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Agarwal S, Jung CK, Gaddam P, Hirokawa M, Higashiyama T, Hang JF, Lai WA, Keelawat S, Liu Z, Na HY, Park SY, Fukuoka J, Satoh S, Mussazhanova Z, Nakashima M, Kakudo K, Bychkov A. PD-L1 Expression and Its Modulating Factors in Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: A Multi-institutional Study. Am J Surg Pathol 2024:00000478-990000000-00390. [PMID: 39004795 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000002284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Anti-PD immunotherapy is currently under investigation in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC). Tumor cell surface PD-L1 expression is considered predictive of therapeutic response. Although papillary thyroid carcinoma has been widely studied for PD-L1 expression, there are limited data on ATC. In this retrospective multi-institutional study involving 9 centers across Asia, 179 ATCs were assessed for PD-L1 expression using the SP263 (Ventana) clone. A tumor proportion score (TPS) ≥1% was required to consider a case PD-L1-positive. PD-L1 expression was compared with the histological patterns, the type of specimen (small or large), tumor molecular profile (BRAF V600E and TERT promoter mutation status), and patient outcome. PD-L1 expression in any co-existent differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) was evaluated separately and compared with ATC. Most ATCs (73.2%) were PD-L1-positive. The median TPS among positive cases was 36% (IQR 11% to 75%; range 1% to 99%). A high expression (TPS ≥ 50%) was noted in 30.7%. PD-L1-negative cases were more likely to be small specimens (P=0.01). A negative result on small samples, hence, may not preclude expression elsewhere. ATCs having epithelioid and pleomorphic histological patterns were more likely to be PD-L1-positive with higher TPS than sarcomatoid (P<0.01). DTCs were more frequently negative and had lower TPS than ATC (P<0.01). Such PD-L1 conversion from DTC-negative to ATC-positive was documented in 71% of cases with co-existent DTC. BRAF V600E, but not TERT promoter mutations, correlated significantly with PD-L1-positivity rate (P=0.039), reinforcing the potential of combining anti-PD and anti-BRAF V600E drugs. PD-L1 expression, however, did not impact the patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipra Agarwal
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Chan Kwon Jung
- Department of Hospital Pathology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Pranitha Gaddam
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | | | - Jen-Fan Hang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-An Lai
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Somboon Keelawat
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Precision Pathology of Neoplasia Research Group, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Zhiyan Liu
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Hee Young Na
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - So Yeon Park
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Junya Fukuoka
- Department of Pathology Informatics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shinya Satoh
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Yamashita Thyroid and Parathyroid Clinic, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Zhanna Mussazhanova
- Department of Tumor and Diagnostic Pathology, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masahiro Nakashima
- Department of Tumor and Diagnostic Pathology, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kennichi Kakudo
- Department of Pathology, Izumi City General Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Andrey Bychkov
- Department of Pathology, Kameda Medical Center, Kamogawa, Chiba, Japan
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Chern B, Pinto D, Lum JH, Parameswaran R. Nearly Half of Patients with Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer May Be Amenable to Immunotherapy. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1304. [PMID: 38927511 PMCID: PMC11201491 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061304] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Poorly differentiated cancer (PDC) and anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) have an aggressive course of disease with limited treatment options. The expression of programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) has been used to determine the responses of many cancers to immunotherapy. The aim of the study was to investigate the expression of PD-L1 in a cohort of patients with PDC and ATC to assess their suitability for immunotherapy. Data, settings, and participants: This study is a retrospective cohort review of patients treated for PDC and ATC treated at a tertiary referral institution during the period 2000-2020. PD-L1 22C3 pharmDx qualitative immunohistochemistry was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens of tumours to detect the presence of the PD-L1 protein. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The percentage of tumours that were positive for PD-L1 immunohistochemistry and the PD-L1 protein expression as measured by using the Tumour Proportion Score (TPS). Secondary outcomes studied were the associations between demographic, clinicopathological, treatment and disease outcomes and PD-L1 expression. RESULTS Nineteen patients (12F:7M) with a mean age of 65.4 (±14.3 SD) years were diagnosed with PDC in 4 (21%) and fifteen were diagnosed with ATC (79%) during the study period. Fifteen (79%) patients underwent some form of surgery, with R0 resection achieved in only three of the fifteen (20%) patients. Overall, PD-L1 expression was seen in seven of the fifteen (47%) of the patients with ATC, with no positivity seen in the patients with PDC. PD-L1 expression had no impact on treatment modality and positive expression was not significantly associated with stage of disease, metastasis, or survival. CONCLUSION Nearly half of patients with ATC express PD-L1 and may be amenable to immunotherapy with pembrolizumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverley Chern
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, National University Hospital Health System, Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119074, Singapore; (B.C.); (D.P.)
| | - Diluka Pinto
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, National University Hospital Health System, Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119074, Singapore; (B.C.); (D.P.)
- Division of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Thalagolla Road, Colombo P.O. Box 6, Sri Lanka
| | - Jeffrey Hy Lum
- Department of Pathology, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Singapore;
| | - Rajeev Parameswaran
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, National University Hospital Health System, Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119074, Singapore; (B.C.); (D.P.)
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Level 8, IE Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
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Ju SH, Song M, Lim JY, Kang YE, Yi HS, Shong M. Metabolic Reprogramming in Thyroid Cancer. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2024; 39:425-444. [PMID: 38853437 PMCID: PMC11220218 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2023.1802] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is a common endocrine malignancy with increasing incidence globally. Although most cases can be treated effectively, some cases are more aggressive and have a higher risk of mortality. Inhibiting RET and BRAF kinases has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of thyroid cancer, particularly in cases of advanced or aggressive disease. However, the development of resistance mechanisms may limit the efficacy of these kinase inhibitors. Therefore, developing precise strategies to target thyroid cancer cell metabolism and overcome resistance is a critical area of research for advancing thyroid cancer treatment. In the field of cancer therapeutics, researchers have explored combinatorial strategies involving dual metabolic inhibition and metabolic inhibitors in combination with targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy to overcome the challenge of metabolic plasticity. This review highlights the need for new therapeutic approaches for thyroid cancer and discusses promising metabolic inhibitors targeting thyroid cancer. It also discusses the challenges posed by metabolic plasticity in the development of effective strategies for targeting cancer cell metabolism and explores the potential advantages of combined metabolic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Hyeon Ju
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Minchul Song
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Joung Youl Lim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Yea Eun Kang
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hyon-Seung Yi
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Minho Shong
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
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Siddiqui SH, Kumari N, Mishra S, Radha P, Mohindra S, Singh RK, Krishnani N. PD-L1 Expression in Ampullary Adenocarcinoma. Int J Surg Pathol 2024; 32:263-272. [PMID: 37291997 DOI: 10.1177/10668969231177263] [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] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ampullary adenocarcinoma is a rare neoplasm often treated by the complex Whipple's procedure. Several histological factors predict poor prognosis including pancreatobiliary morphology, presence of lymphovascular, perineural invasion and local or distant metastasis. Systemic therapy with gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil regimens are given with variable benefits. Immunotherapy checkpoint inhibitors have shown beneficial anti-tumor effects in several carcinomas, the most remarkable being in non-small cell lung cancer. Administration of these novel drugs is based on immunohistochemical expression (which may or may not be indicative of response to therapy) along with meticulous decision making by the multidisciplinary team. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is an effective means of immune marker demonstration and has been used in various tumor types for predictive and prognostic purposes. METHODS PD-L1 IHC (clone E1L3N) was applied in 101 cases of ampullary adenocarcinoma. Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes were also evaluated. The immunoreactivity was assessed and categorized into following staining thresholds: <1%, <5%, <10% and ≥10% for tumor cells (membranous and/or cytoplasmic staining pattern), and 5% and 10% cut-offs for immune cells. RESULTS We found that at a 10% cut-off, 73.3% (74/101) patients were men (P = .006) older than 50 years of age (P < .001) presenting with a tumor measuring <3 cm (P = .001). It was significantly associated with intestinal differentiation (P = .004) and grade 1 tumors (P = .001). Twelve patients presented with recurrence as well (P = .03). CONCLUSION In the context of ampullary adenocarcinoma, this study highlights the positivity observed with the PD-L1 IHC clone E1L3N at different thresholds, with the particularly stronger associations being evident at a 10% cut-off.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saima Haleem Siddiqui
- Department of Pathology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Niraj Kumari
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shravan Mishra
- Department of Pathology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Paturu Radha
- Department of Pathology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Samir Mohindra
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Rajneesh K Singh
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Narendra Krishnani
- Department of Pathology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
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Santana VB, Krüger VM, Abrahão MCY, Cantú PLM, Brackmann RL, Pandolfi GM, Marisco LS, Remonatto G, Ferreira LA, Graudenz MS. Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis with Oncocytic Metaplasia Influences PD-L1 Expression in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma. Head Neck Pathol 2024; 18:14. [PMID: 38457034 PMCID: PMC10923758 DOI: 10.1007/s12105-024-01618-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the increasing recognition of PD-L1 as predictor of immunotherapeutic response in various malignancies, its role and prognostic significance in thyroid cancer remain underexplored and subject to debate. This study begins to address this gap by comprehensively analyzing PD-L1 expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and investigating its correlation with key clinicopathological variables. METHODS We conducted immunohistochemistry (IHC) to assess PD-L1 expression in whole-tissue sections from 121 primary papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) cases. We then analyzed the correlations between PD-L1 expression and various clinicopathological variables. RESULTS PD-L1 expression was detected in 33.1% of papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs), predominantly exhibiting weak to moderate intensity. Notably, this study found no significant correlation between PD-L1 expression and various clinicopathological variables. The lack of association with traditional factors such as age, sex, histological subtype, and tumor size suggests the complex and multifaceted nature of PD-L1 regulation in PTC. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis with oncocytic metaplasia as the sole independent predictor of PD-L1 expression (P = 0.014), underlining the potential influence of the tumor microenvironment on immune checkpoint expression in PTC. CONCLUSIONS Our study underscores the intricate interplay between chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis with oncocytic metaplasia and PD-L1 expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma. The observed link suggests a potential avenue for therapeutic intervention using anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies in surgery-refractory PTC. Understanding the dynamics of immune checkpoint regulation in the context of the tumor microenvironment is crucial for devising effective treatment strategies. Future research endeavors should delve deeper into the molecular mechanisms underlying this interaction and explore its implications for patient outcomes. As the field of immunotherapy continues to evolve, our findings contribute valuable insights into the complex immunological landscape of thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor Barreto Santana
- Department of Pathology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Ramiro Barcelos, Porto Alegre, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | | | - Maria Cristina Yunes Abrahão
- Department of Pathology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Ramiro Barcelos, Porto Alegre, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Pietru Lentz Martins Cantú
- Department of Pathology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Ramiro Barcelos, Porto Alegre, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Rosicler Luzia Brackmann
- Department of Pathology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Ramiro Barcelos, Porto Alegre, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Gisele Moroni Pandolfi
- Department of Pathology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Ramiro Barcelos, Porto Alegre, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Liane Scheffler Marisco
- Department of Pathology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Ramiro Barcelos, Porto Alegre, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Remonatto
- Department of Pathology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Ramiro Barcelos, Porto Alegre, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Luciana Adolfo Ferreira
- Department of Pathology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Ramiro Barcelos, Porto Alegre, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marcia Silveira Graudenz
- Department of Pathology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Ramiro Barcelos, Porto Alegre, 2350, 90035-903, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Laboratory of Pathology, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Hospital Moinhos de Vento, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Yan K, Liu Q, Huang R, Jiang Y, Bian Z, Li S, Li L, Shen F, Tsuneyama K, Zhang Q, Lian Z, Guan H, Xu B. Spatial transcriptomics reveals prognosis-associated cellular heterogeneity in the papillary thyroid carcinoma microenvironment. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1594. [PMID: 38426403 PMCID: PMC10905537 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1594] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common malignant endocrine tumour, and its incidence and prevalence are increasing considerably. Cellular heterogeneity in the tumour microenvironment is important for PTC prognosis. Spatial transcriptomics is a powerful technique for cellular heterogeneity study. METHODS In conjunction with a clinical pathologist identification method, spatial transcriptomics was employed to characterise the spatial location and RNA profiles of PTC-associated cells within the tissue sections. The spatial RNA-clinical signature genes for each cell type were extracted and applied to outlining the distribution regions of specific cells on the entire section. The cellular heterogeneity of each cell type was further revealed by ContourPlot analysis, monocle analysis, trajectory analysis, ligand-receptor analysis and Gene Ontology enrichment analysis. RESULTS The spatial distribution region of tumour cells, typical and atypical follicular cells (FCs and AFCs) and immune cells were accurately and comprehensively identified in all five PTC tissue sections. AFCs were identified as a transitional state between FCs and tumour cells, exhibiting a higher resemblance to the latter. Three tumour foci were shared among all patients out of the 13 observed. Notably, tumour foci No. 2 displayed elevated expression levels of genes associated with lower relapse-free survival in PTC patients. We discovered key ligand-receptor interactions, including LAMB3-ITGA2, FN1-ITGA3 and FN1-SDC4, involved in the transition of PTC cells from FCs to AFCs and eventually to tumour cells. High expression of these patterns correlated with reduced relapse-free survival. In the tumour immune microenvironment, reduced interaction between myeloid-derived TGFB1 and TGFBR1 in tumour focus No. 2 contributed to tumourigenesis and increased heterogeneity. The spatial RNA-clinical analysis method developed here revealed prognosis-associated cellular heterogeneity in the PTC microenvironment. CONCLUSIONS The occurrence of tumour foci No. 2 and three enhanced ligand-receptor interactions in the AFC area/tumour foci reduced the relapse-free survival of PTC patients, potentially leading to improved prognostic strategies and targeted therapies for PTC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yan
- Guangdong Cardiovascular InstituteGuangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouChina
| | - Qing‐Zhi Liu
- Chronic Disease LaboratoryInstitutes for Life SciencesSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Rong‐Rong Huang
- Guangdong Cardiovascular InstituteGuangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouChina
| | - Yi‐Hua Jiang
- Guangdong Cardiovascular InstituteGuangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Image Analysis and ApplicationGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhen‐Hua Bian
- School of Biomedical Sciences and EngineeringSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhou International CampusGuangzhouChina
| | - Si‐Jin Li
- Department of Thyroid SurgeryGuangzhou First People's HospitalSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Liang Li
- Medical Research InstituteGuangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences)Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Fei Shen
- Department of Thyroid SurgeryGuangzhou First People's HospitalSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Koichi Tsuneyama
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineInstitute of Biomedical SciencesTokushima University Graduate SchoolTokushimaJapan
| | - Qing‐Ling Zhang
- Department of PathologyGuangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences)Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhe‐Xiong Lian
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences)Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Haixia Guan
- Department of EndocrinologyGuangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences)Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Bo Xu
- Department of Thyroid SurgeryGuangzhou First People's HospitalSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina
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Gu H, Wang J, Ran W, Li G, Hu S, Zhao H, Wang X, Wang J. Anaplastic and poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas: genetic evidence of high-grade transformation from differentiated thyroid carcinoma. J Pathol Clin Res 2024; 10:e356. [PMID: 38602501 PMCID: PMC10796291 DOI: 10.1002/cjp2.356] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most advanced and aggressive thyroid cancer, and poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) lacks anaplastic histology but has lost architectural and cytologic differentiation. Only a few studies have focused on the genetic relationship between the two advanced carcinomas and coexisting differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTCs). In the present study, we investigated clinicopathologic features and genetic profiles in 57 ATC and PDTC samples, among which 33 cases had concomitant DTC components or DTC history. We performed immunohistochemistry for BRAF V600E, p53, and PD-L1 expression, Sanger sequencing for TERT promoter and RAS mutations, and fluorescence in situ hybridization for ALK and RET rearrangements. We found that ATCs and PDTCs shared similar gene alterations to their coexisting DTCs, and most DTCs were aggressive subtypes harboring frequent TERT promoter mutations. A significantly higher proportion of ATCs expressed p53 and PD-L1, and a lower proportion expressed PAX-8 and TTF-1, than the coexisting DTCs. Our findings provide more reliable evidence that ATCs and PDTCs are derived from DTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Gu
- Department of PathologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoPR China
| | - Jingnan Wang
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medicine, Qingdao UniversityQingdaoPR China
| | - Wenwen Ran
- Department of PathologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoPR China
| | - Guangqi Li
- Department of PathologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoPR China
| | - Shasha Hu
- Department of PathologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoPR China
| | - Han Zhao
- Department of PathologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoPR China
| | - Xiaonan Wang
- Department of PathologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoPR China
| | - Jigang Wang
- Department of PathologyThe Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoPR China
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Wang K, Zhang Y, Xing Y, Wang H, He M, Guo R. Current and future of immunotherapy for thyroid cancer based on bibliometrics and clinical trials. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:50. [PMID: 38403820 PMCID: PMC10894806 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-00904-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid cancer is a leading endocrine malignancy, with anaplastic and medullary subtypes posing treatment challenges. Existing therapies have limited efficacy, highlighting a need for innovative approaches. METHODS We analyzed 658 articles and 87 eligible clinical trials using bibliometric tools and database searches, including annual publication and citation trends, were executed using Web of Science, CiteSpace, and VOS Viewer. RESULTS Post-2018, there is a surge in thyroid cancer immunotherapy research, primarily from China and the University of Pisa. Of the 87 trials, 32 were Phase I and 55 were Phase II, mostly exploring combination therapies involving immune checkpoint inhibitors. CONCLUSION The study's dual approach verifies the swift advancement of thyroid cancer immunotherapy from diverse perspectives. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have become the preferred regimen for advanced MTC and ATC in late therapeutic lines. However, since ICB plays a pivotal role in ATC, current clinical trial data show that ATC patients account for more and the curative effect is more accurate. Anticipated future developments are inclined toward combination regimens integrating immunotherapy with chemotherapy or targeted therapies. Emerging approaches, such as bispecific antibodies, cytokine-based therapies, and adoptive cell therapies like CAR-T and TCR-T, are exhibiting considerable potential. Upcoming research is expected to concentrate on refining the tumor immune milieu and discovering novel biomarkers germane to immunotherapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, 1 Xinmin Str, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Chang Chun, China
| | - Yang Xing
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Chang Chun, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Chang Chun, China
| | - Minghua He
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Jilin University, Chang Chun, China
| | - Rui Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, 1 Xinmin Str, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China.
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Califano I, Smulever A, Jerkovich F, Pitoia F. Advances in the management of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: transforming a life-threatening condition into a potentially treatable disease. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2024; 25:123-147. [PMID: 37648897 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-023-09833-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is an infrequent thyroid tumor that usually occurs in elderly patients. There is often a history of previous differentiated thyroid cancer suggesting a biological progression. It is clinically characterized by a locally invasive cervical mass of rapid onset. Metastases are found at diagnosis in 50% of patients. Due to its adverse prognosis, a prompt diagnosis is crucial. In patients with unresectable or metastatic disease, multimodal therapy (chemotherapy and external beam radiotherapy) has yielded poor outcomes with 12-month overall survival of less than 20%. Recently, significant progress has been made in understanding the oncogenic pathways of ATC, leading to the identification of BRAF V600E mutations as the driver oncogene in nearly 40% of cases. The combination of the BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib (D) and MEK inhibitor trametinib (T) showed outstanding response rates in BRAF-mutated ATC and is now considered the standard of care in this setting. Recently, it was shown that neoadjuvant use of DT followed by surgery achieved 24-month overall survival rates of 80%. Although these approaches have changed the management of ATC, effective therapies are still needed for patients with BRAF wild-type ATC, and high-quality evidence is lacking for most aspects of this neoplasia. Additionally, in real-world settings, timely access to multidisciplinary care, molecular testing, and targeted therapies continues to be a challenge. Health policies are warranted to ensure specialized treatment for ATC.The expanding knowledge of ATC´s molecular biology, in addition to the ongoing clinical trials provides hope for the development of further therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés Califano
- Endocrinology Division, Instituto de Oncología AH Roffo, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Anabella Smulever
- Endocrinology Division, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas A. Lanari, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Jerkovich
- Endocrinology Division, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fabian Pitoia
- Endocrinology Division, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Tous C, Muñoz-Redondo C, Gavilán A, Bravo-Gil N, Baco-Antón F, Navarro-González E, Antiñolo G, Borrego S. Delving into the Role of lncRNAs in Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Upregulation of LINC00887 Promotes Cell Proliferation, Growth and Invasion. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1587. [PMID: 38338866 PMCID: PMC10855357 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031587] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common histological category of thyroid cancer. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of studies on lncRNAs in PTC. Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 887 (LINC00887) is a critical oncogene in developing other cancers. LINC00887 is upregulated in PTC samples but its role in PTC is currently unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact the disruption of LINC00887 expression has on PTC progression. We performed a CRISPR/Cas9 strategy for the truncation of LINC00887 in BCPAP and TPC1 cell lines. Functional assays showed that LINC00887 knockdown in both TPC1 and BCPAP cells reduced cell proliferation, colony formation and migration, delayed the cell cycle, and increased apoptosis. These results strengthened the role of LINC00887 in cancer and showed for the first time that this lncRNA could be a potential oncogene in PTC, acting as a tumor promoter. Modulation of the immune system may be one of the etiopathogenic mechanisms of LINC00887 in PTC, as shown by the observed influence of this lncRNA on PD-L1 expression. In addition, the biological pathways of LINC00887 identified to date, such as EMT, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway or the FRMD6-Hippo signaling pathway may also be relevant regulatory mechanisms operating in PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Tous
- Department of Maternofetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Carmen Muñoz-Redondo
- Department of Maternofetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Angela Gavilán
- Department of Maternofetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Nereida Bravo-Gil
- Department of Maternofetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Fátima Baco-Antón
- Department of Maternofetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Elena Navarro-González
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 41013 Seville, Spain
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Guillermo Antiñolo
- Department of Maternofetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Salud Borrego
- Department of Maternofetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 41013 Seville, Spain
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11
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Song M, Sun W, Liu Q, Wang Z, Zhang H. Global scientific trends on thyroid disease in early 21st century: a bibliometric and visualized analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1306232. [PMID: 38298184 PMCID: PMC10829784 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1306232] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Bibliometrics has been used to analyze the literature in the field of thyroid disease studies in the early 21st century, indicating the changes in current international study trends. Methods In this study, a bibliometric analysis of data retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) database was conducted, and the publication trends and thematic evolution in the field of thyroid disease research from January 1, 2000, to November 16, 2022, were analyzed. A total of 69283 articles related to thyroid diseases were evaluated for their characteristics, including annual publication volume, countries, journals, institutions, authors, keywords, and references. VOSviewer was utilized to perform the analysis of co-authorship, co-citation, co-occurrence and descriptive. Results The annual publication volume of thyroid disease research literature showed a fluctuating upward trend from 2000 to 2021, exceeding 5,000 articles for the first time in 2021. The United States (16120 counts, 678255 cities) ranks first in terms of publication volume and citation. Thyroid (n=3201) and Journal of Clinical Endocrinology&Metabolism (n=140399) are the most prolific and cited journals, respectively. The organization with the highest publication volume and citation frequency is Harvard University (1011 counts, 59429 cities), Miyauchi Akira (n=422), Schlumberger, and Martin (n=24839) possess the highest publication volume and citation frequency, respectively. Co-occurrence analysis of 307 keywords with frequencies of more than 20 resulted in 6 clusters (1): Thyroid dysfunction and diseases (2); mechanism of occurrence and development of thyroid cancer (3); autoimmune thyroiditis (4); scope and postoperative management of thyroid surgery (5); fine needle aspiration of thyroid nodules (6); radioactive iodine therapy for thyroid cancer. Active monitoring, thermal ablation, Lenvatinib, and long noncoding RNA refer to the latest keywords. Discussing the six clusters helps scholars to determine the scope and direction of studies. Conclusion Over the past two decades, the literature related to thyroid diseases has increased year by year, with closer collaboration between countries, institutions, and authors. In this study, the global trends, research hotspots, emerging subjects, and basic knowledge of literature related to thyroid diseases were respectively elucidated, which will facilitate researchers in this field to seek better development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyuan Song
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhongqing Wang
- Department of Information Center, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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12
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Kotwal A, Gustafson MP, Bornschlegl S, Dietz AB, Delivanis D, Ryder M. Circulating immunophenotypes are potentially prognostic in follicular cell-derived thyroid cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1325343. [PMID: 38235146 PMCID: PMC10792034 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1325343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Exploring the immune interface of follicular cell-derived thyroid cancer has prognostic and therapeutic potential. The available literature is lacking for comprehensive immunophenotyping in relation to clinical outcomes. In this study, we identify circulating immunophenotypes associated with thyroid cancer prognosis. Methods We conducted a pilot observational study of adults with follicular cell-derived thyroid cancer who underwent surgery at our tertiary care referral center and had consented for flow cytometry on peripheral blood collected at the time of thyroidectomy. Results Of the 32 included subjects, 20 (62%) had well differentiated, 5 (16%) had poorly differentiated, and 7 (22%) had anaplastic thyroid cancer. The most frequent AJCC stage was 4 (59%) and the ATA risk of recurrence category was high (56%). Patients with AJCC stage 3/4 demonstrated fewer circulating mononuclear cells (CD45+), more monocytes (CD14+), fewer total lymphocytes (CD14-), fewer T cells (CD3+), fewer CD4+ T cells, fewer gamma-delta T cells, fewer natural killer (NK) T-like cells, more myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs; Lin-CD33+HLADR-), and more effector memory T cells but similar CD8+ T cells compared to stage1/2. Immunophenotype comparisons by ATA risk stratification and course of thyroid cancer were comparable to those observed for stage, except for significant differences in memory T cell subtypes. The median follow-up was 58 months. Conclusions Aggressive follicular cell-derived thyroid cancer either at presentation or during follow-up is associated with down-regulation of the T cell populations specifically CD4+ T cells, gamma-delta T cells, and NK T-like cells but up-regulation of MDSCs and altered memory T cells. These immunophenotypes are potential prognostic biomarkers supporting future investigation for developing targeted immunotherapies against advanced thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupam Kotwal
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Michael P. Gustafson
- Divisions of Experimental Pathology and Transfusion Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Svetlana Bornschlegl
- Divisions of Experimental Pathology and Transfusion Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Allan B. Dietz
- Divisions of Experimental Pathology and Transfusion Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Danae Delivanis
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Mabel Ryder
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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13
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Komatsuda H, Kono M, Wakisaka R, Sato R, Inoue T, Kumai T, Takahara M. Harnessing Immunity to Treat Advanced Thyroid Cancer. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 12:45. [PMID: 38250858 PMCID: PMC10820966 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12010045] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence of thyroid cancer (TC) has increased over the past 30 years. Although differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has a good prognosis in most patients undergoing total thyroidectomy followed by radioiodine therapy (RAI), 5-10% of patients develop metastasis. Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) has a low survival rate and few effective treatments have been available to date. Recently, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been successfully applied to RAI-resistant or non-responsive TC to suppress the disease. However, TC eventually develops resistance to TKIs. Immunotherapy is a promising treatment for TC, the majority of which is considered an immune-hot malignancy. Immune suppression by TC cells and immune-suppressing cells, including tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and regulatory T cells, is complex and dynamic. Negative immune checkpoints, cytokines, vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) suppress antitumor T cells. Basic and translational advances in immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), molecule-targeted therapy, tumor-specific immunotherapy, and their combinations have enabled us to overcome immune suppression and activate antitumor immune cells. This review summarizes current findings regarding the immune microenvironment, immunosuppression, immunological targets, and immunotherapy for TC and highlights the potential efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Komatsuda
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan; (H.K.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (R.S.); (T.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Michihisa Kono
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan; (H.K.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (R.S.); (T.I.); (M.T.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Risa Wakisaka
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan; (H.K.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (R.S.); (T.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Ryosuke Sato
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan; (H.K.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (R.S.); (T.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Takahiro Inoue
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan; (H.K.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (R.S.); (T.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Takumi Kumai
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan; (H.K.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (R.S.); (T.I.); (M.T.)
- Department of Innovative Head & Neck Cancer Research and Treatment, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan
| | - Miki Takahara
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan; (H.K.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (R.S.); (T.I.); (M.T.)
- Department of Innovative Head & Neck Cancer Research and Treatment, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan
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14
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Jin T, Wang W, Ge L, Li X, Ge M. The expression of two immunosuppressive SIGLEC family molecules in papillary thyroid cancer and their effect on prognosis. Endocrine 2023; 82:590-601. [PMID: 37480496 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-023-03452-1] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The thyroid cancer (THCA) subtype that occurs more frequently is papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Despite a favorable postoperative outcome, traditional antitumor therapy does not offer ideal results for patients with metastasis, relapse, and radioiodine resistance. Recent studies demonstrated the remarkable effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors on solid tumors, of which the immunoglobulin superfamily member SIGLEC10 and SIGLEC15 act as novel immunotherapy targets for tumors. Nevertheless, their role in PTC prognosis is still indefinite. METHODS Immunohistochemistry was utilized to examine the expression of SIGLEC10 and SIGLEC15 in 244 PTC tissue specimens. Then the expression correlation between the two was analyzed in normal tissues (NT), tumor cells (TC), and tumor stroma (TS), respectively. Subsequently, the retrospective data on patients with PTC were collected to examine whether the two immunosuppressive SIGLEC family members could affect their prognosis. RESULTS We confirmed that TC expressed higher levels of SIGLEC10 than NT. However, SIGLEC10 was down-regulated in TS and predicted poor outcomes. Meanwhile, down-regulation of SIGLEC15 expression was observed in both TC and TS, indicating a favorable prognosis. PTC patients with both SIGLEC10-SIGLEC15+ expression in TC and TS had a significantly higher recurrence risk. The expression of SIGLEC10 in TS and SIGLEC15 in TC or TS was an independent predictor of PFS, and a positive correlation was shown between SIGLEC10 and SIGLEC15 expression in TS. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, our results indicate that SIGLEC10 and SIGLEC15 may be applied as significant prognostic markers for PTC and attractive targets for THCA immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiefeng Jin
- Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China
- Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Luqi Ge
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China
| | - Minghua Ge
- Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China.
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China.
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15
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Dell'Aquila M, Tralongo P, Granitto A, Martini M, Capodimonti S, Curatolo M, Fiorentino V, Pontecorvi A, Fadda G, Lombardi CP, Raffaelli M, Pantanowitz L, Larocca LM, Rossi ED. Update regarding the role of PD-L1 in oncocytic thyroid lesions on cytological samples. J Clin Pathol 2023; 76:671-677. [PMID: 35701142 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2022-208215] [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: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Several papers have shown that programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression is a relevant predictive biomarker in anti-PD-L1 cancer immunotherapy. While its role in several human cancers is correlated with poor prognosis and resistance to anticancer therapies, in thyroid cancers the role of PD-L1 remains questionable. Few articles have studied PD-L1 in thyroid fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), demonstrating a possible correlation with papillary thyroid carcinoma. However, its role in oncocytic thyroid lesions remains controversial. We accordingly examine the performance of PD-L1 immunostaining in liquid based cytology (LBC) from oncocytic lesions. METHODS From January 2019 to March 2021, 114 thyroid lesions diagnosed by FNAC from lesions with a predominant oncocytic component, were enrolled for evaluation by PD-L1 immunostaining on both LBC and corresponding histology samples. RESULTS The FNAC cohort included 51 benign (B, negative controls), 4 atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesions of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS), 57 follicular lesions (follicular neoplasm/suspicious for FN, FN/SFN) and 2 suspicious for malignancy (SFM) cases. Fifty-four cases (11B, 2 AUS/FLUS, 39 FN/SFN and 2 SFM) had histological follow-up including: 1B case resulted as a hyperplastic oxyphilic nodule in Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT), 10B as goitre, 2 AUS/FLUS cases as oncocytic adenomas (OAs); 39 FN/SFN included 27 OAs, 4 FA and 8 oncocytic follicular carcinoma (OFC). The two SFM cases were diagnosed on histopathology as OAs. Increased plasma membrane and cytoplasmic PD-L1 expression were found in 47 cases of the LBC cases (41.2%). Among the histological series, 67.3% of OAs and 75% of OFC had PD-L1 expression, while negative PD-L1 was found in hyperplastic oncocytic cells in HT. A positivity in more than 30% of the neoplastic cells was found in 72.9% of the cases including six OFC. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that PD-L1 expression is expressed in oncocytic thyroid lesions. While weak PD-L1 expression failed to discriminate benign from malignant lesions, OFC demonstrated more intense cytoplasmic and membranous expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Dell'Aquila
- Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Pietro Tralongo
- Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessia Granitto
- Anatomic Pathology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Maurizio Martini
- Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Sara Capodimonti
- Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Mariangela Curatolo
- Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Fiorentino
- Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Alfredo Pontecorvi
- Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Guido Fadda
- Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Celestino Pio Lombardi
- Endocrine Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Maco Raffaelli
- Endocrine Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of Pathology & Clinical Labs, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Luigi Maria Larocca
- Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Esther Diana Rossi
- Anatomic Pathology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
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Sekino M, Iwadate M, Yamaya Y, Matsumoto Y, Suzuki S, Mizunuma H, Nakano K, Nakamura I, Suzuki S. Analysis of Expression of Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) and BRAFV600E Mutation in Thyroid Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3449. [PMID: 37444559 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In thyroid cancer, it has been suggested that PD-L1 overexpression is associated with some clinicopathological factors and prognosis. The aim of this study is to characterize the expression of PD-L1, the presence of the BRAFV600E mutation, as well as cellular and humoral immunity in thyroid cancer, and to investigate the factors that predict the effectiveness of anti-PD-L1 antibody therapy. Blood samples were collected from 33 patients who were newly diagnosed with thyroid cancer after surgery or biopsy. PD-L1 expression, BRAFV600E mutation, and CD8+ expression were examined by immunohistological staining using clinical thyroid cancer specimens. With a PD-L1 staining cut-off value of 1%, 13 (39.4%) patients were classified as PD-L1 positive. Stimulation Index (SI) is an indicator of T cell activation. PD-L1 expression was significantly correlated with low SI level (p = 0.046). Moreover, BRAFV600E mutation was detected in 24 of the 33 (72.7%) patients, and was significantly associated with PD-L1 expression (p = 0.047). In addition, enhanced CD8+ expression was significantly associated with PD-L1 expression (p = 0.003). Multivariate analyses confirmed that high CRP levels (p = 0.039) were independently and significantly associated with poor progression-free survival. These findings suggest that elevated PD-L1 status can be a prognostic indicator for survival in patients with thyroid cancer when comprehensively assessed using the expression of CD8+, the presence of BRAFV600E mutation and the patient's immune status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizuki Sekino
- Department of Thyroid and Endocrinology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima City 960-1295, Japan
| | - Manabu Iwadate
- Department of Thyroid and Endocrinology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima City 960-1295, Japan
| | - Yukie Yamaya
- Department of Thyroid and Endocrinology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima City 960-1295, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Matsumoto
- Department of Thyroid and Endocrinology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima City 960-1295, Japan
| | - Satoshi Suzuki
- Department of Thyroid and Endocrinology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima City 960-1295, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Mizunuma
- Department of Thyroid and Endocrinology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima City 960-1295, Japan
| | - Keiichi Nakano
- Department of Thyroid and Endocrinology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima City 960-1295, Japan
| | - Izumi Nakamura
- Department of Thyroid and Endocrinology, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima City 960-1295, Japan
| | - Shinichi Suzuki
- Department of Thyroid Treatment, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima City 960-1295, Japan
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Wächter S, Roth S, Gercke N, Schötz U, Dikomey E, Engenhart-Cabillic R, Maurer E, Bartsch DK, Di Fazio P. Anti-Proliferative Effect of Radiotherapy and Implication of Immunotherapy in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Cells. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1397. [PMID: 37374179 PMCID: PMC10301015 DOI: 10.3390/life13061397] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy and immunotherapy have shown promising efficacy for the treatment of solid malignancies. Here, we aim to clarify the potential of a combined application of radiotherapy and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) monoclonal antibody atezolizumab in primary anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) cells. The radiation caused a significant reduction in cell proliferation, measured by luminescence, and of the number of colonies. The addition of atezolizumab caused a further reduction in cell proliferation of the irradiated ATC cells. However, the combined treatment did not cause either the exposure of the phosphatidylserine or the necrosis, assessed by luminescence/fluorescence. Additionally, a reduction in both uncleaved and cleaved forms of caspases 8 and 3 proteins was detectable in radiated cells. The DNA damage evidenced the over-expression of TP53, CDKN1A and CDKN1B transcripts detected by RT-qPCR and the increase in the protein level of P-γH2AX and the DNA repair deputed kinases. PD-L1 protein level increased in ATC cells after radiation. Radiotherapy caused the reduction in cell viability and an increase of PD-L1-expression, but not apoptotic cell death in ATC cells. The further combination with the immunotherapeutic atezolizumab could increase the efficacy of radiotherapy in terms of reduction in cell proliferation. Further analysis of the involvement of alternative cell death mechanisms is necessary to clarify their cell demise mechanism of action. Their efficacy represents a promising therapy for patients affected by ATC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Wächter
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University Marburg, Baldigerstrasse, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Silvia Roth
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University Marburg, Baldigerstrasse, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Norman Gercke
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University Marburg, Baldigerstrasse, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Schötz
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radio Oncology, Philipps University Marburg, Baldigerstrasse, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Ekkehard Dikomey
- Laboratory of Radiobiology & Experimental Radiooncology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rita Engenhart-Cabillic
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radio Oncology, Philipps University Marburg, Baldigerstrasse, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Maurer
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University Marburg, Baldigerstrasse, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Detlef K Bartsch
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University Marburg, Baldigerstrasse, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Pietro Di Fazio
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University Marburg, Baldigerstrasse, 35043 Marburg, Germany
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Crescenzi A, Baloch Z. Immunohistochemistry in the pathologic diagnosis and management of thyroid neoplasms. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1198099. [PMID: 37324272 PMCID: PMC10266214 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1198099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of immunohistochemistry cannot be underestimated in the everyday practice of thyroid pathology. It has evolved over the years beyond the traditional confirmation of thyroid origin to molecular profiling and the prediction of clinical behavior. In addition, immunohistochemistry has served to implement changes in the current thyroid tumor classification scheme. It is prudent to perform a panel of immunostains, and the immunoprofile should be interpreted in light of the cytologic and architectural features. Immunohistochemistry can also be easily performed in the limited cellularity specimen preparation generated from thyroid fine-needle aspiration and core biopsy; however, it will require laboratory validation of immunostains specific to these preparations to avoid diagnostic pitfalls. This review discusses the application of immunohistochemistry in thyroid pathology with a focus on limited cellularity preparations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Crescenzi
- Pathology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico, Rome, Italy
| | - Zubair Baloch
- Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Xing Y, Wang Y, Wu X. Radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy successfully treated one case of anaplastic thyroid cancer: A case report. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1125226. [PMID: 37256174 PMCID: PMC10225731 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1125226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a rare but highly fatal form of thyroid cancer. This highly malignant tumor progresses rapidly and is prone to relapse and metastasis, with a poor prognosis. Novel treatments have improved survival in recent years, but the outcome of treatment is not satisfactory. Case presentation We report a case of multiple postoperative recurrences of papillary thyroid carcinoma that later transformed into undifferentiated carcinoma. The patient's neck mass was huge and the operation was unsuitable. Then, she achieved remarkable tumor shrinkage by tislelizumab immunotherapy combined with radiotherapy. Conclusion This case indicates that radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy is a promising treatment for ATC. Such a combined approach warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurou Xing
- Thoracic Oncology Ward, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yongsheng Wang
- Thoracic Oncology Ward, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Wu
- Head and Neck Oncology Ward, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Wächter S, Knauff F, Roth S, Keber C, Holzer K, Manoharan J, Maurer E, Bartsch DK, Di Fazio P. Synergic Induction of Autophagic Cell Death in Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma. Cancer Invest 2023; 41:405-421. [PMID: 36811581 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2023.2183027] [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: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) has poor prognosis, high mortality rate and lack of effective therapy. A synergic combination of PD-L1 antibody together with cell death promoting substances like deacetylase inhibitors (DACi) and multi-kinase inhibitors (MKI) could sensitize ATC cells and promote decay by autophagic cell death. The PD-L1-inhibitor atezolizumab synergized with panobinostat (DACi) and sorafenib (MKI) leading to significant reduction of the viability, measured by real time luminescence, of three different patient-derived primary ATC cells, of C643 cells and follicular epithelial thyroid cells too. Solo administration of these compounds caused a significant over-expression of autophagy transcripts; meanwhile autophagy proteins were almost not detectable after the single administration of panobinostat, thus supporting a massive autophagy degradation process. Instead, the administration of atezolizumab caused an accumulation of autophagy proteins and the cleavage of the active caspases 8 and 3. Interestingly, only panobinostat and atezolizumab were able to exacerbate the autophagy process by increasing the synthesis, the maturation and final fusion with the lysosomes of the autophagosome vesicles. Despite ATC cells could be sensitized by atezolizumab via the cleavage of the caspases, no reduction of cell proliferation or promotion of cell death was observed. The apoptosis assay evidenced the ability of panobinostat alone and in combination with atezolizumab to induce the phosphatidil serine exposure (early apoptosis) and further the secondary necrosis. Instead, sorafenib was only able to cause necrosis. The increase of caspases activity induced by atezolizumab, the apoptosis and autophagy processes promoted by panobinostat synergize thus promoting cell death in well-established and primary anaplastic thyroid cancer cells. The combined therapy could represent a future clinical application for the treatment of such lethal and untreatable solid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Wächter
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Knauff
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Silvia Roth
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Corinna Keber
- Institute for Pathology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Holzer
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jerena Manoharan
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Maurer
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Detlef K Bartsch
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Pietro Di Fazio
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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21
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Gao X, Hong C, Xie Y, Zeng X. Immunotherapy or targeted therapy: What will be the future treatment for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma? Front Oncol 2023; 13:1103147. [PMID: 37007127 PMCID: PMC10063970 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1103147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare and aggressive form of thyroid carcinoma (TC). Currently, there are no effective treatments for this condition. In the past few years, targeted therapy and immunotherapy have made significant progress in ATC treatment. Several common genetic mutations have been found in ATC cells, involving different molecular pathways related to tumor progression, and new therapies that act on these molecular pathways have been studied to improve the quality of life of these patients. In 2018, the FDA approved dabrafenib combined with trametinib to treat BRAF-positive ATC, confirming its therapeutic potential. At the same time, the recent emergence of immunotherapy has also attracted wide attention from researchers. While immunotherapy for ATC is still in the experimental stage, numerous studies have shown that immunotherapy is a potential therapy for ATC. In addition, it has also been found that the combination of immunotherapy and targeted therapy may enhance the anti-tumor effect of targeted therapy. In recent years, there has been some progress in the study of targeted therapy or immunotherapy combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy, showing the prospect of combined therapy in ATC. In this review, we analyze the response mechanism and potential effects of targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and combination therapy in ATC treatment and explore the future of treatment for ATC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoni Gao
- Department of Thyroid and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Thyroid Cancer, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Chengcheng Hong
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Thyroid Cancer, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yang Xie
- Department of Thyroid and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Thyroid Cancer, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiangtai Zeng
- Department of Thyroid and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Institute of Thyroid Diseases, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangtai Zeng,
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Maurer E, Eilsberger F, Wächter S, Riera Knorrenschild J, Pehl A, Holzer K, Neubauer A, Luster M, Bartsch DK. Mutation-based, short-term "neoadjuvant" treatment allows resectability in stage IVB and C anaplastic thyroid cancer. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 280:1509-1518. [PMID: 36637521 PMCID: PMC9899736 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-07827-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Few available data indicate that a mutation-based "neoadjuvant" therapy in advanced anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) might convert an initially unresectable primary tumor to resectable and optimize local tumor control. We evaluated a preoperative short-term "neoadjuvant" therapy with a BRAF-directed therapy or, in case of BRAF non-mutated tumors, an mKI/checkpoint inhibitor combination in three patients with ATC stage IVB and C. METHODS In the context of preoperative diagnostics, immunohistochemistry (IHC) assessment and genetic analysis was started as soon as possible. The antiangiogenetic therapy with lenvatinib was immediately after diagnosis of ATC started as bridging therapy. In case of a BRAF-mutated ATC, a combination therapy of dabrafenib and trametinib, in case of BRAF-wildtype ATC a combination of pembrolizumab and lenvatinib was given for 4 weeks. If re-staging has shown a significant therapy response due to a decrease in size of > 50%, surgical resection was reconsidered. A primary tumor resection was performed first. As a second step, limited distant metastasis have been resected approximately 4 weeks after thyroid surgery. After postoperative recovery, the targeted systemic therapy was continued. PATIENTS Two patients presented with BRAF-wildtype ATC stage IVC, one with BRAF-mutated ATC stage IVB. All patients were evaluated by surgery, nuclear medicine and oncology upon diagnosis of ATC. RESULTS In all three cases, the "neoadjuvant" therapy induced a dramatic response and led to local resectability in primarily non-resectable ATC stage IVB or C. We have chosen for the first time a short-term "neoadjuvant" treatment period to reduce the risk of bleeding and/or fistula due to potential rapid tumor shrinkage. The results of surgery after only short-term "neoadjuvant" therapy showed two R0 und one R1 resections. Postoperative histopathological findings confirmed an extent of tumor necrosis or regressive fibrotic tissue between 60 and > 95% in our patients. CONCLUSIONS A short-term mutation-based "neoadjuvant" therapy can achieve local resectability in initially unresectable ATC stage IVB or C. A neoadjuvant treatment period of about 4 weeks seems to show similar response as a treatment duration of at least 3 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Maurer
- Department of Visceral-, Thoracic- and Vascular Surgery, Philipps-University Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043, Marburg, Germany.
| | - F Eilsberger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - S Wächter
- Department of Visceral-, Thoracic- and Vascular Surgery, Philipps-University Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - J Riera Knorrenschild
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - A Pehl
- Institute of Pathology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - K Holzer
- Department of Visceral-, Thoracic- and Vascular Surgery, Philipps-University Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - A Neubauer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - M Luster
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - D K Bartsch
- Department of Visceral-, Thoracic- and Vascular Surgery, Philipps-University Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043, Marburg, Germany
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Jungels C, Pita JM, Costante G. Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: advances in molecular profiling and targeted therapy. Curr Opin Oncol 2023; 35:1-9. [PMID: 36398690 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Anaplastic thyroid carcinomas (ATCs) are rare cancers with a globally very poor prognosis, because of their immensely aggressive behaviour, resulting in predominantly advanced stage of disease at diagnosis. Response to available therapies is still disappointing. Aim of the present review is to illustrate the diverse new strategies under investigation, to improve the poor outcome of these patients. RECENT FINDINGS Applying molecular analysis in ATC is unravelling potentially actionable targets of therapy. If a mutation of BRAF V600E is found, a combination of Dabrafenib and Trametinib is the recommended treatment. In the presence of another druggable mutation, a specific targeted therapy may be proposed. In the absence of druggable mutations, immunotherapy is an alternative approach, especially in case of significant PD-L1 expression. SUMMARY The molecular profiling of tumour samples is elucidating the genetic alterations involved in ATC development, and new preclinical models are under study to define innovative approaches for individualized treatment of such patients. Hopefully this approach could improve ATC prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Jungels
- Department of Oncologic Medicine, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Jaime Miguel Pita
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (IRIBHM) and ULB-Cancer Research Center (U-CRC), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Giuseppe Costante
- Department of Oncologic Medicine, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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Harahap AS, Lay FK, Kodariah R, Wongkar FJ, Ham MF. Association of Programmed Death-Ligand 1 Expression with Aggressive Histological Types of Thyroid Carcinoma. Cancer Manag Res 2022; 14:3539-3550. [PMID: 36583030 PMCID: PMC9793731 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s392475] [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: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Immunohistochemical expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) has become a biomarker to predict the usefulness of cancer immunotherapy using PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in a variety of advanced-stage tumours. This emerging biomarker may serve to generate novel therapies for aggressive thyroid carcinoma (TC), which has not shown optimal results with existing treatments. Methods The present study investigated the relevance of PD-L1 expression in aggressive histological types of TC compared with that found in less aggressive types. Surgically resected specimens were investigated, including 52 cases of TC consisting of 26 cases of aggressive histological types and 26 cases of less aggressive histological types. Immunohistochemical examinations were carried out on paraffin blocks of both groups using a mouse monoclonal primary antibody against PD-L1 (clone 22C3). PD-L1 expression was evaluated by calculating the tumour proportion score (TPS) in both groups. Results The results revealed a significant difference in the median TPS value of PD-L1 expression between the two groups. The TPS values were found to be higher in the group of aggressive histological types of TC compared with those in the group of less aggressive histological types. A significant difference in TPS value was also found for the extrathyroidal extension variable. Discussion In conclusion, the present study found a significant association between PD-L1 expression and the aggressive histological type of TC. In addition, a potential association between PD-L1 expression and the presence of extrathyroidal extension of TC was observed. These findings provide novel approaches for immunotherapy as a potential new treatment modality in patients with aggressive histological types of TC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Stephanie Harahap
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia/Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia,Human Cancer Research Center - Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Fanny Kamarudy Lay
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia/Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ria Kodariah
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia/Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Fresia Juwitasari Wongkar
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia/Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Maria Francisca Ham
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia/Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia,Human Cancer Research Center - Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia,Correspondence: Maria Francisca Ham, Email
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25
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Luo Y, Yang YC, Ma B, Xu WB, Liao T, Wang Y. Integrated analysis of novel macrophage related signature in anaplastic thyroid cancer. Endocrine 2022; 78:517-530. [PMID: 36070052 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03179-5] [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: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) have a very poor prognosis. Immunotherapy is a potential treatment, while the current outcome is limited which may be due to the complicated tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) is the most abundant cell in the TME of ATC. We aimed to clarify the novel indicators based on TAM in ATC. METHODS Transcriptome files were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis, cox regression, support vector machine, and random forest were utilized to identify TAM-related prognostic genes. Consensus clustering and principal component analysis were performed for integrated analysis. Moreover, external validation (Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center cohort) was conducted in 23 ATC samples via immunohistochemistry. RESULTS ATC patients with an abundance of TAMs had a poorer prognosis. Four TAM related genes (FZD6, RBBP8, PREX1, HSD3B7) were identified and a TAM-related prognostic index (TAMRPI) was constructed with high area under the curve (AUC). Next, high TAMRPI was related to the higher level of TAM infiltration and upregulation of several pathways, such as E2F targets, IL6-JAK-STAT3, and G2M checkpoint. Immune checkpoint TIM-3 and CSF1R were positively associated with TAMRPI, and dysfunction of T cells was increased in high TAMRPI subset. Moreover, in the external validation of protein level, strong expression of TAM related genes was related to poorer prognosis, which was further supported by time-dependent AUC analysis. CONCLUSION TAM is negatively correlated to the prognosis of ATC. FZD6, RBBP8, PREX1, and HSD3B7 are potential biomarkers of ATC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Luo
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Chen Yang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ben Ma
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Bo Xu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian Liao
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Dong X, Yang Y, Hou J, Chen W, Yuan Q, Xu G, Liu J, Li C, Wu G. Weighted gene co-expression network reveals driver genes contributing to phenotypes of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma and immune checkpoint identification for therapeutic targets. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1018479. [PMID: 36530988 PMCID: PMC9751455 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1018479] [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: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare but extremely malignant tumor, with a rapid growth rate and early metastasis thus leading to poor survival of patients. The molecular mechanisms underlying these aggressive traits of ATC remain unknown, which impedes the substantial progress in treatment to prolong ATC patient survival. Methods We applied weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify ATC-specific modules. The Metascape web and R package clusterProfiler were employed to perform enrichment analysis. Combined with differentially expressed gene analysis, we screened out the most potential driver genes and validated them using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and triple immunofluorescence staining. Results A gene expression matrix covering 75 normal samples, 83 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), 26 follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC), 19 poor-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC), and 41 ATC tissue samples were integrated, based on which we detected three most potential ATC-specific modules and found that hub genes of these modules were enriched in distinct biological signals. Hub genes in the turquoise module were mainly enriched in mitotic cell cycle, tube morphogenesis, and cell differentiation, hub genes in the magenta module were mainly clustered in the extracellular matrix organization, positive regulation of cell motility, and regulation of Wnt signaling pathway, while hub genes in the blue module primarily participated in the inflammatory response, innate immune response, and adaptive immune response. We showed that 9 top genes, 8 transcription factors (TFs), and 4 immune checkpoint genes (ICGs) were differentially expressed in ATC compared to other thyroid samples and had high diagnostic values for ATC, among which, 9 novel ATC-specific genes (ADAM12, RNASE2, CASP5, KIAA1524, E2F7, MYBL1, SRPX2, HAVCR2, and TDO2) were validated with our clinical samples. Furthermore, we illustrated that ADAM12, RNASE2, and HAVCR2 were predominantly present in the cytoplasm. Conclusion Our study identified a set of novel ATC-specific genes that were mainly related to cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and immunosuppression, which might throw light on molecular mechanisms underlying aggressive phenotypes of ATC and provide promisingly diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Banerjee S, Nahar U, Dahiya D, Mukherjee S, Dey P, Gupta R, Radotra B, Sachdeva N, Sood A, Bhadada SK, Bhansali A. Role of cytotoxic T cells and PD-1 immune checkpoint pathway in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:931647. [PMID: 36518249 PMCID: PMC9742369 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.931647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lymphocytic thyroiditis (LT) is frequently seen in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs). However, the characteristic of these tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is not well understood. Objective We aim to define the TME of PTC cases by characterizing the TILs. Design This is a cross-sectional observational study. Patients We enrolled 29 PTC (23 having concurrent LT), 14 LT, and 13 hyperplastic nodules with LT (HN) patients from January 2016 to December 2020. Measurements Immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of CD8, FoxP3, PD-1, and PD-L1 was studied in PTC with LT and compared with HN. PD-1 and PD-L1 expression was correlated at the mRNA level by quantitative real-time PCR. Immunophenotyping of TILs was done in FNAC samples of PTC and LT by flow cytometry. Results IHC revealed the presence of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and FoxP3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) in 83% and 52% of PTC with LT cases, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis of the PTC samples revealed a significant abundance of CTL compared with Treg and a higher CTL with lower Treg counts compared with LT. On IHC, PD-1 positivity was noted in 56.5% of PTC with LT cases, while intermediate PD-L1 positivity was found in 70% of the cases. There was a significant upregulation of PD-1 mRNA in PTC with LT. A significant correlation was noted with PD-L1 expression with lymph node metastasis and presence of Treg cells. Conclusions Increased expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in the TME of PTC may provide a potential molecular mechanism for tumor survival despite the predominance of CTLs, possibly through their inactivation or exhaustion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohini Banerjee
- Department of Histopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Uma Nahar
- Department of Histopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Divya Dahiya
- Department of General Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Soham Mukherjee
- Department of Endocrinology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Pranab Dey
- Department of Cytology and Gynaecological Pathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rijuneeta Gupta
- Department of Otolaryngology (ENT), Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Bishan Radotra
- Department of Histopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Naresh Sachdeva
- Department of Endocrinology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ashwani Sood
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar Bhadada
- Department of Endocrinology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Anil Bhansali
- Department of Endocrinology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Coca-Pelaz A, Rodrigo JP, Lopez F, Shah JP, Silver CE, Al Ghuzlan A, Menke-van der Houven van Oordt CW, Smallridge RC, Shaha AR, Angelos P, Mendenhall WM, Piazza C, Olsen KD, Corry J, Tufano RP, Sanabria A, Nuyts S, Nathan CA, Vander Poorten V, Dias FL, Suarez C, Saba NF, de Graaf P, Williams MD, Rinaldo A, Ferlito A. Evaluating new treatments for anaplastic thyroid cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2022; 22:1239-1247. [PMID: 36283091 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2022.2139680] [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] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is one of the most lethal diseases known to humans with a median survival of 5 months. The American Thyroid Association (ATA) recently published guidelines for the treatment of this dreadful thyroid malignancy. AREAS COVERED This review presents the current therapeutic landscape of this challenging disease. We also present the results from trials published over the last five years and summarize currently active clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION Recent attempts to improve the prognosis of these tumors are moving toward personalized medicine, basing the treatment decision on the specific genetic profile of the individual tumor. The positive results of dabrafenib and trametinib for ATC harboring the BRAF V600E mutation have provided a useful treatment option. For the other genetic profiles, different drugs are available and can be used to individualize the treatment, likely using drug combinations. Combinations of drugs act on different molecular pathways and achieve inhibition at separate areas. With new targeted therapies, average survival has improved considerably and death from local disease progression or airway compromise is less likely with improvement in quality of life. Unfortunately, the results remain poor in terms of survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Coca-Pelaz
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, University of Oviedo, ISPA, IUOPA, CIBERONC, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Juan P Rodrigo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, University of Oviedo, ISPA, IUOPA, CIBERONC, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Fernando Lopez
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, University of Oviedo, ISPA, IUOPA, CIBERONC, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Jatin P Shah
- Head and Neck Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carl E Silver
- Departments of Surgery and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Abir Al Ghuzlan
- Department of Medical Biology and Pathology, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - C Willemien Menke-van der Houven van Oordt
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam Center for Endocrine and Neuro Endocrine Tumors (ACcENT), Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Ashok R Shaha
- Head and Neck Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter Angelos
- Department of Surgery and MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - William M Mendenhall
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Cesare Piazza
- Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Kerry D Olsen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - June Corry
- Department Radiation Oncology, GenesisCare St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ralph P Tufano
- FPG Thyroid and Parathyroid Center, Division of Head and Neck Endocrine Surgery, The Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, Sarasota, FL, USA
| | - Alvaro Sanabria
- Department of Surgery, Universidad de Antioquia, CEXCA Centro de Excelencia en Enfermedades de Cabeza y cuello, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Sandra Nuyts
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiotherapy, Department of Oncology, University of Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cherie-Ann Nathan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University-Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Vincent Vander Poorten
- Department of Oncology, Section Head and Neck Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven Cancer Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Fernando Luiz Dias
- Head and Neck Surgery Section, Instituto Nacional do Câncer (INCA), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos Suarez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, IUOPA, CIBERONC, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Nabil F Saba
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, The Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Pim de Graaf
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michelle D Williams
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Alfio Ferlito
- Coordinator of the International Head Neck Scientific Group, Padua, Italy
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29
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Shin E, Koo JS. Cell Component and Function of Tumor Microenvironment in Thyroid Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012578. [PMID: 36293435 PMCID: PMC9604510 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common cancer in the endocrine system. Most thyroid cancers have good prognosis, but some of them are resistant to treatment or show aggressive behavior. Like other tumors, thyroid cancers harbor tumor microenvironment (TME) composed of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF) and immune cells. Autoimmune lymphocytic thyroiditis can occur in the thyroid, and it may be associated with cancer development. TME is involved in tumor progression through various mechanisms: (1) CAF is involved in tumor progression through cell proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling; and (2) immune cells are involved in tumor progression through cell proliferation, angiogenesis, epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT), and immune suppression. These events are activated by various cytokines, chemokines, and metabolites secreted from cells that comprise TME. This review is focused on how CAF and immune cells, two important cell components of thyroid cancer TME, are involved in tumor progression, and will explore their potential as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ja Seung Koo
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2228-1772; Fax: +82-2-362-0860
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30
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Rationale Efficacy and Safety Evidence of Lenvatinib and Pembrolizumab Association in Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:7718-7731. [PMID: 36290887 PMCID: PMC9601195 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29100610] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) are highly aggressive malignant tumors with poor overall prognosis despite multimodal therapy. As ATC are extremely rare, no randomized controlled study has been published for metastatic disease. Thyrosine kinase inhibitors, especially lenvatinib and immune checkpoint inhibitors such as pembrolizumab, are emerging drugs for ATC. Few studies have reported the efficacity of pembrolizumab and lenvatinib association, resulting in its frequent off-label use. In this review, we discuss rationale efficacy and safety evidence for the association of lenvatinib and pembrolizumab in ATC. First, we discuss preclinical rationale for pembrolizumab monotherapy, lenvatinib monotherapy and synergistic action of pembrolizumab and lenvatinib in the metastatic setting. We also discuss clinical evidence for immunotherapy and pembrolizumab in ATC through the analysis of studies evaluating immunotherapy, lenvatinib and pembrolizumab lenvatinib association in ATC. In addition, we discuss the safety of this association and potential predictive biomarkers of efficiency.
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31
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Kroloff MJ, Holz JB, Stern O, Shepherd CJ, Morrow M, Kayitalire L, Wong DJ. Durable response of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma to FS118, a bispecific LAG-3/PD-L1 antibody, after checkpoint inhibitor progression: a case report. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-005225. [PMID: 36202556 PMCID: PMC9540849 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005225] [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] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid cancer represents a rare, highly aggressive form of thyroid cancer with a poor prognosis and an overall survival ranging from 5 to 12 months. Unfortunately, treatment options remain limited, even for patients with a targetable driver mutation. Here, we present a case of a patient with a BRAF V600E-mutated, PD-L1 positive (tumor proportion score of 95%) anaplastic thyroid cancer refractory to standard therapies, including debulking surgery, followed by chemoradiation, who had further progressed on PD-1 monotherapy, and was unable to tolerate BRAF/MEK inhibition. Ongoing treatment with FS118, a bispecific LAG-3/PD-L1 antagonist, has afforded 3 years of disease control, including a late confirmed partial response, with excellent tolerability. Given this response, further investigation is required to delineate the mechanism by which dual PD-L1/LAG-3 blockade by FS118 overcomes initial PD-1 pathway resistance, and therefore, identify which patients are most likely to benefit. Simultaneously, expanded use should be considered for those with refractory disease, especially if PD-L1 positive.
Insights
Dual PD-L1/LAG-3 blockade may be an effective treatment strategy for refractory metastatic tumors, including anaplastic thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell J Kroloff
- Department of Medicine, UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Deborah J Wong
- Department of Medicine, UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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32
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Hou X, Chen C, Lan X, He X. Unveiling the molecular features, relevant immune and clinical characteristics of SIGLEC15 in thyroid cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:975787. [PMID: 36159823 PMCID: PMC9500188 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.975787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The groundbreaking research work about SIGLEC15 has raised it as a potential promising target in cancer immunotherapy. Unfortunately, the role of SIGLEC15 in thyroid carcinoma (THCA) remains obscure. Public and home multi-omics data were collected to investigate the role of SIGLEC15 in THCA in our study. SIGLEC15 was upregulated in THCA tumor tissue compared to nontumor tissue in both mRNA and protein levels; gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) results showed that high SIGLEC15 mRNA expression was positively correlated to many immune pathways. Results of the examination of immunological landscape characteristics displayed high SIGLEC15 mRNA expression that mainly positively correlated with a large number of cancer immunity immunomodulators and pathways. In addition, upregulation of SIGLEC15 was positively correlated with an enhanced immune score, stromal score, and estimate score. However, higher SIGLEC15 mRNA also met high immune exhausted status. The majority of CpG methylation sites negatively correlated with SIGLEC15 mRNA expression. Analysis of clinical characteristics supported increased SIGLEC15 expression that was positively correlated with more extrathyroid extension and lymph node metastasis. We observed different single nucleotide variant (SNV) and copy number variation (CNV) patterns in high and low SIGLEC15 mRNA expression subgroups; some vital DNA damage repair deficiency scores addressed a negative correlation with SIGLEC15 mRNA expression. We also found that some commonly used chemotherapy drugs might be suitable for different SIGLEC15 mRNA expression subgroups. This study highlighted the vital role of SIGLEC15 in THCA. Targeting SIGLEC15 may offer a potential novel therapeutic opportunity for THCA patients. However, the detailed exact cellular mechanisms of SIGLEC15 in THCA still needed to be elucidated by further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Hou
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Head & Neck Oncology Surgery, the Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of Head & Neck Oncology Surgery, the Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiabin Lan
- Department of Head & Neck Oncology Surgery, the Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaodong He, ; Xiabin Lan,
| | - Xiaodong He
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaodong He, ; Xiabin Lan,
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Issa PP, Omar M, Buti Y, Issa CP, Chabot B, Carnabatu CJ, Munshi R, Hussein M, Aboueisha M, Shama M, Corsetti RL, Toraih E, Kandil E. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Minimizes Lymph Node Metastasis in BRAF Mutant Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10082051. [PMID: 36009596 PMCID: PMC9405831 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10082051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) (autoimmune thyroiditis) is a clinicopathological entity associated with chronic lymphocytic infiltration resulting in hypothyroidism. HT is a double-edged sword that increases the risk of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), yet it serves as a protective factor for PTC progression. BRAF mutation in PTCs is associated with rapid cell growth, aggressive tumor characteristics, and higher mortality rates. Here, we aimed to analyze the influence of HT in patients with PTCs and its effect on lymph node metastasis (LNM) in BRAF mutant tumors. Adults diagnosed with PTC between 2008 and January 2021 were retrospectively included. A total of 427 patients, 128 of whom had underlying HT, were included. The HT group had significantly higher rates of microcarcinoma (49.2% vs. 37.5%, p = 0.025) and less lateral LNM (8.6% vs. 17.1%, p = 0.024). Interestingly, BRAF-mutated PTCs were found to have significantly less overall LNM (20.9% vs. 51%, p = 0.001), central LNM (25.6% vs. 45.1%, p = 0.040) and lateral LNM (9.3% vs. 29.4%, p = 0.010) in patients with HT when compared to those without underlying HT. HT was found to be an independent protective predictor of overall and lateral LNM. Altogether, HT was able to neutralize the effect of BRAF mutation and was determined to be an independent protective factor against LNM. Specifically, our work may influence treatment-aggressiveness decision making for endocrinologists, oncologists and surgeons alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter P. Issa
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Mahmoud Omar
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Yusef Buti
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Chad P. Issa
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Bert Chabot
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | | | - Ruhul Munshi
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Mohammad Hussein
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Mohamed Aboueisha
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Mohamed Shama
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Ralph L. Corsetti
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Eman Toraih
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Genetics Unit, Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Emad Kandil
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: + 504-988-7407; Fax: + 504-988-4762
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Nakazawa T, Nagasaka T, Yoshida K, Hasegawa A, Guo F, Wu D, Hiroshima K, Katoh R. Expression of T-cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domains (TIGIT) in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. BMC Endocr Disord 2022; 22:204. [PMID: 35971106 PMCID: PMC9377113 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-022-01113-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint proteins have not been fully examined in follicular cell-derived thyroid carcinoma and medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is one of the most aggressive carcinomas. Even multimodal treatment does not result in favorable clinical outcomes for patients with ATC. Anti-tumor immunity has therefore been highlighted as having therapeutic promise for ATC. METHODS We examined a novel immune checkpoint receptor, T-cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domains (TIGIT), in variable thyroid lesions: adenomatous goiter, follicular adenoma, and thyroid carcinoma (TC) using immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS Our IHC results showed that TIGIT expression was detected in cancer cells of MTC and high-grade TC: poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) and ATC. Neoplastic cells were positive for TIGIT in four of five MTCs (80.0%), 17 of 31 ATCs (54.8%) and in 3 of 12 PDTCs (25.0%). TIGIT was not detected in any adenomatous goiters, thyroid benign tumors, or differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTCs). Intriguingly, ATC cells showing pleomorphic/giant cell features were positive for TIGIT, while ATC cells with other cell morphologies lacked the immunoreactivity. Intra-tumoral immune cell was inclined to be enriched in TIGI-positive ATC. Although coexisting papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) components demonstrated high-grade microscopic features, neither the PTC nor follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) components expressed TIGT in any composite ATCs. CONCLUSION TIGIT was immunohistochemically found in MTC with high frequency and partially in high-grade TC. TIGIT expression in cancer cells may be beneficial for a potential utility in MTC and a subset of high-grade TC, especially ATC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadao Nakazawa
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Yachiyo Medical Center (TYMC), 477-96 Owada-Shinden, Yachiyo-shi, Chiba, 276-8524, Japan.
| | - Takuya Nagasaka
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Yachiyo Medical Center (TYMC), 477-96 Owada-Shinden, Yachiyo-shi, Chiba, 276-8524, Japan
| | - Keita Yoshida
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Yachiyo Medical Center (TYMC), 477-96 Owada-Shinden, Yachiyo-shi, Chiba, 276-8524, Japan
| | - Atsuko Hasegawa
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Yachiyo Medical Center (TYMC), 477-96 Owada-Shinden, Yachiyo-shi, Chiba, 276-8524, Japan
| | - Feng Guo
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Yachiyo Medical Center (TYMC), 477-96 Owada-Shinden, Yachiyo-shi, Chiba, 276-8524, Japan
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Yachiyo Medical Center (TYMC), 477-96 Owada-Shinden, Yachiyo-shi, Chiba, 276-8524, Japan
| | - Kenzo Hiroshima
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Yachiyo Medical Center (TYMC), 477-96 Owada-Shinden, Yachiyo-shi, Chiba, 276-8524, Japan
| | - Ryohei Katoh
- Department of Pathology, Ito Hospital, Shibuya, Tokyo, 150-8308, Japan
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Hatashima A, Archambeau B, Armbruster H, Xu M, Shah M, Konda B, Lott Limbach A, Sukrithan V. An Evaluation of Clinical Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Patients with Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma. Thyroid 2022; 32:926-936. [PMID: 35583228 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2022.0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background: Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is an aggressive thyroid malignancy that is associated with poor prognosis. Current treatment options include surgery, radiation, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and multikinase inhibitor therapy. The role of immunotherapy in ATC is an area of active interest and recent evidence suggests that it may be a potentially effective treatment option. Methods: We report a case series of 13 patients with locally advanced or metastatic unresectable ATC who received immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy (pembrolizumab or nivolumab) at a single institution. Results: The patients' median age was 70 years, 54% (7/13) were male, and 85% (11/13) had stage IVC disease with lungs and lymph nodes being the most common sites of metastases. Ten patients had tumor tissue available for programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression testing, all of which were positive for PD-L1, and seven of these patients also had a BRAFV600E mutation. The median progression-free survival was 1.9 months and median overall survival (OS) was 4.4 months. The objective response rate was 16% (2/13). Two patients had partial response (PR), and three patients had durable stable disease. Among patients with a clinical benefit, after a median follow-up of 13.5 months, median OS had not been reached (range 4+ to 29+ months). Responses were ongoing in four subjects. The one-year survival rate was 38% (5/13). Six patients (46%) experienced an immune-related adverse event, and 15% (2/13) experienced a grade 3 or higher adverse event, including one patient with grade 5 immune checkpoint-related thyroiditis. Conclusions: Immune checkpoint blockade was well tolerated with a toxicity profile consistent with published literature on PD-1/PD-L1-targeting therapies. For ATC patients, immune checkpoint inhibition may represent an effective treatment option with robust sustained responses seen in a subset of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alycia Hatashima
- Department of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Brianna Archambeau
- Department of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Heather Armbruster
- Department of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Menglin Xu
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Manisha Shah
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Bhavana Konda
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Abberly Lott Limbach
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Vineeth Sukrithan
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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36
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Cao ZX, Weng X, Huang JS, Long X. Receptor–ligand pair typing and prognostic risk model for papillary thyroid carcinoma based on single-cell sequencing. Front Immunol 2022; 13:902550. [PMID: 35935973 PMCID: PMC9354623 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.902550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) microenvironment consists of various cancer and surrounding cells, and the communication between them is mainly performed through ligand–receptor (LR) interactions. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has been performed to investigate the role of intercellular communication networks in tumor progression. In addition, scRNA-seq can accurately identify the characteristics of immune cell subsets, which is of great significance for predicting the efficacy of immunotherapy. In this study, the cell–cell communication network was analyzed through LR pairs, and a new PTC molecular phenotype was developed based on LR pairs. Furthermore, a risk model was established to predict patient response to PD-1 blockade immunotherapy. The scRNA-seq dataset was obtained from GSE184362, and the bulk tumor RNA-seq dataset was obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. CellPhoneDB was used for cellular communication analysis. LR pair correlations were calculated and used to identify molecular subtypes, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) Cox regression was used to develop a risk model based on LR pairs. The IMvigor210 and GSE78220 cohorts were used as external validations for the LR.score to predict responses to PD-L1 blockade therapy. A total of 149 LR pairs with significant expression and prognostic correlation were included, and three PTC molecular subtypes were obtained from those with significant prognostic differences. Then, five LR pairs were selected to construct the risk scoring model, a reliable and independent prognostic factor in the training set, test set, and whole dataset. Furthermore, two external validation sets confirmed the predictive efficacy of the LR.score for response to PD-1 blockade therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Xu Cao
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Weng
- Hunan Sixth Engineering Company Construction Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Jiang Sheng Huang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xia Long
- Hospital Office, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Xia Long,
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Lin J, Qiu Y, Zheng X, Dai Y, Xu T. The miR-199a-5p/PD-L1 axis regulates cell proliferation, migration and invasion in follicular thyroid carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:756. [PMID: 35818041 PMCID: PMC9275143 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09838-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is the second most common cancer of the thyroid and easily develops into distant metastasis. PD-L1 is known to be associated with the carcinogenesis and progression of thyroid carcinoma. Our study aimed to investigate the biological functions of PD-L1 and to identify miRNAs that were responsible for modulating the activity of PD-L1. Methods A total of 72 patients with FTC at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University were enrolled in this retrospective study. Immunohistochemical (IHC) assay was used to measure PD-L1 expression in FTC. The association between PD-L1 expression and clinicopathologic characteristics was evaluated. Bioinformatics analysis, RT–qPCR and western blotting were used to examine the relationships between miR-199a-5p, PD-L1 and Claudin-1. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were evaluated by using CCK8 and Transwell migration and invasion assays. Target prediction and luciferase reporter assays were performed to verify the binding between miR-199a-5p and PD-L1. Rescue assay was performed to confirm whether PD-L1 downregulation abolished the inhibitory effect of miR-199a-5p. Results Among 72 pairs of tumor and normal specimens, the proportion of PD-L1 positive samples was higher in FTC tissues than in normal tissues. The results of ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT illustrated that there was a positive correlation between PD-L1 expression and immune infiltration, especially regulatory T cells and M1 macrophages. Prediction of immunotherapy revealed that patients with high PD-L1 expression might benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors. Transwell migration and invasion assays showed that PD-L1 downregulation in FTC cells could significantly inhibit cell migration and invasion. The bioinformatics analysis and luciferase activity results indicated that PD-L1 was a potential target of miR-199a-5p. Knockdown of PD-L1 reversed the miR-199a-5p inhibitor mediated promotion effect. In addition, we found that PD-L1 expression was positively correlated with Claudin-1 expression and that miR-199a-5p affected the progression of FTC cells through the negative regulation of PD-L1 and Claudin-1. Conclusions Our study revealed that PD-L1 expression was elevated in FTC and was closely associated with tumor aggressiveness and progression. MiR-199a-5p has a functional role in the progression and metastasis of FTC by regulating PD-L1 and Claudin-1 expression. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09838-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianguang Lin
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian, China
| | - Yanru Qiu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian, China
| | - Xueqin Zheng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian, China
| | - Yijun Dai
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian, China.
| | - Tianwen Xu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian, China.
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38
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Qiao PP, Tian KS, Han LT, Ma B, Shen CK, Zhao RY, Zhang Y, Wei WJ, Chen XP. Correlation of mismatch repair deficiency with clinicopathological features and programmed death-ligand 1 expression in thyroid carcinoma. Endocrine 2022; 76:660-670. [PMID: 35366156 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03031-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes associated with thyroid carcinoma (TC) have rarely been reported, especially in East Asian populations. METHODS We examined tumor tissue from a cohort of 241 patients diagnosed with TC between 2008 and 2020. MMR proteins were detected using tissue microarray-based immunohistochemistry in order to identify MMR-protein-deficient (MMR-D) and MMR-protein-intact (MMR-I) tumors. We retrospectively summarized the clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with MMR-D TC, measured the expression of PD-L1, and recorded overall survival (OS) and other clinical outcomes. RESULTS In our cohort, there were 18 (7.5%) MMR-D (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2) patients, including 12 with papillary TC (PTC) (6.7%), 2 with poorly differentiated TC (PDTC) (4.7%), and 4 with anaplastic TC (ATC) (22.2%). Half of them (9/18) showed a specific deletion in MSH6, and 6 of them also carried variants in the MSH6 and PMS2 gene. Survival was significantly better in patients with MMR-D ATC than in those with MMR-I tumors (p = 0.033). Four of the 18 MMR-D patients (22%) were found to be PD-L1 positive. Their OS was much shorter than that of PD-L1-negative patients. CONCLUSIONS MMR-D and PD-L1 positivity appear to be associated with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in TC. The results indicate that MMR status may have important prognostic significance in TC. Therefore, immune checkpoint inhibitors that target the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway may be a treatment option for TCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Pei Qiao
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Kai-Sai Tian
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Li-Tao Han
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ben Ma
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Cen-Kai Shen
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Run-Yu Zhao
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Pudong New Area Gongli Hospital, Shanghai, 200135, China
| | - Wen-Jun Wei
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xiao-Ping Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Pudong New Area Gongli Hospital, Shanghai, 200135, China.
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Saburi S, Tsujikawa T, Miyagawa-Hayashino A, Mitsuda J, Yoshimura K, Kimura A, Morimoto H, Ohmura G, Arai A, Ogi H, Konishi E, Itoh K, Sugino K, Hirano S. Spatially resolved immune microenvironmental profiling for follicular thyroid carcinoma with minimal capsular invasion. Mod Pathol 2022; 35:721-727. [PMID: 34952946 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-021-00993-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Spatial profiles of the tumor-immune microenvironment are associated with disease progression and clinicopathological factors in various cancers. Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is the second most common thyroid cancer, where the presence of capsular invasion or angioinvasion determines the pathological diagnosis; however, little is known about the immune microenvironment profiles associated with the acquisition of invasive potential of FTC. In this study, we focused on FTC with minimal capsular invasion, and the spatially resolved immune microenvironment of FTC was studied in the discovery (n = 13) and validation cohorts (n = 40). CD8+ T cells, helper T cells, regulatory T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, tumor-associated macrophages, CD66+ granulocytes, mature dendritic cells, and mast cells were quantitatively evaluated in single tissue sections, via a 12-marker multiplex immunohistochemistry and image cytometry. Cell densities and compositions of immune cells were spatially stratified by six tissue regions including tumor center, subcapsular region, capsular invasion, adjacent stroma of capsular invasion, peritumoral stroma, and adjacent normal. Lymphoid cell lineages in the tumor center and subcapsular regions were significantly lower than those in adjacent normal and peritumoral stroma, potentially related to the lymphoid lineage exclusion from the intratumoral regions of FTC. Interestingly, immune cell composition profiles in the capsular invasive front were distinct from those of intratumoral region. The ratios of T cells to CD66b+ granulocytes with capsular invasion were significantly higher than those without capsular invasion, suggesting the presence of a unique immune microenvironment at the invasive front between tumor foci and stroma. In addition, tumor cells at the capsular invasive front showed significantly higher expression of tumor programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) than those at the tumor center. This study revealed spatial immune profiles associated with capsular invasion of FTC, providing new insights into the mechanisms underlying its development and initial invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumiyo Saburi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tsujikawa
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Aya Miyagawa-Hayashino
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Junichi Mitsuda
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kanako Yoshimura
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Alisa Kimura
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroki Morimoto
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Gaku Ohmura
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akihito Arai
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ogi
- Department of Pathology and Applied Neurobiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.,SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Eiichi Konishi
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kyoko Itoh
- Department of Pathology and Applied Neurobiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Shigeru Hirano
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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Ibrahiem AT, Makhdoom AK, Alanazi KS, Alanazi AM, Mukhlef AM, Elshafey SH, Toraih EA, Fawzy MS. Analysis of anti-apoptotic PVT1 oncogene and apoptosis-related proteins (p53, Bcl2, PD-1, and PD-L1) expression in thyroid carcinoma. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24390. [PMID: 35388548 PMCID: PMC9102754 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An aberrant expression of long non‐coding RNA PVT1 has been associated with apoptosis in various cancer types. We aimed to explore the PVT1 and four apoptosis‐related proteins (p53, Bcl2, and PD‐1/PD‐L1) signature in thyroid cancer (TC). Methods The PVT1 expression level was measured in 64 FFPE TC paired samples by real‐time quantitative PCR. Overall and stratified analyses by different clinicopathological features were done. The apoptotic proteins were evaluated by immunohistochemistry staining. Results Overall analysis showed significant PVT1upregulation in TC tissues (p < 0.001). Similarly, subgroup analysis by BRAFV600E mutation showed consistent results. Lower expression of p53 was associated with mortality (p = 0.001). Bcl2 overexpression was associated with greater tumor size (p = 0.005). At the same time, HCV‐positive cases were associated with repressed Bcl2 expression levels (54.3% in HCV‐negative vs. 6.9% in HCV‐positive cases, p = 0.011). PD‐1 expression was associated with lymph node metastasis (p = 0.004). Enhanced PD‐L1 expression in the tumor was associated with a higher tumor stage, lymphovascular invasion, and mortality risk. Kaplan–Meier curves for overall survival showed that low p53 and high PD‐L1 expressions were associated with lower survival time. The p53‐positive staining is associated with a 90% decreased mortality risk (HR = 0.10, 95%CI = 0.02–0.47, p = 0.001), while patients with high PD‐L1 were five times more likely to die (HR = 4.74, 95%CI = 1.2–18.7, p = 0.027). Conclusion Our results confirm the upregulation of PVT1 in TC. The apoptosis‐related proteins (p53, Bcl2, and PD‐1/PD‐L1) showed different prognostic utility in TC patients; in particular, low p53 and high PD‐L1 expressions associated with low survival times. Further large‐scale and mechanistic studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afaf T Ibrahiem
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Amin K Makhdoom
- Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid S Alanazi
- Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Saad H Elshafey
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eman A Toraih
- Division of Endocrine and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.,Genetics Unit, Histology and Cell Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Manal S Fawzy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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Systemic Therapy in Thyroid Cancer. Indian J Surg Oncol 2022; 13:68-80. [PMID: 35462658 PMCID: PMC8986938 DOI: 10.1007/s13193-021-01398-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy. While surgery remains the mainstay of the treatment of all different histologies, for differentiated thyroid cancers, radioactive iodine also plays an important role in management. Once tumor becomes radio-iodine refractory, it needs systemic therapy. Earlier, these tumors had very dismal prognosis. However, with the advancement of technology and research, it has become clear now that thyroid cancer cells are driven by various mutations. Targeting these oncogenic drivers by various molecules have proven to be effective therapeutic strategy in thyroid cancer. Besides, as in other solid tumors, immunotherapy is also being evaluated in thyroid cancer. While these new therapeutic approaches have revolutionized the treatment on advanced/metastatic thyroid cancer, there are definite challenges which limit their use in common clinical practice. These challenges include higher treatment cost and lack of testing to identify the driver mutations. Moreover, there is still need for further research in thyroid cancers to identify oncogenic targets and agent to act upon them.
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Chiloiro S, Bianchi A, Giampietro A, Milardi D, De Marinis L, Pontecorvi A. The changing clinical spectrum of endocrine adverse events in cancer immunotherapy. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2022; 33:87-104. [PMID: 34895977 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2021.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of several malignancies, improving patient survival and quality of life. Endocrinopathies have emerged as a clinically significant group of immune-related adverse events (IRAEs). Although the mechanism of ICI toxicities has not been clarified, inhibition of immune checkpoints reduces immune tolerance to autoantigens, resulting in the development of autoimmunity disorders. We report current evidence regarding endocrine IRAEs that may have diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Management should be focused on a multidisciplinary approach to reach a prompt diagnosis and an appropriate and safe treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Chiloiro
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy; Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC) Endocrinology and Diabetology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy.
| | - Antonio Bianchi
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy; Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC) Endocrinology and Diabetology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Antonella Giampietro
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy; Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC) Endocrinology and Diabetology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Domenico Milardi
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy; Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC) Endocrinology and Diabetology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Laura De Marinis
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy; Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC) Endocrinology and Diabetology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Alfredo Pontecorvi
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy; Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC) Endocrinology and Diabetology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
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Li J, Zhang Y, Sun F, Xing L, Sun X. Towards an era of precise diagnosis and treatment: Role of novel molecular modification-based imaging and therapy for dedifferentiated thyroid cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:980582. [PMID: 36157447 PMCID: PMC9493193 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.980582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Dedifferentiated thyroid cancer is the major cause of mortality in thyroid cancer and is difficult to treat. Hence, the essential molecular mechanisms involved in dedifferentiation should be thoroughly investigated. Several studies have explored the biomolecular modifications of dedifferentiated thyroid cancer such as DNA methylation, protein phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, and glycosylation and the new targets for radiological imaging and therapy in recent years. Novel radionuclide tracers and drugs have shown attractive potential in the early diagnosis and treatment of dedifferentiated thyroid cancer. We summarized the updated molecular mechanisms of dedifferentiation combined with early detection by molecular modification-based imaging to provide more accurate diagnosis and novel therapeutics in the management of dedifferentiated thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Graduate, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Yingjie Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Fenghao Sun
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Ligang Xing
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaorong Sun
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaorong Sun,
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Garcia-Alvarez A, Hernando J, Carmona-Alonso A, Capdevila J. What is the status of immunotherapy in thyroid neoplasms? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:929091. [PMID: 35992118 PMCID: PMC9389039 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.929091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has changed the treatment of patients with advanced cancer, with different phase III trials showing durable responses across different histologies. This review focuses on the preclinical and clinical evidence of potential predictive biomarkers of response and efficacy of immunotherapy in thyroid neoplasms. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) staining by immunohistochemistry has shown higher expression in anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) compared to other subtypes. The tumor mutational burden in thyroid neoplasms is low but seems to be higher in ATC. Immune infiltrates in the tumor microenvironment (TME) differ between the different thyroid neoplasm subtypes. In general, differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has a higher number of tumor-associated lymphocytes and regulatory T cells (Tregs), while ATC and medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) display a high density of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Nevertheless, results from clinical trials with immunotherapy as monotherapy or combinations have shown limited efficacy. Further investigation into new strategies aside from anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4)/programmed death 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 antibodies, validation of predictive biomarkers, and better population selection for clinical trials in thyroid neoplasms is more than needed in the near future.
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45
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Qian C, Jiang L, Xu S, Wang J, Tan Z, Xin Y, Ge M. Advances in targeted therapy for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2021; 50:685-693. [PMID: 35347921 PMCID: PMC8931613 DOI: 10.3724/zdxbyxb-2021-0249] [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: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a highly malignant and aggressive thyroid malignancy with rapid onset and poor prognosis. There is no effective treatment for ATC yet. Molecular targeted therapy provides a new idea for ATC treatment. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor lenvatinib has potential in treating ATC patients with favorable efficacy in clinical trials. The effectiveness of the v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homologue B1 () gene inhibitor dabrafenib in combination with trametinib for the treatment of positive ATC patients has been demonstrated in clinical trials. The has proposed dabrafenib in combination with trametinib as the preferred modality for the treatment of patients with positive ATC. The immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab can be applied to treat thyroid cancer with high tumor mutational load and may be considered as the preferred modality for the treatment of ATC patients with high programmed death ligand-1 expression. The mammalian target of rapamycin pathway inhibitors, peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ agonists, endothelial growth factor receptors-targeting monoclonal antibody cetuximab and novel vascular blocker fosbretabulin are still in the clinical research stage, which are expected to provide new directions for the development of novel targeted drugs. This article reviews the current research progress on targeted drugs for the treatment of ATC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhong Qian
- 1. Graduate School, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, Anhui Province, China
- 2. Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Center of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Liehao Jiang
- 2. Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Center of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
- 3. Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Shiying Xu
- 2. Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Center of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
- 4. The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jiafeng Wang
- 2. Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Center of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
- 3. Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Zhuo Tan
- 2. Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Center of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
- 3. Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Ying Xin
- 2. Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Center of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
- 3. Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Minghua Ge
- 1. Graduate School, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, Anhui Province, China
- 2. Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Center of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
- 3. Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases, Hangzhou 310014, China
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Chakraborty S, Carnazza M, Jarboe T, DeSouza N, Li XM, Moscatello A, Geliebter J, Tiwari RK. Disruption of Cell-Cell Communication in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer as an Immunotherapeutic Opportunity. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1350:33-66. [PMID: 34888843 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-83282-7_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer incidence is increasing at an alarming rate, almost tripling every decade. About 44,280 new cases of thyroid cancer (12,150 in men and 32,130 in women) are estimated to be diagnosed in 2021, with an estimated death toll of around 2200. Although most thyroid tumors are treatable and associated with a favorable outcome, anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is extremely aggressive with a grim prognosis of 6-9 months post-diagnosis. A large contributing factor to this aggressive nature is that ATC is completely refractory to mainstream therapies. Analysis of the tumor microenvironment (TME) associated with ATC can relay insight to the pathological realm that encompasses tumors and aids in cancer progression and proliferation. The TME is defined as a complex niche that surrounds a tumor and involves a plethora of cellular components whose secretions can modulate the environment in order to favor tumor progression. The cellular heterogeneity of the TME contributes to its dynamic function due to the presence of both immune and nonimmune resident, infiltrating, and interacting cell types. Associated immune cells discussed in this chapter include macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer (NK) cells, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Nonimmune cells also play a role in the establishment and proliferation of the TME, including neuroendocrine (NE) cells, adipocytes, endothelial cells (ECs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and fibroblasts. The dynamic nature of the TME contributes greatly to cancer progression.Recent work has found ATC tissues to be defined by a T cell-inflamed "hot" tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) as evidenced by presence of CD3+ and CD8+ T cells. These tumor types are amenable to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. This therapeutic avenue, as of 2021, has remained unexplored in ATC. New studies should seek to explore the therapeutic feasibility of a combination therapy, through the use of a small molecule inhibitor with ICB in ATC. Screening of in vitro model systems representative of papillary, anaplastic, and follicular thyroid cancer explored the expression of 29 immune checkpoint molecules. There are higher expressions of HVEM, BTLA, and CD160 in ATC cell lines when compared to the other TC subtypes. The expression level of HVEM was more than 30-fold higher in ATC compared to the others, on average. HVEM is a member of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily, which acts as a bidirectional switch through interaction with BTLA, CD160, and LIGHT, in a cis or trans manner. Given the T cell-inflamed hot TIME in ATC, expression of HVEM on tumor cells was suggestive of a possibility for complex crosstalk of HVEM with inflammatory cytokines. Altogether, there is emerging evidence of a T cell-inflamed TIME in ATC along with the expression of immune checkpoint proteins HVEM, BTLA, and CD160 in ATC. This can open doors for combination therapies using small molecule inhibitors targeting downstream effectors of MAPK pathway and antagonistic antibodies targeting the HVEM/BTLA axis as a potentially viable therapeutic avenue for ATC patients. With this being stated, the development of adaptive resistance to targeted therapies is inevitable; therefore, using a combination therapy that targets the TIME can serve as a preemptive tactic against the characteristic therapeutic resistance that is seen in ATC. The dynamic nature of the TME, including the immune cells, nonimmune cells, and acellular components, can serve as viable targets for combination therapy in ATC. Understanding the complex interactions of these associated cells and the paradigm in which their secretions and components can serve as immunomodulators are critical points of understanding when trying to develop therapeutics specifically tailored for the anaplastic thyroid carcinoma microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjukta Chakraborty
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michelle Carnazza
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Tara Jarboe
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Nicole DeSouza
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Xiu-Min Li
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | | | - Jan Geliebter
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Raj K Tiwari
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.
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He H, Xu T, Li P, Jia G, Li X, Song Q. Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy Combined With Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy and GM-CSF as Salvage Therapy in a PD-L1-Positive Patient With Refractory Metastatic Thyroid Hürthle Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review. Front Oncol 2021; 11:782646. [PMID: 34888252 PMCID: PMC8650693 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.782646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid Hürthle cell carcinoma, known as thyroid eosinophilic carcinoma, is a rare pathological type of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), representing 3-4% of all thyroid cancers. However, given the high risk of invasion and metastasis, thyroid Hürthle cell carcinoma has a relatively poor prognosis. Traditional treatment methods have limited effects on patients with metastatic thyroid cancers. Developing a valuable therapy for advanced thyroid carcinomas is an unfilled need, and immunotherapy could represent another choice for these tumors. We herein reported the case of a patient with recurrent advanced thyroid Hürthle cell cancer and positive programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, who suffered tumor progression after re-surgery, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy. It is encouraging that PD-1 inhibitors in combination with GM-CSF and stereotactic body irradiation (SBRT) on metastatic disease have a significant anti-tumor effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haihua He
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tangpeng Xu
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ping Li
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Guohua Jia
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangpan Li
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qibin Song
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Advances in Biomarker-Driven Targeted Therapies in Thyroid Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246194. [PMID: 34944814 PMCID: PMC8699087 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This article reviews current treatment practices for thyroid cancer with a focus on novel targeted molecular therapy. Rapidly expanding knowledge of the molecular biology of these cancers coupled with the increased availability of genetic testing has led to exciting paradigm shifts in treatment strategies for these tumor types. We aim to provide up-to-date information on these state-of-the-art therapies as a guide for clinicians who specialize in the treatments of thyroid cancer. Abstract Thyroid cancer is the most common type of endocrine malignancy comprising 2–3% of all cancers, with a constant rise in the incidence rate. The standard first-line treatments for thyroid cancer include surgery and radioactive iodine ablation, and a majority of patients show a good response to these therapies. Despite a better response and outcome, approximately twenty percent of patients develop disease recurrence and distant metastasis. With improved knowledge of molecular dysregulation and biological characteristics of thyroid cancer, the development of new treatment strategies comprising novel targets has accelerated. Biomarker-driven targeted therapies have now emerged as a trend for personalized treatments in patients with advanced cancers, and several multiple receptor kinase inhibitors have entered clinical trials (phase I/II/III) to evaluate their safety and efficacy. Most extensively investigated and clinically approved targeted therapies in thyroid cancer include the tyrosine receptor kinase inhibitors that target antiangiogenic markers, BRAF mutation, PI3K/AKT, and MAPK pathway components. In this review, we focus on the current advances in targeted mono- and combination therapies for various types of thyroid cancer.
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Rocha ML, Schmid KW, Czapiewski P. The prevalence of DNA microsatellite instability in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma - systematic review and discussion of current therapeutic options. Contemp Oncol (Pozn) 2021; 25:213-223. [PMID: 34729042 PMCID: PMC8547184 DOI: 10.5114/wo.2021.110052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is a rare, rapidly progressing, highly aggressive thyroid malignancy. Responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors in mismatch repair-deficient/microsatellite instability-high tumours of other locations have shown promising results, and with the extended approval of the PD-1 receptor inhibitor pembrolizumab by the Food and Drug Administration, also anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) requires analysis for microsatellite instability (MSI) status. MATERIAL AND METHODS Systematic research for relevant literature was conducted in different databases. Prevalence, detection methods, and the potential prognostic/predictive value of MSI in view of the available targeted therapies were of special focus. RESULTS Selected citations revealed the prevalence of MSI in 7.4%, with mutations in the MSH2 gene (33%) being the most frequent, followed by MSH6 (25%) and MLH1 (16.7%) occurring in the following combinations: MLH1-MSH2 (8.3%), MSH2-MSH6 (8.3%), and MLH3-MSH5 (8.3%). No mutations in the PMS2 gene were reported. Sixty-six co-mutations in 9 cases were found, with TP53 (88.9%), NF1 (44.4 %), ATM (33.3%), and RB1 (33.3%) being the most frequent. No RAS mutations were noted. Survival ranged between 2.8 and 48 months, and patient age varied between 49 and 84 years. There are insufficient and heterogenous data concerning the predictive or prognostic value of mismatch repair-deficient/microsatellite instability status. CONCLUSIONS Tumour molecular profiling is fundamental in ATC for predictive, prognostic, as well as therapeutic reasons, and analysis of MSI status is strongly suggested because a small subgroup show the MSI signature and might profit from recently approved targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Linda Rocha
- Institute of Pathology Königs Wusterhausen, Königs Wusterhausen, Germany
| | - Kurt Werner Schmid
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Piotr Czapiewski
- Institute of Pathology, Dessau Medical Centre, Dessau, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
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O'Connell TJ, Dadafarin S, Jones M, Rodríguez T, Gupta A, Shin E, Moscatello A, Iacob C, Islam H, Tiwari RK, Geliebter J. Androgen Activity Is Associated With PD-L1 Downregulation in Thyroid Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:663130. [PMID: 34422798 PMCID: PMC8377372 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.663130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most prevalent endocrine malignancy in the United States with greater than 53,000 new cases in 2020. There is a significant gender disparity in disease incidence as well, with women developing thyroid cancer three times more often than men; however, the underlying cause of this disparity is poorly understood. Using RNA-sequencing, we profiled the immune landscape of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and identified a significant inverse correlation between androgen receptor (AR) levels and the immune checkpoint molecule PD-L1. The expression of PD-L1 was then measured in an androgen responsive-thyroid cancer cell line. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatment resulted in significant reduction in surface PD-L1 expression in a time and dose-dependent manner. To determine if androgen-mediated PD-L1 downregulation was AR-dependent, we treated cells with flutamide, a selective AR antagonist, and prior to DHT treatment to pharmacologically inhibit AR-induced signaling. This resulted in a > 90% restoration of cell surface PD-L1 expression, suggesting a potential role for AR activity in PD-L1 regulation. Investigation into the AR binding sites showed AR activation impacts NF-kB signaling by increasing IkBα and by possibly preventing NF-kB translocation into the nucleus, reducing PD-L1 promoter activation. This study provides evidence of sex-hormone mediated regulation of immune checkpoint molecules in vitro with potential ramification for immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timmy J O'Connell
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Sina Dadafarin
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Melanie Jones
- United States Military Academy Preparatory School, West Point, NY, United States
| | - Tomás Rodríguez
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Anvita Gupta
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Edward Shin
- Department of Otolaryngology, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, New York, NY, United States
| | - Augustine Moscatello
- Department of Otolaryngology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Codrin Iacob
- Department of Pathology, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, New York, NY, United States
| | - Humayun Islam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Raj K Tiwari
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Jan Geliebter
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States.,Department of Otolaryngology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
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