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Channaiah CY, Memon SS, Lila AR, Sarathi V, Karlekar M, Barnabas R, Patil VA, Sharma A, Phadte A, Malhotra G, Shah N, Bandgar T. Diagnostic performance of various imaging modalities in localizing ectopic ACTH syndrome: A systematic review. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2024:S0003-4266(24)00109-4. [PMID: 39002895 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2024.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To elucidate the role of various imaging modalities for tumor localization in ectopic ACTH Cushing's syndrome (EAS). DESIGN AND METHOD Systematic review of the literature published between January 2015-2024 was performed. Patients (290 EAS patients, 23.8% Occult) who underwent contrast enhanced CT (CECT) and at least one PET/CT-scan (68Ga-SSTR, FDG and/or F-DOPA) were included. RESULTS The sensitivity for identifying EAS tumor was comparable across CECT (63.1%, n=290), SSTR-PET/CT (58.2%, n=187), and FDG-PET/CT (57.6%, n=191), but was poor for DOPA-PET/CT (30.8%, n=26). Sensitivity for detecting metastasis was also comparable across CECT (78%, n=73), SSTR-PET/CT (85.3%, n=41), and FDG-PET (73.7%, n=38). For localised lesions, sensitivity as per etiology and grade of NET were similar for three scans, with exception of Thymic NET and grade 1 NET where CECT was better than FDG PET/CT. In patients not localised on CECT, sensitivity of SSTR PET/CT was 33.3% (vs. 18.9% FDG-PET/CT) whereas for patients negative on CECT and FDG-PET, sensitivity of SSTR-PET/CT was 15%. In cases where CECT and SSTR-PET/CT failed to localize, the sensitivities of FDG-PET/CT and DOPA-PET/CT were only 5.7% (2/35) and 0% (0/9), respectively. SSTR-PET/CT has a distinct advantage with significantly lesser false positive (FP) lesions (2.6%, mostly in thyroid/or pancreas). In comparison, CECT and FDG-PET/CT had FP ∼11% (mostly in lung and/or mediastinum), most of which were negative on SSTR-PET/CT. CONCLUSIONS As per the current evidence, SSTR-PET/CT can be considered as the scan of choice in EAS evaluation, and further research is needed as one-fourth of the lesions remain occult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chethan Yami Channaiah
- Department of Endocrinology, Seth GS Medical College, KEM Hospital, 400012 Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Saba Samad Memon
- Department of Endocrinology, Seth GS Medical College, KEM Hospital, 400012 Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Anurag Ranjan Lila
- Department of Endocrinology, Seth GS Medical College, KEM Hospital, 400012 Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Vijaya Sarathi
- Department of Endocrinology, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, 560066 Bengaluru, India
| | - Manjiri Karlekar
- Department of Endocrinology, Seth GS Medical College, KEM Hospital, 400012 Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Rohit Barnabas
- Department of Endocrinology, Seth GS Medical College, KEM Hospital, 400012 Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Virendra Ashokrao Patil
- Department of Endocrinology, Seth GS Medical College, KEM Hospital, 400012 Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Anima Sharma
- Department of Endocrinology, Seth GS Medical College, KEM Hospital, 400012 Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Aditya Phadte
- Department of Endocrinology, Seth GS Medical College, KEM Hospital, 400012 Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Gaurav Malhotra
- Radiation medical Centre, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, 400012 Mumbai, India
| | - Nalini Shah
- Department of Endocrinology, Seth GS Medical College, KEM Hospital, 400012 Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Tushar Bandgar
- Department of Endocrinology, Seth GS Medical College, KEM Hospital, 400012 Parel, Mumbai, India.
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Li S, Guo X, Wang H, Suo N, Mi X, Jiang S. Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting pheochromocytoma with severe metabolic disturbances: A case report. Int J Surg Case Rep 2024; 116:109341. [PMID: 38340623 PMCID: PMC10943668 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109341] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The occurrence of hypercortisolism resulting from adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pheochromocytoma is exceedingly uncommon, with limited documented instances thus far. PRESENTATION OF CASE We present a case of ectopic ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma in a patient who suffered from severe metabolic disorders. Our clinical case outlines the diagnostic history, preoperative correction of the patient's metabolic disturbances and surgical strategy for management of a rare ectopic ACTH producing pheochromocytoma. DISCUSSION Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting pheochromocytoma displays multifaceted clinical features and requires prompt diagnosis and multidisciplinary management in order to overcome the related severe clinical derangements. CONCLUSION The combination of biochemical and hormonal testing and imaging procedures is mandatory for the diagnosis of ectopic ACTH secretion, and in the presence of an adrenal mass, the possibility of an ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma should be taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangjian Li
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, No. 9677, Jingshi Road, Lixia District, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xudong Guo
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, China
| | - Hanbo Wang
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, China
| | - Ni Suo
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, China
| | - Xiuqing Mi
- Guanxian People's Hospital, No.70 Guanyichun Road, Guan County, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shaobo Jiang
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, China.
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3
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Birtolo MF, Grossrubatscher EM, Antonini S, Loli P, Mazziotti G, Lania AG, Chiodini I. Preoperative management of patients with ectopic Cushing's syndrome caused by ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma: a case series and review of the literature. J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:1983-1994. [PMID: 37195583 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02105-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma is a rare cause of ectopic Cushing's syndrome, posing a clinical challenge for the severity of its clinical presentation, the difficulty in the prevention and the management of surgical complications. Sparse data are currently available about the optimal preoperative management of the severe symptoms due to both hypercortisolism and catecholamine excess, especially regarding the role and timing of medical therapies. METHODS We present a series of three patients with ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma. A brief review of the available literature evidence on the preoperative management of this rare clinical condition is also conducted. DISCUSSION Patients with ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma show peculiarities as compared to other forms of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome, in terms of clinical presentation, preoperative management, and peri- and post-surgical short-term outcome. Pheochromocytoma should be ruled out in patient with ectopic CS of unknown origin because of the high anesthesiologic risk of proceeding to surgery with an undiagnosed pheochromocytoma. Proper preoperative recognition of complications of both hypercortisolism and catecholamines excess is the key to prevent the morbidity and mortality of an ACTH-producing pheochromocytoma. In these patients the absolute priority is to control excessive cortisol secretion since the rapid correction of the hypercortisolism is the most effective treatment of all the related comorbidities and it is mandatory to prevent severe complications during surgery, opting if necessary for a "block-and-replace" regimen. CONCLUSION Our additional cases and this literature review could provide a better understanding of the complications to be evaluated at diagnosis and some suggestions on their management during the preoperative period.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Birtolo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4 Pieve Emanuele, 20090, Milan, Italy
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Medical Andrology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56 Rozzano, 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - E M Grossrubatscher
- Endocrine Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162, Milan, Italy
| | - S Antonini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4 Pieve Emanuele, 20090, Milan, Italy
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Medical Andrology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56 Rozzano, 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - P Loli
- Endocrinology, Clinica San Carlo, Via Ospedale 21, 20037 Paderno Dugnano, Milan, Italy
| | - G Mazziotti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4 Pieve Emanuele, 20090, Milan, Italy
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Medical Andrology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56 Rozzano, 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - A G Lania
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4 Pieve Emanuele, 20090, Milan, Italy.
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Medical Andrology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56 Rozzano, 20089, Milan, Italy.
| | - I Chiodini
- Endocrine Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
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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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5
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Koehler VF, Fuss CT, Berr CM, Frank-Raue K, Raue F, Hoster E, Hepprich M, Christ E, Pusl T, Reincke M, Spitzweg C, Kroiss M. Medullary thyroid cancer with ectopic Cushing's syndrome: A multicentre case series. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2022; 96:847-856. [PMID: 34743368 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14617] [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] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ectopic Cushing's syndrome (ECS) induced by medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is rare, and data on clinical characteristics, treatment and outcome are limited. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study in three German and one Swiss referral centres. PATIENTS Eleven patients with MTC and occurrence of ECS and 22 matched MTC patients without ECS were included. MEASUREMENTS The primary endpoint of this study was the overall survival (OS) in MTC patients with ECS versus 1:2 matched MTC patients without ECS. RESULTS The median age at diagnosis of ECS was 59 years (range: 35-81) and the median time between initial diagnosis of MTC and diagnosis of ECS was 29 months (range: 0-193). Median serum morning cortisol was 49 µg/dl (range: 17-141, normal range: 6.2-18). Eight (73%) patients received treatment for ECS. Treatment of ECS consisted of bilateral adrenalectomy (BADX) in four (36%) patients and adrenostatic treatment in eight (73%) patients. One patient received treatment with multityrosine kinase inhibitor (MKI) to control hypercortisolism. All patients experienced complete resolution of symptoms of Cushing's syndrome and biochemical control of hypercortisolism. Patients with ECS showed a shorter median OS of 87 months (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 64-111) than matched controls (190 months, 95% CI: 95-285). Of the nine deaths, four were related to progressive disease (PD). Four patients showed PD as well as complications and comorbidities of hypercortisolism before death. CONCLUSION This study shows that ECS occurs in advanced stage MTC and is associated with a poor prognosis. Adrenostatic treatment and BADX were effective systemic treatment options in patients with MTC and ECS to control their hypercortisolism. MKI treatment achieved complete remission of hypercortisolism and sustained tumour control in one treated case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria F Koehler
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Department of Medicine I, Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Carmina T Fuss
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology/Diabetology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christina M Berr
- Department of Endocrinology I, Medical Clinic, University Medical Center Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Karin Frank-Raue
- Private Practice of Endocrinology and Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Friedhelm Raue
- Private Practice of Endocrinology and Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eva Hoster
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Hepprich
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Emanuel Christ
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Pusl
- Department of Endocrinology I, Medical Clinic, University Medical Center Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Martin Reincke
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Adjunct Academic Appointment, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Matthias Kroiss
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology/Diabetology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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6
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Takenouchi H, Anno T, Iwamoto H, Takahashi K, Iwamoto Y, Horiya M, Kimura Y, Kawasaki F, Kaku K, Tomoda K, Ono S, Kaneto H. Onset of Aortic Dissection Complicated with Cushing's Disease: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Intern Med 2022; 61:2171-2177. [PMID: 35850988 PMCID: PMC9381334 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.8665-21] [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] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cushing's syndrome and Cushing's disease cause various metabolic disorders associated with high cortisol levels. Some reports have shown that Cushing's syndrome is complicated with dissecting aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection after long-term exposure to high cortisol levels. We herein report a rare case of aortic dissection complicated with Cushing's disease. Aortic dissection may occur even under relatively short periods of high cortisol conditions. This case suggests that hypercortisolemia should be treated as soon as possible in order to prevent aortic dissection in subjects with Cushing's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Takenouchi
- Department of General Internal Medicine 1, Kawasaki Medical School, Japan
| | - Takatoshi Anno
- Department of General Internal Medicine 1, Kawasaki Medical School, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Iwamoto
- Department of General Internal Medicine 1, Kawasaki Medical School, Japan
| | - Kaio Takahashi
- Department of General Internal Medicine 1, Kawasaki Medical School, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Iwamoto
- Department of General Internal Medicine 1, Kawasaki Medical School, Japan
| | - Megumi Horiya
- Department of General Internal Medicine 1, Kawasaki Medical School, Japan
| | - Yukiko Kimura
- Department of General Internal Medicine 1, Kawasaki Medical School, Japan
| | - Fumiko Kawasaki
- Department of General Internal Medicine 1, Kawasaki Medical School, Japan
| | - Kohei Kaku
- Department of General Internal Medicine 1, Kawasaki Medical School, Japan
| | - Koichi Tomoda
- Department of General Internal Medicine 1, Kawasaki Medical School, Japan
| | - Shigeki Ono
- Department of Neurosurgery 2, Kawasaki Medical School, Japan
| | - Hideaki Kaneto
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kawasaki Medical School, Japan
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7
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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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8
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Lase I, Strele I, Grönberg M, Kozlovacki G, Welin S, Janson ET. Multiple hormone secretion may indicate worse prognosis in patients with ectopic Cushing's syndrome. Hormones (Athens) 2020; 19:351-360. [PMID: 31950464 PMCID: PMC7426294 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-019-00163-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ectopic Cushing's syndrome (ECS) caused by an ACTH secreting neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) is a rare and challenging condition. We aimed to detect predictive and prognostic parameters for ECS patients identified from a retrospective, comprehensive cohort of NENs treated at a tertiary referral center. METHODS Medical records of 886 patients with NENs were reviewed. We identified 51 patients with ECS (33 females/18 men); mean age 52 ± 15 years (SD). Clinical parameters including symptoms, biochemical markers, and survival were extracted and further analyzed. RESULTS The primary tumor was located in the thorax (n = 28) or pancreas (n = 15) or was of unknown primary origin (n = 8). In 30 patients, tumor and ECS were diagnosed simultaneously. In 12 patients, the NEN diagnosis preceded ECS development, with a median time of 43.5 months (range: 9-96), and 10 of these showed radiological tumor progression at ECS diagnosis. Twenty-one patients had multiple hormone secretion, which correlated with shorter overall survival (OS), p = 0.012 (HR 2.4 (95% CI 1.2-4.9)), as did high morning cortisol, p = 0.037 (HR 2.3 (1.0-5.2)), higher tumor grade, p = 0.044 (HR 2.3 (1.0-5.1)), and diabetes, p = 0.050 (HR 2.4 (1.0-6.0)). CONCLUSIONS Multiple hormone secretion, high morning cortisol, higher tumor grade, and diabetes were correlated with shorter OS. Development of ECS in patients with a non-functioning NEN may indicate tumor progression. Multiple hormone secretion should be considered as a bad prognostic sign in ECS patients and should lead to intensified clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ieva Lase
- Department of Medical Sciences, Endocrine Oncology Unit, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Ieva Strele
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Riga Stradins University, Dzirciema street 16, Riga, LV-1007, Latvia
| | - Malin Grönberg
- Department of Medical Sciences, Endocrine Oncology Unit, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gordana Kozlovacki
- Department of Medical Sciences, Endocrine Oncology Unit, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Staffan Welin
- Department of Medical Sciences, Endocrine Oncology Unit, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eva Tiensuu Janson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Endocrine Oncology Unit, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
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