The expression of VEGF is relatively high in PAs; therefore, anti-VEGF therapy has been used in some refractory PAs and PCs. To date, anti-VEGF has been reported as monotherapy, in combination with temozolomide (TMZ), TMZ and radiotherapy, and with pasireotide, which might be a promising alternative therapy for refractory PAs and PCs resistant to conventional treatments. However, the role of anti-VEGF therapy in pituitary tumors is still controversial due to a lack of large-scale clinical trials. In summary, the results from preclinical studies and clinical trials indicated that anti-VEGF therapy monotherapy or in combination with other treatments may be a promising alternative therapy for refractory PAs and PCs resistant to conventional treatments. More preclinical studies and clinical trials are needed to further evaluate the exact efficacy of anti-VEGF in refractory PAs and PCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congxin Dai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Siyu Liang
- Eight-Year Program of Clinical Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Chinese Academe of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, China
| | - Bowen Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Kang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Bunevicius A, Lavezzo K, Smith PW, Vance ML, Sheehan J. Stereotactic radiosurgery before bilateral adrenalectomy is associated with lowered risk of Nelson's syndrome in refractory Cushing's disease patients. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2021; 163:1949-1956. [PMID: 33759014 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-021-04823-1] [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: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nelson's syndrome is a rare but challenging sequelae of Cushing's disease (CD) after bilateral adrenalectomy (BLA). We sought to determine if stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) of residual pituitary adenoma performed before BLA can decrease the risk of Nelson's syndrome. METHODS Consecutive patients with CD who underwent BLA after non-curative resection of ACTH secreting pituitary adenoma and had at least one follow-up visit after BLA were studied. Nelson's syndrome was diagnosed based on the combination of rising ACTH levels, increasing volume of the pituitary adenoma and/or hyperpigmentation. RESULTS Fifty patients underwent BLA for refractory CD, and 43 patients (7 men and 36 women) had at least one follow-up visit after BAL. Median endocrine, imaging, and clinical follow-up were 66 months, 69 months, and 80 months, respectively. Nine patients (22%) were diagnosed with the Nelson's syndrome at median time after BLA at 24 months (range: 0.6-119.4 months). SRS before BLA was associated with reduced risk of the Nelson's syndrome (HR = 0.126; 95%CI [0.022-0.714], p=0.019), while elevated ACTH level within 6 months after BLA was associated with increased risk for the Nelson's syndrome (HR = 9.053; 95%CI [2.076-39.472], p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS SRS before BLA can reduce the risk for the Nelson's syndrome in refractory CD patients requiring BLA and should be considered before proceeding to BLA. Elevated ACTH concentration within 6 months after BLA is associated with greater risk of the Nelsons' syndrome. When no prior SRS is administered, those with a high ACTH level shortly after BLA may benefit from early SRS.
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Reincke M, Albani A, Assie G, Bancos I, Brue T, Buchfelder M, Chabre O, Ceccato F, Daniele A, Detomas M, Di Dalmazi G, Elenkova A, Findling J, Grossman AB, Gomez-Sanchez CE, Heaney AP, Honegger J, Karavitaki N, Lacroix A, Laws ER, Losa M, Murakami M, Newell-Price J, Pecori Giraldi F, Pérez-Rivas LG, Pivonello R, Rainey WE, Sbiera S, Schopohl J, Stratakis CA, Theodoropoulou M, van Rossum EFC, Valassi E, Zacharieva S, Rubinstein G, Ritzel K. Corticotroph tumor progression after bilateral adrenalectomy (Nelson's syndrome): systematic review and expert consensus recommendations. Eur J Endocrinol 2021; 184:P1-P16. [PMID: 33444221 PMCID: PMC8060870 DOI: 10.1530/eje-20-1088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corticotroph tumor progression (CTP) leading to Nelson's syndrome (NS) is a severe and difficult-to-treat complication subsequent to bilateral adrenalectomy (BADX) for Cushing's disease. Its characteristics are not well described, and consensus recommendations for diagnosis and treatment are missing. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed focusing on clinical studies and case series (≥5 patients). Definition, cumulative incidence, treatment and long-term outcomes of CTP/NS after BADX were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results were presented and discussed at an interdisciplinary consensus workshop attended by international pituitary experts in Munich on October 28, 2018. RESULTS Data covered definition and cumulative incidence (34 studies, 1275 patients), surgical outcome (12 studies, 187 patients), outcome of radiation therapy (21 studies, 273 patients), and medical therapy (15 studies, 72 patients). CONCLUSIONS We endorse the definition of CTP-BADX/NS as radiological progression or new detection of a pituitary tumor on thin-section MRI. We recommend surveillance by MRI after 3 months and every 12 months for the first 3 years after BADX. Subsequently, we suggest clinical evaluation every 12 months and MRI at increasing intervals every 2-4 years (depending on ACTH and clinical parameters). We recommend pituitary surgery as first-line therapy in patients with CTP-BADX/NS. Surgery should be performed before extrasellar expansion of the tumor to obtain complete and long-term remission. Conventional radiotherapy or stereotactic radiosurgery should be utilized as second-line treatment for remnant tumor tissue showing extrasellar extension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Reincke
- Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Munich, Germany
| | - Adriana Albani
- Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Munich, Germany
| | - Guillaume Assie
- Department of Endocrinology, Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Center for Rare Adrenal Diseases, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Irina Bancos
- Division of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic Minnesota, Diabetes, Metabolism, Nutrition, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Thierry Brue
- Aix-Marseille Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1251, Marseille Medical Genetics (MMG), Institut MarMaRa and Endocrinology Department, Conception Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Marseille, France
| | - Michael Buchfelder
- Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Neurochirurgische Klinik, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Olivier Chabre
- CHU Grenoble-Alpes, Unit of Endocrinology, Pavillon des Ecrins, Grenoble, France
| | - Filippo Ceccato
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Veneto, Italy
| | - Andrea Daniele
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Veneto, Italy
| | - Mario Detomas
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Würzburg, Wurzburg, Bayern, Germany
| | - Guido Di Dalmazi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care Unit, University of Bologna, S. Orsola Policlinic, Bologna, Italy
| | - Atanaska Elenkova
- Department of Endocrinology, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - James Findling
- Division of Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ashley B Grossman
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Centre for Endocrinology, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - Celso E Gomez-Sanchez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Medicine, Endocrine Service, G.V. Montgomery VA Medical Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Anthony P Heaney
- Division of Endocrinology, Medical Director, Pituitary & Neuroendocrine Tumor Program, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Juergen Honegger
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Niki Karavitaki
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners
- Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andre Lacroix
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Edward R Laws
- Pituitary/Neuroendocrine Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marco Losa
- Department of Neurosurgery, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Masanori Murakami
- Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Munich, Germany
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - John Newell-Price
- Dept of Oncology and Metabolism, The Medical School University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Francesca Pecori Giraldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Community Health, University of Milan Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Instituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Luis G Pérez-Rivas
- Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Munich, Germany
| | - Rosario Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - William E Rainey
- Departments of Molecular & Integrative Physiology and Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Silviu Sbiera
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Würzburg, Wurzburg, Bayern, Germany
| | - Jochen Schopohl
- Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Munich, Germany
| | - Constantine A Stratakis
- Section on Genetics & Endocrinology Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Insitute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD) National Institute of Health (NIH), NIH Clinical Research Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Marily Theodoropoulou
- Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Munich, Germany
| | - Elisabeth F C van Rossum
- Department of Internal Medicine, division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elena Valassi
- IIB-Sant Pau and Department of Endocrinology/Medicine, Hospital Sant Pau, UAB, and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBER-ER, Unidad 747), ISCIII, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sabina Zacharieva
- Department of Endocrinology, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - German Rubinstein
- Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Ritzel
- Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Munich, Germany
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He X, Spencer-Segal JL. Rapid response of Nelson's syndrome to pasireotide in radiotherapy-naive patient. Clin Diabetes Endocrinol 2020; 6:22. [PMID: 33292741 PMCID: PMC7648374 DOI: 10.1186/s40842-020-00110-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nelson's syndrome is a well-described complication following bilateral adrenalectomy for management of Cushing's disease. There is no consensus on optimal management of Nelson's syndrome, characterized by the triad of pituitary corticotroph adenoma growth, elevated serum adrenocorticotropic hormone, and skin hyperpigmentation. Medical therapy with a variety of drug classes have been studied. One potentially promising drug already approved for Cushing's disease is pasireotide, a somatostatin analog with affinity for multiple somatostatin receptors, including subtype 5, the most highly expressed receptor on corticotroph tumors. CASE PRESENTATION A 24-year-old female was diagnosed with Cushing's disease with initial ACTH levels around 700-800 pg/mL. She underwent transsphenoidal surgery without remission, followed by bilateral adrenalectomy. Over the subsequent 3 years, the patient developed skin hyperpigmentation, recurrent elevations of ACTH, and tumor recurrence requiring two additional transsphenoidal surgeries. After her third transsphenoidal resection, ACTH normalized, no residual tumor was seen on radiology, and the patient's skin hyperpigmentation improved. She then had an uncomplicated full-term pregnancy, during which ACTH levels remained within normal limits. One month after delivery, ACTH levels began rising to a peak at 5,935 pg/mL. Imaging revealed two new bilateral pituitary adenomas, measuring 14 mm on the left, and 7 mm on the right. She was then started on pasireotide. After two months of therapy, ACTH decreased to 609 pg/mL, and repeat pituitary MRI showed interval decrease in size of both pituitary adenomas to 13 mm on the left and 6 mm on the right. CONCLUSION We report the protracted course of a young female with several recurrences of Nelson's syndrome following bilateral adrenalectomy and multiple transsphenoidal surgeries, who ultimately responded to pasireotide. Unique features of her case not described previously are the response to pasireotide in a radiotherapy-naive patient, as well as the rapid radiologic response to therapy. Her history illustrates the unresolved challenges of Nelson's syndrome and the continued need for additional studies to identify optimal management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin He
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, University of Michigan, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Joanna L Spencer-Segal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, University of Michigan, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA. .,Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, 205 Zina Pitcher Pl, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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Abstract
A subset of pituitary tumors present an aggressive behavior that remains difficult to predict, and in rare cases they metastasize. The current European Society for Endocrinology (ESE) guidelines for the management of aggressive pituitary tumors and carcinomas provide valuable guidance, but several issues remain unaddressed because of the scarcity of data in the literature. This article presents key clinical aspects regarding aggressive pituitary tumors and carcinomas, and also discusses some of the unanswered questions of the ESE guidelines, focusing on both diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela Diana Ilie
- Endocrinology Department VI, "C.I.Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, 34-36 Aviatorilor Boulevard, Bucharest 011863, Romania. https://twitter.com/the_hormone_doc
| | - Emmanuel Jouanneau
- Neurosurgery Department, Reference Center for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, "Groupement Hospitalier Est" Hospices Civils de Lyon, "Claude Bernard" Lyon 1 University, Hôpital Pierre Wertheimer, 59 Pinel Boulevard, Lyon, Bron 69677, France
| | - Gérald Raverot
- Endocrinology Department, Reference Center for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, "Groupement Hospitalier Est" Hospices Civils de Lyon, "Claude Bernard" Lyon 1 University, Hôpital Louis Pradel, 59 Pinel Boulevard, Lyon, Bron 69677, France.
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Lamb LS, Sim HW, McCormack AI. Exploring the Role of Novel Medical Therapies for Aggressive Pituitary Tumors: A Review of the Literature-"Are We There Yet?". Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020308. [PMID: 32012988 PMCID: PMC7072681 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggressive pituitary tumors account for up to 10% of pituitary tumors and are characterized by resistance to medical treatment and multiple recurrences despite standard therapies, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. They are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, particularly pituitary carcinomas, which have mortality rates of up to 66% at 1 year after diagnosis. Novel targeted therapies under investigation include mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), tyrosine kinase, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors. More recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors have been proposed as a potential treatment option for pituitary tumors. An increased understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of aggressive pituitary tumors is required to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This review discusses novel approaches to the management of aggressive pituitary tumors and the role of molecular profiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia S. Lamb
- Department of Endocrinology, St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia;
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia;
| | - Hao-Wen Sim
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia;
- St Vincent’s Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Ann I. McCormack
- Department of Endocrinology, St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia;
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia;
- St Vincent’s Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-9295-8489
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Ilie MD, Vasiljevic A, Raverot G, Bertolino P. The Microenvironment of Pituitary Tumors-Biological and Therapeutic Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101605. [PMID: 31640258 PMCID: PMC6826349 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) includes resident and infiltrative non-tumor cells, as well as blood and lymph vessels, extracellular matrix molecules, and numerous soluble factors, such as cytokines and chemokines. While the TME is now considered to be a prognostic tool and a therapeutic target for many cancers, little is known about its composition in pituitary tumors. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the TME within pituitary tumors and the strong interest in TME as a therapeutic target. While we cover the importance of angiogenesis and immune infiltrating cells, we also address the role of the elusive folliculostellate cells, the emerging literature on pituitary tumor-associated fibroblasts, and the contribution of extracellular matrix components in these tumors. The cases of human pituitary tumors treated with TME-targeting therapies are reviewed and emerging concepts of vascular normalization and combined therapies are presented. Together, this snapshot overview of the current literature pinpoints not only the underestimated role of TME components in pituitary tumor biology, but also the major promise it may offer for both prognosis and targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela Diana Ilie
- Cancer Research Centre of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Claude Bernard University, 69008 Lyon, France, (M.D.I.).
- "Claude Bernard" Lyon 1 University, University of Lyon, 69100 Villeurbanne, France.
- Endocrinology Department, "C.I.Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, 011863 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Alexandre Vasiljevic
- Cancer Research Centre of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Claude Bernard University, 69008 Lyon, France, (M.D.I.).
- "Claude Bernard" Lyon 1 University, University of Lyon, 69100 Villeurbanne, France.
- Pathology Department, "Groupement Hospitalier Est" Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69677 Bron, France.
| | - Gérald Raverot
- Cancer Research Centre of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Claude Bernard University, 69008 Lyon, France, (M.D.I.).
- "Claude Bernard" Lyon 1 University, University of Lyon, 69100 Villeurbanne, France.
- Endocrinology Department, "Groupement Hospitalier Est" Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69677 Bron, France.
| | - Philippe Bertolino
- Cancer Research Centre of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Claude Bernard University, 69008 Lyon, France, (M.D.I.).
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Ilie MD, Lasolle H, Raverot G. Emerging and Novel Treatments for Pituitary Tumors. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8081107. [PMID: 31349718 PMCID: PMC6723109 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8081107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A subset of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) have an aggressive behavior, showing resistance to treatment and/or multiple recurrences in spite of the optimal use of standard therapies (surgery, conventional medical treatments, and radiotherapy). To date, for aggressive PitNETs, temozolomide (TMZ) has been the most used therapeutic option, and has resulted in an improvement in the five-year survival rate in responders. However, given the fact that roughly only one third of patients showed a partial or complete radiological response on the first course of TMZ, and even fewer patients responded to a second course of TMZ, other treatment options are urgently needed. Emerging therapies consist predominantly of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (20 cases), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-targeted therapy (12 cases), tyrosine kinase inhibitors (10 cases), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors (six cases), and more recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors (one case). Here, we present the available clinical cases published in the literature for each of these treatments. The therapies that currently show the most promise (based on the achievement of partial radiological response in a certain number of cases) are immune checkpoint inhibitors, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-targeted therapy. In the future, further improvement of these therapies and the development of other novel therapies, their use in personalized medicine, and a better understanding of combination therapies, will hopefully result in better outcomes for patients bearing aggressive PitNETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela Diana Ilie
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, 28 Laennec Street, 69008 Lyon, France
- "Claude Bernard" Lyon 1 University, University of Lyon, 43 "11 Novembre 1918" Boulevard, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
- Endocrinology Department, "C.I.Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, 34-36 Aviatorilor Boulevard, 011863 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Hélène Lasolle
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, 28 Laennec Street, 69008 Lyon, France
- "Claude Bernard" Lyon 1 University, University of Lyon, 43 "11 Novembre 1918" Boulevard, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
- "Groupement Hospitalier Est" Hospices Civils de Lyon, Endocrinology Department, Reference Center for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, 59 Pinel Boulevard, 69677 Bron, France
| | - Gérald Raverot
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, 28 Laennec Street, 69008 Lyon, France.
- "Claude Bernard" Lyon 1 University, University of Lyon, 43 "11 Novembre 1918" Boulevard, 69100 Villeurbanne, France.
- "Groupement Hospitalier Est" Hospices Civils de Lyon, Endocrinology Department, Reference Center for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, 59 Pinel Boulevard, 69677 Bron, France.
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