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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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2
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Giovanella L, Tuncel M, Aghaee A, Campenni A, Petranović Ovčariček P, De Virgilio A. Theranostics of Thyroid Cancer. Semin Nucl Med 2024:S0001-2998(24)00011-4. [PMID: 38503602 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2024.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Molecular imaging is pivotal in evaluating and managing patients with different thyroid cancer histotypes. The existing, pathology-based, risk stratification systems can be usefully refined, by incorporating tumor-specific molecular and molecular imaging biomarkers with theranostic value, allowing patient-specific treatment decisions. Molecular imaging with different radioactive iodine isotopes (ie, I131, I123, I124) is a central component of differentiated carcinoma (DTC)'s risk stratification while [18F]F-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) PET/CT is interrogated about disease aggressiveness and presence of distant metastases. Moreover, it is particularly useful to assess and risk-stratify patients with radioiodine-refractory DTC, poorly differentiated, and anaplastic thyroid cancers. [18F]F-dihydroxyphenylalanine (6-[18F]FDOPA) PET/CT is the most specific and accurate molecular imaging procedure for patients with medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), a neuroendocrine tumor derived from thyroid C-cells. In addition, [18F]FDG PET/CT can be used in patients with more aggressive clinical or biochemical (ie, serum markers levels and kinetics) MTC phenotypes. In addition to conventional radioiodine therapy for DTC, new redifferentiation strategies are now available to restore uptake in radioiodine-refractory DTC. Moreover, peptide receptor theranostics showed promising results in patients with advanced and metastatic radioiodine-refractory DTC and MTC, respectively. The current appropriate role and future perspectives of molecular imaging and theranostics in thyroid cancer are discussed in our present review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Giovanella
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Gruppo Ospedaliero Moncucco, Lugano, Switzerland; Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Murat Tuncel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Atena Aghaee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alfredo Campenni
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Petra Petranović Ovčariček
- Department of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia; School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Armando De Virgilio
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
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3
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Gild ML, Kumar S, Fuchs TL, Glover A, Sidhu S, Sywak M, Tsang V, Gill AJ, Robinson BG, Schembri G, Clifton-Bligh RJ, Hoang J. The Clinical Utility of Gallium-68-DOTATATE Positron Emission Tomography Scanning in Medullary Thyroid Cancer. Endocr Pract 2024; 30:218-224. [PMID: 38103829 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2023.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Somatostatin receptor (SST) functional imaging with positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) has broadened the diagnostic and staging capabilities for medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Gallium-68 (68Ga)-DOTA-conjugated peptide (Tyr3)-octreotate (DOTATATE) is a radiotracer with a high affinity for type 2 SSTs expressed in several, but not all, MTCs. The utility of 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT and 18fluorine-labeled fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG)-PET/CT imaging in predicting MTC prognosis is also unknown. METHODS In this single-center retrospective study, 103 of patients with MTC underwent assessment of SST2 and SST5 immunohistochemistry (IHC). A subgroup of 37 patients received 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT imaging, and 13 received contemporaneous 18F-FDG-PET/CT imaging. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUV), mean SUV, metabolic tumor volume, and total lesion activity (TLA) were assessed. RESULTS Forty-two patients (41%) demonstrated positive expression of SST2, and 45 (44%) had a positive SST5 IHC result. Seventeen patients (17%) expressed both SST2 and SST5. No survival advantage was identified with SST2 or SST5 IHC positivity. No correlation was noted between the maximum SUV, mean SUV, metabolic tumor volume, or TLA and SST2 and/or SST5 expression by IHC. Shorter survival was associated with a TLA of >20 (P = .04). A RET-negative status also appeared to have shorter survival, although this may be because the small numbers did not reach statistical significance (P = .12). CONCLUSION Assessment of TLA from 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT may predict survival. SST2 IHC was not correlated with 68Ga-DOTATATE avidity. Metastatic disease may be optimally assessed by concurrent 18F-FDG and 68Ga-DOTATATE imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matti L Gild
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Shejil Kumar
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Talia L Fuchs
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia; Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anthony Glover
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stan Sidhu
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark Sywak
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Venessa Tsang
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anthony J Gill
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia; Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bruce G Robinson
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Geoffrey Schembri
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Roderick J Clifton-Bligh
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jeremy Hoang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Imperiale A, Berti V, Burgy M, Cazzato RL, Piccardo A, Treglia G. Molecular imaging and related therapeutic options for medullary thyroid carcinoma: state of the art and future opportunities. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2024; 25:187-202. [PMID: 37715050 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-023-09836-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Due to its rarity and non-specific clinical presentation, accurate diagnosis, and optimal therapeutic strategy of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) remain challenging. Molecular imaging provides valuable tools for early disease detection, monitoring treatment response, and guiding personalized therapies. By enabling the visualization of molecular and cellular processes, these techniques contribute to a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms and the development of more effective clinical interventions. Different nuclear imaging techniques have been studied for assessing MTC, and among them, PET/CT utilizing multiple radiotracers has emerged as the most effective imaging method in clinical practice. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the current use of advanced molecular imaging modalities, with a particular focus on PET/CT, for the management of patients with MTC. It aims to guide physicians towards a rationale for the use of molecular imaging also including theranostic approaches and novel therapeutical opportunities. Overall, we emphasize the evolving role of nuclear medicine in MTC. The integration of diagnostics and therapeutics by in vivo molecular imaging represents a major opportunity to personalize treatment for individual patients, with targeted radionuclide therapy being one representative example.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Imperiale
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Institut de Cancérologie de Strasbourg Europe (ICANS), Strasbourg University Hospitals, Strasbourg, France.
- Molecular Imaging, DRHIM, Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien (IPHC), UMR7178, CNRS, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Valentina Berti
- Nuclear Medicine, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mickaël Burgy
- Medical Oncology, Institut de Cancérologie de Strasbourg Europe (ICANS), Strasbourg, France
- Laboratory of Bioimaging and Pathology, University of Strasbourg, UMR7021 CNRS, Illkirch, 67401, France
| | - Roberto Luigi Cazzato
- Interventional Radiology, Strasbourg University Hospitals, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg, France
| | - Arnoldo Piccardo
- Nuclear Medicine, Ente Ospedaliero Ospedali Galliera, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giorgio Treglia
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
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Zago E, Galluzzo A, Pradella S, Antonuzzo L, Maggi M, Petrone L, Sparano C. Cabozantinib for different endocrine tumours: killing two birds with one stone. A systematic review of the literature. Endocrine 2024; 83:26-40. [PMID: 37851242 PMCID: PMC10805963 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-023-03526-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cabozantinib is an oral multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that has been approved in Europe for advanced renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, locally advanced and metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and highly aggressive cutaneous malignant neuroendocrine tumour that usually presents in sun-exposed skin areas of immunosuppressed patients. Conflicting data exist about cabozantinib for MCC and this TKI is currently under investigation in several onco-endocrine frameworks. METHODS We herein report a case of an 83-year-old man who was diagnosed with MCC during the treatment of an advanced metastatic MTC. The diagnosis of MCC was established based on clinical, histopathologic evaluation and immunohistochemistry. A systematic review of the literature on cabozantinib use for advanced endocrine and neuroendocrine tumours has been performed. RESULTS The patient was initially treated with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. Cabozantinib was therefore started to control both MTC and MCC. After 24 months, no sign of local or metastatic MCC relapse was evidenced. CONCLUSION Promising data on cabozantinib treatment for endocrine and neuroendocrine neoplasms is recently emerging in the literature. In our clinical case, we reported that, besides the good response for the MTC, cabozantinib also seems to effectively control metastatic MCC, along with efficient surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. Further investigations are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of cabozantinib in MCC patients and in off-label endocrine tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Zago
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonio Galluzzo
- Department of Radiology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Pradella
- Department of Radiology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Antonuzzo
- Clinical Oncology Unit, Department of Experimental & Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Luisa Petrone
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Clotilde Sparano
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Gillis A, Zheng-Pywell R, McLeod C, Wang D, Ness JM, Guenter R, Whitt J, Prolla TA, Chen H, Gonzalez ML, Rose B, Lloyd RV, Jaskula-Sztul R, Lin D. Somatostatin Receptor Type 2 and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Receptor Expression in Oncocytic Thyroid Neoplasms: Implications for Prognosis and Treatment. Mod Pathol 2023; 36:100332. [PMID: 37716507 PMCID: PMC10843045 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2) and thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) display variable expression in primary thyroid tumors and have been implicated as theranostic targets. This study was designed to explore the differential expression of SSTR2 and TSHR in oncocytic (Hurthle cell) carcinoma (OC) vs oncocytic adenoma (OA). We performed a retrospective review for oncocytic neoplasms treated at our institution from 2012 to 2019. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were used for tissue microarray construction. Tissue microarray blocks were cut into 5-μm sections and stained with anti-SSTR2 and anti-TSHR antibodies. Immunostains were analyzed by 3 independent pathologists. χ2 and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze clinical and pathologic variables. Sixty-seven specimens were analyzed with 15 OA and 52 OC. The mean age was 57 years, 61.2% were women, and 70% were White. SSTR2 positivity was noted in 2 OA (13%) and 15 OC (28%; 10 primary, 4 recurrent, and 1 metastatic) (P = .22). TSHR positivity was noted in 11 OA (73%) and 32 OC (62%; 31 primary and 1 metastatic) (P = .40). Those who presented with or developed clinical recurrence/metastasis were more likely to be SSTR2-positive (50% vs 21%; P = .04) and TSHR-negative (64.3% vs 28.9%; P = .02) than primary OC patients. Widely invasive OC was more likely to be SSTR2-positive compared to all other OC subtypes (minimally invasive and angioinvasive) (P = .003). For all patients with OC, TSHR positivity was inversely correlated with SSTR2 positivity (odds ratio, 0.12; CI, 0.03-0.43; P = .006). This relationship was not seen in the patients with OA (odds ratio, 0.30; CI, 0.01-9.14; P = .440). Our results show that recurrent/metastatic OC was more likely to be SSTR2-positive and TSHR-negative than primary OC. Patients with OC displayed a significant inverse relationship between SSTR2 and TSHR expression that was not seen in patients with OA. This may be a key relationship that can be used to prognosticate and treat OCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gillis
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Rui Zheng-Pywell
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Chandler McLeod
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Dezhi Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - John M Ness
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Rachael Guenter
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Jason Whitt
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Tomas A Prolla
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Herbert Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Manuel Lora Gonzalez
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Bart Rose
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Ricardo V Lloyd
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconin
| | - Renata Jaskula-Sztul
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
| | - Diana Lin
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
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Gild ML, Clifton-Bligh RJ, Wirth LJ, Robinson BG. Medullary Thyroid Cancer: Updates and Challenges. Endocr Rev 2023; 44:934-946. [PMID: 37204852 PMCID: PMC10656709 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
A personalized approach to the management of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) presents several challenges; however, in the past decade significant progress has been made in both diagnostic and treatment modalities. Germline rearranged in transfection (RET) testing in multiple endocrine neoplasia 2 and 3, and somatic RET testing in sporadic MTC have revolutionized the treatment options available to patients. Positron emission tomography imaging with novel radioligands has improved characterization of disease and a new international grading system can predict prognosis. Systemic therapy for persistent and metastatic disease has evolved significantly with targeted kinase therapy especially for those harboring germline or somatic RET variants. Selpercatinib and pralsetinib are highly selective RET kinase inhibitors that have shown improved progression-free survival with better tolerability than outcomes seen in earlier multikinase inhibitor studies. Here we discuss changes in paradigms for MTC patients: from determining RET alteration status upfront to novel techniques for the evaluation of this heterogenous disease. Successes and challenges with kinase inhibitor use will illustrate how managing this rare malignancy continues to evolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matti L Gild
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney 2065, Australia
- Cancer Genetics, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Sydney 2065, Australia
| | - Roderick J Clifton-Bligh
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney 2065, Australia
- Cancer Genetics, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Sydney 2065, Australia
| | - Lori J Wirth
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, & Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA
| | - Bruce G Robinson
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney 2065, Australia
- Cancer Genetics, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Sydney 2065, Australia
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Petranović Ovčariček P, Campenni A, de Keizer B, Deandreis D, Kreissl MC, Vrachimis A, Tuncel M, Giovanella L. Molecular Theranostics in Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4290. [PMID: 37686566 PMCID: PMC10486510 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174290] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is the most common subtype of thyroid cancer and has an excellent overall prognosis. However, metastatic DTC in certain cases may have a poor prognosis as it becomes radioiodine-refractory. Molecular imaging is essential for disease evaluation and further management. The most commonly used tracers are [18F]FDG and isotopes of radioiodine. Several other radiopharmaceuticals may be used as well, with different diagnostic performances. This review article aims to summarize radiopharmaceuticals used in patients with radioiodine-refractory DTC (RAI-R DTC), focusing on their different molecular pathways. Additionally, it will demonstrate possible applications of the theranostics approach to this subgroup of metastatic DTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Petranović Ovčariček
- Department of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Alfredo Campenni
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy;
| | - Bart de Keizer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | | | - Michael C. Kreissl
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany;
| | - Alexis Vrachimis
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, German Oncology Center, University Hospital of the European University, Limassol 4108, Cyprus;
| | - Murat Tuncel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06230, Turkey;
| | - Luca Giovanella
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland;
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Zürich, 8004 Zürich, Switzerland
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Pelizzo MR, Mazza EI, Mian C, Merante Boschin I. Medullary thyroid carcinoma. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2023; 23:943-957. [PMID: 37646181 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2023.2247566] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) constitutes approximately 5-10% of all thyroid cancers. Although the tumor forms in the thyroid, it doesn't originate from thyroid cells, but from the C cells or parafollicular cells which produce and release a hormone called calcitonin (CT). Starting from the second half of the 1900s, MTC was progressively studied and defined. AREAS COVERED This study aims to analyze the history, clinical presentation and biological behavior of MTC, bio-humoral and instrumental diagnosis, molecular profiling, genetic screening, preoperative staging and instrumental procedures, indispensable in expert and dedicated hands, such as high-resolution ultrasonography, CT-scan, MRI and PET/TC. We examine recommended and controversial surgical indications and procedures, prophylactic early surgery and multiple endocrine neoplasia surgery. Also, we discuss pathological anatomy classification and targeted therapies. The role of serum CT is valued both as undisputed and constant preoperative diagnostic marker, obscuring cytology and as early postoperative marker that predicts disease persistence. EXPERT OPINION With a complete preoperative study, unnecessary or useless, late and extended interventions can be reduced in favor of tailored surgery that also considers quality of life. Finally, great progress has been made in targeted therapy, with favorable impact on survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Pelizzo
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Esmeralda Isabella Mazza
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Caterina Mian
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Isabella Merante Boschin
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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10
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Treglia G, Rufini V, Piccardo A, Imperiale A. Update on Management of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: Focus on Nuclear Medicine. Semin Nucl Med 2023; 53:481-489. [PMID: 36702731 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there is a discrepancy among the available guidelines on the usefulness of nuclear medicine techniques in medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) diagnosis and treatment. Aim of this review is to provide an update on diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine techniques in this setting. Evidence-based data clearly demonstrates the usefulness of PET/CT with different radiopharmaceuticals in recurrent MTC (in particular when serum calcitonin is higher than 150 pg/mL or calcitonin doubling time is shortened) and 18F-FDOPA should be the preferred PET radiopharmaceutical. If 18F-FDOPA PET/CT is negative or unavailable, 18F-FDG PET/CT or 68Ga-DOTA-peptides PET/CT could be performed for MTC restaging. There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend PET/CT with several radiopharmaceuticals for MTC staging. Clinical experience on PET/MRI with different radiopharmaceuticals in MTC is still limited. Several investigational nuclear medicine therapeutic options are currently under evaluation in metastatic MTC. More data are needed to evaluate the efficacy, toxicity, and role of these therapeutic options in the management of MTC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Treglia
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland; Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland; Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Vittoria Rufini
- Section of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiological Sciences and Hematology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; ENETS Center of Excellence for the Diagnosis and Cure of Neuroendocrine Tumors, Rome, Italy
| | - Arnoldo Piccardo
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Ente Ospedaliero "Ospedali Galliera", Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessio Imperiale
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Institut de Cancérologie Strasbourg Europe (ICANS), Strasbourg, France; Faculty of Medicine, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Molecular Imaging-DRHIM IPHC, UMR7178, CNRS/Unistra, Strasbourg, France
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11
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Marques P. The Effects of Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy on the Neoplastic and Normal Pituitary. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2710. [PMID: 37345047 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102710] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNETs) are usually benign and slow-growing; however, in some cases, they may behave aggressively and become resistant to conventional treatments. Therapeutic options for aggressive or metastatic PitNETs are limited, and currently mainly consist of temozolomide, with little experience of other emerging approaches, including peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). Somatostatin receptor expression in PitNETs explains the effectiveness of somatostatin analogues for treating PitNETs, particularly those hypersecreting pituitary hormones, such as growth hormone or adrenocorticotropic hormone. The expression of such receptors in pituitary tumour cells has provided the rationale for using PRRT to treat patients with aggressive or metastatic PitNETs. However, the PRRT efficacy in this setting remains unestablished, as knowledge on this today is based only on few case reports and small series of cases, which are reviewed here. A total of 30 PRRT-treated patients have been thus far reported: 23 aggressive PitNETs, 5 carcinomas, and 2 of malignancy status unspecified. Of the 27 published cases with information regarding the response to PRRT, 5 (18%) showed a partial response, 8 (30%) had stable disease, and 14 (52%) had progressive disease. No major adverse effects have been reported, and there is also no increased risk of clinically relevant hypopituitarism in patients with pituitary or non-pituitary neuroendocrine tumours following PRRT. PRRT may be regarded as a safe option for patients with aggressive or metastatic PitNETs if other treatment approaches are not feasible or have failed in controlling the disease progression, with tumour shrinkage occurring in up to a fifth of cases, while about a third of aggressive pituitary tumours may achieve stable disease. Here, the data on PRRT in the management of patients with aggressive pituitary tumours are reviewed, as well as the effects of PRRT on the pituitary function in other PRRT-treated cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Marques
- Pituitary Tumor Unit, Endocrinology Department, Hospital CUF Descobertas, 1998-018 Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 2635-631 Lisbon, Portugal
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12
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Urso L, Nieri A, Uccelli L, Castello A, Artioli P, Cittanti C, Marzola MC, Florimonte L, Castellani M, Bissoli S, Porto F, Boschi A, Evangelista L, Bartolomei M. Lutathera® Orphans: State of the Art and Future Application of Radioligand Therapy with 177Lu-DOTATATE. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041110. [PMID: 37111596 PMCID: PMC10142322 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Lutathera® is the first EMA- and FDA-approved radiopharmaceutical for radioligand therapy (RLT). Currently, on the legacy of the NETTER1 trial, only adult patients with progressive unresectable somatostatin receptor (SSTR) positive gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) neuroendocrine neoplasms (NET) can be treated with Lutathera®. Conversely, patients with SSTR-positive disease arising from outside the gastroenteric region do not currently have access to Lutathera® treatment despite several papers in the literature reporting the effectiveness and safety of RLT in these settings. Moreover, patients with well-differentiated G3 GEP-NET are also still “Lutathera orphans”, and retreatment with RLT in patients with disease relapse is currently not approved. The aim of this critical review is to summarize current literature evidence assessing the role of Lutathera® outside the approved indications. Moreover, ongoing clinical trials evaluating new possible applications of Lutathera® will be considered and discussed to provide an updated picture of future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Urso
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (L.U.); (C.C.); (F.P.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, PET/CT Centre, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, 45100 Rovigo, Italy;
| | - Alberto Nieri
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Oncological Medical and Specialist Department, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Cona, Italy; (A.N.); (M.B.)
| | - Licia Uccelli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (L.U.); (C.C.); (F.P.)
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Oncological Medical and Specialist Department, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Cona, Italy; (A.N.); (M.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-053-232-6387
| | - Angelo Castello
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (L.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Paolo Artioli
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, AULSS1 Dolomiti, San Martino Hospital, 32100 Belluno, Italy; (P.A.); (S.B.)
| | - Corrado Cittanti
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (L.U.); (C.C.); (F.P.)
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Oncological Medical and Specialist Department, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Cona, Italy; (A.N.); (M.B.)
| | - Maria Cristina Marzola
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, PET/CT Centre, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, 45100 Rovigo, Italy;
| | - Luigia Florimonte
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (L.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Massimo Castellani
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (L.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Sergio Bissoli
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, AULSS1 Dolomiti, San Martino Hospital, 32100 Belluno, Italy; (P.A.); (S.B.)
| | - Francesca Porto
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (L.U.); (C.C.); (F.P.)
| | - Alessandra Boschi
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Laura Evangelista
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy;
| | - Mirco Bartolomei
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Oncological Medical and Specialist Department, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Cona, Italy; (A.N.); (M.B.)
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Hertelendi M, Belguenani O, Cherfi A, Folitar I, Kollar G, Polack BD. Efficacy and Safety of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE in Adults with Inoperable or Metastatic Somatostatin Receptor-Positive Pheochromocytomas/Paragangliomas, Bronchial and Unknown Origin Neuroendocrine Tumors, and Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Systematic Literature Review. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041024. [PMID: 37189646 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: We have performed a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy and safety of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE, a radioligand therapy, in advanced somatostatin receptor-positive pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PPGL), thymic neuroendocrine tumor (NET), bronchial NET, unknown primary NET, or medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Methods: Studies identified in PubMed from inception to 13 May 2021 must have assessed [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE as a single agent and reported outcome data for the specific NET types of interest. Results: Two independent reviewers performed the screening and data extraction, resulting in 16 publications: PPGL (n = 7), bronchial NETs (n = 6; one also included NETs of unknown origin), and MTC (n = 3). Overall, [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE offers encouraging antitumor activity (overall tumor response rates and disease control rates) across NET types. Safety was favorable with most adverse events mild to moderate in severity, transient, and consistent with those seen in patients with gastroenteropancreatic (GEP)-NETs. Conclusions: [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE has been used effectively in clinical practice to treat NETs of non-GEP origin.
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Liu Y, Wang J, Hu X, Pan Z, Xu T, Xu J, Jiang L, Huang P, Zhang Y, Ge M. Radioiodine therapy in advanced differentiated thyroid cancer: Resistance and overcoming strategy. Drug Resist Updat 2023; 68:100939. [PMID: 36806005 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.100939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most prevalent endocrine tumor and its incidence is fast-growing worldwide in recent years. Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is the most common pathological subtype which is typically curable with surgery and Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy (approximately 85%). Radioactive iodine is the first-line treatment for patients with metastatic Papillary Thyroid Cancer (PTC). However, 60% of patients with aggressive metastasis DTC developed resistance to RAI treatment and had a poor overall prognosis. The molecular mechanisms of RAI resistance include gene mutation and fusion, failure to transport RAI into the DTC cells, and interference with the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, it is unclear whether the above are the main drivers of the inability of patients with DTC to benefit from iodine therapy. With the development of new biological technologies, strategies that bolster RAI function include TKI-targeted therapy, DTC cell redifferentiation, and improved drug delivery via extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged. Despite some promising data and early success, overall survival was not prolonged in the majority of patients, and the disease continued to progress. It is still necessary to understand the genetic landscape and signaling pathways leading to iodine resistance and enhance the effectiveness and safety of the RAI sensitization approach. This review will summarize the mechanisms of RAI resistance, predictive biomarkers of RAI resistance, and the current RAI sensitization strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Liu
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiafeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiaoping Hu
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zongfu Pan
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Tong Xu
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiajie Xu
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, China; Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liehao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, China; Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Minghua Ge
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, China; Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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15
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Dadgar H, Jafari E, Ahmadzadehfar H, Rekabpour SJ, Ravanbod MR, Kalantarhormozi M, Nabipour I, Assadi M. Feasibility and therapeutic potential of the 68Ga/177Lu-DOTATATE theranostic pair in patients with metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2023; 84:45-51. [PMID: 36126757 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study assessed: 1) the clinical efficacy of imaging with 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT (SSTR (somatostatin receptor)-PET) to detect medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC); and 2) the therapeutic efficacy of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with 177Lu-DOTATATE in MTC patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with histologically proven MTC and suspected recurrence following thyroidectomy, based on raised serum calcitonin levels, underwent SSTR-PET. In addition, to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of PRRT, the patients with intense uptake on SSTR-PET or 99mTc-octreotide scintigraphy underwent PRRT. The Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 4.03) was used to grade adverse events after PRRT. Treatment response was classified as complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD), and progressive disease (PD). RESULTS Twenty MTC patients (10 male, 10 female) with a median age of 48.5 years underwent SSTR-PET. SSTR-PET was positive in 17/20 patients (85%). Four of the 17 patients with positive SSTR-PET were scheduled for PRRT. In addition, 2 patients had positive 99mTc-octreotide scintigraphy results (Krenning score ≥ 2) and were scheduled for PRRT. Two of the 6 patients who underwent PRRT showed PR, 2 SD and 2 PD. Two patients died during the follow-up period. Median overall survival was 19 months (95% CI: 5.52-29.48). There were no cases of significant toxicity. CONCLUSION Radiolabeled somatostatin analogs are contributive for the management of recurrent MTC. 68Ga-DOTATAE PET-CT showed a relatively high detection rate in recurrent MTC. In addition, PRRT with 177Lu-DOTATATE was found to be a safe alternative therapeutic option for MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habibollah Dadgar
- Cancer Research Center, Imam Reza International University, RAZAVI Hospital, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Esmail Jafari
- The Persian Gulf Nuclear Medicine Research Center, Department of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Bushehr Medical University Hospital, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | | | | | - Mohammad Reza Ravanbod
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr Medical University Hospital, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Kalantarhormozi
- Department of Internal Medicine (Division of Endocrinology), Bushehr Medical University Hospital, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Iraj Nabipour
- Department of Internal Medicine (Division of Endocrinology), Bushehr Medical University Hospital, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Majid Assadi
- The Persian Gulf Nuclear Medicine Research Center, Department of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Bushehr Medical University Hospital, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.
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Hadad B, Askari E, Zakavi SR, Aryana K, Erfani S, Sahafi P, Nabavi N, Aghaee A. Case Report: Regaining radioiodine uptake following PRRT in radioiodine-refractory thyroid cancer: A new re-differentiation strategy? FRONTIERS IN NUCLEAR MEDICINE 2023; 2. [DOI: 10.3389/fnume.2022.1071022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
A 61-year-old woman with a history of metastatic follicular thyroid carcinoma became radioiodine-refractory following two doses of radioiodine (RAI) therapy (cumulative = 230 mCi). While no RAI-avid lesion was noticed in the last post-ablation whole-body radioiodine scan (WBIS), she reported sternal pain, which was accompanied by rapidly rising thyroglobulin levels. 18F-FDG and 68Ga-DOTA-TATE PET/CT was performed, showing metastatic pulmonary nodules and a lytic sternal lesion with acceptable avidity (i.e. uptake ≥ liver). Following four cycles of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with 177Lu-DOTA-TATE, the thyroglobulin levels dropped significantly, and the sternal pain was partially alleviated. Despite only experiencing grade I thrombocytopenia, the treating physician decided to discontinue PRRT and repeat the diagnostic WBIS. Surprisingly, the scan revealed significantly increased tracer uptake in the sternum. The patient received 200 mCi 131I, and WBIS showed increased RAI uptake in all pulmonary nodules as well as bone metastases. We report a case of RAI-refractory thyroid carcinoma with a somatostatin-receptor expression that re-differentiated and gained significant RAI uptake capacity after PRRT.
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Abstract
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare neuroendocrine disease, encompassing about 5% of all thyroid cancers. Due to its peculiar features, this rare tumour offers unique possibilities for translational research studies. It arises from neuroendocrine parafollicular cells in an endocrine organ, and appears as a nodule apparently indistinguishable from thyroid nodules. It has a very peculiar progression with micro metastases difficult to identify, often-remaining stable during years and suddenly undergoing a rapid and unrestrainable progression. Moreover, MTC is one of the neoplasms with the best genetic characterization either in its sporadic or familial form, providing a valuable background to test targeted drugs. In the era of precision medicine, this review aims to give an update on the diagnostic tools, the therapeutic options for advanced MTC, and the most promising opportunities for a personalized follow up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fugazzola
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Milan and Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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18
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Serfling SE, Zhi Y, Megerle F, Fassnacht M, Buck AK, Lapa C, Werner RA. Somatostatin receptor-directed molecular imaging for therapeutic decision-making in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma. Endocrine 2022; 78:169-176. [PMID: 35751778 PMCID: PMC9474330 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03116-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Somatostatin receptor (SSTR) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is increasingly deployed in the diagnostic algorithm of patients affected with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). We aimed to assess the role of SSTR-PET/CT for therapeutic decision making upon restaging. METHODS 23 pretreated MTC patients underwent SSTR-PET/CT and were discussed in our interdisciplinary tumor board. Treatment plans were initiated based on scan results. By comparing the therapeutic regimen before and after the scan, we assessed the impact of molecular imaging on therapy decision. SSTR-PET was also compared to CT portion of the SSTR-PET/CT (as part of hybrid imaging). RESULTS SSTR-PET/CT was superior in 9/23 (39.1%) subjects when compared to conventional CT and equivalent in 14/23 (60.9%). Those findings were further corroborated on a lesion-based level with 27/73 (37%) metastases identified only by functional imaging (equivalent to CT in the remaining 46/73 (63%)). Investigating therapeutic decision making, no change in treatment was initiated after PET/CT in 7/23 (30.4%) patients (tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), 4/7 (57.2%); surveillance, 3/7 (42.8%)). Imaging altered therapy in the remaining 16/23 (69.6%). Treatment prior to PET/CT included surgery in 6/16 (37.5%) cases, followed by TKI in 4/16 (25%), active surveillance in 4/16 (25%), and radiation therapy (RTx) in 2/16 (12.5%) subjects. After SSTR-PET/CT, the therapeutic regimen was changed as follows: In the surgery group, 4/6 (66.7%) patients underwent additional surgery, and 1/6 (16.7%) underwent surveillance and TKI, respectively. In the TKI group, 3/4 (75%) individuals received another TKI and the remaining subject (1/4, 25%) underwent peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. In the surveillance group, 3/4 (75%) underwent surgery (1/4, (25%), RTx). In the RTx group, one patient was switched to TKI and another individual was actively monitored (1/2, 50%, respectively). Moreover, in the 16 patients in whom treatment was changed by molecular imaging, control disease rate was achieved in 12/16 (75%) during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS In patients with MTC, SSTR-PET/CT was superior to CT alone and provided relevant support in therapeutic decision-making in more than two thirds of cases, with most patients being switched to surgical interventions or systemic treatment with TKI. As such, SSTR-PET/CT can guide the referring treating physician towards disease-directed treatment in various clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian E Serfling
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Yingjun Zhi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Felix Megerle
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas K Buck
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Constantin Lapa
- Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Rudolf A Werner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, The Russell H Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Update on the Diagnosis and Management of Medullary Thyroid Cancer: What Has Changed in Recent Years? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153643. [PMID: 35892901 PMCID: PMC9332800 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a neoplasm originating from parafollicular C cells. MTC is a rare disease, but its prognosis is less favorable than that of well-differentiated thyroid cancers. To improve the prognosis of patients with MTC, early diagnosis and prompt therapeutic management are crucial. In the following paper, recent advances in laboratory and imaging diagnostics and also pharmacological and surgical therapies of MTC are discussed. Currently, a thriving direction of development for laboratory diagnostics is immunohistochemistry. The primary imaging modality in the diagnosis of MTC is the ultrasound, but opportunities for development are seen primarily in nuclear medicine techniques. Surgical management is the primary method of treating MTCs. There are numerous publications concerning the stratification of particular lymph node compartments for removal. With the introduction of more effective methods of intraoperative parathyroid identification, the complication rate of surgical treatment may be reduced. The currently used pharmacotherapy is characterized by high toxicity. Moreover, the main limitation of current pharmacotherapy is the development of drug resistance. Currently, there is ongoing research on the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), highly specific RET inhibitors, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. These new therapies may improve the prognosis of patients with MTCs.
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Wong A, Nabata K, Wiseman SM. Medullary thyroid carcinoma: a narrative historical review. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2022; 22:823-834. [PMID: 35694971 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2022.2089118] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sporadic or hereditary medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is an uncommon thyroid malignancy arising from calcitonin secreting parafollicular C cells. Interestingly, MTC and calcitonin were distinct entities that were discovered independently yet concurrently, and their association was unknown. AREAS COVERED This review aims to present a historical review of the evolution of our understanding of MTC and its tumor marker calcitonin to highlight the prominent individuals that influenced and shaped our knowledge of this uncommon thyroid cancer type up to the dawn of the 21st century. An overview of all published reports of novel research and work summarizing important findings for MTC and calcitonin was carried out. EXPERT OPINION Surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment for localized MTC. However, several new treatment options are either available or in development for advanced or metastatic MTC, including several novel small molecules targeting oncogenic RET and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, immunotherapy, radioimmunotherapy, and radiofrequency ablation. In the near future, these novel treatments hold promise for therapy of this very distinct thyroid cancer type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Wong
- Department of Surgery, St. Paul's Hospital & University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kylie Nabata
- Department of Surgery, St. Paul's Hospital & University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sam M Wiseman
- Department of Surgery, St. Paul's Hospital & University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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21
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Personalized Diagnosis in Differentiated Thyroid Cancers by Molecular and Functional Imaging Biomarkers: Present and Future. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12040944. [PMID: 35453992 PMCID: PMC9030409 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12040944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Personalized diagnosis can save unnecessary thyroid surgeries, in cases of indeterminate thyroid nodules, when clinicians tend to aggressively treat all these patients. Personalized diagnosis benefits from a combination of imagery and molecular biomarkers, as well as artificial intelligence algorithms, which are used more and more in our timeline. Functional imaging diagnosis such as SPECT, PET, or fused images (SPECT/CT, PET/CT, PET/MRI), is exploited at maximum in thyroid nodules, with a long history in the past and a bright future with many suitable radiotracers that could properly contribute to diagnosing malignancy in thyroid nodules. In this way, patients will be spared surgery complications, and apparently more expensive diagnostic workouts will financially compensate each patient and also the healthcare system. In this review we will summarize essential available diagnostic tools for malignant and benignant thyroid nodules, beginning with functional imaging, molecular analysis, and combinations of these two and other future strategies, including AI or NIS targeted gene therapy for thyroid carcinoma diagnosis and treatment as well.
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22
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Molecular Imaging and Theragnostics of Thyroid Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051272. [PMID: 35267580 PMCID: PMC8909041 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular imaging plays an important role in the evaluation and management of different thyroid cancer histotypes. The existing risk stratification models can be refined, by incorporation of tumor-specific molecular markers that have theranostic power, to optimize patient-specific (individualized) treatment decisions. Molecular imaging with varying radioisotopes of iodine (i.e., 131I, 123I, 124I) is an indispensable component of dynamic and theragnostic risk stratification of differentiated carcinoma (DTC) while [18F]F-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) helps in addressing disease aggressiveness, detects distant metastases, and risk-stratifies patients with radioiodine-refractory DTC, poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancers. For medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), a neuroendocrine tumor derived from thyroid C-cells, [18F]F-dihydroxyphenylalanine (6-[18F]FDOPA) PET/CT and/or [18F]FDG PET/CT can be used dependent on serum markers levels and kinetics. In addition to radioiodine therapy for DTC, some theragnostic approaches are promising for metastatic MTC as well. Moreover, new redifferentiation strategies are now available to restore uptake in radioiodine-refractory DTC while new theragnostic approaches showed promising preliminary results for advanced and aggressive forms of follicular-cell derived thyroid cancers (i.e., peptide receptor radiotherapy). In order to help clinicians put the role of molecular imaging into perspective, the appropriate role and emerging opportunities for molecular imaging and theragnostics in thyroid cancer are discussed in our present review.
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Treatment of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms with Radiolabeled Peptides-Where Are We Now. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030761. [PMID: 35159027 PMCID: PMC8833798 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) has been one of the most successful and exciting examples of theranostics in nuclear medicine in recent decades and is now firmly embedded in many treatment algorithms for unresectable or metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) worldwide. It is widely considered to be an effective treatment for well- or moderately differentiated neoplasms, which express high levels of somatostatin receptors that can be selectively targeted. This review article outlines the scientific basis of PRRT in treatment of NENs and describes its discovery dating back to the early 1990s. Early treatments utilizing Indium-111, a γ-emitter, showed promise in reduction in tumor size and improvement in biochemistry, but were also met with high radiation doses and myelotoxic and nephrotoxic effects. Subsequently, stable conjugation of DOTA-peptides with β-emitting radionuclides, such as Yttrium-90 and Lutetium-177, served as a breakthrough for PRRT and studies highlighted their potential in eliciting progression-free survival and quality of life benefits. This article will also elaborate on the key trials which paved the way for its approval and will discuss therapeutic considerations, such as patient selection and administration technique, to optimize its use.
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Matrone A, Gambale C, Prete A, Elisei R. Sporadic Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: Towards a Precision Medicine. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:864253. [PMID: 35422765 PMCID: PMC9004483 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.864253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a neuroendocrine malignant tumor originating from parafollicular C-cells producing calcitonin. Most of cases (75%) are sporadic while the remaining (25%) are hereditary. In these latter cases medullary thyroid carcinoma can be associated (multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIA and IIB) or not (familial medullary thyroid carcinoma), with other endocrine diseases such as pheochromocytoma and/or hyperparathyroidism. RET gene point mutation is the main molecular alteration involved in MTC tumorigenesis, both in sporadic and in hereditary cases. Total thyroidectomy with prophylactic/therapeutic central compartment lymph nodes dissection is the initial treatment of choice. Further treatments are needed according to tumor burden and rate of progression. Surgical treatments and local therapies are advocated in the case of single or few local or distant metastasis and slow rate of progression. Conversely, systemic treatments should be initiated in cases with large metastatic and rapidly progressive disease. In this review, we discuss the details of systemic treatments in advanced and metastatic sporadic MTC, focusing on multikinase inhibitors, both those already used in clinical practice and under investigation, and on emerging treatments such as highly selective RET inhibitors and radionuclide therapy.
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Jager EC, Broekman KE, Kruijff S, Links TP. State of the art and future directions in the systemic treatment of medullary thyroid cancer. Curr Opin Oncol 2022; 34:1-8. [PMID: 34669647 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Systemic treatment is the only therapeutic option for patients with progressive, metastatic medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Since the discovery of the rearranged during transfection (RET) proto-oncogene (100% hereditary, 60-90% sporadic MTC), research has focused on finding effective systemic therapies to target this mutation. This review surveys recent findings. RECENT FINDINGS Multikinase inhibitors are systemic agents targeting angiogenesis, inhibiting growth of tumor cells and cells in the tumor environment and healthy endothelium. In the phase III EXAM and ZETA trials, cabozantinib and vandetanib showed progression-free survival benefit, without evidence of prolonged overall survival. Selpercatinib and pralsetinib are kinase inhibitors with high specificity for RET; phase I and II studies showed overall response rates of 73% and 71% in first line, and 69% and 60% in second line treatment, respectively. Although resistance mechanisms to mutation-driven therapy will be a challenge in the future, phase III studies are ongoing and neo-adjuvant therapy with selpercatinib is being studied. SUMMARY The development of selective RET-inhibitors has expanded the therapeutic arsenal to control tumor growth in progressive MTC, with fewer adverse effects than multikinase inhibitors. Future studies should confirm their effectiveness, study neo-adjuvant strategies, and tackle resistance to these inhibitors, ultimately to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Schelto Kruijff
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Gubbi S, Koch CA, Klubo-Gwiezdzinska J. Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy in Thyroid Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:896287. [PMID: 35712243 PMCID: PMC9197113 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.896287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment options that are currently available for management of metastatic, progressive radioactive iodine (RAI)-refractory differentiated thyroid cancers (DTCs), and medullary thyroid cancers (MTCs) are limited. While there are several systemic targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, that are being evaluated and implemented in the treatment of these cancers, such therapies are associated with serious, sometimes life-threatening, adverse events. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) has the potential to be an effective and safe modality for treating patients with somatostatin receptor (SSTR)+ RAI-refractory DTCs and MTCs. MTCs and certain sub-types of RAI-refractory DTCs, such as Hürthle cell cancers which are less responsive to conventional modalities of treatment, have demonstrated a favorable response to treatment with PRRT. While the current literature offers hope for utilization of PRRT in thyroid cancer, several areas of this field remain to be investigated further, especially head-to-head comparisons with other systemic targeted therapies. In this review, we provide a comprehensive outlook on the current translational and clinical data on the use of various PRRTs, including diagnostic utility of somatostatin analogs, theranostic properties of PRRT, and the potential areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Gubbi
- Metabolic Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Christian A. Koch
- Department of Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Joanna Klubo-Gwiezdzinska
- Metabolic Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Joanna Klubo-Gwiezdzinska,
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Okafor C, Hogan J, Raygada M, Thomas BJ, Akshintala S, Glod JW, Del Rivero J. Update on Targeted Therapy in Medullary Thyroid Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:708949. [PMID: 34489865 PMCID: PMC8416904 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.708949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor that accounts for 2-4% of all thyroid cancers. All inherited MTC and approximately 50% of sporadic cases are driven by mutations in the REarranged during Transfection (RET) proto-oncogene. The recent expansion of the armamentarium of RET-targeting tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has provided effective options for systemic therapy for patients with metastatic and progressive disease. However, patients that develop resistant disease as well as those with other molecular drivers such as RAS have limited options. An improved understanding of mechanisms of resistance to TKIs as well as identification of novel therapeutic targets is needed to improve outcomes for patients with MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Okafor
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Julie Hogan
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Margarita Raygada
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Barbara J. Thomas
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Srivandana Akshintala
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - John W. Glod
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jaydira Del Rivero
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Jaydira Del Rivero,
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