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Tena Suck ML, Villanueva-Castro E, Munuzuri-Camacho MA, Hernández Reséndiz R, Juárez-Cruz SI, Garcia-Diaz OC, Castro-Ibanez JA. Degenerative Atypia in Clival Chordoma: Two Case Reports. Cureus 2024; 16:e66197. [PMID: 39233954 PMCID: PMC11373669 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.66197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we report surgical management combined with radiotherapy in two patients with typical chordoma. Different types of radiation have varied effects on chordomas when they are radiated. Classical cases display cellular atypia and fibrosis following irradiation, while necrosis and fibrosclerosis are observed after carbon ion therapy, implying that it is possible to control the tumor more effectively using carbon ion therapy with minimal side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Lilia Tena Suck
- Department of Neuropathology, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Mexico City, MEX
| | - Eliezer Villanueva-Castro
- Department of Neurosurgery, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Mexico City, MEX
| | | | | | - Samuel Ismael Juárez-Cruz
- Department of Neuropathology, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Mexico City, MEX
| | | | - Jose Alfredo Castro-Ibanez
- Department of Neuroimaging, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Mexico City, MEX
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2
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Vuong HG, Le MK, Nguyen TPX, Eschbacher K. De novo Versus Secondary Dedifferentiated Chordomas: A Population-Based Analysis and Integrated Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis. World Neurosurg 2023; 173:208-217.e7. [PMID: 36804481 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.02.062] [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: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is a lack of data about the clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of de novo versus secondary dedifferentiated chordoma (DC). This integrated study aimed to investigate the similarities and differences in clinicopathological manifestations, prognoses, and molecular profiles of these 2 subtypes. METHODS We accessed the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program for DC cases from 1975 to 2020. Three electronic databases were also searched for additional DCs. Individual patient data of DC patients from SEER and published literature were combined in integrated analyses. RESULTS After excluding duplicated patients, we identified 14 and 116 DC patients from SEER and published literature, respectively. There were 74 de novo, 39 secondary, and 18 cases with unknown origin. Our results showed that de novo and secondary DCs were not statistically different in terms of age, gender, primary location, tumor size, distant metastasis at diagnosis, extent of resection, and chemotherapy receipt. There was limited available molecular data for de novo and secondary DCs, though examples TP53 mutations were found in both. In addition, the rates of tumor relapse, metastasis during follow-up, and patient mortality were also comparable between the 2 groups. In the multivariate Cox regression model, we demonstrated that gross total removal and radiotherapy use were associated with prolonged survival of DCs. CONCLUSIONS De novo and secondary DCs were statistically comparable in terms of patient demographics, clinical manifestations, and prognoses. Gross total excision and radiotherapy were optimal treatments associated with better outcomes of DC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huy Gia Vuong
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
| | - Minh-Khang Le
- Department of Pathology, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Truong P X Nguyen
- Department of Pathology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kathryn Eschbacher
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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3
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Passeri T, di Russo P, Giammattei L, Froelich S. In Reply: Tumor Growth Rate as a New Predictor of Progression-Free Survival After Chordoma Surgery. Neurosurgery 2022; 90:e20. [PMID: 34982892 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000001767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Passeri
- Department of Neurosurgery , Lariboisière Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris , University of Paris, Paris , France
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4
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Reardon T, Marsh C, Rippe P, Ruzys D, Ayres B, Cline D, Fiani B. Clinical management of pediatric chordomas: a comprehensive review. Acta Neurol Belg 2021; 121:1407-1414. [PMID: 34648142 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-021-01821-z] [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: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Chordomas are malignant tumors derived from remnants of the notochord. These are extremely rare in pediatric patients, accounting for approximately 5% of all chordomas, with most lesions occupying the cranium. Chordomas also can occupy all levels of the spine, demonstrating a broad spectrum of neurologic presentation. Optimal treatment aims for gross total resection with accompanying radiation therapy to prevent recurrence. Their aggressive and infiltrative nature makes clinical management challenging, involving multiple disciplines and close monitoring to ensure optimal outcomes. This comprehensive review aims to cover the genetics, demographics, pathogenesis, neurologic sequelae, radiological considerations, chemotherapeutic management, surgical management, and post-operative considerations of pediatric chordoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Reardon
- Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Pikeville, Pikeville, KY, USA.
| | - Caleb Marsh
- Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Pikeville, Pikeville, KY, USA
| | - Preston Rippe
- Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Pikeville, Pikeville, KY, USA
| | - Donatas Ruzys
- Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Pikeville, Pikeville, KY, USA
| | - Benjamin Ayres
- Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Pikeville, Pikeville, KY, USA
| | - David Cline
- Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Pikeville, Pikeville, KY, USA
| | - Brian Fiani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Desert Regional Medical Center, Palm Springs, CA, USA
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5
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Abstract
CONTEXT.— Chordomas are uncommon malignant neoplasms with notochordal differentiation encountered by neuropathologists, bone/soft tissue pathologists, and general surgical pathologists. These lesions most commonly arise in the axial skeleton. Optimal therapy typically involves complete surgical resection, which is often technically difficult owing to the anatomic location, leading to a high rate of recurrence. Lesions have been generally resistant to radiation and chemotherapy; however, experimental studies involving targeted therapy and immunotherapy are currently underway. OBJECTIVE.— To summarize the clinical and pathologic findings of the various types of chordoma (conventional chordoma, dedifferentiated chordoma, and poorly differentiated chordoma), the differential diagnosis, and recent advances in molecular pathogenesis and therapeutic modalities that are reliant on accurate diagnosis. DATA SOURCES.— Literature review based on PubMed searches containing the term "chordoma" that address novel targeted and immunomodulatory therapeutic modalities; ongoing clinical trials involved in treating chordoma with novel therapeutic modalities identified through the Chordoma Foundation and ClinicalTrials.gov; and the authors' practice experience combined with various authoritative texts concerning the subject. CONCLUSIONS.— Chordoma is a clinically and histologically unique malignant neoplasm, and numerous diagnostic considerations must be excluded to establish the correct diagnosis. Treatment options have largely been centered on surgical excision with marginal results; however, novel therapeutic options including targeted therapy and immunotherapy are promising means to improve prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Ulici
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, The Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Jesse Hart
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, The Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
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6
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Spiotto MT, McGovern SL, Gunn GB, Grosshans D, McAleer MF, Frank SJ, Paulino AC. Proton Radiotherapy to Reduce Late Complications in Childhood Head and Neck Cancers. Int J Part Ther 2021; 8:155-167. [PMID: 34285943 PMCID: PMC8270100 DOI: 10.14338/ijpt-20-00069.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In most childhood head and neck cancers, radiotherapy is an essential component of treatment; however, it can be associated with problematic long-term complications. Proton beam therapy is accepted as a preferred radiation modality in pediatric cancers to minimize the late radiation side effects. Given that childhood cancers are a rare and heterogeneous disease, the support for proton therapy comes from risk modeling and a limited number of cohort series. Here, we discuss the role of proton radiotherapy in pediatric head and neck cancers with a focus on reducing radiation toxicities. First, we compare the efficacy and expected toxicities in proton and photon radiotherapy for childhood cancers. Second, we review the benefit of proton radiotherapy in reducing acute and late radiation toxicities, including risks for secondary cancers, craniofacial development, vision, and cognition. Finally, we review the cost effectiveness for proton radiotherapy in pediatric head and neck cancers. This review highlights the benefits of particle radiotherapy for pediatric head and neck cancers to improve the quality of life in cancer survivors, to reduce radiation morbidities, and to maximize efficient health care use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Spiotto
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Susan L McGovern
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - G Brandon Gunn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David Grosshans
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mary Frances McAleer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Steven J Frank
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Arnold C Paulino
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Vennarini S, Amelio D, Lorentini S, Colafati GS, Cacchione A, De Vito R, Carai A, Pettorini B, Amichetti M, Mastronuzzi A. Magnetic Resonance Imaging during Proton Therapy Irradiation Allows for the Early Response Assessment of Pediatric Chordoma. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11061117. [PMID: 34207471 PMCID: PMC8235054 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11061117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chordoma in pediatric patients is very rare. Proton therapy has become a gold standard in the treatment of these neoplasms, as high dose escalation can be achieved regarding the target while maximizing the sparing of the healthy tissues near the tumor. The aim of the work was to assess the evolution of morphological sequences during treatment using T1/T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the early response assessment of a classic chordoma of the skull base in a pediatric patient who had undergone surgical excision. Our results demonstrated a significant quantitative reduction in the residual nodule component adhered to the medullary bulb junction, with an almost complete recovery of normal anatomy at the end of the irradiation treatment. This was mainly shown in the T2-weighted MRI. On the other hand, the classic component of the lesion was predominantly present and located around the tooth of the axis. The occipital condyles were morphologically and dimensionally stable for the entire irradiation period. In conclusion, the application of this type of monitoring methodology, which is unusual during the administration of a proton treatment for chordoma, highlighted the unexpected early response of the disease. At the same time, it allowed the continuous assessment of the reliability of the treatment plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Vennarini
- Proton Therapy Center, Hospital of Trento, Azienda Provinciale per I Servizi Sanitari (APSS), 38123 Trento, Italy; (D.A.); (S.L.); (M.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Dante Amelio
- Proton Therapy Center, Hospital of Trento, Azienda Provinciale per I Servizi Sanitari (APSS), 38123 Trento, Italy; (D.A.); (S.L.); (M.A.)
| | - Stefano Lorentini
- Proton Therapy Center, Hospital of Trento, Azienda Provinciale per I Servizi Sanitari (APSS), 38123 Trento, Italy; (D.A.); (S.L.); (M.A.)
| | - Giovanna Stefania Colafati
- Oncological Neuroradiology Unit, Department of Imaging, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Antonella Cacchione
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (A.M.)
| | - Rita De Vito
- Histopathology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Andrea Carai
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Benedetta Pettorini
- Paediatric Neurosurgery Department, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool 00165, UK;
| | - Maurizio Amichetti
- Proton Therapy Center, Hospital of Trento, Azienda Provinciale per I Servizi Sanitari (APSS), 38123 Trento, Italy; (D.A.); (S.L.); (M.A.)
| | - Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (A.M.)
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Pennington Z, Ehresman J, McCarthy EF, Ahmed AK, Pittman PD, Lubelski D, Goodwin CR, Sciubba DM. Chordoma of the sacrum and mobile spine: a narrative review. Spine J 2021; 21:500-517. [PMID: 33589095 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2020.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Chordoma is a notochord-derived primary tumor of the skull base and vertebral column known to affect 0.08 to 0.5 per 100,000 persons worldwide. Patients commonly present with mechanical, midline pain with or without radicular features secondary to nerve root compression. Management of these lesions has classically revolved around oncologic resection, defined by en bloc resection of the lesion with negative margins as this was found to significantly improve both local control and overall survival. With advancement in radiation modalities, namely the increased availability of focused photon therapy and proton beam radiation, high-dose (>50 Gy) neoadjuvant or adjuvant radiotherapy is also becoming a standard of care. At present chemotherapy does not appear to have a role, but ongoing investigations into the ontogeny and molecular pathophysiology of chordoma promise to identify therapeutic targets that may further alter this paradigm. In this narrative review we describe the epidemiology, histopathology, diagnosis, and treatment of chordoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zach Pennington
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 5-185A, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Jeff Ehresman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 5-185A, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Edward F McCarthy
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - A Karim Ahmed
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 5-185A, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Patricia D Pittman
- Department of Neuropathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Daniel Lubelski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 5-185A, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - C Rory Goodwin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Daniel M Sciubba
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Meyer 5-185A, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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9
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McDowell MM, Zwagerman NT, Wang EW, Snyderman CH, Tyler-Kabara EC, Gardner PA. Long-term outcomes in the treatment of pediatric skull base chordomas in the endoscopic endonasal era. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2021; 27:170-179. [PMID: 33254137 DOI: 10.3171/2020.6.peds19733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pediatric skull base chordoma is a rare entity that is traditionally considered to display aggressive behavior with an increased risk of recurrence. There is an absence of literature examining outcomes in the pediatric population in general and using the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed all patients with skull base chordomas presenting by the age of 18 years to the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh or the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center from 2004 to 2019. Clinical outcomes, the number and location of recurrences, and progression-free survival time were determined. RESULTS Twenty patients met the study criteria. The most common presenting complaints were diplopia (n = 7), headache (n = 6), and swallowing difficulty (n = 4). Three cases were incidentally discovered. Twelve patients underwent single-stage EEA alone, 2 patients had two-stage EEA, and 6 patients had combined EEA with open far-lateral or extreme-lateral approaches. Fourteen patients underwent gross-total resection (GTR), and 6 patients had near-total resection. Larger tumors were more likely to require staging or a combined approach (86% vs 7%) and were less likely to receive GTR (33% vs 86%) but had comparable recurrence and mortality rates. Five patients developed CSF leaks requiring reoperation, 2 patients developed a permanent abducens nerve palsy, 1 patient suffered an internal carotid artery injury, 1 patient developed an epidural hematoma, and 1 patient developed a subdural empyema. Four (20%) patients had recurrence during follow-up (mean radiographic follow-up 59 months and mean time to local recurrence 19 months). Two patients with recurrence underwent further resection, and 1 patient elected to stop treatment. Both patients who underwent repeat resection experienced a second recurrence, one of whom elected to stop treatment. Both patients who died had an elevated Ki-67 (p = 0.039), one of whom developed de-differentiated histology. A third patient died of progressive spinal metastases without local recurrence and is one of 2 patients who developed postoperative spinal metastases. Both patients whose tumors became de-differentiated progressed from tumors with an initial Ki-67 of 15 or greater (p = 0.035) and received prior radiotherapy to the bulk tumor (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS The majority of pediatric skull base chordomas, when managed at a specialized center with a goal of GTR, may have a better outcome than traditionally believed. Elevated Ki-67 rates may predict poor outcome and progression to de-differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael M McDowell
- Departments of1Neurological Surgery and
- 2Division of Pediatric Neurological Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and
| | - Nathan T Zwagerman
- 3Department of Neurological Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | | | | | - Elizabeth C Tyler-Kabara
- Departments of1Neurological Surgery and
- 2Division of Pediatric Neurological Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and
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Asioli S, Zoli M, Guaraldi F, Sollini G, Bacci A, Gibertoni D, Ricci C, Morandi L, Pasquini E, Righi A, Mazzatenta D. Peculiar pathological, radiological and clinical features of skull‐base de‐differentiated chordomas. Results from a referral centre case–series and literature review. Histopathology 2020; 76:731-739. [DOI: 10.1111/his.14024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Asioli
- Section of Anatomic Pathology ‘M. Malpighi’ Bellaria Hospital BolognaItaly
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM) University of Bologna Bologna Italy
- Pituitary Unit Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM) of Neurological Sciences of Bologna Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypothalamic and Pituitary Diseases Bologna Italy
| | - Matteo Zoli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM) University of Bologna Bologna Italy
- Pituitary Unit Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM) of Neurological Sciences of Bologna Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypothalamic and Pituitary Diseases Bologna Italy
| | - Federica Guaraldi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM) University of Bologna Bologna Italy
- Pituitary Unit Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM) of Neurological Sciences of Bologna Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypothalamic and Pituitary Diseases Bologna Italy
| | | | - Antonella Bacci
- Division of Neuroradiology IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna Bologna Italy
| | - Dino Gibertoni
- Unit of Hygiene, Public Health and Biostatistics Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences University of Bologna Bologna Italy
| | - Costantino Ricci
- Section of Anatomic Pathology ‘M. Malpighi’ Bellaria Hospital BolognaItaly
| | - Luca Morandi
- Section of Anatomic Pathology ‘M. Malpighi’ Bellaria Hospital BolognaItaly
| | | | - Alberto Righi
- Service of Anatomic Pathology IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli Bologna Italy
| | - Diego Mazzatenta
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM) University of Bologna Bologna Italy
- Pituitary Unit Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM) of Neurological Sciences of Bologna Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypothalamic and Pituitary Diseases Bologna Italy
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Abstract
The characteristics of chordomas in children are distinct from those in adults. In particular, the prognosis of patients with INI1-negative chordoma is dismal. The standard treatment for localized chordoma, complete surgical resection with a wide margin, is seldom feasible for chordomas arising at the clivus in children, mainly due to associated complications. Therefore, other treatments for unresectable chordomas in children, including chemoradiotherapy, must be explored. Here, we report a 7-year-old girl with an INI1-negative chordoma of the clivus, who responded to conventional chemotherapy plus radiotherapy. Without surgical resection, she remains alive after 1 year and 7 months of the initial diagnosis.
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Abstract
Purpose of Review Chordoma are rare tumours of the axial skeleton which occur most often at the base of the skull and in the sacrum. Although chordoma are generally slow-growing lesions, the recurrence rate is high and the location makes it often difficult to treat. Both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are crucial in the initial diagnosis, treatment planning and post-treatment follow-up. Recent Findings Basic MRI and CT characteristics of chordoma were described in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Since then, imaging techniques have evolved with increased resolution and new molecular imaging tools are rapidly evolving. New imaging tools have been developed not only to study anatomy, but also physiologic changes and characterization of tissue and assessment of tumour biology. Recent studies show the uptake of multiple PET tracers in chordoma, which may become an important aspect in the diagnosis, follow-up and personalized therapy. Summary This review gives an overview of skull base chordoma histopathology, classic imaging characteristics, radiomics and state-of-the-art imaging techniques that are now emerging in diagnosis, treatment planning and disease monitoring of skull base chordoma.
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Immunophenotypic features of dedifferentiated skull base chordoma: An insight into the intratumoural heterogeneity. Contemp Oncol (Pozn) 2018; 21:267-273. [PMID: 29416431 PMCID: PMC5798418 DOI: 10.5114/wo.2017.72385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chordomas are rare and low-grade malignant solid tumours, despite their histologically benign appearance, that arise in the bone from embryonic notochordal vestiges of the axial skeleton, a mesoderm-derived structure that is involved in the process of neurulation and embryonic development. Chordomas occurring in the skull base tend to arise in the basiocciput along the clivus. Three major morphological variants have been described (classical, chondroid, and atypical/dedifferentiated). The pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms involved in chordoma development remain uncertain. From a pathological standpoint, the microenvironment of a chordoma is heterogeneous, showing a dual epithelial-mesenchymal differentiation. These tumours are characterised by slow modality of biologic growth, local recurrence, low incidence of metastasis rates, and cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype. The main molecular findings are connected with brachyury immunoexpression and activation of the downstream Akt and mTOR signalling pathways. The differentiation between typical and atypical chordomas is relevant because the tumoural microenvironment and prognosis are partially different. This review provides an insight into the recent and relevant concepts and histochemical markers expressed in chordomas, with special emphasis on dedifferentiated chordomas and their prognostic implications.
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