1
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Lin AL, Rudneva VA, Richards AL, Zhang Y, Woo HJ, Cohen M, Tisnado J, Majd N, Wardlaw SL, Page-Wilson G, Sengupta S, Chow F, Goichot B, Ozer BH, Dietrich J, Nachtigall L, Desai A, Alano T, Ogilive S, Solit DB, Bale TA, Rosenblum M, Donoghue MTA, Geer EB, Tabar V. Genome-wide loss of heterozygosity predicts aggressive, treatment-refractory behavior in pituitary neuroendocrine tumors. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:85. [PMID: 38758238 PMCID: PMC11101347 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02736-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) exhibiting aggressive, treatment-refractory behavior are the rare subset that progress after surgery, conventional medical therapies, and an initial course of radiation and are characterized by unrelenting growth and/or metastatic dissemination. Two groups of patients with PitNETs were sequenced: a prospective group of patients (n = 66) who consented to sequencing prior to surgery and a retrospective group (n = 26) comprised of aggressive/higher risk PitNETs. A higher mutational burden and fraction of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was found in the aggressive, treatment-refractory PitNETs compared to the benign tumors (p = 1.3 × 10-10 and p = 8.5 × 10-9, respectively). Within the corticotroph lineage, a characteristic pattern of recurrent chromosomal LOH in 12 specific chromosomes was associated with treatment-refractoriness (occurring in 11 of 14 treatment-refractory versus 1 of 14 benign corticotroph PitNETs, p = 1.7 × 10-4). Across the cohort, a higher fraction of LOH was identified in tumors with TP53 mutations (p = 3.3 × 10-8). A machine learning approach identified loss of heterozygosity as the most predictive variable for aggressive, treatment-refractory behavior, outperforming the most common gene-level alteration, TP53, with an accuracy of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.70-0.96). Aggressive, treatment-refractory PitNETs are characterized by significant aneuploidy due to widespread chromosomal LOH, most prominently in the corticotroph tumors. This LOH predicts treatment-refractoriness with high accuracy and represents a novel biomarker for this poorly defined PitNET category.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew L Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Multidisciplinary Pituitary and Skull Base Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vasilisa A Rudneva
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Allison L Richards
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yanming Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hyung Jun Woo
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marc Cohen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Multidisciplinary Pituitary and Skull Base Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jamie Tisnado
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nazanin Majd
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sharon L Wardlaw
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gabrielle Page-Wilson
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Soma Sengupta
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Frances Chow
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bernard Goichot
- Department of Endocrinology, Les Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Byram H Ozer
- Department of Oncology, Sibley Memorial Hospital/Johns Hopkins, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jorg Dietrich
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lisa Nachtigall
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Arati Desai
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tina Alano
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shahiba Ogilive
- Department of Neurosurgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - David B Solit
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tejus A Bale
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marc Rosenblum
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mark T A Donoghue
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Eliza B Geer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- Multidisciplinary Pituitary and Skull Base Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Viviane Tabar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Multidisciplinary Pituitary and Skull Base Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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Li Y, Ren X, Gao W, Cai R, Wu J, Liu T, Chen X, Jiang D, Chen C, Cheng Q, Wu A, Cheng W. The biological behavior and clinical outcome of pituitary adenoma are affected by the microenvironment. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14729. [PMID: 38738958 PMCID: PMC11090080 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pituitary adenoma is one of the most common brain tumors. Most pituitary adenomas are benign and can be cured by surgery and/or medication. However, some pituitary adenomas show aggressive growth with a fast growth rate and are resistant to conventional treatments such as surgery, drug therapy, and radiation therapy. These tumors, referred to as refractory pituitary adenomas, often relapse or regrow in the early postoperative period. The tumor microenvironment (TME) has recently been identified as an important factor affecting the biological manifestations of tumors and acts as the main battlefield between the tumor and the host immune system. MAIN BODY In this review, we focus on describing TME in pituitary adenomas and refractory pituitary adenomas. Research on the immune microenvironment of pituitary adenomas is currently focused on immune cells such as macrophages and lymphocytes, and extensive research and experimental verifications are still required regarding other components of the TME. In particular, studies are needed to determine the role of the TME in the specific biological behaviors of refractory pituitary adenomas, such as high invasion, fast recurrence rate, and high tolerance to traditional treatments and to identify the mechanisms involved. CONCLUSION Overall, we summarize the similarities and differences between the TME of pituitary adenomas and refractory pituitary adenomas as well as the changes in the biological behavior of pituitary adenomas that may be caused by the microenvironment. These changes greatly affect the outcome of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhe Li
- Department of NeurosurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Xiufang Ren
- Department of PathologyShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Wei Gao
- Department of NeurosurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Ruikai Cai
- Department of NeurosurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Jianqi Wu
- Department of NeurosurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Tianqi Liu
- Department of NeurosurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of NeurosurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Daoming Jiang
- Shenyang ShenDa Endoscopy Co., Ltd.ShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Chong Chen
- Shenyang ShenDa Endoscopy Co., Ltd.ShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Anhua Wu
- Department of NeurosurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Wen Cheng
- Department of NeurosurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
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Derwich A, Sykutera M, Bromińska B, Rubiś B, Ruchała M, Sawicka-Gutaj N. The Role of Activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK Pathways in Aggressive Pituitary Adenomas-New Potential Therapeutic Approach-A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10952. [PMID: 37446128 PMCID: PMC10341524 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pituitary tumors (PT) are mostly benign, although occasionally they demonstrate aggressive behavior, invasion of surrounding tissues, rapid growth, resistance to conventional treatments, and multiple recurrences. The pathogenesis of PT is still not fully understood, and the factors responsible for its invasiveness, aggressiveness, and potential for metastasis are unknown. RAF/MEK/ERK and mTOR signaling are significant pathways in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation, and survival, its importance in tumorigenesis has been highlighted. The aim of our review is to determine the role of the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK pathways in the pathogenesis of pituitary tumors. Additionally, we evaluate their potential in a new therapeutic approach to provide alternative therapies and improved outcomes for patients with aggressive pituitary tumors that do not respond to standard treatment. We perform a systematic literature search using the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases (search date was 2012-2023). Out of the 529 screened studies, 13 met the inclusion criteria, 7 related to the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and 7 to the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway (one study was used in both analyses). Understanding the specific factors involved in PT tumorigenesis provides opportunities for targeted therapies. We also review the possible new targeted therapies and the use of mTOR inhibitors and TKI in PT management. Although the RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways play a pivotal role in the complex signaling network along with many interactions, further research is urgently needed to clarify the exact functions and the underlying mechanisms of these signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of pituitary adenomas and their role in its invasiveness and aggressive clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Derwich
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland; (A.D.)
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-812 Poznan, Poland
| | - Monika Sykutera
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland; (A.D.)
| | - Barbara Bromińska
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland; (A.D.)
| | - Błażej Rubiś
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marek Ruchała
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland; (A.D.)
| | - Nadia Sawicka-Gutaj
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland; (A.D.)
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Torres-Ríos JA, Romero-Luna G, Meraz Soto JM, Zavala-Romero L, Aguirre Maqueda ML, Rodríguez Camacho A, Moreno Jiménez S. Nelson's Syndrome: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e39114. [PMID: 37332454 PMCID: PMC10272858 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Nelson's syndrome (NS) is an uncommon disease occurring as a complication of bilateral adrenalectomy (BLA) in patients with persistent Cushing's disease (CD) due to an adrenocorticotropin-producing pituitary tumor. The first reports of this syndrome were done in the 50s, although its pathophysiology is still not understood. Every year, between 1.8 and 2.6 cases are thought to occur per million people. It is characterized by hyperpigmentation, elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) plasma levels, and typical signs and symptoms related to pituitary adenomas, such as visual deficits due to optic pathway compression or decreased hormone production from the adenohypophysis. NS represents a challenge due to the lack of accepted diagnostic criteria and the complexity of its treatment. Moreover, the development of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in the last few years has become an essential but controversial strategy for this syndrome. This review presents a comprehensive overview of NS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerardo Romero-Luna
- Neurosurgery and Radiosurgery, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Mexico City, MEX
| | - Juan Marcos Meraz Soto
- Neurosurgery and Radiosurgery, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Mexico City, MEX
| | - Lilian Zavala-Romero
- Neurosurgery and Radiosurgery, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Mexico City, MEX
| | - Monica L Aguirre Maqueda
- Neurosurgery and Radiosurgery, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Mexico City, MEX
| | - Alejandro Rodríguez Camacho
- Radiosurgery, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Mexico City, MEX
- Radioneurosurgery, XXI Century National Medical Center, Mexican Social Security Institute, Mexico City, MEX
| | - Sergio Moreno Jiménez
- Neurology, ABC Medical Center, Mexico City, MEX
- Neurosurgery and Radiosurgery, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Mexico City, MEX
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5
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Goichot B, Taquet MC, Baltzinger P, Baloglu S, Gravaud M, Malouf GG, Noël G, Imperiale A. Should pituitary carcinoma be treated using a NET-like approach? A case of complete remission of a metastatic malignant prolactinoma with multimodal therapy including immunotherapy. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2023; 98:633-637. [PMID: 34845727 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Goichot
- Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Hôpitaux Universitaires, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marie-Caroline Taquet
- Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Hôpitaux Universitaires, Strasbourg, France
| | - Philippe Baltzinger
- Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Hôpitaux Universitaires, Strasbourg, France
| | - Seyid Baloglu
- Department of Radiology, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Hôpitaux Universitaires, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marine Gravaud
- Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Hôpitaux Universitaires, Strasbourg, France
| | - Gabriel G Malouf
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut de Cancérologie de Strasbourg Europe (ICANS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Georges Noël
- Department of de Radiotherapy, Institut de Cancérologie de Strasbourg Europe (ICANS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Alessio Imperiale
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Institut de Cancérologie de Strasbourg Europe (ICANS), Strasbourg, France
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6
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Padovan M, Cerretti G, Caccese M, Barbot M, Bergo E, Occhi G, Scaroni C, Lombardi G, Ceccato F. Knowing when to discontinue Temozolomide therapy in responding aggressive pituitary tumors and carcinomas: a systematic review and Padua (Italy) case series. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2023; 18:181-198. [PMID: 36876325 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2023.2185221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pituitary adenomas can show a tendency to grow, despite multimodal treatment. Temozolomide (TMZ) has been used in the last 15 years in patients with aggressive pituitary tumors. TMZ requires a careful balance of different expertise, especially for selection criteria. AREAS COVERED We conducted: (1) a systematic review of the published literature from 2006 to 2022, collecting only cases with a complete description of patient follow-up after TMZ discontinuation; (2) a description of all patients with aggressive pituitary adenoma or carcinoma treated in Padua (Italy). EXPERT OPINION There is considerable heterogeneity in the literature: TMZ cycles duration ranged from 3 to 47 months; the follow-up time after TMZ discontinuation ranged from 4 to 91 months (mean 24 months, median 18 months), at least a stable disease has been reported in 75% of patients after a mean 13 months (range 3-47 months, median 10 months). The Padua (Italy) cohort reflects the literature. Future directions to explore are to understand the pathophysiological mechanism of TMZ resistance escape, to develop predicting factors to TMZ treatment (especially through the delineation of the underlying transformation processes), and to further expand the therapeutic applications of TMZ (as neoadjuvant, combined with radiotherapy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Padovan
- Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Giulia Cerretti
- Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Mario Caccese
- Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Mattia Barbot
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Eleonora Bergo
- Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Gianluca Occhi
- Department of Biology DIBIO, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Carla Scaroni
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lombardi
- Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Filippo Ceccato
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Abstract
Survival for patients with aggressive pituitary tumours (APT) and pituitary carcinomas (PC) has significantly improved following the increasing use of temozolomide (TMZ) since the first reports of response in 2006. TMZ was established as first line chemotherapy for APT/PC in the 2018 ESE guidelines on the management of APT/PC. There is no controversy over its use as salvage therapy however there is increasing interest in exploring TMZ use earlier in the treatment algorithm for APT/PC. Overall response rates as reported in systematic reviews are around 40% but stable disease in another 25% illustrates the clinical effectiveness of TMZ. Response is higher among functional compared to non-functional tumours. Where maximal radiation thresholds have not been reached in a patient, combination radiotherapy and TMZ appears more effective. Whether combination TMZ and capecitabine (CAPTEM) offers increased benefit remains uncertain particularly given added toxicity. O6-methyl guanine DNA methyl transferase (MGMT) status is important in determining response to treatment, although examination via immunohistochemistry versus PCR-based promoter-methylation analysis remains somewhat controversial. Optimal duration of TMZ treatment has still not been determined although longer treatment courses have been associated with increased progression-free survival. Treatment options following disease progression after TMZ remain unclear but include a second course of TMZ, immunotherapy and targeted oncological agents such as bevacizumab and lapatinib as well as peptide receptor radionuclide treatment (PRRT). An experienced pituitary multidisciplinary team is essential to all management decisions in patients with APT/PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann McCormack
- Department of Endocrinology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Liu J, Wang J, Tian W, Xu Y, Li R, Zhao K, You C, Zhu Y, Bartsch JW, Niu H, Zhang H, Shu K, Lei T. PDCD10 promotes the aggressive behaviors of pituitary adenomas by up-regulating CXCR2 and activating downstream AKT/ERK signaling. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:6066-6080. [PMID: 35963638 PMCID: PMC9417224 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
As the second most common primary intracranial neoplasms, about 40% of pituitary adenomas (PAs) exhibit aggressive behaviors and resulting in poor patient prognosis. The molecular mechanisms underlying the aggressive behaviors of PAs are not yet fully understood. Biochemical studies have reported that programmed cell death 10 (PDCD10) is a component of the striatin-interacting phosphatase and kinase (STRIPAK) complex and plays a dual role in cancers in a tissue- or disease-specific manner. In the present study, we report for the first time that the role of PDCD10 in PAs. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were either enhanced by overexpressing or inhibited by silencing PDCD10 in PA cells. Moreover, PDCD10 significantly promoted epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of pituitary adenoma cells. Mechanistically, we showed that the expression of CXCR2, together with phosphorylation levels of AKT and ERK1/2 were regulated by PDCD10. Activation of CXCR2 inversed inactivation of AKT/ERK signal pathways and the tumor-suppressive effects induced by PDCD10 silencing. Finally, the pro-oncogenic effect of PDCD10 was confirmed by in vivo tumor grafting. Taken together, we demonstrate for the first time that PDCD10 can induce aggressive behaviors of PAs by promoting cellular proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT through CXCR2-AKT/ERK signaling axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingdian Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Junwen Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weidong Tian
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Yu Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ran Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chao You
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Hongquan Niu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huaqiu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Shu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ting Lei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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A Retrospective Trail Investigating Temozolomide Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Combined with Radiotherapy in Low-Grade Pituitary Tumors. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:4618664. [PMID: 35368902 PMCID: PMC8975644 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4618664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective. To study and analyze the clinical application of temozolomide (TMZ) combined with radiotherapy in the treatment of low-grade pituitary tumors. Methods. A retrospective trail was conducted among 67 patients with low-grade pituitary tumors who were treated in our hospital from March 2018 to June 2020. According to different treatment methods, they were assigned into a combined group (37 cases, temozolomide capsules and radiotherapy) and a control group (30 cases, radiotherapy). The changes of serum prolactin (PRL), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), GH levels, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), serum free thyroxine (FT4), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were compared. Results. The chi-square test reports a significantly higher total effective rate in the combined group vs. control group (91.89% vs. 70.00%). Significant reductions in serum levels of PRL, IGF-1, and GH were observed in both groups after treatment, whereas the combined group treated with radiotherapy and TMZ resulted in significantly lower levels compared with the control group (
). After treatment, TSH decreased, and FT4 and ACTH increased in both groups, and the treatment with radiotherapy and TMZ in the combined group led to a significantly greater amplitude of variation (
). Conclusion. The combination of temozolomide and radiotherapy might be a promising technique for the treatment of pituitary tumors, thereby meriting promotion.
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Auriemma RS, Gahete MD, Gatto F. Editorial: Resistance to Medical Therapy in Pituitary Tumors. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:861230. [PMID: 35282458 PMCID: PMC8905516 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.861230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Renata S. Auriemma
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Renata S. Auriemma, ; Manuel D. Gahete, ; Federico Gatto,
| | - Manuel D. Gahete
- Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Reina Sofía University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBER Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), Córdoba, Spain
- *Correspondence: Renata S. Auriemma, ; Manuel D. Gahete, ; Federico Gatto,
| | - Federico Gatto
- Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Renata S. Auriemma, ; Manuel D. Gahete, ; Federico Gatto,
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Raverot G, Ilie MD, Lasolle H, Amodru V, Trouillas J, Castinetti F, Brue T. Aggressive pituitary tumours and pituitary carcinomas. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2021; 17:671-684. [PMID: 34493834 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-021-00550-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although usually benign, anterior pituitary tumours occasionally exhibit aggressive behaviour, with invasion of surrounding tissues, rapid growth, resistance to conventional treatments and multiple recurrences. In very rare cases, they metastasize and are termed pituitary carcinomas. The time between a 'classical' pituitary tumour and a pituitary carcinoma can be years, which means that monitoring should be performed regularly in patients with clinical (invasion and/or tumour growth) or pathological (Ki67 index, mitotic count and/or p53 detection) markers suggesting aggressiveness. However, although both invasion and proliferation have prognostic value, such parameters cannot predict outcome or malignancy without metastasis. Future research should focus on the biology of both tumour cells and their microenvironment, hopefully with improved therapeutic outcomes. Currently, the initial therapeutic approach for aggressive pituitary tumours is generally to repeat surgery or radiotherapy in expert centres. Standard medical treatments usually have no effect on tumour progression but they can be maintained on a long-term basis to, at least partly, control hypersecretion. In cases where standard treatments prove ineffective, temozolomide, the sole formally recommended treatment, is effective in only one-third of patients. Personalized use of emerging therapies, including peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, angiogenesis-targeted therapy and immunotherapy, will hopefully improve the outcomes of patients with this severe condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gérald Raverot
- Endocrinology Department, Reference Centre for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, "Groupement Hospitalier Est" Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
- Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne, France
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Centre of Lyon (CRLC), Lyon, France
| | - Mirela Diana Ilie
- Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne, France
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Centre of Lyon (CRLC), Lyon, France
- Endocrinology Department, "C.I.Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Hélène Lasolle
- Endocrinology Department, Reference Centre for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, "Groupement Hospitalier Est" Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
- Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne, France
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Centre of Lyon (CRLC), Lyon, France
| | - Vincent Amodru
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Endocrinology Department, Hôpital de la Conception, Reference Centre for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1251, Marseille Medical Genetics (MMG), Institut Marseille Maladies Rares (MarMaRa), Marseille, France
| | | | - Frédéric Castinetti
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Endocrinology Department, Hôpital de la Conception, Reference Centre for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1251, Marseille Medical Genetics (MMG), Institut Marseille Maladies Rares (MarMaRa), Marseille, France
| | - Thierry Brue
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Endocrinology Department, Hôpital de la Conception, Reference Centre for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, Marseille, France.
- Aix-Marseille Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1251, Marseille Medical Genetics (MMG), Institut Marseille Maladies Rares (MarMaRa), Marseille, France.
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12
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Lin AL, Tabar V, Young RJ, Cohen M, Cuaron J, Yang TJ, Rosenblum M, Rudneva VA, Geer EB, Bodei L. Synergism of Checkpoint Inhibitors and Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy in the Treatment of Pituitary Carcinoma. J Endocr Soc 2021; 5:bvab133. [PMID: 34466766 PMCID: PMC8402930 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvab133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Context Aggressive pituitary tumors that have progressed following temozolomide have limited treatment options. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy and immunotherapy may have a complementary role in the management of these tumors. Methods We provide follow-up data on a previously reported patient with a hypermutated recurrent tumor. The patient in this report provided written informed consent for tumor sequencing and review of medical records on an institutional review board–approved research protocol (NCT01775072). Results This patient with a corticotroph pituitary carcinoma with alkylator-induced somatic hypermutation has remained on treatment with ipilimumab and nivolumab for 3.5 years and remains clinically well. After an initial partial response to checkpoint inhibitors, she has had several recurrences that have undergone immunoediting of subclonal mutations, which have been effectively treated with continuation of immunotherapy, surgery, external beam radiation, and 177Lu-DOTATATE. Following external beam radiotherapy (RT), she had radiographic evidence of an abscopal response at a distant site of disease suggesting a synergism between checkpoint inhibitors and RT. Following treatment with 177Lu-DOTATATE, the patient had a partial response with a 61% reduction in volume of the target lesion. Conclusion In patients with aggressive pituitary tumors, treatment with checkpoint inhibitors may trigger an abscopal response from RT. With appropriate selection, an additional efficacious treatment, 177Lu-DOTATATE, may be available for a limited number of patients with aggressive pituitary tumors, including patients who have progressed on temozolomide and exhibit increased somatostatin receptor expression on 68Ga-DOTATATE positron emission tomography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew L Lin
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10065, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA.,Multidisciplinary Pituitary and Skull Base Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Viviane Tabar
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10065, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA.,Multidisciplinary Pituitary and Skull Base Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Robert J Young
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10065, USA.,Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Marc Cohen
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10065, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA.,Multidisciplinary Pituitary and Skull Base Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA.,Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - John Cuaron
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - T Jonathan Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Marc Rosenblum
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10065, USA.,Multidisciplinary Pituitary and Skull Base Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA.,Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Vasilisa A Rudneva
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Eliza B Geer
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10065, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA.,Multidisciplinary Pituitary and Skull Base Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA.,Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Lisa Bodei
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10065, USA.,Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
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13
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Nie D, Xue Y, Fang Q, Cheng J, Li B, Wang D, Li C, Gui S, Zhang Y, Zhao P. Immune Checkpoints: Therapeutic Targets for Pituitary Tumors. DISEASE MARKERS 2021; 2021:5300381. [PMID: 34447484 PMCID: PMC8384513 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5300381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary tumors are the third most common intracranial tumors in adults. Treatment of refractory pituitary tumors is known to be difficult due to limited treatment options. As a promising therapeutic method, tumor immunotherapy has been applied in the treatment of many tumors, including pituitary tumors. Immune checkpoint blocking is one of the effective strategies to activate antitumor immunity. Immune checkpoints prevent tissue damage by regulating the immune response of peripheral tissues and participate in the maintenance of a normal immune environment. In the presence of a tumor, inhibition of T cell activity by tumor cells binding to immune checkpoints and their ligands is an important mechanism for tumor cells to escape immune injury. In this review, we summarize the latest findings of immune checkpoints and their potential as immunotherapeutic targets for pituitary tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding Nie
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yimeng Xue
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiuyue Fang
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing, China
| | | | - Bin Li
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Dawei Wang
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Chuzhong Li
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Songbai Gui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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14
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Xi Z, Jones PS, Mikamoto M, Jiang X, Faje AT, Nie C, Labelle KE, Zhou Y, Miller KK, Soberman RJ, Zhang X. The Upregulation of Molecules Related to Tumor Immune Escape in Human Pituitary Adenomas. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:726448. [PMID: 34745002 PMCID: PMC8566912 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.726448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pituitary adenomas are one of the most common intracranial neoplasms. Although most of these tumors are benign and can be treated medically or by transsphenoidal surgery, a subset of these tumors are fast-growing, aggressive, recur, and remain a therapeutic dilemma. Because antibodies against immune checkpoint receptors PD-1 and CLTA-4 are now routinely used for cancer treatment, we quantified the expression of mRNA coding for PD-1, CLTA-4, and their ligands, PD-L1, PD-L2, CD80, and CD86 in human pituitary adenomas and normal pituitary glands, with the ultimate goal of exploiting immune checkpoint therapy in aggressive pituitary adenomas. Aggressive pituitary adenomas demonstrated an increased expression of PD-L2, CD80, and CD86 in compared to that of normal human pituitary glands. Furthermore, aggressive pituitary tumors demonstrated significantly higher levels of CD80 and CD86 compared to non-aggressive tumors. Our results establish a rationale for studying a potential role for immune checkpoint inhibition therapy in the treatment of pituitary adenomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyu Xi
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Pamela S. Jones
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Masaaki Mikamoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xiaobin Jiang
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Alexander T. Faje
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Chuansheng Nie
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kathryn E. Labelle
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yunli Zhou
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Karen K. Miller
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Roy J. Soberman
- Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xun Zhang
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Xun Zhang,
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15
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Mirallas O, Filippi-Arriaga F, Hernandez Hernandez I, Aubanell A, Chaachou A, Garcia-Alvarez A, Hernando J, Martínez-Saez E, Biagetti B, Capdevila J. Aggressive Pituitary Macroadenoma Treated With Capecitabine and Temozolomide Chemotherapy Combination in a Patient With Nelson's Syndrome: A Case Report. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:731631. [PMID: 34858324 PMCID: PMC8632214 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.731631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Nelson's syndrome is considered a severe side effect that can occur after a total bilateral adrenalectomy in patients with Cushing's disease. It usually presents with clinical manifestations of an enlarging pituitary tumor including visual and cranial nerve alterations, and if not treated, can cause death through local brain compression or invasion. The first therapeutic option is surgery but in extreme cases of inaccessible or resistant aggressive pituitary tumors; the off-label use of chemotherapy with capecitabine and temozolomide can be considered. However, the use of this treatment is controversial due to adverse events, lack of complete response, and inability to predict results. We present the case of a 48-year-old man diagnosed with Nelson's syndrome with prolonged partial response and significant clinical benefit to treatment with capecitabine and temozolomide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oriol Mirallas
- Medical Oncology Department, Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Tumor Unit, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Oriol Mirallas,
| | | | | | - Anton Aubanell
- Radiology Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anas Chaachou
- Pathology Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandro Garcia-Alvarez
- Medical Oncology Department, Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Tumor Unit, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Hernando
- Medical Oncology Department, Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Tumor Unit, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Betina Biagetti
- Endocrinology & Nutrition Service, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Capdevila
- Medical Oncology Department, Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Tumor Unit, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
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16
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Yamamoto M, Nakao T, Ogawa W, Fukuoka H. Aggressive Cushing's Disease: Molecular Pathology and Its Therapeutic Approach. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:650791. [PMID: 34220707 PMCID: PMC8242934 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.650791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cushing's disease is a syndromic pathological condition caused by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenomas (ACTHomas) mediated by hypercortisolemia. It may have a severe clinical course, including infection, psychiatric disorders, hypercoagulability, and metabolic abnormalities, despite the generally small, nonaggressive nature of the tumors. Up to 20% of ACTHomas show aggressive behavior, which is related to poor surgical outcomes, postsurgical recurrence, serious clinical course, and high mortality. Although several gene variants have been identified in both germline and somatic changes in Cushing's disease, the pathophysiology of aggressive ACTHomas is poorly understood. In this review, we focused on the aggressiveness of ACTHomas, its pathology, the current status of medical therapy, and future prospects. Crooke's cell adenoma (CCA), Nelson syndrome, and corticotroph pituitary carcinoma are representative refractory pituitary tumors that secrete superphysiological ACTH. Although clinically asymptomatic, silent corticotroph adenoma is an aggressive ACTH-producing pituitary adenoma. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the pathophysiology of aggressive ACTHomas, including these tumors, from a molecular point of view based on genetic, pathological, and experimental evidence. The treatment of aggressive ACTHomas is clinically challenging and usually resistant to standard treatment, including surgery, radiotherapy, and established medical therapy (e.g., pasireotide and cabergoline). Temozolomide is the most prescribed pharmaceutical treatment for these tumors. Reports have shown that several treatments for patients with refractory ACTHomas include chemotherapy, such as cyclohexyl-chloroethyl-nitrosourea combined with 5-fluorouracil, or targeted therapies against several molecules including vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), and ligand for PD-1. Genetic and experimental evidence indicates that some possible therapeutic candidates are expected, such as epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, and BRAF inhibitor. The development of novel treatment options for aggressive ACTHomas is an emerging task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Yamamoto
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | | | - Wataru Ogawa
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hidenori Fukuoka
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Japan
- *Correspondence: Hidenori Fukuoka,
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