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Landwehr LS, Altieri B, Sbiera I, Remde H, Kircher S, Olabe J, Sbiera S, Kroiss M, Fassnacht M. Expression and Prognostic Relevance of PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4 Immune Checkpoints in Adrenocortical Carcinoma. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:2325-2334. [PMID: 38415841 PMCID: PMC11319003 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgae109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine malignancy with poor prognosis in advanced stages. While therapies targeting the checkpoint molecules programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), its ligand PD-L1, and the cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) have revolutionized treatment in many cancers, the results in ACCs were heterogeneous. OBJECTIVE Their expression in ACC has not been systematically studied and might explain the variable response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. METHODS The expression of PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA-4 was examined in 162 tumor samples from 122 patients with ACC by immunohistochemistry (threshold of >1%) and correlated with tumoral T lymphocyte infiltration and clinical endpoints. Finally, univariate and multivariate analyses of progression-free and overall survival were performed. RESULTS PD-1 and PD-L1 were expressed in 26.5% and 24.7% of samples, respectively, with low expression in most tumor samples (median positive cells: 2.1% and 21.7%). In contrast, CTLA-4 expression was observed in 52.5% of ACC with a median of 38.4% positive cells. Positive PD-1 expression was associated with longer progression-free survival (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.25-0.98, P = .04) even after considering prognostic factors. In contrast, PD-L1 and CTLA-4 did not correlate with clinical outcome. Additionally, PD-1 and PD-L1 expression correlated significantly with the amount of CD3+, CD4+, FoxP3+, and CD8+ T cells. CONCLUSION The heterogeneous expression of PD1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4 in this large series of well-annotated ACC samples might explain the heterogeneous results of the immunotherapies in advanced ACC. In addition, PD-1 expression is a strong prognostic biomarker that can easily be applied in routine clinical care and histopathological assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura-Sophie Landwehr
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Altieri
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Iuliu Sbiera
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Remde
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Kircher
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julie Olabe
- Institute GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), University Clermont Auvergne, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Silviu Sbiera
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kroiss
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 München, Germany
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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Russell JS. Systemic Management of Advanced Adrenocortical Carcinoma. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2024; 25:1063-1072. [PMID: 39066856 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-024-01249-6] [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] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Adrenocortical cancer (ACC) is a rare and aggressive disease. Surgery has traditionally been the primary treatment for locally advanced disease with ongoing controversy around the optimal neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment options. Unfortunately, local recurrence and the eventual development of metastatic disease is common and five-year survival rates are poor. While many trials have evaluated novel systemic agents to treat advanced adrenocortical cancer, only a few drugs have demonstrated any response at all. To date, only one drug, mitotane, is approved in the US for ACC and no regimen has clearly shown an increase in overall survival. In advanced metastatic or unresectable disease, data supports the first line regimen of EDP chemotherapy + mitotane as the primary treatment modality. In the second line, while data is limited, we would recommend consideration of immunotherapy using a PD(L)1 agent combined with a TKI/VEGF inhibitor or combination immunotherapy with PD1/CTLA-4 drugs. In all cases, we always prefer a clinical trial as available. This article reviews data from multiple studies evaluating novel systemic agents against ACC and discusses current systemic therapy combinations and ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffery S Russell
- Division of Medical Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, 84112, USA.
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Patel SP, Othus M, Chae YK, Huynh T, Tan B, Kuzel T, McLeod C, Lopez G, Chen HX, Sharon E, Streicher H, Ryan CW, Blanke C, Kurzrock R. Phase II basket trial of Dual Anti-CTLA-4 and Anti-PD-1 blockade in Rare Tumors (DART) SWOG S1609: adrenocortical carcinoma cohort. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e009074. [PMID: 39067873 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2024-009074] [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] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Multiple common cancers benefit from immunotherapy; however, less is known about efficacy in rare tumors. We report the results of the adrenocortical carcinoma cohort of NCI/SWOG S1609 Dual Anti-CTLA-4 and Anti-PD-1 blockade in Rare Tumors. DESIGN/SETTING A prospective, phase 2 clinical trial of ipilimumab plus nivolumab was conducted by the SWOG Early Therapeutics and Rare Cancers Committee for multiple rare tumor cohorts across >1,000 National Clinical Trial Network sites. PARTICIPANTS 21 eligible patients were registered. Median age was 53 years (range 26-69); 16 (76%) were women. INTERVENTIONS Ipilimumab 1 mg/kg intravenously every 6 weeks with nivolumab 240 mg intravenously every 2 weeks was administered until disease progression, symptomatic deterioration, treatment delay for any reason >56 days, unacceptable or immune-related toxicity with inability to decrease prednisone to <10 mg daily, or per patient request. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary endpoint was the overall response rate (ORR) (RECIST V.1.1). Secondary endpoints include clinical benefit rate (CBR) (includes stable disease (SD)>6 months), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity. Immune-related outcomes included immune ORR (iORR), immune CBR (iCBR), and immune PFS (iPFS). A two-stage design was used assuming: null=5% alternative=30%, n=6 in the first stage, 16 max, one-sided alpha=13%. RESULTS The median number of prior therapy lines was 2 (range: 1-9). 3 of 21 patients attained confirmed partial response (PR) (ORR=14%). In addition, one patient had an unconfirmed PR; one, stable disease (SD)>6 months; one, immune-related RECIST (iRECIST) PR (iPR); and one patient attained iSD>6 months: clinical benefit rate (response or SD>6 months)=5/21 (24%), iORR=4/21 (19%), iCBR=7/21 (33%). The 6-month PFS was 24%; 6-month iPFS, 33%. The PFS for patients (N=7) with iRECIST clinical benefit were 57, 52, 18, 15, 13, 7, and 7 months. The 6-month OS was 76%; the median OS, was 15.8 months. The most common toxicities were fatigue (62%) and rash (38%), and the most common grade 3/4 immune-related adverse events were hepatic dysfunction (9.5%) and adrenal insufficiency (9.5%). Treatment-related adverse events leading to discontinuation of therapy in four patients (21%). There were no grade 5 adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Ipilimumab plus nivolumab is active in refractory metastatic adrenocortical cancer meeting the primary endpoint of the study, with a 19% iORR and 33% iCBR (includes SD/iSD>6 months) and with the longest PFS/iPFS of 52 and 57 months. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02834013 (registered 15 July, 2016; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02834013).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandip P Patel
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Megan Othus
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Tridu Huynh
- UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Benjamin Tan
- Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Timothy Kuzel
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Gabby Lopez
- SWOG Statistical and Data Management Center/Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | - Howard Streicher
- Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
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Mispelbaum R, Hattenhauer T, Bauernfeind FG, Lau JF, Brossart P, Heine A. Case report: Ipilimumab and nivolumab in metastatic adrenocortical cancer with high tumor mutational burden. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1406616. [PMID: 38915369 PMCID: PMC11195442 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1406616] [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] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In the setting of metastatic adrenocortical cancer, there are limited therapy options such as mitotane and platinum-based chemotherapy with only low response rates. Ipilimumab and nivolumab are approved for several solid cancer types. Tumor mutational burden is one established marker to predict treatment success of immunotherapy and has been associated with improved response rates to immune checkpoint inhibitors. We here present the case of a 68-year-old woman with metastatic adrenocortical cancer and high tumor mutational burden treated with ipilimumab and nivolumab in a fourth-line setting. She showed a stable disease for at least 48 weeks, which is significantly longer than the treatment response to mitotane or platinum-based chemotherapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first successful use of a long-term two-drug immunotherapy (48 weeks) in a patient with metastatic adrenocortical cancer and high mutational burden. Ipilimumab and nivolumab should be considered as a new therapy option in this patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Mispelbaum
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Immune-Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tessa Hattenhauer
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Immune-Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Franz-Georg Bauernfeind
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Immune-Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan-Frederic Lau
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Brossart
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Immune-Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Annkristin Heine
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Immune-Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Pak C, Yoon S, Lee JL, Yun T, Park I. Current Status and Future Direction in the Treatment of Advanced Adrenocortical Carcinoma. Curr Oncol Rep 2024; 26:307-317. [PMID: 38381366 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-024-01510-z] [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] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding and developments in the treatment options for adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), focusing on the strategies utilized for advanced disease. RECENT FINDINGS Research has delved into the genomic landscape of ACC, revealing potential targets for therapy. Despite the failure of inhibitors aimed at the insulin like growth factor 1(IGF-1) receptor, other approaches, including vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEFGR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors, are being investigated. There are also ongoing trials of combination treatments such as lenvatinib with pembrolizumab and cabozantinib with atezolizumab. ACC remains a challenging malignancy with limited effective treatment options. Although EDP-M stands as the frontline treatment, the search for effective second-line therapies is ongoing. Targeted therapies and immunotherapies, especially in combination regimens, are demonstrating potential and are the subject of continued research. The evolving genomic landscape emphasizes the significance of targeted therapies and the need for further in-depth studies to solidify effective treatment regimens for ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chulkue Pak
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Shinkyo Yoon
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Lyun Lee
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Tak Yun
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Rare Cancers Clinic, Center for Specific Organs Center, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Inkeun Park
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea.
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Ishikawa Y, Yamazaki Y, Tezuka Y, Omata K, Ono Y, Tokodai K, Fujishima F, Kawanabe S, Katabami T, Ikeya A, Yamashita M, Oki Y, Nanjo H, Satoh F, Ito A, Unno M, Kamei T, Sasano H, Suzuki T. Histopathological analysis of tumor microenvironment in adrenocortical carcinoma: Possible effects of in situ disorganized glucocorticoid production on tumor immunity. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 238:106462. [PMID: 38232786 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106462] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) patients with glucocorticoid excess have been reported to be associated with decreased tumor-infiltrating immune cells, but the effects of in situ glucocorticoid production on tumor immunity have remained unknown. In addition, ACC was also known to harbor marked intra-tumoral heterogeneity of steroidogenesis or disorganized steroidogenesis. Therefore, in this study, we immune-profiled tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and pivotal steroidogenic enzymes of glucocorticoid biosynthesis (CYP17A and CYP11B1) to explore the potential effects of in situ glucocorticoid production and intra-tumoral heterogeneity/disorganized steroidogenesis on tumor immunity of ACC. We also studied the correlations of the status of tumor immunity with that of angiogenesis and tumor grade to further explore the tumor tissue microenvironment of ACC. TILs (CD3, CD4, CD8, and FOXP3), TAMs (CD68 and CD163), key steroidogenic enzymes of glucocorticoid (CYP17A and CYP11B1), angiogenesis (CD31 and vasohibin-1 (VASH-1)), tumor grade (Ki-67 and Weiss score) were immunohistochemically evaluated in 34 ACCs. Increased CYP17A immunoreactivity in the whole tumor area was significantly positively correlated with FOXP3-positive TILs (p = 0.021) and negatively with CD4/CD3 ratio (p = 0.001). Increased CYP11B1 immunoreactivity in the whole tumor area was significantly positively correlated with CD8/CD3 (p = 0.039) and CD163/CD68 ratios (p = 0.006) and negatively with CD4-positive TILs (p = 0.036) and CD4/CD3 ratio (p = 0.001). There were also significant positive correlations between CYP17A and CD8 (r = 0.334, p < 0.001) and FOXP3-positive TILs (r = 0.414, p < 0.001), CD8/CD3 ratio (r = 0.421, p < 0.001), and CD68-positive TAMs (r = 0.298, p < 0.001) in randomly selected areas. Significant positive correlations were also detected between CYP11B1 and CD8/CD3 ratio (r = 0.276, p = 0.001) and negative ones detected between CYP11B1 and CD3- (r = -0.259, p = 0.002) and CD4-positive TILs (r = -0.312, p < 0.001) in those areas above. Increased micro-vessel density (MVD) -VASH-1 was significantly positively correlated with CD68- (p = 0.015) and CD163-positive TAMs (p = 0.009) and CD163/CD68 ratio and the high VASH-1 with CD163-positive TAMs (p = 0.042). Ki-67 labeling index was significantly positively correlated with MAD-VASH-1 (p = 0.006) and VASH-1 (p = 0.006) status. Results of our present study indicated that in situ glucocorticoid production did influence the status of tumor immunity in ACC. In particular, increased levels of CYP17A and CYP11B1, both involved in glucocorticoid producing immunoreactivity played different effects on tumor immunity, i.e., reflecting the involvement of intra-tumoral heterogeneity and disorganized steroidogenesis of ACC, which also did indicate the importance of in situ approaches when analyzing tumor immunity of ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Ishikawa
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuto Yamazaki
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Yuta Tezuka
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8574, Japan; Division of Nephrology, Rheumatology and Endocrinology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Kei Omata
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8574, Japan; Division of Nephrology, Rheumatology and Endocrinology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Yoshikiyo Ono
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8574, Japan; Division of Nephrology, Rheumatology and Endocrinology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Tokodai
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Fumiyoshi Fujishima
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shin Kawanabe
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, St. Marianna University Yokohama Seibu Hospital, Yokohama, Japan; Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Takuyuki Katabami
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Akira Ikeya
- Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Miho Yamashita
- Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yutaka Oki
- Diabetes & Endocrinology Center, Hamamatsu-Kita Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nanjo
- Department of Pathology, Akita University Hospital, Akita, Japan
| | - Fumitoshi Satoh
- Division of Clinical Hypertension, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Akihiro Ito
- Department of Urology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Michiaki Unno
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takashi Kamei
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hironobu Sasano
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takashi Suzuki
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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Yasar HA, Aktas BY, Ucar G, Goksu SS, Bilgetekin I, Cakar B, Sakin A, Ates O, Basoglu T, Arslan C, Demiray AG, Paydas S, Cicin I, Sendur MAN, Karadurmus N, Kosku H, Uner A, Yumuk PF, Utkan G, Kefeli U, Tanriverdi O, Cinkir H, Gumusay O, Turhal NS, Menekse S, Kut E, Beypinar I, Sakalar T, Demir H, Yekeduz E, Kilickap S, Erman M, Urun Y. Adrenocortical Cancer in the Real World: A Comprehensive Analysis of Clinical Features and Management from the Turkish Oncology Group (TOG). Clin Genitourin Cancer 2024; 22:102077. [PMID: 38626660 DOI: 10.1016/j.clgc.2024.102077] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare yet highly malignant tumor associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aims to delineate the clinical features, survival patterns, and treatment modalities of ACC, providing insights into the disease's prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective analysis of 157 ACC patients was performed to assess treatment methodologies, demographic patterns, pathological and clinical attributes, and laboratory results. The data were extracted from the hospital's database. Survival analyses were conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method, with univariate and multivariate analyses being performed through the log-rank test and Cox regression analyses. RESULTS The median age was 45, and 89.4% had symptoms at the time of diagnosis. The median tumor size was 12 cm. A total of 117 (79.6%) patients underwent surgery. A positive surgical border was detected in 26 (24.1%) patients. Adjuvant therapy was administered to 44.4% of patients. The median overall survival for the entire cohort was 44.3 months. Median OS was found to be 87.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 74.4-100.2) in stage 2, 25.8 (95% CI 6.5-45.1) months in stage 3, and 13.3 (95% CI 7.0-19.6) months in stage 4 disease. Cox regression analysis identified age, Ki67 value, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, and hormonal activity as significant factors associated with survival in patients with nonmetastatic disease. In metastatic disease, only patients who underwent surgery exhibited significantly improved overall survival in univariate analyses. CONCLUSION ACC is an uncommon tumor with a generally poor prognosis. Understanding the defining prognostic factors in both localized and metastatic diseases is vital. This study underscores age, Ki67 value, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, and hormonal activity as key prognostic determinants for localized disease, offering critical insights into the complexities of ACC management and potential avenues for targeted therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gokhan Ucar
- Medical Oncology Department, Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Irem Bilgetekin
- Medical Oncology Department, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Burcu Cakar
- Medical Oncology Department, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Sakin
- Medical Oncology Department, Van Yuzuncu Yıl University, Van, Turkey
| | - Ozturk Ates
- Medical Oncology Department, Dr. Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tugba Basoglu
- Medical Oncology Department, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cagatay Arslan
- Medical Oncology Department, Bahcesehir University, MedicalPark Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Semra Paydas
- Medical Oncology Department, Adana Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Irfan Cicin
- Medical Oncology Department, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | | | - Nuri Karadurmus
- Medical Oncology Department, Gulhane Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hakan Kosku
- Medical Oncology Department, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aytuğ Uner
- Medical Oncology Department, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Perran Fulden Yumuk
- Medical Oncology Department, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey; Medical Oncology Department, Koç University, Istanbul; Turkey
| | - Gungor Utkan
- Medical Oncology Department, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Umut Kefeli
- Medical Oncology Department, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Tanriverdi
- Medical Oncology Department, Mugla Sıtkı Kocman University, Mugla, Turkey
| | - Havva Cinkir
- Medical Oncology Department, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Ozge Gumusay
- Medical Oncology Department, Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Turkey
| | | | - Serkan Menekse
- Medical Oncology Department, Manisa City Hospital, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Engin Kut
- Medical Oncology Department, Manisa City Hospital, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Ismail Beypinar
- Medical Oncology Department, Afyon Health Sciences University, Afyon, Turkey
| | - Teoman Sakalar
- Medical Oncology Department, Aksaray University, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Hacer Demir
- Medical Oncology Department, Afyon Health Sciences University, Afyon, Turkey
| | - Emre Yekeduz
- Medical Oncology Department, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Mustafa Erman
- Medical Oncology Department, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yuksel Urun
- Medical Oncology Department, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.
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Ababneh O, Ghazou A, Alawajneh M, Alhaj Mohammad S, Bani-Hani A, Alrabadi N, Shreenivas A. The Efficacy and Safety of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Adrenocortical Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:900. [PMID: 38473262 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of different malignancies. However, their efficacy in advanced adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) remains uncertain. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the efficacy and tolerability of ICIs in patients with advanced ACC. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and CENTRAL for studies that used ICIs in ACC. Studies with more than five patients were included in the meta-analysis of the objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and grade 3/4 adverse events. Twenty studies with 23 treatment arms and 250 patients were included. Single-agent anti-PD1 or anti-PD-L1 treatment was utilized in 13 treatment arms, whereas an anti-PD1 or anti-PD-L1 and anti-CTLA4 combination was used in 4 treatment arms. Other anti-PD1- or anti-PD-L1-based combinations were used in five treatment arms. The ORR was 14% (95% CI = 10-19%, I2 = 0%), and the DCR was 43% (95% CI = 37-50%, I2 = 13%). The combination anti-PD1- or anti-PD-L1-based treatment strategies did not correlate with higher responses compared with monotherapy. The median OS was 13.9 months (95% CI = 7.85-23.05), and the median PFS was 2.8 months (95% CI = 1.8-5.4). ICIs have a modest efficacy in advanced ACC but a good OS. Further studies are needed to investigate predictive biomarkers for ICI response and to compare ICI-based strategies with the current standard of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obada Ababneh
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Alina Ghazou
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Mohmmad Alawajneh
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Saleh Alhaj Mohammad
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Abdullah Bani-Hani
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Nasr Alrabadi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Aditya Shreenivas
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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Kimpel O, Altieri B, Laganà M, Vogl TJ, Adwan H, Dusek T, Basile V, Pittaway J, Dischinger U, Quinkler M, Kroiss M, Puglisi S, Cosentini D, Kickuth R, Kastelan D, Fassnacht M. The Value of Local Therapies in Advanced Adrenocortical Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:706. [PMID: 38398097 PMCID: PMC10886520 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
International guidelines recommend local therapies (LTs) such as local thermal ablation (LTA; radiofrequency, microwave, cryoablation), transarterial (chemo)embolisation (TA(C)E), and transarterial radioembolisation (TARE) as therapeutic options for advanced adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). However, the evidence for these recommendations is scarce. We retrospectively analysed patients receiving LTs for advanced ACC. Time to progression of the treated lesion (tTTP) was the primary endpoint. The secondary endpoints were best objective response, overall progression-free survival, overall survival, adverse events, and the establishment of predictive factors by multivariate Cox analyses. A total of 132 tumoural lesions in 66 patients were treated with LTA (n = 84), TA(C)E (n = 40), and TARE (n = 8). Complete response was achieved in 27 lesions (20.5%; all of them achieved by LTA), partial response in 27 (20.5%), and stable disease in 38 (28.8%). For the LTA group, the median tTTP was not reached, whereas it was reached 8.3 months after TA(C)E and 8.2 months after TARE (p < 0.001). The median time interval from primary diagnosis to LT was >47 months. Fewer than four prior therapies and mitotane plasma levels of >14 mg/L positively influenced the tTTP. In summary, this is one of the largest studies on LTs in advanced ACC, and it demonstrates a very high local disease control rate. Thus, it clearly supports the guideline recommendations for LTs in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otilia Kimpel
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany; (B.A.); (U.D.); (M.K.); (M.F.)
| | - Barbara Altieri
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany; (B.A.); (U.D.); (M.K.); (M.F.)
| | - Marta Laganà
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical & Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences & Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (M.L.); (D.C.)
| | - Thomas J. Vogl
- Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Institut für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany; (T.J.V.)
| | - Hamzah Adwan
- Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Institut für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany; (T.J.V.)
| | - Tina Dusek
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (T.D.); (D.K.)
| | - Vittoria Basile
- Internal Medicine 1, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (V.B.); (S.P.)
| | - James Pittaway
- Department of Endocrinology, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London EC1A 7BE, UK;
| | - Ulrich Dischinger
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany; (B.A.); (U.D.); (M.K.); (M.F.)
| | | | - Matthias Kroiss
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany; (B.A.); (U.D.); (M.K.); (M.F.)
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstraße 1, 80336 München, Germany
| | - Soraya Puglisi
- Internal Medicine 1, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (V.B.); (S.P.)
| | - Deborah Cosentini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical & Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences & Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (M.L.); (D.C.)
| | - Ralph Kickuth
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University-Hospital of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Darko Kastelan
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (T.D.); (D.K.)
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany; (B.A.); (U.D.); (M.K.); (M.F.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
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10
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Schwarzlmueller P, Corradini S, Seidensticker M, Zimmermann P, Schreiner J, Maier T, Triebig A, Knösel T, Pazos M, Pfluger T, Weigand I, Belka C, Ricke J, Reincke M, Schmidmaier R, Kroiss M. High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy Combined with PD-1 Blockade as a Treatment for Metastatic Adrenocortical Carcinoma - A Single Center Case Series. Horm Metab Res 2024; 56:30-37. [PMID: 37748508 DOI: 10.1055/a-2150-3944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The response rate of advanced adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) to standard chemotherapy with mitotane and etoposide/doxorubicin/cisplatin (EDP-M) is unsatisfactory, and benefit is frequently short lived. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) have been examined in patient's refractory to EDP-M, but objective response rates are only approximately 15%. High-dose rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) is a catheter-based internal radiotherapy and expected to favorably combine with immunotherapies. Here we describe three cases of patients with advanced ACC who were treated with HDR-BT and the CPI pembrolizumab. None of the tumors were positive for established response markers to CPI. All patients were female, had progressed on EDP-M and received external beam radiation therapy for metastatic ACC. Pembrolizumab was initiated 7 or 23 months after brachytherapy in two cases and prior to brachytherapy in one case. Best response of lesions treated with brachytherapy was complete (n=2) or partial response (n=1) that was ongoing at last follow up after 23, 45 and 4 months, respectively. Considering all sites of tumor, response was complete and partial remission in the two patients with brachytherapy prior to pembrolizumab. The third patient developed progressive disease with severe Cushing's syndrome and died due to COVID-19. Immune-related adverse events of colitis (grade 3), gastroduodenitis (grade 3), pneumonitis (grade 2) and thyroiditis (grade 1) occurred in the two patients with systemic response. HDR-BT controlled metastases locally. Sequential combination with CPI therapy may enhance an abscopal antitumoral effect in non-irradiated metastases in ACC. Systematic studies are required to confirm this preliminary experience and to understand underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefanie Corradini
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Max Seidensticker
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Petra Zimmermann
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Schreiner
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tanja Maier
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandra Triebig
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Knösel
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Montserrat Pazos
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Pfluger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Isabel Weigand
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Claus Belka
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jens Ricke
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Reincke
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ralf Schmidmaier
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Kroiss
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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11
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Senda M, Hashimoto K, Shindo T, Kobayashi K, Tanaka T, Masumori N. Durable response to pembrolizumab in microsatellite instability-high advanced adrenocortical carcinoma. IJU Case Rep 2023; 6:382-385. [PMID: 37928286 PMCID: PMC10622203 DOI: 10.1002/iju5.12628] [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: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Advanced adrenocortical carcinoma has a poor prognosis and is treated with chemotherapy that includes mitotane with etoposide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin as first-line therapy. However, second-line therapy has not been determined yet. Pembrolizumab has been approved for high microsatellite instability for which standard treatments have failed. Case presentation Here, we present a patient with advanced adrenocortical carcinoma treated with complete surgical resection. 21 months later, he had local and metastatic recurrences. After four cycles of first-line therapy, we switched to pembrolizumab because microsatellite instability-high was detected in his tumor. He has received mitotane and pembrolizumab for 15 months, and this has exerted a radiographical response without severe adverse events. Conclusion We presented a patient with microsatellite instability-high advanced adrenocortical carcinoma treated with pembrolizumab and mitotane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Senda
- Department of UrologySapporo Medical University School of MedicineSapporoJapan
| | - Kohei Hashimoto
- Department of UrologySapporo Medical University School of MedicineSapporoJapan
| | - Tetsuya Shindo
- Department of UrologySapporo Medical University School of MedicineSapporoJapan
| | - Ko Kobayashi
- Department of UrologySapporo Medical University School of MedicineSapporoJapan
| | - Toshiaki Tanaka
- Department of UrologySapporo Medical University School of MedicineSapporoJapan
| | - Naoya Masumori
- Department of UrologySapporo Medical University School of MedicineSapporoJapan
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12
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Wu K, Liu Z, Liang J, Zhu Y, Wang X, Li X. Discovery of a glucocorticoid receptor (GR) activity signature correlates with immune cell infiltration in adrenocortical carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007528. [PMID: 37793855 PMCID: PMC10551943 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and highly aggressive endocrine malignancy, of which >40% present with glucocorticoid excess. Glucocorticoids and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling have long been thought to suppress immunity and promote tumor progression by acting on immune cells. Here, we provide new insights into the interaction between GR signaling activity and the immune signature of ACC as a potential explanation for immune escape and resistance to immunotherapy. METHODS First, GR immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence analysis of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (CD4 T, CD8 T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells and macrophages) were performed in 78 primary ACC tissue specimens. Quantitative data of immune cell infiltration in ACC were correlated with clinical characteristics. Second, we discovered a GR activity signature (GRsig) using GR-targeted gene networks derived from global gene expression data of primary ACC. Finally, we identified two GRsig-related subtypes based on the GRsig and assessed the differences in immune characteristics and prognostic stratification between the two subtypes. RESULTS GR was expressed in 90% of the ACC tumors, and CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes were the most common infiltrating cell type in ACC specimens (88%, 8.6 cells/high power field). GR expression positively correlated with CD8+ T cell (Phi=0.342, p<0.001), CD4+ T cell (Phi=0.280, p<0.001), NK cell (Phi=0.280, p<0.001), macrophage (Phi=0.285, p<0.001), and dendritic cell (Phi=0.397, p<0.001) infiltration. Clustering heatmap analysis also displayed high immune cell infiltration in GR high-expressing tumors and low immune cell infiltration in GR-low tumors. High GR expression and high immune cell infiltration were significantly associated with better survival. Glucocorticoid excess is associated with low immune cell abundance and unfavorable prognosis. A GRsig comprizing n=34 GR-associated genes was derived from Gene Expression Omnibus/The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data sets and used to define two GRsig-related subtypes in the TCGA cohort. We demonstrated distinct differences in the immune landscape and clinical outcomes between the two subtypes. CONCLUSION GR expression positively correlates with tumor-infiltrating immune cells in ACC. The GRsig could serve as a prognostic biomarker and may be helpful for prognosis prediction and response to immunotherapy. Consequently, targeting the GR signaling pathway might be pivotal and should be investigated in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kan Wu
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhihong Liu
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiayu Liang
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuchun Zhu
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xianding Wang
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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13
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Liu Z, Xie Y, Liu S, Shen S, Zhu Y, Gou Q. Identification of the ferroptosis regulator HELLS with prognostic value for adrenocortical carcinoma based on integrated analysis and experimental validation. Gland Surg 2023; 12:1251-1270. [PMID: 37842529 PMCID: PMC10570968 DOI: 10.21037/gs-22-736] [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: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Background For adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a rare endocrine malignancy with a high rate of mortality and recurrence, it is difficult for clinicians to predict overall survival and select the most effective treatment. Targeting ferroptosis, a form of cell death, has been reported to be a promising therapeutic strategy for ACC; however, the core ferroptosis regulator and its prognostic value in ACC remain unknown. Methods RNA sequencing data and clinical information were downloaded from public databases. Differentially expressed gene and survival analyses were performed to identify candidate ferroptosis regulators. A multivariate Cox regression model was used to construct a gene signature, and a nomogram was constructed to predict the overall survival of patients with ACC. Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) was used to identify underlying aberrant pathways and the relative immune cell infiltration levels of each ACC sample. Immunohistochemistry staining was performed in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissue sections. Results Ultimately, 23 differentially expressed ferroptosis regulators were identified between normal adrenal gland and ACC tissues, and 50 ferroptosis regulators were related to prognosis, with 13 ferroptosis regulators being simultaneously found to satisfy the differential expression and prognostic value. According to the multivariate Cox regression model, a ferroptosis regulator signature was constructed from 3 genes in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA; hazard ratio =9.01; P=1.39×10-10), and the area under the curve (AUC) values of 3-, 5-, 8-year overall survival were 0.924, 0.906, and 0.866, respectively. The survival analysis and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis validated the prognostic value of the ferroptosis regulator signature in 3 validation datasets. Moreover, metabolism-, E2F-, MYC-, and G2/M checkpoint-related pathways and aberrant immune cell infiltration levels were identified as being responsible for the different prognosis of risk groups in ACC. HELLS was found to be a significantly differentially expressed ferroptosis-suppressor gene with a prognostic value in ACC and to be highly associated with immune cell infiltration levels and multiple biological functions. Conclusions A ferroptosis regulator signature showed promising power for predicting the prognosis of ACC, and HELLS was identified as a hub ferroptosis regulator in the initiation and progression of ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuxin Xie
- Breast Disease Center, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Medical Oncology of Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shengzhuo Liu
- Urology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sikui Shen
- Urology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuchun Zhu
- Urology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiheng Gou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Libé R, Huillard O. Adrenocortical carcinoma: Diagnosis, prognostic classification and treatment of localized and advanced disease. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2023; 37:100759. [PMID: 37690343 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2023.100759] [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: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare cancer with an estimated incidence of 0.7 to 2.0 cases per 1 million population per year in the United States. It is an aggressive cancer originating in the cortex of the adrenal gland with a poor prognosis. The 5-year survival rate is less than 15% among patients with metastatic disease. In this article, we review the epidemiology and pathogenesis of ACC, the diagnostic procedures, the prognostic classification of ACC, and the treatment options from localized and resectable forms to advanced disease detailing recent therapeutic developments such as immunotherapy and molecularly targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Libé
- Service Endocrinologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, French National Network, ENDOCAN-COMETE, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Huillard
- Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, AP-HP, Department of medical oncology, Hôpital Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France.
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Weng Y, Wang L, Wang XY, Fan XX, Yan L, Li ZH, Zhang SL. Case report: Remarkable response to a novel combination of mitotane, etoposide, paraplatin, and sintilimab in a patient with metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1115893. [PMID: 37745701 PMCID: PMC10514511 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1115893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options for metastases. However, new effective regimens are emerging for specific conditions in metastatic ACC. Case presentation We report a case of a 36-year-old man diagnosed with metastatic ACC who had a large left adrenal mass (158 mm × 112 mm) and multiple metastases in the liver and lungs. Genetic testing revealed a microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) tumor, a splice mutation in MLH1, and a high tumor mutational burden (TMB). After the left adrenalectomy, he received sequential treatment with a combination of mitotane, etoposide, paraplatin (EP-M), and sintilimab. His condition has been assessed as a stable disease since the sixth cycle of the combined regimen. Conclusion This case highlights the remarkable response of our patient's ACC with MSI-H tumor, MLH1 spice mutation, and high TMB to treatment with a novel combination of EP-M and sintilimab. Our findings suggest a promising therapeutic option for patients with similar molecular profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Weng
- Department of Endocrinology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Yi Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Xiang Fan
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Yan
- Department of Endocrinology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Li
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shao-Ling Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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16
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Charles R, Madhu D, Powles A, Boyde A, Hughes O, Kumar N, Moorcraft SY. Case Report: Response to ipilimumab and nivolumab in a patient with adrenocortical carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1242560. [PMID: 37746287 PMCID: PMC10516602 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1242560] [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] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy with limited treatment options. The evidence for the use of immunotherapy in ACC has been conflicting, with overall response rates ranging from 6 - 33%. Case presentation We describe the case of a 32 year old patient who was initially thought to have an inoperable clear cell renal cell carcinoma and was treated with immunotherapy with ipilimumab and nivolumab. The patient had an excellent partial response to treatment. Further work-up prior to consideration of surgery demonstrated that the tumour was an ACC, rather than a renal cancer. She had a right adrenalectomy and right hepatectomy, achieving an R0 resection and remains disease-free one year after surgery. Conclusion This case illustrates the challenge of diagnosing ACC, and that doublet immunotherapy with ipilimumab and nivolumab can have significant clinical efficacy in ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Charles
- Pathology Department, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Divine Madhu
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Powles
- Radiology Department, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Boyde
- Pathology Department, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Owen Hughes
- Department of Urology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Nagappan Kumar
- Cardiff Liver Unit, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Sing Yu Moorcraft
- Oncology Department, South West Wales Cancer Centre and Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
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17
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Cha YJ, Koo JS. Expression of EMP 1, 2, and 3 in Adrenal Cortical Neoplasm and Pheochromocytoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13016. [PMID: 37629198 PMCID: PMC10455306 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241613016] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the expression of the epithelial membrane proteins (EMP) 1, 2, and 3 in adrenal gland neoplasm and to explore the broader implications of this. Tissue microarrays were constructed for 132 cases of adrenal cortical neoplasms (ACN) (adrenal cortical adenoma (115 cases), and carcinoma (17 cases)) and 189 cases of pheochromocytoma. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to identify EMP 1, 2, and 3, and was compared with clinicopathological parameters. The H-score of EMP 3 (p < 0.001) was higher in pheochromocytoma when compared to that of ACN, and the H-score of EMP 1 (p < 0.001) and EMP 3 (p < 0.001) was higher in adrenal cortical carcinomas when compared to that of adrenal cortical adenomas. A higher EMP 1 H-score was observed in pheochromocytomas with a GAPP score ≥3 (p = 0.018). In univariate analysis, high levels of EMP 1 and EMP 3 expression in ACN were associated with shorter overall survival (p = 0.001). Differences were observed in the expression of EMPs between ACN and pheochromocytoma. EMPs are associated with malignant tumor biology in adrenal cortical neoplasm and pheochromocytoma, suggesting the role of a prognostic and/or predictive factor for EMPs in adrenal tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ja Seung Koo
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Republic of Korea;
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Hescot S, Debien V, Hadoux J, Drui D, Haissaguerre M, de la Fouchardiere C, Vezzosi D, Do Cao C, Libé R, Le Tourneau C, Baudin E, Massard C, du Rusquec P. Outcome of adrenocortical carcinoma patients included in early phase clinical trials: Results from the French network ENDOCAN-COMETE. Eur J Cancer 2023; 189:112917. [PMID: 37277263 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.05.006] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND At metastatic stage, treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) relies in first line on mitotane therapy, combination of mitotane with locoregional therapies or cisplatin-based chemotherapy according to initial presentation. In second line, ESMO-EURACAN recommendations favour enrolment of patients in clinical trials investigating experimental therapies. However, the benefit of this approach remains unknown. METHODS The aim of our retrospective study was to analyse the inclusion and outcomes of all patients of the French cohort ENDOCAN-COMETE included in early clinical trials between 2009 and 2019. RESULTS Of the 141 patients for whom a local or national multidisciplinary tumour board recommended, as first choice, to look for clinical trial, 27 patients (19%) were enroled in 30 early clinical trials. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.02 months (95% confidence interval [95% CI]; 2.3-4.6) and median overall survival (OS) was 10.2 months (95% CI; 7.13-16.3) while the best response, evaluable in 28 of 30 trial participants according to RECIST 1.1 criteria, was partial response for 3 patients (11%) stable disease for 14 patients (50%) and progressive disease for 11 patients (39%), resulting in a disease control rate of 61%. Median growth modulation index (GMI) in our cohort was 1.32, with a significantly prolonged PFS in 52% of the patients compared to the previous line. The Royal Marsden Hospital (RMH) prognostic score was not associated with OS in this cohort. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that patients with metastatic ACC benefit from inclusion in early clinical trials in second line. As recommended, if a clinical trial is available, it should be the first choice for suitable patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ségolène Hescot
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Véronique Debien
- DITEP, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Bruxelles (H.U.B), Institut Jules Bordet, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julien Hadoux
- Service d'Oncologie Endocrinienne, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Delphine Drui
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Service d'Endocrinologie-Diabétologie et Nutrition, Institut du thorax, Nantes, France
| | - Magalie Haissaguerre
- Département d'Endocrinologie, Hôpital Universitaire de Bordeaux, Institut D'Oncologie de Bordeaux, INSERM, Pessac, France
| | | | - Delphine Vezzosi
- Service d'Endocrinologie, Hopital Larrey, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Rossella Libé
- Service d'Endocrinologie, French National Network for Adrenal Cancers ENDOCAN-COMETE, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Le Tourneau
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris, France; Unité de Recherche INSERM U900, Université Paris-Saclay, Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Eric Baudin
- Service d'Oncologie Endocrinienne, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
| | | | - Pauline du Rusquec
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris, France; Unité de Recherche INSERM U900, Université Paris-Saclay, Saint-Cloud, France
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19
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Libé R, Haissaguerre M, Renaudin K, Faron M, Decaussin-Petrucci M, Deschamps F, Gimenez-Roqueplo AP, Mirallie E, Murez T, Pattou F, Rocher L, Taïeb D, Savoie PH, Tabarin A, Bertherat J, Baudin E, de la Fouchardière C. [Guidelines of the French National ENDOCAN-COMETE, Association of Endocrine Surgery, Society of Urology for the management of adrenocortical carcinoma]. Bull Cancer 2023; 110:707-730. [PMID: 37061367 DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2023.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
The adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a primary malignant tumor developed from the adrenal cortex, defined by a Weiss score≥3. Its prognosis is poor and depends mainly on the stage of the disease at diagnosis. Care is organized in France by the multidisciplinary expert centers of the national ENDOCAN-COMETE "Adrenal Cancers" network, certified by the National Cancer Institute. This document updates the guidelines for the management of ACC in adults based on the most robust data in the literature. It's divided into 11 chapters: (1) circumstances of discovery; (2) pre-therapeutic assessment; (3) diagnosis of ACC; (4) oncogenetics; (5) prognostic classifications; (6) treatment of hormonal hypersecretion; (7) treatment of localized forms; (8) treatment of relapses; (9) treatment of advanced forms; (10) follow-up; (11) the particular case of ACC and pregnancy. R0 resection of all localized ACC remains an unmet need and it must be performed in expert centers. Flow-charts for the therapeutic management of localized ACC, relapse or advanced ACC are provided. It was written by the experts from the national ENDOCAN-COMETE network and validated by all French Societies involved in the management of these patients (endocrinology, medical oncology, endocrine surgery, urology, pathology, genetics, nuclear medicine, radiology, interventional radiology).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Libé
- CHU Paris Centre, hôpital Cochin, centre coordonnateur ENDOCAN-COMETE, service d'endocrinologie, Paris, France.
| | - Magalie Haissaguerre
- CHU de Bordeaux, hôpital Haut-Lévêque, centre coordonnateur ENDOCAN-COMETE, service d'endocrinologie, Pessac, France
| | - Karine Renaudin
- CHU de Nantes, hôpital Hôtel-Dieu, service d'anatomie pathologique, Nantes, France
| | - Matthieu Faron
- Gustave-Roussy Cancer Campus, service de chirurgie viscérale oncologique, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Fréderic Deschamps
- Gustave-Roussy Cancer Campus, département de radiologie interventionnelle, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Eric Mirallie
- CHU de Nantes, hôpital Hôtel-Dieu, institut des maladies de l'appareil digestif, chirurgie cancérologique, digestive et endocrinienne, Nantes, France
| | - Thibaut Murez
- CHU de Montpellier, département d'urologie et transplantation rénale, Montpellier, France
| | - François Pattou
- CHRU de Lille, département de chirurgie endocrinienne et métabolique, Lille, France
| | - Laurence Rocher
- Hôpitaux et université Paris Saclay, hôpital Antoine-Béclère, service de radiologie, Clamart, France
| | - David Taïeb
- La Timone University Hospital, Aix-Marseille University, CERIMED, département de médecine nucléaire, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Henri Savoie
- Hôpital d'instruction des Armées Sainte-Anne, service d'urologie, Toulon, France
| | - Antoine Tabarin
- CHU de Bordeaux, hôpital Haut-Lévêque, centre coordonnateur ENDOCAN-COMETE, service d'endocrinologie, Pessac, France
| | - Jérôme Bertherat
- CHU Paris Centre, hôpital Cochin, centre coordonnateur ENDOCAN-COMETE, service d'endocrinologie, Paris, France
| | - Eric Baudin
- Gustave-Roussy Cancer Campus, centre coordonnateur ENDOCAN-COMETE, service de cancérologie endocrine, Villejuif, France
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20
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Kenney L, Hughes M. Adrenocortical Carcinoma: Role of Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Therapy. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 2023; 32:279-287. [PMID: 36925185 DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2022.10.005] [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: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is limited by few existing trials, most of which are retrospective. The drug mitotane has been used for the treatment of ACC, although existing guidelines only support its use in high risk of recurrence. The first phase 3 trial involving systemic chemotherapy for ACC supports the use of etoposide, doxorubicin, cisplatin, and mitotane for combination therapy. No significant breakthrough has been discovered thus far in of targeted and immunotherapies. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is only used to allow for complete surgical resection because complete excision is the definitive treatment of ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Kenney
- Department of Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 825 Fairfax Avenue, Suite 610, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA.
| | - Marybeth Hughes
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 825 Fairfax Avenue, Suite 610, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
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21
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Padua TCD, Marandino L, Raggi D, Hallanger-Johnson J, Kutikov A, Spiess PE, Necchi A. A Systematic Review of Published Clinical Trials in the Systemic Treatment of Adrenocortical Carcinoma: An Initiative Led on Behalf of the Global Society of Rare Genitourinary Tumors. Clin Genitourin Cancer 2023; 21:1-7. [PMID: 36376169 DOI: 10.1016/j.clgc.2022.10.011] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a very rare endocrine cancer and is associated with a poor prognosis. There is a paucity of randomized clinical trials for this rare disease. We aimed to perform a systematic review of the literature on systemic therapy options in different stages of ACC. A systematic review was performed using Pubmed and Embase databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A total of 24 trials of systemic therapy in the treatment of ACC were identified and included in this review. Only one clinical trial in the adjuvant setting was identified, the negative phase III trial ADIUVO, which tested mitotane in low to intermediate-risk ACC patients. In the treatment of advanced ACC, cisplatin-based chemotherapy was evaluated in small and non-randomized phase II trials, and response rates ranged from 21% to 53.5%. The phase III trial FIRM-ACT compared etoposide, doxorubicin, cisplatin, and mitotane versus treatment with streptozotocin and mitotane and showed no difference in OS, but higher RR and PFS were reported with the multi-drug regimen. Six clinical trials of immunotherapy and seven studies of targeted therapy in advanced ACC were included, with modest activity and no phase 3 trials were identified. Treatment recommendations of ACC are based on retrospective and small studies with limited systemic therapy options. International and multi-center collaboration is essential to expand clinical research and improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Marandino
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, MI, Italy
| | - Daniele Raggi
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, MI, Italy
| | | | - Alexander Kutikov
- Division of Urology and Urologic Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Philippe E Spiess
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Andrea Necchi
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, MI, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, MI, Italy
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22
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Predicting Microenvironment in CXCR4- and FAP-Positive Solid Tumors-A Pan-Cancer Machine Learning Workflow for Theranostic Target Structures. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020392. [PMID: 36672341 PMCID: PMC9856808 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 4 (CXCR4) and Fibroblast Activation Protein Alpha (FAP) are promising theranostic targets. However, it is unclear whether CXCR4 and FAP positivity mark distinct microenvironments, especially in solid tumors. (2) Methods: Using Random Forest (RF) analysis, we searched for entity-independent mRNA and microRNA signatures related to CXCR4 and FAP overexpression in our pan-cancer cohort from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database-representing n = 9242 specimens from 29 tumor entities. CXCR4- and FAP-positive samples were assessed via StringDB cluster analysis, EnrichR, Metascape, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Findings were validated via correlation analyses in n = 1541 tumor samples. TIMER2.0 analyzed the association of CXCR4 / FAP expression and infiltration levels of immune-related cells. (3) Results: We identified entity-independent CXCR4 and FAP gene signatures representative for the majority of solid cancers. While CXCR4 positivity marked an immune-related microenvironment, FAP overexpression highlighted an angiogenesis-associated niche. TIMER2.0 analysis confirmed characteristic infiltration levels of CD8+ cells for CXCR4-positive tumors and endothelial cells for FAP-positive tumors. (4) Conclusions: CXCR4- and FAP-directed PET imaging could provide a non-invasive decision aid for entity-agnostic treatment of microenvironment in solid malignancies. Moreover, this machine learning workflow can easily be transferred towards other theranostic targets.
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23
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Deng Y, Li H, Fu J, Pu Y, Zhang Y, Chen S, Tong S, Liu H. A hypoxia risk score for prognosis prediction and tumor microenvironment in adrenocortical carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:796681. [PMID: 36583015 PMCID: PMC9792869 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.796681] [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] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignant endocrine tumor derived from the adrenal cortex. Because of its highly aggressive nature, the prognosis of patients with adrenocortical carcinoma is not impressive. Hypoxia exists in the vast majority of solid tumors and contributes to invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. This study aimed to reveal the role of hypoxia in Adrenocortical carcinoma and develop a hypoxia risk score (HRS) for Adrenocortical carcinoma prognostic prediction. Methods: Hypoxia-related genes were obtained from the Molecular Signatures Database. The training cohorts of patients with adrenocortical carcinoma were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas, while another three validation cohorts with comprehensive survival data were collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus. In addition, we constructed a hypoxia classifier using a random survival forest model. Moreover, we explored the relationship between the hypoxia risk score and immunophenotype in adrenocortical carcinoma to evaluate the efficacy of immune check inhibitors (ICI) therapy and prognosis of patients. Results: HRS and tumor stage were identified as independent prognostic factors. HRS was negatively correlated with immune cycle activity, immune cell infiltration, and the T cell inflammatory score. Therefore, we considered the low hypoxia risk score group as the inflammatory immunophenotype, whereas the high HRS group was a non-inflammatory immunophenotype. In addition, the HRS was negatively related to the expression of common immune checkpoint molecules such as PD-L1, CD200, CTLA-4, and TIGIT, suggesting that patients with a lower hypoxia risk score respond better to immunotherapy. Conclusion: We developed and validated a novel hypoxia risk score to predict the immunophenotype and response of patients with adrenocortical carcinoma to immune check inhibitors therapy. These findings not only provide fresh prognostic indicators for adrenocortical carcinoma but also offer several promising treatment targets for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Deng
- Department of Geriatric Endocrine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huihuang Li
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jinglan Fu
- Department of Geriatric Endocrine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Pu
- Department of Geriatric Endocrine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Endocrine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shijing Chen
- Department of Geriatric Endocrine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shiyu Tong
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China,*Correspondence: Huixia Liu, ; Shiyu Tong,
| | - Huixia Liu
- Department of Geriatric Endocrine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China,*Correspondence: Huixia Liu, ; Shiyu Tong,
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24
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Kim AE, Nelson A, Stimpert K, Flyckt RL, Thirumavalavan N, Baker KC, Weinmann SC, Hoimes CJ. Minding the Bathwater: Fertility and Reproductive Toxicity in the Age of Immuno-Oncology. JCO Oncol Pract 2022; 18:815-822. [PMID: 36174117 PMCID: PMC10166412 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibition has resulted in significant efficacy across many cancer types, including melanoma. Melanoma is the second most common cancer among those of reproductive age, yet the reproductive toxicities of adjuvant and first-line immunotherapy are largely unknown.The normal innate and adaptive immune systems play a vital role in reproductive organ homeostasis of men and women and are essential for implantation, fertility, and a successful pregnancy. The programmed cell death-1 receptor/programmed cell death receptor ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) pathway is essential in several aspects of fertility and pregnancy. Recent studies have largely focused on the role of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in fetomaternal tolerance, highlighting the importance of intact immune regulation in promoting a successful pregnancy.In this review, we describe a case of a reproductive-aged female with stage IIIC melanoma who sought guidance on family planning after pembrolizumab therapy. We discuss the known fertility-related toxicities of immune checkpoint inhibitors, the potential targets for reproductive toxicity in males and nonpregnant females, and the implications of anti-PD-1 therapy in relation to fetomaternal tolerance. Informed decision making will benefit from data and consensus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E. Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Ariel Nelson
- University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Kyle Stimpert
- University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
- VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, Cleveland, OH
| | | | - Nannan Thirumavalavan
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | | | - Sophia C. Weinmann
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Duke University, Durham, NC
- Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Christopher J. Hoimes
- Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Duke University, Durham, NC
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC
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25
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Lerario AM, Mohan DR, Hammer GD. Update on Biology and Genomics of Adrenocortical Carcinomas: Rationale for Emerging Therapies. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:1051-1073. [PMID: 35551369 PMCID: PMC9695111 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnac012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The adrenal glands are paired endocrine organs that produce steroid hormones and catecholamines required for life. Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and often fatal cancer of the peripheral domain of the gland, the adrenal cortex. Recent research in adrenal development, homeostasis, and disease have refined our understanding of the cellular and molecular programs controlling cortical growth and renewal, uncovering crucial clues into how physiologic programs are hijacked in early and late stages of malignant neoplasia. Alongside these studies, genome-wide approaches to examine adrenocortical tumors have transformed our understanding of ACC biology, and revealed that ACC is composed of distinct molecular subtypes associated with favorable, intermediate, and dismal clinical outcomes. The homogeneous transcriptional and epigenetic programs prevailing in each ACC subtype suggest likely susceptibility to any of a plethora of existing and novel targeted agents, with the caveat that therapeutic response may ultimately be limited by cancer cell plasticity. Despite enormous biomedical research advances in the last decade, the only potentially curative therapy for ACC to date is primary surgical resection, and up to 75% of patients will develop metastatic disease refractory to standard-of-care adjuvant mitotane and cytotoxic chemotherapy. A comprehensive, integrated, and current bench-to-bedside understanding of our field's investigations into adrenocortical physiology and neoplasia is crucial to developing novel clinical tools and approaches to equip the one-in-a-million patient fighting this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Marcondes Lerario
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2200, USA
| | - Dipika R Mohan
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2200, USA
| | - Gary D Hammer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2200, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2200, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2200, USA
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2200, USA
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26
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Muzzi JCD, Magno JM, Souza JS, Alvarenga LM, de Moura JF, Figueiredo BC, Castro MAA. Comprehensive Characterization of the Regulatory Landscape of Adrenocortical Carcinoma: Novel Transcription Factors and Targets Associated with Prognosis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5279. [PMID: 36358698 PMCID: PMC9657296 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
We reconstructed a transcriptional regulatory network for adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) using transcriptomic and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-ACC cohort. We investigated the association of transcriptional regulatory units (regulons) with overall survival, molecular phenotypes, and immune signatures. We annotated the ACC regulons with cancer hallmarks and assessed single sample regulon activities in the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors (ENSAT) cohort. We found 369 regulons associated with overall survival and subdivided them into four clusters: RC1 and RC2, associated with good prognosis, and RC3 and RC4, associated with worse outcomes. The RC1 and RC3 regulons were highly correlated with the 'Steroid Phenotype,' while the RC2 and RC4 regulons were highly correlated with a molecular proliferation signature. We selected two regulons, NR5A1 (steroidogenic factor 1, SF-1) and CENPA (Centromeric Protein A), that were consistently associated with overall survival for further downstream analyses. The CENPA regulon was the primary regulator of MKI-67 (a marker of proliferation KI-67), while the NR5A1 regulon is a well-described transcription factor (TF) in ACC tumorigenesis. We also found that the ZBTB4 (Zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 4) regulon, which is negatively associated with CENPA in our transcriptional regulatory network, is also a druggable anti-tumorigenic TF. We anticipate that the ACC regulons may be used as a reference for further investigations concerning the complex molecular interactions in ACC tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- João C. D. Muzzi
- Laboratório de Imunoquímica (LIMQ), Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia, Parasitologia e Patologia, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81530-990, Brazil
- Laboratório de Bioinformática e Biologia de Sistemas, Pós-Graduação em Bioinformática, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81520-260, Brazil
- Oncology Division, Instituto de Pesquisa Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba 80250-060, Brazil
| | - Jéssica M. Magno
- Laboratório de Bioinformática e Biologia de Sistemas, Pós-Graduação em Bioinformática, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81520-260, Brazil
- Oncology Division, Instituto de Pesquisa Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba 80250-060, Brazil
| | - Jean S. Souza
- Oncology Division, Instituto de Pesquisa Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba 80250-060, Brazil
| | - Larissa M. Alvarenga
- Laboratório de Imunoquímica (LIMQ), Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia, Parasitologia e Patologia, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81530-990, Brazil
| | - Juliana F. de Moura
- Laboratório de Imunoquímica (LIMQ), Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia, Parasitologia e Patologia, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81530-990, Brazil
| | - Bonald C. Figueiredo
- Oncology Division, Instituto de Pesquisa Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba 80250-060, Brazil
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Centro de Genética Molecular e Pesquisa do Câncer em Crianças (CEGEMPAC), Curitiba 80030-110, Brazil
| | - Mauro A. A. Castro
- Laboratório de Bioinformática e Biologia de Sistemas, Pós-Graduação em Bioinformática, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81520-260, Brazil
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27
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Wilmouth JJ, Olabe J, Garcia-Garcia D, Lucas C, Guiton R, Roucher-Boulez F, Dufour D, Damon-Soubeyrand C, Sahut-Barnola I, Pointud JC, Renaud Y, Levasseur A, Tauveron I, Lefrançois-Martinez AM, Martinez A, Val P. Sexually dimorphic activation of innate antitumor immunity prevents adrenocortical carcinoma development. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eadd0422. [PMID: 36240276 PMCID: PMC9565812 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add0422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Unlike most cancers, adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs) are more frequent in women than in men, but the underlying mechanisms of this sexual dimorphism remain elusive. Here, we show that inactivation of Znrf3 in the mouse adrenal cortex, recapitulating the most frequent alteration in ACC patients, is associated with sexually dimorphic tumor progression. Although female knockouts develop metastatic carcinomas at 18 months, adrenal hyperplasia regresses in male knockouts. This male-specific phenotype is associated with androgen-dependent induction of senescence, recruitment, and differentiation of highly phagocytic macrophages that clear out senescent cells. In contrast, in females, macrophage recruitment is delayed and dampened, which allows for aggressive tumor progression. Consistently, analysis of TCGA-ACC data shows that phagocytic macrophages are more prominent in men and are associated with better prognosis. Together, these data show that phagocytic macrophages are key players in the sexual dimorphism of ACC that could be previously unidentified allies in the fight against this devastating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J. Wilmouth
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Julie Olabe
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Diana Garcia-Garcia
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Cécily Lucas
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Rachel Guiton
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Florence Roucher-Boulez
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, UM Pathologies Endocriniennes, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Damien Dufour
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Christelle Damon-Soubeyrand
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Isabelle Sahut-Barnola
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Pointud
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Yoan Renaud
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Adrien Levasseur
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Igor Tauveron
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Endocrinologie Diabétologie CHU Clermont Ferrand, 58 rue Montalembert, F63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Anne-Marie Lefrançois-Martinez
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Antoine Martinez
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Pierre Val
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Lippert J, Fassnacht M, Ronchi CL. The role of molecular profiling in adrenocortical carcinoma. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2022; 97:460-472. [PMID: 34750847 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, aggressive cancer with still partially unknown pathogenesis, heterogenous clinical behaviour and no effective treatment for advanced stages. Therefore, there is an urgent clinical unmet need for better prognostication strategies, innovative therapies and significant improvement of the management of the individual patients. In this review, we summarize available studies on molecular prognostic markers and markers predictive of response to standard therapies as well as newly proposed drug targets in sporadic ACC. We include in vitro studies and available clinical trials, focusing on alterations at the DNA, RNA and epigenetic levels. We also discuss the potential of biomarkers to be implemented in a clinical routine workflow for improved ACC patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Lippert
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Cristina L Ronchi
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK
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Jiang Y, Yang Y, Hu Y, Yang R, Huang J, Liu Y, Wu Y, Li S, Ma C, Humphries F, Wang B, Wang X, Hu Z, Yang S. Gasdermin D restricts anti-tumor immunity during PD-L1 checkpoint blockade. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111553. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Cremaschi V, Abate A, Cosentini D, Grisanti S, Rossini E, Laganà M, Tamburello M, Turla A, Sigala S, Berruti A. Advances in adrenocortical carcinoma pharmacotherapy: what is the current state of the art? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:1413-1424. [PMID: 35876101 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2106128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Surgery, followed or not by adjuvant mitotane, is the current mainstay of therapy for patients with early-stage adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). Mitotane, either alone or in association with EDP (Etoposide-Doxorubicin-Cisplatin) combination chemotherapy, is the standard approach for patients with metastatic ACC. AREAS COVERED The activity of newer cytotoxic drugs, radioligands, targeted therapies and immunotherapy, both in preclinical and in clinical studies, will be reviewed in this paper. EXPERT OPINION ADIUVO trial revealed that the administration of adjuvant mitotane is not advantageous in patients with good prognosis. Future strategies are to intensify efforts in adjuvant setting in patients with high risk of relapse. In patients with advanced/metastatic disease, modern targeted therapies have shown significant cytotoxicity in preclinical studies, however, studies in ACC patients reported disappointing results so far. The absence of targeted agents specifically inhibiting the major molecular pathways of ACC growth is the main cause of the failure of these drugs. Since ACC is often antigenic but poorly immunogenic, the results of immunotherapy trials appeared inferior to those achieved in the management of patients with other malignancies. Radioligand therapy may also be a promising approach. Combination of chemotherapy plus immunotherapy could be interesting to be tested in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Cremaschi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Abate
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Deborah Cosentini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Salvatore Grisanti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisa Rossini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marta Laganà
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mariangela Tamburello
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonella Turla
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sandra Sigala
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alfredo Berruti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
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Targeted Therapy for Adrenocortical Carcinoma: A Genomic-Based Search for Available and Emerging Options. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112721. [PMID: 35681700 PMCID: PMC9179357 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
In rare diseases such as adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), in silico analysis can help select promising therapy options. We screened all drugs approved by the FDA and those in current clinical studies to identify drugs that target genomic alterations, also known to be present in patients with ACC. We identified FDA-approved drugs in the My Cancer Genome and National Cancer Institute databases and identified genetic alterations that could predict drug response. In total, 155 FDA-approved drugs and 905 drugs in clinical trials were identified and linked to 375 genes of 89 TCGA patients. The most frequent potentially targetable genetic alterations included TP53 (20%), BRD9 (13%), TERT (13%), CTNNB1 (13%), CDK4 (7%), FLT4 (7%), and MDM2 (7%). We identified TP53-modulating drugs to be possibly effective in 20-26% of patients, followed by the Wnt signaling pathway inhibitors (15%), Telomelysin and INO5401 (13%), FHD-609 (13%), etc. According to our data, 67% of ACC patients exhibited genomic alterations that might be targeted by FDA-approved drugs or drugs being tested in current clinical trials. Although there are not many current therapy options directly targeting reported ACC alterations, this study identifies emerging options that could be tested in clinical trials.
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Cherri S, Oneda E, Noventa S, Melocchi L, Zaniboni A. Microsatellite instability and chemosensitivity in solid tumours. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2022; 14:17588359221099347. [PMID: 35620236 PMCID: PMC9127927 DOI: 10.1177/17588359221099347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of biomarkers that influence a targeted choice in cancer treatments is the future of medical oncology. Within this scenario, in recent years, an important role has been played by knowledge of microsatellite instability (MSI), a molecular fingerprint that identifies defects in the mismatch repair system. This knowledge has changed clinical practice in the adjuvant setting of colon cancer, and its role in the neoadjuvant setting in gastric tumours is becoming increasingly interesting, as well as in endometrial cancers in both early and advanced diseases. Furthermore, it has undoubtedly conditioned the first lines of treatment in the metastatic setting in different types of cancers. The incidence of MSI is different in different cancer types, as well as in early cancers versus metastatic disease. Knowing the incidence of MSI in the various histologies can provide insight into the potential use of this biomarker considering its prognostic value, especially in the early stages, and its predictive role with respect to treatment response. In particular, MSI can guide the choice of chemotherapy treatments in the adjuvant setting of colon and perioperative setting in gastric tumours, which could lead to immunotherapy treatments in these patients in both the early stages of the disease and the metastatic setting where the response to immunotherapy drugs in diseases with MSI is now well established. In this review, we focus on colon, gastric and endometrial cancers, and we briefly discuss other cancer types where MSI could have a potential role in oncological treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cherri
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Fondazione Poliambulanza, Via bissolati 57, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Ester Oneda
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Fondazione Poliambulanza, Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvia Noventa
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Fondazione Poliambulanza, Brescia, Italy
| | - Laura Melocchi
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Fondazione Poliambulanza, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Zaniboni
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Fondazione Poliambulanza, Brescia, Italy
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Guven DC, Stephen B, Sahin TK, Cakir IY, Erul E, Aksoy S. The Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Rare Tumors: A Systematic Review of Published Clinical Trials. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2022; 174:103700. [PMID: 35533815 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) entered treatment algorithms in most tumors. However, the data on the efficacy is limited in rare tumors with no phase III studies. We systemically reviewed the clinical trials evaluating the ICI efficacy in rare tumors and included a total of 47 clinical trials in this review. The ICIs demonstrated over 30% response rates in Merkel cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and became the standard of care. Additionally, the ICI efficacy was promising in thymic epithelial tumors and gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. In contrast, the ICI efficacy is limited in most sarcomas, germ cell tumors and low-grade neuroendocrine tumors. The ICI efficacy seemed to be improved with combinations targeting tumor microenvironment in sarcomas. The available evidence on ICI efficacy in rare tumors denote a need for better patient selection and novel combination strategies to improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Can Guven
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Bettzy Stephen
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
| | - Taha Koray Sahin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Yahya Cakir
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Enes Erul
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sercan Aksoy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
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Sánchez JC, Iglesias P. Papel de la inmunoterapia en el tratamiento del cáncer endocrino. ENDOCRINOL DIAB NUTR 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.endinu.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Sánchez JC, Iglesias P. The role of immunotherapy in endocrine cancer treatment. ENDOCRINOL DIAB NUTR 2022; 69:313-315. [PMID: 35624064 DOI: 10.1016/j.endien.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Cristóbal Sánchez
- Servicio de Oncología Médica, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Puerta de Hierro Segovia de Arana (IDIPHISA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Iglesias
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Puerta de Hierro Segovia de Arana (IDIPHISA), Madrid, Spain; Servicio de Endocrinología, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
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Lavoie JM, Csizmok V, Williamson LM, Culibrk L, Wang G, Marra MA, Laskin J, Jones SJM, Renouf DJ, Kollmannsberger CK. Whole-genome and transcriptome analysis of advanced adrenocortical cancer highlights multiple alterations affecting epigenome and DNA repair pathways. Cold Spring Harb Mol Case Stud 2022; 8:mcs.a006148. [PMID: 35483882 PMCID: PMC9059790 DOI: 10.1101/mcs.a006148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenocortical cancer (ACC) is a rare cancer of the adrenal gland. Several driver mutations have been identified in both primary and metastatic ACCs, but the therapeutic options are still limited. We performed whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing on seven patients with metastatic ACC. Integrative analysis of mutations, RNA expression changes, mutation signature, and homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) analysis was performed. Mutations affecting CTNNB1 and TP53 and frequent loss of heterozygosity (LOH) events were observed in our cohort. Alterations affecting genes involved in cell cycle (RB1, CDKN2A, CDKN2B), DNA repair pathways (MUTYH, BRCA2, ATM, RAD52, MLH1, MSH6), and telomere maintenance (TERF2 and TERT) consisting of somatic and germline mutations, structural variants, and expression outliers were also observed. HRDetect, which aggregates six HRD-associated mutation signatures, identified a subset of cases as HRD. Genomic alterations affecting genes involved in epigenetic regulation were also identified, including structural variants (SWI/SNF genes and histone methyltransferases), and copy gains and concurrent high expression of KDM5A, which may contribute to epigenomic deregulation. Findings from this study highlight HRD and epigenomic pathways as potential therapeutic targets and suggest a subgroup of patients may benefit from a diverse array of molecularly targeted therapies in ACC, a rare disease in urgent need of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Michel Lavoie
- Department of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer, Surrey, British Columbia V3V 1Z2, Canada
| | - Veronika Csizmok
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4E6, Canada
| | - Laura M Williamson
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4E6, Canada
| | - Luka Culibrk
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4E6, Canada
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4E6, Canada
| | - Marco A Marra
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4E6, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Janessa Laskin
- Department of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4E6, Canada
| | - Steven J M Jones
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4E6, Canada
| | - Daniel J Renouf
- Department of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4E6, Canada
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Yu X, Zhu D, Luo B, Kou W, Cheng Y, Zhu Y. IFNγ enhances ferroptosis by increasing JAK‑STAT pathway activation to suppress SLCA711 expression in adrenocortical carcinoma. Oncol Rep 2022; 47:97. [PMID: 35322867 PMCID: PMC8968764 DOI: 10.3892/or.2022.8308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare type of tumor with a poor prognosis. Ferroptosis is a relatively novel form of programmed cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation accumulation. Recent evidence suggests that IFNγ facilitates erastin-induced ferroptosis, which contributed to anticancer therapy in various types of cancer. However, it has remained elusive whether the regulation of IFNγ on ferroptosis has a positive role in the treatment of ACC. Thus, the aim of the present study was to explore the effects of IFNγ on erastin-induced ferroptosis in the ACC cell line NCI-H295R and investigate the underlying mechanisms. Cell viability was assessed using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, an ethynyldioxyuridine proliferation assay and Live/Dead staining. The levels of iron, reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial damage were also assessed. Western blot and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analyses were used to determine the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in the erastin-induced ferroptosis of NCI-H295R cells. The results suggested that IFNγ promoted erastin-induced ferroptotic cell death. Furthermore, IFNγ enhanced erastin-induced ferroptosis, as evidenced by the accumulation of iron, as well as the increase in lipid peroxidation and promotion of mitochondrial damage. Further analysis suggested that IFNγ enhanced ferroptosis by suppressing the expression of solute carrier family 7 member 11, an important negative regulator of ferroptosis, and this was achieved via activation of the JAK/STAT pathway in NCI-H295R cells. The present study provided experimental evidence on the activity and mechanism of ferroptosis enhanced by IFNγ in ACC and may give critical insight into the immunotherapeutic management of ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinbo Yu
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Dandan Zhu
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Bixian Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Wei Kou
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Yuling Cheng
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Yu Zhu
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
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Hahner S, Hartrampf PE, Mihatsch PW, Nauerz M, Heinze B, Hänscheid H, Teresa Fuß C, Werner RA, Pamporaki C, Kroiss M, Fassnacht M, Buck AK, Schirbel A. Targeting 11-Beta Hydroxylase With [131I]IMAZA: A Novel Approach for the Treatment of Advanced Adrenocortical Carcinoma. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e1348-e1355. [PMID: 34904171 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine malignancy with limited treatment options. Theranostic approaches with adrenal specific radiotracers hold promise for improved diagnostics and treatment. OBJECTIVE Here, we report a new theranostic approach to advanced ACC applying (R)-1-[1-(4-[123I]iodophenyl)ethyl]-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylic acid azetidinyl amide ([123I]IMAZA) for diagnostic imaging and [131I]IMAZA for radionuclide therapy. METHODS Sixty-nine patients with nonresectable, metastatic ACCs were screened using a diagnostic [123I]IMAZA scan. Patients with significant uptake in all tumoral lesions were offered treatment with [131I]IMAZA. Tumor response was assessed according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST version 1.1), and adverse effects were assessed by Common Toxicity Criteria (version 5.0). RESULTS After screening, 13 patients were treated with a median of 25.7 GBq [131I]IMAZA (range 18.1-30.7 GBq). Five individuals received a second treatment course. Best response was a decrease in the RECIST target lesions of -26% in 2 patients. Five patients with disease stabilization experienced a median progression-free survival of 14.3 months (range 8.3-21.9). Median overall survival in all patients was 14.1 months (4.0-56.5) after therapy. Treatment was well tolerated, in other words no severe toxicities (CTCAE grade ≥3) were observed. CONCLUSION In patients with advanced ACC refractory to standard therapeutic regimens, [131I]IMAZA treatment was associated with disease stabilization and nonsignificant tumor size reduction in a significant patient fraction and only limited toxicities. High [131I]IMAZA-uptake in tumor lesions was observed in 38.5% of patients with advanced ACC, rendering [131I] IMAZA a potential treatment option in a limited, well-defined patient fraction. Further clinical trials will be necessary to evaluate the full potential of this novel theranostic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Hahner
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philipp E Hartrampf
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Patrick W Mihatsch
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marc Nauerz
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Britta Heinze
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Heribert Hänscheid
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carmina Teresa Fuß
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rudolf A Werner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christina Pamporaki
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, University of Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Matthias Kroiss
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Ziemssenstraße 5, D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas K Buck
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schirbel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
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Srougi V, Bancos I, Daher M, Lee JE, Graham PH, Karam JA, Henriquez A, Mckenzie TJ, Sada A, Bourdeau I, Poirier J, Vaidya A, Abbondanza T, Kiernan CM, Rao SN, Hamidi O, Sachithanandan N, Hoff AO, Chambo JL, Almeida MQ, Habra MA, Fragoso MCBV. Cytoreductive Surgery of the Primary Tumor in Metastatic Adrenocortical Carcinoma: Impact on Patients' Survival. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:964-971. [PMID: 34850915 PMCID: PMC9122637 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The role of cytoreduction of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To analyze the impact of cytoreductive surgery of the primary tumor in patients with metastatic ACC. DESIGN AND SETTING We performed a multicentric, retrospective paired cohort study comparing the overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic ACC who were treated either with cytoreductive surgery (CR group) or without cytoreductive surgery (no-CR group) of the primary tumor. Data were retrieved from 9 referral centers in the American-Australian-Asian Adrenal Alliance collaborative research group. PATIENTS Patients aged ≥18 years with metastatic ACC at initial presentation who were treated between January 1, 1995, and May 31, 2019. INTERVENTION Performance (or not) of cytoreductive surgery of the primary tumor. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES A propensity score match was done using age and the number of organs with metastasis (≤2 or >2). The main outcome was OS, determined from the date of diagnosis until death or until last follow-up for living patients. RESULTS Of 339 patients pooled, 239 were paired and included: 128 in the CR group and 111 in the no-CR group. The mean follow-up was 67 months. Patients in the no-CR group had greater risk of death than did patients in the CR group (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.18; 95% CI, 2.34-4.32). Independent predictors of survival included age (HR = 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.03), hormone excess (HR = 2.56; 95% CI, 1.66-3.92), and local metastasis therapy (HR = 0.41; 95% CI, 0.47-0.65). CONCLUSION Cytoreductive surgery of the primary tumor in patients with metastatic ACC is associated with prolonged survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Srougi
- Division of Urology, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Division of Urology, Hospital Moriah, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Irina Bancos
- Division of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Marilyne Daher
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey E Lee
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Paul H Graham
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jose A Karam
- Department of Urology and Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Travis J Mckenzie
- Division of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Alaa Sada
- Division of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Isabelle Bourdeau
- Division of Endocrinology and Research Center, Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jonathan Poirier
- Division of Endocrinology and Research Center, Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Anand Vaidya
- Center for Adrenal Disorders, Division of Endocrinology Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tiffany Abbondanza
- Center for Adrenal Disorders, Division of Endocrinology Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Colleen M Kiernan
- Division of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sarika N Rao
- Division of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Oksana Hamidi
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Nirupa Sachithanandan
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ana O Hoff
- Unidade de Suprarrenal, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose L Chambo
- Division of Urology, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Madson Q Almeida
- Unidade de Suprarrenal, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mouhammed Amir Habra
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria C B V Fragoso
- Unidade de Suprarrenal, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Jimenez C, Armaiz-Pena G, Dahia PLM, Lu Y, Toledo RA, Varghese J, Habra MA. Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Tumors Special Issue—Checkpoint Inhibitors for Adrenocortical Carcinoma and Metastatic Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma: Do They Work? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030467. [PMID: 35158739 PMCID: PMC8833823 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adrenocortical cancers and metastatic pheochromocytomas are the most common malignancies originating in the adrenal glands. Metastatic paragangliomas are extra-adrenal tumors that share similar genetic and molecular profiles with metastatic pheochromocytomas and, subsequently, these tumors are studied together. Adrenocortical cancers and metastatic pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are orphan diseases with limited therapeutic options worldwide. As in any other cancers, adrenocortical cancers and metastatic pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas avoid the immune system. Hypoxia-pseudohypoxia, activation of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, and/or microsatellite instability suggest that immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors could be a therapeutic option for patients with these tumors. The results of clinical trials with checkpoint inhibitors for adrenocortical carcinoma or metastatic pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma demonstrate limited benefits; nevertheless, these results also suggest interesting mechanisms that might enhance clinical responses to checkpoint inhibitors. These mechanisms include the normalization of tumor vasculature, modification of the hormonal environment, and vaccination with specific tumor antigens. Combinations of checkpoint inhibitors with classical therapies, such as chemotherapy, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, radiopharmaceuticals, and/or novel therapies, such as vaccines, should be evaluated in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Jimenez
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (J.V.); (M.A.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Gustavo Armaiz-Pena
- Division of Endocrinology, Department Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA;
| | - Patricia L. M. Dahia
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA;
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Yang Lu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Rodrigo A. Toledo
- CIBERONC, Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Tumors, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Centro Cellex, 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Jeena Varghese
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (J.V.); (M.A.H.)
| | - Mouhammed Amir Habra
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (J.V.); (M.A.H.)
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Multiplatform computational analysis of mast cells in adrenocortical carcinoma tumor microenvironment. Surgery 2022; 171:111-118. [PMID: 34261605 PMCID: PMC9941782 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2021.04.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapeutic response failure of adrenocortical carcinomas highlights a need for novel strategies targeting immune cell populations in the tumor microenvironment to overcome tumor resistance and enhance therapeutic response. A recent study explored a new link between tumor mast cell infiltration and improved outcomes in patients with adrenocortical carcinomas. We further dissect the role of mast cells in the tumor microenvironment of adrenocortical carcinomas by examining the tumor mast cell expression signatures and mast cell activity within the tumor microenvironment to provide additional insight into potential novel immunotherapeutic targets. METHODS Using the CIBERSORTx computational immunogenomic deconvolution algorithm to analyze adrenocortical carcinoma tumor gene messenger RNA expression data (The Cancer Genome Atlas, N = 79), we estimated the abundance of tumor immune infiltrating mast cells and assessed prognostic potential of mast cell signaling genes as pro or antitumor signatures, as well as examined the impact on overall and disease-free survival. RESULTS We stratified mast cell signaling genes with survival prognostic values (overall survival, disease-free survival, P < .05) into antitumor (ALOX5, CCL2, CCL5, CXCL10, HDC, IL16, TNF, TPSAB1, VEGFD) and protumor (CXCL1, CXCL3, CXCL8, IL4, IL13, PTGS3, TNSF4, VEGFD) groups. Antitumor mast cell signature, as the predominant phenotype, was associated with improved overall and disease-free survival. CONCLUSION The deconvolution analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas data identified mast cell infiltration in the adrenocortical carcinoma microenvironment as predominantly associated with antitumor activity. Future studies stemming from our findings may help define the role of mast cells in the tumor microenvironment and the impact on patient survival in patients with adrenocortical carcinomas. Modulation of tumor mast cell infiltration may serve as a potential target for novel synergistic immunotherapies for the treatment and improved survival of patients with adrenocortical carcinomas.
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Baechle JJ, Hanna DN, Sekhar KR, Rathmell JC, Rathmell WK, Baregamian N. Integrative computational immunogenomic profiling of cortisol-secreting adrenocortical carcinoma. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:10061-10072. [PMID: 34664400 PMCID: PMC8572764 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare but highly aggressive malignancy. Nearly half of ACC tumours overproduce and secrete adrenal steroids. Excess cortisol secretion, in particular, has been associated with poor prognosis among ACC patients. Furthermore, recent immunotherapy clinical trials have demonstrated significant immunoresistance among cortisol‐secreting ACC (CS‐ACC) patients when compared to their non‐cortisol‐secreting (nonCS‐ACC) counterparts. The immunosuppressive role of excess glucocorticoid therapies and hypersecretion is known; however, the impact of the cortisol hypersecretion on ACC tumour microenvironment (TME), immune expression profiles and immune cell responses remain largely undefined. In this study, we characterized the TME of ACC patients and compared the immunogenomic profiles of nonCS‐ACC and CS‐ACC tumours to assess the impact of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by utilizing The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Immunogenomic comparison (CS‐ vs. nonCS‐ACC tumour TMEs) demonstrated an immunosuppressive expression profile with a direct impact on patient survival. We identified several primary prognostic indicators and potential targets within ACC tumour immune landscape. Differentially expressed immune genes with prognostic significance provide additional insight into the understanding of potential contributory mechanisms underlying failure of initial immunotherapeutic trials and poor prognosis of patients with CS‐ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David N Hanna
- Division of Surgical Oncology & Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Konjeti R Sekhar
- Division of Surgical Oncology & Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jeffrey C Rathmell
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - W Kimryn Rathmell
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Naira Baregamian
- Division of Surgical Oncology & Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Guigay J, Lee KW, Patel MR, Daste A, Wong DJ, Goel S, Gordon MS, Gutierrez M, Balmanoukian A, Le Tourneau C, Mita A, Vansteene D, Keilholz U, Schöffski P, Grote HJ, Zhou D, Bajars M, Penel N. Avelumab for platinum-ineligible/refractory recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: phase Ib results from the JAVELIN Solid Tumor trial. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-002998. [PMID: 34663640 PMCID: PMC8524383 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recurrent and/or metastatic (R/M) disease develops in approximately 65% of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and is associated with a poor prognosis. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have proven effective in multiple tumor types, including R/M SCCHN. We report the efficacy and safety of avelumab (antiprogrammed death ligand 1 antibody) in an expansion cohort of patients with platinum-refractory/ineligible R/M SCCHN enrolled in the phase I JAVELIN Solid Tumor trial (NCT01772004). Methods Eligible patients with R/M SCCHN were aged ≥18 years and had received ≥1 line of platinum-based chemotherapy with disease progression or recurrence within 6 months of the last dose or were ineligible for platinum-based chemotherapy. All patients received avelumab 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks. Tumor assessments were carried out by a blinded independent review committee (IRC) and investigators according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors V.1.1 (RECIST 1.1). Key endpoints included best overall response, duration of response (DOR) and progression-free survival (PFS) assessed by IRC and investigator per RECIST 1.1, overall survival (OS), and safety. Results Between April 24, 2015, and November 13, 2015, 153 patients were enrolled. Patients had a median of two prior lines of therapy for metastatic or locally advanced disease (range 0–6); 12 patients (7.8%) were not eligible for platinum-based chemotherapy. At data cut-off (December 31, 2017), the confirmed objective response rate was 9.2% (95% CI 5.1% to 14.9%) assessed by IRC and 13.1% (95% CI 8.2% to 19.5%) assessed by investigator. Median DOR was not reached (95% CI 4.2 to not estimable) based on IRC assessment. Median PFS was 1.4 months (95% CI 1.4 to 2.6) assessed by IRC and 1.8 months (95% CI 1.4 to 2.7) assessed by investigator; median OS was 8.0 months (95% CI 6.5 to 10.2). Any-grade treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 83 patients (54.2%) and were grade ≥3 in 10 patients (6.5%). The most common TRAEs were fatigue (n=19, 12.4%), fever (n=14, 9.2%), pruritus (n=12, 7.8%), and chills (n=11, 7.2%), and there were no treatment-related deaths. Conclusion Avelumab showed clinical activity and was associated with a low rate of grade ≥3 TRAEs in heavily pretreated patients with platinum-refractory/ineligible R/M SCCHN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joël Guigay
- Antoine Lacassagne Cancer Center, FHU OncoAge Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Keun-Wook Lee
- Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Manish R Patel
- Florida Cancer Specialists/Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Sarasota, Florida, USA
| | - Amaury Daste
- Groupe Hospitalier Saint André - Hôpital Saint André, Bordeaux, France
| | - Deborah J Wong
- Department of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sanjay Goel
- Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Martin Gutierrez
- Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ani Balmanoukian
- The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Christophe Le Tourneau
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation, Institut Curie, Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Alain Mita
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Damien Vansteene
- Département d'Oncologie Médicale, Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, site René Gauducheau, Saint Herblain, France
| | | | - Patrick Schöffski
- Department of General Medical Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Oncology, Research Unit Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Dongli Zhou
- Merck Serono (Beijing) Pharmaceutical R&D Co., Ltd., Beijing, China, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Beijing, China
| | | | - Nicolas Penel
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lille University & Oscar Lambret Cancer Center, Lille, France
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Jang A, Adler DM, Rauterkus GP, Bilen MA, Barata PC. Immunotherapies in Genitourinary Oncology: Where Are We Now? Where Are We Going? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205065. [PMID: 34680214 PMCID: PMC8533722 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Genitourinary malignancies include cancers along the urinary tract and the male reproductive tract, encompassing the adrenal glands, kidneys, bladder, prostate, and testicles. Immunotherapy, which treats cancer by using the immune system to attack malignant cells, has historically been successful in treating some types of genitourinary cancers, especially of the bladder and kidney. In the past decade, a more precise method of immunotherapy, known as immune checkpoint inhibition, has gained popularity as it enhances the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy tumor cells. Several immune checkpoint inhibitors have achieved success in patients with advanced genitourinary cancers. This review provides a brief overview of traditional immunotherapies, focuses on how immune checkpoint inhibitors have achieved success in patients with advanced cancers, and investigates the role for immunotherapy in genitourinary malignancies in the future. Abstract For decades, limited options existed to treat metastatic genitourinary cancers, including treatment options that could be classified as immunotherapy. Historically, immunotherapy centered on systemic cytokines for the treatment of metastatic kidney cancer, which had several adverse effects, as well as the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccine for non-metastatic bladder cancer. Within the past decade, advances in immunotherapy have led to several approvals from the United States Food and Drug Administration, particularly in the field of immune checkpoint inhibition. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are now being used extensively to treat multiple solid tumors, including kidney and bladder cancers, and they are also being tested in many other cancers. Despite encouraging data from phase 2/3 clinical trials, less is known about biomarkers that may predict better response to ICIs. The effect of ICIs in genitourinary cancers is heterogeneous, with some tumor types having little clinical data available, or ICIs having limited activity in other tumors. In this review, we briefly discuss approved immunotherapy agents prior to the time of ICIs. Then, given the emergence of this class of agents, we summarize the several important ICIs and the clinical trials that led to their approval. Finally, we mention ongoing and future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Jang
- Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - David M. Adler
- Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | | | - Mehmet A. Bilen
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Pedro C. Barata
- Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
- Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-504-988-1236
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Bedrose S, Miller KC, Altameemi L, Ali MS, Nassar S, Garg N, Daher M, Eaton KD, Yorio JT, Daniel DB, Campbell M, Bible KC, Ryder M, Chintakuntlawar AV, Habra MA. Combined lenvatinib and pembrolizumab as salvage therapy in advanced adrenal cortical carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2020-001009. [PMID: 32737143 PMCID: PMC7394183 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is no effective systemic therapy for metastatic adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC) after failure of platinum-based chemotherapy. The efficacies of single-agent oral multikinase inhibitors (MKIs) or salvage immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) have been very limited. It is unknown whether combining CPIs, such as pembrolizumab (PEM), with other therapies, such as MKIs, could yield higher response rates in ACC, yet this combination has shown promise in other cancers. Herein, we describe the first case series using PEM in combination with the MKI lenvatinib (LEN) in patients with progressive, metastatic ACC. Methods A retrospective case series describing the use of LEN/PEM as salvage therapy in patients with progressive/metastatic ACC. Results Eight patients were treated with the LEN/PEM combination therapy. Half were female, and the median age at time of diagnosis was 38 years (range 21–49). Three (37.5%) patients had hormonally active ACC. The median number of prior lines of systemic therapy was 4 (range 2–9). Six (75%) patients had had disease progression on prior CPIs and five (62.5%) patients had progressed on prior MKI therapy. The median progression-free survival was 5.5 months (95% CI 1.8–not reached) and median duration of therapy was 8.5 months (range 2–22). Two (25%) patients had a partial response, one (12.5%) patient had stable disease, and five (62.5%) patients had progressive disease. None of the eight patients stopped therapy because of adverse events. Conclusions In our small cohort of heavily pretreated patients with ACC, the combination of LEN/PEM was associated with objective responses in a subset of patients without significant toxicity. This combination should be formally investigated in phase II clinical trial with robust correlative studies to identify predictors for response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bedrose
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, Unit 1461, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Lina Altameemi
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, Unit 1461, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mohamed S Ali
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sameh Nassar
- Department of Abdominal Imaging, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Naveen Garg
- Department of Abdominal Imaging, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Marilyne Daher
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, Unit 1461, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Keith D Eaton
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | - Matthew Campbell
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Keith C Bible
- Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mabel Ryder
- Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Mouhammed Amir Habra
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, Unit 1461, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Petrelli F, Consoli F, Ghidini A, Perego G, Luciani A, Mercurio P, Berruti A, Grisanti S. Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Rare Tumours: A Systematic Review. Front Immunol 2021; 12:720748. [PMID: 34616395 PMCID: PMC8488393 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.720748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rare cancers, as defined by the European Union, occur in fewer than 15 out of 100,000 people each year. The International Rare Cancer Consortium defines rare cancer incidence as less than six per 100,000 per year. There is a growing number of reports of the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy in patients with rare tumours, and hence, we conducted a comprehensive review to summarise and analyse the available literature. Methods A literature search of PubMed was performed on January 31, 2021, using the following ICI names as keywords: ipilimumab, tremelimumab, cemiplimab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, avelumab, atezolizumab, and durvalumab. Studies on patients with rare tumours who were being treated with ICIs were included. We plotted the overall response rate against the corresponding median survival across a variety of cancer types using linear regression. Results From 1,255 publications retrieved during the primary search, 62 publications were selected (with a total of 4,620 patients). Only four were randomised trials. A minority were first-line studies, while the remaining were studies in which ICIs were delivered as salvage therapy in pretreated patients. There was a good correlation between response rate and overall survival (Spearman R2 >0.9) in skin cancers, mesothelioma, and sarcomas. Conclusions Treatment of advanced-stage rare tumours with ICI therapy was found to be associated with significant activity in some orphan diseases (e.g., Merkel cell carcinoma) and hepatocellular carcinoma. Several ongoing prospective clinical trials will expand the knowledge on the safety and efficacy of ICI therapy in patients with these rare cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fausto Petrelli
- Oncology Unit, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Bergamo Ovest, Treviglio, Italy
| | - Francesca Consoli
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | | | - Andrea Luciani
- Oncology Unit, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Bergamo Ovest, Treviglio, Italy
| | - Paola Mercurio
- Pathology Unit, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Bergamo Ovest, Treviglio, Italy
| | - Alfredo Berruti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Salvatore Grisanti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Lopez AG, Duparc C, Wils J, Naccache A, Castanet M, Lefebvre H, Louiset E. Steroidogenic cell microenvironment and adrenal function in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 535:111377. [PMID: 34216641 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The human adrenal cortex is a complex organ which is composed of various cell types including not only steroidogenic cells but also mesenchymal cells, immunocompetent cells and neurons. Intermingling of these diverse cell populations favors cell-to-cell communication processes involving local release of numerous bioactive signals such as biogenic amines, cytokines and neuropeptides. The resulting paracrine interactions play an important role in the regulation of adrenocortical cell functions both in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Especially, recent evidence indicates that adrenocortical cell microenvironment is involved in the pathogenesis of adrenal disorders associated with corticosteroid excess. The paracrine factors involved in these intraadrenal regulatory mechanisms may thus represent valuable targets for future pharmacological treatments of adrenal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine-Guy Lopez
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Rouen, France; Rouen University Hospital, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Rouen, France
| | - Céline Duparc
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Rouen, France
| | - Julien Wils
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Rouen, France; Rouen University Hospital, Department of Pharmacology, Rouen, France
| | - Alexandre Naccache
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Rouen, France; Rouen University Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Rouen, France
| | - Mireille Castanet
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Rouen, France; Rouen University Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Rouen, France
| | - Hervé Lefebvre
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Rouen, France; Rouen University Hospital, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Rouen, France.
| | - Estelle Louiset
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Rouen, France
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Kiesewetter B, Riss P, Scheuba C, Mazal P, Kretschmer-Chott E, Haug A, Raderer M. Management of adrenocortical carcinoma: are we making progress? Ther Adv Med Oncol 2021; 13:17588359211038409. [PMID: 34484430 PMCID: PMC8411624 DOI: 10.1177/17588359211038409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy characterized by aggressive
biology and potential endocrine activity. Surgery can offer cure for localized
disease but more than half of patients relapse and primary unresectable or
metastasized disease is frequent. Prognosis of metastatic ACC is still limited,
with less than 15% of patients alive at 5 years. Recent advances in
understanding the molecular profile of ACC underline the high complexity of this
disease, which is characterized by limited drugable molecular targets as well as
by a complex interplay between a yet scarcely understood microenvironment and
potential endocrine activity. Particularly steroid-excess further complicates
therapeutic concepts such as immunotherapy, which have markedly improved outcome
in other disease entities. To date, mitotane remains the only approved drug for
adjuvant and palliative care in ACC. Standard chemotherapy-based protocols with
cisplatin, doxorubicin and etoposide offer only marginal improvement in
long-term outcome and the number of clinical trials conducted is low due to the
rarity of the disease. In the current review, we summarize principles of
oncological management for ACC from localized to advanced disease and discuss
novel therapeutic strategies, including targeted therapies such as tyrosine
kinase inhibitors and antibodies, immunotherapy with a focus on checkpoint
inhibitors, individualized treatment concepts based on molecular
characterization by next generation sequencing methods, the role of theranostics
and evolvement of adjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Kiesewetter
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna, A-1090, Austria
| | - Philipp Riss
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Visceral Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Scheuba
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Visceral Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Mazal
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Alexander Haug
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Raderer
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Uchihara M, Tanioka M, Kojima Y, Nishikawa T, Sudo K, Shimoi T, Noguchi E, Maeshima AM, Yonemori K. Clinical management and outcomes associated with etoposide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin plus mitotane treatment in metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma: a single institute experience. Int J Clin Oncol 2021; 26:2275-2281. [PMID: 34468885 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-021-02021-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and aggressive disease that is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. There is no standard treatment for metastatic ACC; EDP-M (etoposide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin plus mitotane) is one treatment option. A randomized controlled trial (FIRM-ACT) evaluating the efficacy of EDP-M showed progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.0 months, overall survival (OS) was 14.8 months, the response rate was 19%, and adrenal insufficiency occurred in 3.4% of patients. However, the efficacy and safety of this regimen in Asia are not fully reported. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 43 patients diagnosed with metastatic ACC at the National Cancer Center Hospital between 1997 and 2020. We evaluated PFS, OS, and response in 17 patients who received EDP-M as first-line therapy. RESULTS The median age at treatment initiation was 45 years (range 18-74). Eight patients (47%) had autonomous hormone production, including six patients with hypercortisolism. The best response of partial response and stable disease was seen in two (12%) and ten (59%) patients, respectively. The median PFS was 6.2 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 4.3-10.0]. The median OS was 15.4 months (95% CI 11.6-not reached). Three patients received only one cycle due to adverse effects associated with hypercortisolism. Grade 3/4 adverse events associated with adrenal insufficiency occurred in three (17%) cases, resulting in EDP-M discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS The EDP-M regimen had similar PFS to that observed in FIRM-ACT. Adrenal insufficiency was more frequent in the current study, but this could be managed with supportive endocrinological care such as cortisol replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Uchihara
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tsukiji 5-1-1, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.,Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Toyama 1-21-1, Shinjuku-ku City, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan
| | - Maki Tanioka
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tsukiji 5-1-1, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.
| | - Yuki Kojima
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tsukiji 5-1-1, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Tadaaki Nishikawa
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tsukiji 5-1-1, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Kazuki Sudo
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tsukiji 5-1-1, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Tatsunori Shimoi
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tsukiji 5-1-1, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Emi Noguchi
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tsukiji 5-1-1, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Akiko Miyagi Maeshima
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tsukiji 5-1-1, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Kan Yonemori
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tsukiji 5-1-1, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
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Zhao B, Gao M, Zhao H, Zhao J, Shen X. Efficacy and safety profile of avelumab monotherapy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 166:103464. [PMID: 34461272 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Avelumab can kill cancer cells through immune checkpoint inhibition and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Here, we analyzed the clinical efficacy and adverse events (AEs) in 3935 cancer patients from 21 trials. Compared with conventional treatment, avelumab monotherapy was associated with more tumor responses and less AEs. The pooled objective response rate was 14.18 % (95 % CI, 10.68 %-18.08 %). More PD-L1 positive patients responded to avelumab monotherapy compared to PD-L1 negative patients. The overall incidence was 73.78 % for all-grade treatment-related AE (TRAE), 14.44 % for high-grade TRAE, 6.07 % for serious adverse event, 0.44 % for fatal adverse event, 17.86 % for all-grade immune-related AE (irAE), and 3.22 % for high-grade irAE. In summary, avelumab monotherapy presents an active anti-tumor activity, shows no sign of increased toxicity due to the ADCC. These characteristics provide rational for further application of avelumab in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
| | - Meiling Gao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Hong Zhao
- The Cancer Center of the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519001, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhao
- Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519001, China
| | - Xian Shen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
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