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Matylevich OP, Kurchankou MA, Kopsсhaj PA, Schmeler KM. HPV-related metastatic retroperitoneal pelvic squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary origin in a patient previously treated for endometrial cancer. Int J Surg Case Rep 2024; 118:109624. [PMID: 38608521 PMCID: PMC11017273 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109624] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is metastatic disease with no identifiable site of origin. Retroperitoneal squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary is extremely rare. There are limited reports regarding treatment recommendations and outcomes for women with this disease. PRESENTATION OF CASE Here we present the case of a woman with human papillomavirus (HPV)-related metastatic retroperitoneal pelvic squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary previously treated for endometrial cancer as well as a review of the existing reports on this topic. Surgical removal of the tumor was performed, the treatment had effective immediate results. DISCUSSION There are a few reports describing CUPs in the retroperitoneal space. Most retroperitoneal tumors are asymptomatic and may be found incidentally during a regular examination, as in the case presented here. A full pelvic exam including inspection of the vulva, colposcopy and anoscopy should be performed, particularly in HPV-associated CUPs. Pathologic testing including immunohistochemistry and special staining and molecular testing of the tumor may be needed. CONCLUSION It is important to find the primary origin of cancer to treat it successfully. If the primary tumor cannot be identified, immunohistochemistry and molecular testing of the tumor may help identify the nature of malignant disease and help guide appropriate treatment.
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Lammert A, Abo-Madyan Y, Huber L, Ludwig S, Scherl C, Rotter N. [Cervical CUP Syndrome: Diagnosis and Therapy]. Laryngorhinootologie 2024; 103:371-382. [PMID: 38697084 DOI: 10.1055/a-2150-4834] [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: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
In CUP syndrome (CUP = cancer of unknown primary) there are 1 or more metastases of a primary tumor that cannot be localized despite extensive diagnostics. CUP syndrome accounts for 5% of all human malignancies, making it one of the 10 most common forms of cancer. In addition to inflammatory lymph node enlargement and benign changes such as cervical cysts, lymph node metastases are among the most common cervical masses. Cervical CUP syndrome is a histologically confirmed cervical lymph node metastasis with an unknown primary tumor. In addition to anamnesis, clinical examination and histological confirmation, diagnostics include radiological imaging using PET-CT and panendoscopy with histological primary tumor search. Treatment options include surgical therapy with neck dissection and chemoradiotherapy.
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Al Assaad M, Shin N, Sigouros M, Manohar J, Antysheva Z, Kotlov N, Kiriy D, Nikitina A, Kleimenov M, Tsareva A, Makarova A, Fomchenkova V, Dubinina J, Boyko A, Almog N, Wilkes D, Escalon JG, Saxena A, Elemento O, Sternberg CN, Nanus DM, Mosquera JM. Deciphering the origin and therapeutic targets of cancer of unknown primary: a case report that illustrates the power of integrative whole-exome and transcriptome sequencing analysis. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1274163. [PMID: 38318324 PMCID: PMC10838960 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1274163] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) represents a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, being the third to fourth leading cause of cancer death, despite advances in diagnostic tools. This article presents a successful approach using a novel genomic analysis in the evaluation and treatment of a CUP patient, leveraging whole-exome sequencing (WES) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). The patient, with a history of multiple primary tumors including urothelial cancer, exhibited a history of rapid progression on empirical chemotherapy. The application of our approach identified a molecular target, characterized the tumor expression profile and the tumor microenvironment, and analyzed the origin of the tumor, leading to a tailored treatment. This resulted in a substantial radiological response across all metastatic sites and the predicted primary site of the tumor. We argue that a comprehensive genomic and molecular profiling approach, like the BostonGene© Tumor Portrait, can provide a more definitive, personalized treatment strategy, overcoming the limitations of current predictive assays. This approach offers a potential solution to an unmet clinical need for a standardized approach in identifying the tumor origin for the effective management of CUP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majd Al Assaad
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nara Shin
- BostonGene Corporation, Waltham, MA, United States
| | - Michael Sigouros
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jyothi Manohar
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | | | | | - Daria Kiriy
- BostonGene Corporation, Waltham, MA, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Nava Almog
- BostonGene Corporation, Waltham, MA, United States
| | - David Wilkes
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Joanna G. Escalon
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ashish Saxena
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Cora N. Sternberg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - David M. Nanus
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Juan Miguel Mosquera
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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Beauchamp K, Moran B, O'Brien T, Brennan D, Crown J, Sheahan K, Cotter MB. Carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP): an update for histopathologists. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:1189-1200. [PMID: 37394540 PMCID: PMC10713813 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10101-6] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) is a heterogeneous group of metastatic cancers in which the site of origin is not identifiable. These carcinomas have a poor outcome due to their late presentation with metastatic disease, difficulty in identifying the origin and delay in treatment. The aim of the pathologist is to broadly classify and subtype the cancer and, where possible, to confirm the likely primary site as this information best predicts patient outcome and guides treatment. In this review, we provide histopathologists with diagnostic practice points which contribute to identifying the primary origin in such cases. We present the current clinical evaluation and management from the point of view of the oncologist. We discuss the role of the pathologist in the diagnostic pathway including the control of pre-analytical conditions, assessment of sample adequacy, diagnosis of cancer including diagnostic pitfalls, and evaluation of prognostic and predictive markers. An integrated diagnostic report is ideal in cases of CUP, with results discussed at a forum such as a molecular tumour board and matched with targeted treatment. This highly specialized evolving area ultimately leads to personalized oncology and potentially improved outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Beauchamp
- Department of Histopathology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Bruce Moran
- Department of Histopathology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Timothy O'Brien
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin 7, Ireland
| | - Donal Brennan
- Systems Biology Ireland, UCD School of Medicine, Belfield, Dublin4, Ireland
- UCD Gynaecological Oncology Group, St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - John Crown
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Kieran Sheahan
- Department of Histopathology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Maura Bríd Cotter
- Department of Histopathology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
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5
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Zhang S, He S, Zhu X, Wang Y, Xie Q, Song X, Xu C, Wang W, Xing L, Xia C, Wang Q, Li W, Zhang X, Yu J, Ma S, Shi J, Gu H. DNA methylation profiling to determine the primary sites of metastatic cancers using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5686. [PMID: 37709764 PMCID: PMC10502058 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41015-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying the primary site of metastatic cancer is critical to guiding the subsequent treatment. Approximately 3-9% of metastatic patients are diagnosed with cancer of unknown primary sites (CUP) even after a comprehensive diagnostic workup. However, a widely accepted molecular test is still not available. Here, we report a method that applies formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues to construct reduced representation bisulfite sequencing libraries (FFPE-RRBS). We then generate and systematically evaluate 28 molecular classifiers, built on four DNA methylation scoring methods and seven machine learning approaches, using the RRBS library dataset of 498 fresh-frozen tumor tissues from primary cancer patients. Among these classifiers, the beta value-based linear support vector (BELIVE) performs the best, achieving overall accuracies of 81-93% for identifying the primary sites in 215 metastatic patients using top-k predictions (k = 1, 2, 3). Coincidentally, BELIVE also successfully predicts the tissue of origin in 81-93% of CUP patients (n = 68).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirong Zhang
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, 310006, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, 310006, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shutao He
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Biotechnology and Health, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, 100089, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, 310022, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yunfei Wang
- Zhejiang ShengTing Biotech Co. Ltd, 310018, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qionghuan Xie
- Zhejiang ShengTing Biotech Co. Ltd, 310018, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xianrang Song
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 250117, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chunwei Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 210002, Nanjing, Jiangshu Province, China
| | - Wenxian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, 310022, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ligang Xing
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 250117, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chengqing Xia
- Zhejiang ShengTing Biotech Co. Ltd, 310018, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 210029, Nanjing, Jiangshu Province, China
| | - Wenfeng Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 325000, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiaochen Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310006, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jinming Yu
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 250117, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shenglin Ma
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, 310006, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
- Department of Oncology, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, 310006, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Jiantao Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hongcang Gu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 230031, Hefei, Anhui Province, China.
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 230031, Hefei, Anhui Province, China.
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van Mourik A, Tonkin-Hill G, O'Farrell J, Waller S, Tan L, Tothill RW, Bowtell D, Fox S, Fellowes A, Fedele C, Schofield P, Sivakumaran T, Wong HL, Mileshkin L. Six-year experience of Australia's first dedicated cancer of unknown primary clinic. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:301-308. [PMID: 37225894 PMCID: PMC10338450 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02254-6] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnosis and management of cancers of unknown primary (CUP) remain challenging. This study examines the referral patterns, management and outcomes of patients referred to Australia's first dedicated CUP clinic. METHODS Retrospective medical record review was conducted for patients seen at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre CUP clinic between July 2014 and August 2020. Overall survival (OS) was analysed for patients with a CUP diagnosis where treatment information was available. RESULTS Of 361 patients referred, fewer than half had completed diagnostic work-up at the time of referral. A diagnosis of CUP was established in 137 (38%), malignancy other than CUP in 177 (49%) and benign pathology in 36 (10%) patients. Genomic testing was successfully completed in 62% of patients with initial provisional CUP and impacted management in 32% by identifying a tissue of origin or actionable genomic alteration. The use of site-specific, targeted therapy or immunotherapy was independently associated with longer OS compared to empirical chemotherapy. CONCLUSION Our specialised CUP clinic facilitated diagnostic work-up among patients with suspected malignancy and provided access to genomic testing and clinical trials for patients with a CUP diagnosis, all of which are important to improve outcomes in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle van Mourik
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Gina Tonkin-Hill
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - John O'Farrell
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Shohei Waller
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lavinia Tan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Richard W Tothill
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - David Bowtell
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen Fox
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Pathology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Fellowes
- Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Pathology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Penelope Schofield
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychology, and Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Health Services Research and Implementation Sciences, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tharani Sivakumaran
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Hui-Li Wong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Linda Mileshkin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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7
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Zhang Z, Lu Y, Vosoughi S, Levy J, Christensen B, Salas L. HiTAIC: hierarchical tumor artificial intelligence classifier traces tissue of origin and tumor type in primary and metastasized tumors using DNA methylation. NAR Cancer 2023; 5:zcad017. [PMID: 37089814 PMCID: PMC10113876 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcad017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cancers are heterogenous by their cell composition and origination site. Cancer metastasis generates the conundrum of the unknown origin of migrated tumor cells. Tracing tissue of origin and tumor type in primary and metastasized cancer is vital for clinical significance. DNA methylation alterations play a crucial role in carcinogenesis and mark cell fate differentiation, thus can be used to trace tumor tissue of origin. In this study, we employed a novel tumor-type-specific hierarchical model using genome-scale DNA methylation data to develop a multilayer perceptron model, HiTAIC, to trace tissue of origin and tumor type in 27 cancers from 23 tissue sites in data from 7735 tumors with high resolution, accuracy, and specificity. In tracing primary cancer origin, HiTAIC accuracy was 99% in the test set and 93% in the external validation data set. Metastatic cancers were identified with a 96% accuracy in the external data set. HiTAIC is a user-friendly web-based application through https://sites.dartmouth.edu/salaslabhitaic/. In conclusion, we developed HiTAIC, a DNA methylation-based algorithm, to trace tumor tissue of origin in primary and metastasized cancers. The high accuracy and resolution of tumor tracing using HiTAIC holds promise for clinical assistance in identifying cancer of unknown origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Quantitative Biomedical Sciences Program, Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Yunrui Lu
- Quantitative Biomedical Sciences Program, Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Soroush Vosoughi
- Department of Computer Science, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Joshua J Levy
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Quantitative Biomedical Sciences Program, Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
- Department of Pathology and Dermatology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Brock C Christensen
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Quantitative Biomedical Sciences Program, Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Lucas A Salas
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +1 603 646 5420;
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Comparison of PD-L1 expression in squamous cell cancer of unknown primary and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 280:1991-1997. [PMID: 36576530 PMCID: PMC9988788 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-022-07775-z] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The tumorigenesis of squamous cell cancer of unknown primary (SCCUP) in the head and neck area has not been decoded so far, while poor survival rates and limited therapeutic options pose a serious challenge. The aim of this project was to investigate immunological characteristics of SCCUPs and compare them to oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). METHODS PD-L1 expression (TC) was examined by immunohistochemistry in 50 lymph node metastases of SCCUP and 47 primaries of OPSCC. CD3 + and CD8 + lymphocytic infiltration was measured in 5 high power fields. Expression of p16 and HPV ISH were assessed. RESULTS SCCUP demonstrated a significantly higher expression of PD-L1 than OPSCC. In p16-negative SCCUPs PD-L1 proved to be an independent prognostic factor to prioritize high-risk patients. CONCLUSIONS Immunologic differences between SCCUP and OPSCC were detected. A higher PD-L1 expression in SCCUP could potentially facilitate further evaluation of checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
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Pisacane A, Cascardi E, Berrino E, Polidori A, Sarotto I, Casorzo L, Panero M, Boccaccio C, Verginelli F, Benvenuti S, Dellino M, Comoglio P, Montemurro F, Geuna E, Marchiò C, Sapino A. Real-world histopathological approach to malignancy of undefined primary origin (MUO) to diagnose cancers of unknown primary (CUPs). Virchows Arch 2023; 482:463-475. [PMID: 36346458 PMCID: PMC9640798 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-022-03435-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to envisage a streamlined pathological workup to rule out CUPs in patients presenting with MUOs. Sixty-four MUOs were classified using standard histopathology. Clinical data, immunocytochemical markers, and results of molecular analysis were recorded. MUOs were histologically subdivided in clear-cut carcinomas (40 adenocarcinomas, 11 squamous, and 3 neuroendocrine carcinomas) and unclear-carcinoma features (5 undifferentiated and 5 sarcomatoid tumors). Cytohistology of 7/40 adenocarcinomas suggested an early metastatic cancer per se. In 33/40 adenocarcinomas, CK7/CK20 expression pattern, gender, and metastasis sites influenced tissue-specific marker selection. In 23/40 adenocarcinomas, a "putative-immunophenotype" of tissue of origin addressed clinical-diagnostic examinations, identifying 9 early metastatic cancers. Cell lineage markers were used to confirm squamous and neuroendocrine differentiation. Pan-cytokeratins were used to confirm the epithelial nature of poorly differentiated tumors, followed by tissue and cell lineage markers, which identified one melanoma. In total, 47/64 MUOs (73.4%) were confirmed CUP. Molecular analysis, feasible in 37/47 CUPs (78.7%), had no diagnostic impact. Twenty CUP patients, mainly with squamous carcinomas and adenocarcinomas with putative-gynecologic-immunophenotypes, presented with only lymph node metastases and had longer median time to progression and overall survival (< 0.001), compared with patients with other metastatic patterns. We propose a simplified histology-driven workup which could efficiently rule out CUPs and identify early metastatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Pisacane
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Eliano Cascardi
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy.
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10100, Turin, Italy.
| | - Enrico Berrino
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10100, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessio Polidori
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Ivana Sarotto
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Casorzo
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Mara Panero
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Benvenuti
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Miriam Dellino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Paolo Comoglio
- IFOM, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, 20019, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Elena Geuna
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Caterina Marchiò
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10100, Turin, Italy
| | - Anna Sapino
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10100, Turin, Italy
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10
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Moon I, LoPiccolo J, Baca SC, Sholl LM, Kehl KL, Hassett MJ, Liu D, Schrag D, Gusev A. Utilizing Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Tumor Panel Sequencing to Demystify Prognosis of Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) patients. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2450090. [PMID: 36711812 PMCID: PMC9882677 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2450090/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is a type of cancer that cannot be traced back to its original site and accounts for 3-5% of all cancers. It does not have established targeted therapies, leading to poor outcomes. We developed OncoNPC, a machine learning classifier trained on targeted next-generation sequencing data from 34,567 tumors from three institutions. OncoNPC achieved a weighted F1 score of 0.94 for high confidence predictions on known cancer types (65% of held-out samples). When applied to 971 CUP tumors from patients treated at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, OncoNPC identified actionable molecular alterations in 23% of the tumors. Furthermore, OncoNPC identified CUP subtypes with significantly higher polygenic germline risk for the predicted cancer type and significantly different survival outcomes, supporting its validity. Importantly, CUP patients who received first palliative intent treatments concordant with their OncoNPC-predicted cancer sites had significantly better outcomes (H.R. 0.348, 95% C.I. 0.210 - 0.570, p-value 2.32 × 10-5). OncoNPC thus provides evidence of distinct CUP subtypes and offers the potential for clinical decision support for managing patients with CUP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Intae Moon
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jaclyn LoPiccolo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sylvan C. Baca
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lynette M. Sholl
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth L. Kehl
- Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael J. Hassett
- Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- The Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Deborah Schrag
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexander Gusev
- Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- The Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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11
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He J, Xu J, Chang Z, Yan J, Zhang L, Qin Y. NALCN is a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in human cancers. Front Genet 2023; 14:1164707. [PMID: 37152978 PMCID: PMC10154523 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1164707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Sodium leak channel non-selective (NALCN), known as a voltage-independent Na+ channel, is increasingly considered to play vital roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis of human cancers. However, no comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of NALCN has been conducted. Our study aims to explore the potential diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic value of NALCN in human cancers. Methods: Through comprehensive application of datasets from Human Protein Atlas (HPA), The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), Enhanced Version of Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER2.0), Tumor and Immune System Interaction Database (TISIDB), The University of Alabama at Birmingham Cancer data analysis Portal (UALCAN), cBioPortal, GeneMANIA and Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interaction Gene/Proteins (STRING) databases, we explored the potential roles of NALCN in different cancers. The differential expression, prognostic implications, pathological stages and grades, molecular and immune subtypes, diagnostic accuracy, tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), mismatch repair (MMR) genes, immune checkpoint genes, chemokine genes, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-related genes, tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs), promoter methylation, mutations, copy number alteration (CNA), and functional enrichment related to NALCN were analyzed. Results: Most cancers lowly expressed NALCN. Upregulated NALCN expression was associated with poor or better prognosis in different cancers. Moreover, NALCN was correlated with clinicopathological features in multiple cancers. NALCN showed high diagnostic accuracy in 5 caner types. NALCN is highly linked with immune-related biomarkers, immune-related genes and TIICs. Significant methylation changes and genetic alteration of NALCN can be observed in many cancers. Enrichment analysis showed that NALCN is closely related to multiple tumor-related signaling pathways. Conclusion: Our study revealed the vital involvement of NALCN in cancer. NALCN can be used as a prognostic biomarker for immune infiltration and clinical outcomes, and has potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian He
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jie Xu
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Zhiwei Chang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiaqin Yan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Limin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanru Qin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yanru Qin,
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12
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van der Strate I, Kazemzadeh F, Nagtegaal ID, Robbrecht D, van de Wouw A, Padilla CS, Duijts S, Esteller M, Greco FA, Pavlidis N, Qaseem A, Snaebjornsson P, van Zanten SV, Loef C. International consensus on the initial diagnostic workup of cancer of unknown primary. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 181:103868. [PMID: 36435296 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103868] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the incidence of Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) is estimated to be 1-2 % of all cancers worldwide, no international standards for diagnostic workup are yet established. Such an international guideline would facilitate international comparison, provide adequate incidence and survival rates, and ultimately improve care of patients with CUP. METHODS Participants for a four round modified Delphi study were selected via a CUP literature search in PubMed and an international network of cancer researchers. A total of 90 CUP experts were invited, and 34 experts from 15 countries over four continents completed all Delphi survey rounds. FINDINGS The Delphi procedure resulted in a multi-layer CUP classification for the diagnostic workup. Initial diagnostic workup should at least consist of history and physical examination, full blood count, analysis of serum markers, a biopsy of the most accessible lesion, a CT scan of chest/abdomen/pelvis, and immunohistochemical testing. Additionally, the expert panel agreed on the need of an ideal diagnostic lead time for CUP patients. There was no full consensus on the place in diagnostic workup of symptom-guided MRI or ultrasound, a PET/CT scan, targeted gene panels, immunohistochemical markers, and whole genome sequencing. INTERPRETATION Consensus was reached on the contents of the first diagnostic layer of a multi-layer CUP classification. This is a first step towards full consensus on CUP diagnostics, that should also include supplementary and advanced diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris van der Strate
- Department of Research and Development, Comprehensive Cancer Organization the Netherlands, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Fatemeh Kazemzadeh
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Iris D Nagtegaal
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Debbie Robbrecht
- Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Agnes van de Wouw
- Department of Medical Oncology, VieCuri Medical Center, Venlo, the Netherlands
| | - Catarina S Padilla
- Department of Research and Development, Comprehensive Cancer Organization the Netherlands, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Saskia Duijts
- Department of Research and Development, Comprehensive Cancer Organization the Netherlands, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Medical Psychology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Manel Esteller
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - F Anthony Greco
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute and Cancer Center, Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Nicholas Pavlidis
- Medical School, University of Ioannina, Stavros Niarchou Avenue, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Amir Qaseem
- American College of Physicians, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Petur Snaebjornsson
- Department of Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sophie Veldhuijzen van Zanten
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Caroline Loef
- Department of Research and Development, Comprehensive Cancer Organization the Netherlands, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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13
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Rahrmann EP, Shorthouse D, Jassim A, Hu LP, Ortiz M, Mahler-Araujo B, Vogel P, Paez-Ribes M, Fatemi A, Hannon GJ, Iyer R, Blundon JA, Lourenço FC, Kay J, Nazarian RM, Hall BA, Zakharenko SS, Winton DJ, Zhu L, Gilbertson RJ. The NALCN channel regulates metastasis and nonmalignant cell dissemination. Nat Genet 2022; 54:1827-1838. [PMID: 36175792 PMCID: PMC9729110 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-022-01182-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We identify the sodium leak channel non-selective protein (NALCN) as a key regulator of cancer metastasis and nonmalignant cell dissemination. Among 10,022 human cancers, NALCN loss-of-function mutations were enriched in gastric and colorectal cancers. Deletion of Nalcn from gastric, intestinal or pancreatic adenocarcinomas in mice did not alter tumor incidence, but markedly increased the number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and metastases. Treatment of these mice with gadolinium-a NALCN channel blocker-similarly increased CTCs and metastases. Deletion of Nalcn from mice that lacked oncogenic mutations and never developed cancer caused shedding of epithelial cells into the blood at levels equivalent to those seen in tumor-bearing animals. These cells trafficked to distant organs to form normal structures including lung epithelium, and kidney glomeruli and tubules. Thus, NALCN regulates cell shedding from solid tissues independent of cancer, divorcing this process from tumorigenesis and unmasking a potential new target for antimetastatic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric P Rahrmann
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - David Shorthouse
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Amir Jassim
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Linda P Hu
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mariaestela Ortiz
- Molecular Pharmacology Lab, Organoid Models Research and Biology, National Cancer Institute, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Betania Mahler-Araujo
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Histopathology Core, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Peter Vogel
- Veterinary Pathology Core Laboratory, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Marta Paez-Ribes
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Atefeh Fatemi
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gregory J Hannon
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Radhika Iyer
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jay A Blundon
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Filipe C Lourenço
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jonathan Kay
- Departments of Medicine and of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School and UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Rosalynn M Nazarian
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Pathology Service, Dermatopathology Unit, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin A Hall
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stanislav S Zakharenko
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Douglas J Winton
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Liqin Zhu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Richard J Gilbertson
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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14
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Jusabani A, Ismail N, Fidaali Z, Mjejwa R, Maftah T, Ismail A. To err is human; acute appendicitis a mistaken clinical identity for metastatic follicular thyroid carcinoma, a case report. Int J Surg Case Rep 2022; 101:107792. [PMID: 36462236 PMCID: PMC9718954 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2022.107792] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE Thyroid cancer accounts for majority of endocrine cancers with follicular thyroid cancer the second most common. It tends to spread via hematogenous route with distant metastasis thus besides presenting as a neck mass it may also present with symptoms tallying to regions of metastasis which may misguide the diagnosis. We report a case of a 50-year-old man who presented with features of appendicitis only to discover metastatic right iliac bone follicular thyroid cancer. We describe our experience on diagnostic formulation, radiological work up, surgery, radioactive iodine therapy and follow up. CASE PRESENTATION 50-year-old man presenting with acute abdomen and fevers with suspicion for appendicitis, worked up and found to have metastatic follicular carcinoma. Underwent total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine therapy to achieve disease stability without progression with a 5 year follow up completed. CLINICAL DISCUSSION The tendency to jump to medical imaging to establish a diagnosis in a lab oriented rather than clinical oriented approach. The role of radiology to establish the underlying disease and identify the primary lesion. Successfully halting disease progression for metastatic follicular thyroid carcinoma with surgery and radioactive iodine therapy. CONCLUSION Right iliac fossa tenderness does not always equate to acute appendicitis hence the use of diagnostic imaging to diagnose the metastatic lesion thus simplifying the puzzle to identify the primary. We hope through sharing our experience, we encourage the use of interventional radiology in a region that tends to opt for open approach when percutaneous approaches have shown to be successful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Jusabani
- Department of Radiology, The Aga Khan Hospital, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania,Corresponding author.
| | - Neelam Ismail
- Department of Family Medicine, the Aga Khan Hospital, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Zainab Fidaali
- Department of Radiology, The Aga Khan Hospital, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ramadhani Mjejwa
- Department of Radiology, The Aga Khan Hospital, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Tausi Maftah
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Tanzania
| | - Allyzain Ismail
- Department of General Surgery, The Aga Khan University, East Africa Medical College, Tanzania
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15
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New Genetic Technologies in Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer of Unknown Primary. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143429. [PMID: 35884492 PMCID: PMC9318615 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The NGS and other molecular techniques creates huge hopes for effective CUP patients treatment and to select them for molecularly targeted therapies (agnostic therapies) and immunotherapy. Development of diagnostic technologies and biologically targeted therapies could make CUP’ patients access to modern therapies and change their outcome. Abstract Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) represents a rare oncological and heterogeneous disease in which one or more metastases are present, but the location of the primary site is unknown. Pathological diagnosis, using immunohistochemistry, of such metastatic materials is challenging and frequently does not allow for determining the tissue of origin (ToO). The selection of systemic therapy in patients with CUP is usually based on empiric grounds, and the prognosis is generally unfavourable. New molecular techniques could identify the tissue of origin and be used to select systemic agnostic therapies in various malignancies with specific molecular abnormalities. Targetable driver mutations or gene rearrangements in cancer cells may be identified using various molecular assays, of which particularly valuable are next-generation sequencing techniques. These assays may identify tumour sources and allow personalized treatments. However, current guidelines for CUP management do not recommend routine testing of gene expression and epigenetic factors. This is mainly due to the insufficient evidence supporting the improvement of CUP’s prognosis by virtue of this approach. This review summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of new genetic techniques in CUP diagnostics and proposes updating the recommendations for CUP management.
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16
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Chan HT, Chin YM, Low SK. Circulating Tumor DNA-Based Genomic Profiling Assays in Adult Solid Tumors for Precision Oncology: Recent Advancements and Future Challenges. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3275. [PMID: 35805046 PMCID: PMC9265547 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic profiling using tumor biopsies remains the standard approach for the selection of approved molecular targeted therapies. However, this is often limited by its invasiveness, feasibility, and poor sample quality. Liquid biopsies provide a less invasive approach while capturing a contemporaneous and comprehensive tumor genomic profile. Recent advancements in the detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from plasma samples at satisfactory sensitivity, specificity, and detection concordance to tumor tissues have facilitated the approval of ctDNA-based genomic profiling to be integrated into regular clinical practice. The recent approval of both single-gene and multigene assays to detect genetic biomarkers from plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as companion diagnostic tools for molecular targeted therapies has transformed the therapeutic decision-making procedure for advanced solid tumors. Despite the increasing use of cfDNA-based molecular profiling, there is an ongoing debate about a 'plasma first' or 'tissue first' approach toward genomic testing for advanced solid malignancies. Both approaches present possible advantages and disadvantages, and these factors should be carefully considered to personalize and select the most appropriate genomic assay. This review focuses on the recent advancements of cfDNA-based genomic profiling assays in advanced solid tumors while highlighting the major challenges that should be tackled to formulate evidence-based guidelines in recommending the 'right assay for the right patient at the right time'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiu Ting Chan
- Project for Development of Liquid Biopsy Diagnosis, Cancer Precision Medicine Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan; (Y.M.C.); (S.-K.L.)
| | - Yoon Ming Chin
- Project for Development of Liquid Biopsy Diagnosis, Cancer Precision Medicine Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan; (Y.M.C.); (S.-K.L.)
- Cancer Precision Medicine, Inc., Kawasaki 213-0012, Japan
| | - Siew-Kee Low
- Project for Development of Liquid Biopsy Diagnosis, Cancer Precision Medicine Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan; (Y.M.C.); (S.-K.L.)
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17
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Cancer-of-Unknown-Primary-Origin: A SEER-Medicare Study of Patterns of Care and Outcomes among Elderly Patients in Clinical Practice. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122905. [PMID: 35740574 PMCID: PMC9221531 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122905] [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: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer-of-unknown-primary-origin (CUP) is challenging to diagnose and treat, and little is known about its diagnostic work-up, treatment, and outcomes in routine healthcare. We examined data from elderly patients (at least 66 years old) diagnosed with CUP in real-world US clinical practice, using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare-linked database. Only half of elderly patients with CUP received all three diagnostic work-up procedures (biopsy, immunohistochemistry, and imaging), as recommended by guidelines. Patients who received all three diagnostic work-up procedures were more likely to receive any type of anticancer treatment, and patients who did not receive full diagnostic work-up had shorter median overall survival, particularly with increasing age. Overall, these results suggest that further studies are needed to understand why many patients given a diagnosis of CUP do not receive complete diagnostic work-up or treatment. Further research into improving diagnostic work-up and treatment effectiveness in patients diagnosed with CUP is required. Abstract Knowledge of contemporary patterns of cancer-of-unknown-primary-origin (CUP) diagnostic work-up, treatment, and outcomes in routine healthcare is limited. Thus, we examined data from elderly patients diagnosed with CUP in real-world US clinical practice. From the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare-linked database, we included patients ≥ 66 years old with CUP diagnosed between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2015. We analyzed baseline demographics, clinical characteristics, methods of diagnostic work-up (biopsy, immunohistochemistry, imaging), treatment-related factors, and survival. CUP diagnosis was histologically confirmed in 2813/4562 patients (61.7%). Overall, 621/4562 (13.6%) patients received anticancer pharmacotherapy; among these, 97.3% had a histologically confirmed tumor and 83.1% received all three procedures. Among those with a histologically confirmed tumor, increasing age, increasing comorbidity score, not receiving all three diagnostic measures, and having a not-further specified histologic finding of only ‘malignant neoplasm’ were all negatively associated with receipt of anticancer pharmacotherapy. Median overall survival was 1.2 months for all patients. Median time between CUP diagnosis and treatment initiation was 41 days. Limited diagnostic work-up was common and most patients did not receive anticancer pharmacotherapy. The poor outcomes highlight a substantial unmet need for further research into improving diagnostic work-up and treatment effectiveness in CUP.
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18
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Fujibuchi T, Imai H, Kidani T, Miura H. Effective examination methods for identifying the primary origins of metastatic bone tumors of unknown primary origin during the initial visit: A retrospective chart review study. SAGE Open Med 2022; 10:20503121221097582. [PMID: 35646367 PMCID: PMC9136433 DOI: 10.1177/20503121221097582] [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: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To provide appropriate treatment for patients, early diagnosis of the primary
origin of skeletal metastases of unknown primary origin is important. This
study aimed to assess the examination strategy effective for identifying the
primary origin of skeletal metastases of unknown primary origin. Methods: Sixty-one patients with skeletal metastases of unknown primary origin were
reviewed. The primary origin was examined via physical examination, blood
test including tumor markers, chest radiography, thoracoabdominal computed
tomography scan, positron emission tomography–computed tomography scan,
metastatic lesion biopsy, and other assessments. Examination methods
considered effective for the diagnosis of the primary origin in a specific
type of cancer were investigated. Results: The lung was the most common primary origin site, followed by the lymph
nodes, prostate, and breast. Meanwhile, biopsy was the most effective
examination, followed by positron emission tomography–computed tomography
scan and thoracoabdominal computed tomography scan. Blood tests are useful
for detecting hematological malignancies and prostate cancer. Computed
tomography scans can be used to identify cancers in the lung, breast, and
kidney, which are the common primary origins. Forty-one (67.2%) of the 61
patients with skeletal metastases of unknown primary origin were diagnosed
via the first four steps, that is, physical examination, blood test, chest
radiography, and thoracoabdominal computed tomography scan. Finally, two
patients were diagnosed with skeletal metastases of unknown primary
origin. Conclusion: The examination steps used in this study, including physical examination,
blood test including tumor markers, chest radiography, thoracoabdominal
computed tomography scan, positron emission tomography–computed tomography
scan, biopsy, and other assessments were effective in determining the
primary origin of skeletal metastases of unknown primary origin during the
initial visit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taketsugu Fujibuchi
- Taketsugu Fujibuchi, Department of Bone and
Joint Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Shitsukawa, Toon
City 791-0295, Ehime, Japan.
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19
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Bochtler T, Wohlfromm T, Hielscher T, Stichel D, Pouyiourou M, Kraft B, Neumann O, Endris V, von Deimling A, Stenzinger A, Krämer A. Prognostic Impact of Copy Number Alterations and Tumor Mutational Burden in Carcinoma of Unknown Primary. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2022; 61:551-560. [DOI: 10.1002/gcc.23047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tilmann Bochtler
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine V University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
| | - Timothy Wohlfromm
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
| | - Thomas Hielscher
- Division of Biostatistics German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany
| | - Damian Stichel
- Institute of Neuropathology University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
| | - Maria Pouyiourou
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine V University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
| | - Bianca Kraft
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
| | - Olaf Neumann
- Institute of Pathology University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
| | - Volker Endris
- Institute of Pathology University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
| | - Andreas von Deimling
- Institute of Neuropathology University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
| | | | - Alwin Krämer
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Internal Medicine V University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine V University of Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
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20
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Occult triple negative male breast cancer. The usefulness of molecular platforms. A case report. CURRENT PROBLEMS IN CANCER: CASE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpccr.2021.100097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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21
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Pouyiourou M, Wohlfromm T, Kraft B, Hielscher T, Stichel D, von Deimling A, Delorme S, Endris V, Neumann O, Stenzinger A, Krämer A, Bochtler T. Local ablative treatment with surgery and/or radiotherapy in single-site and oligometastatic carcinoma of unknown primary. Eur J Cancer 2021; 157:179-189. [PMID: 34521064 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2021.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Single-site carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) is recognised as a distinct favourable subtype in the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) classification. There is broad consensus that these patients are candidates for local ablative treatment strategies with surgery and/or radiotherapy, but data on their outcomes are scarce. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this study, we have addressed the prospects of cure and prognostic factors in a retrospective cohort of 63 patients who were eligible for local treatment at our centre. RESULTS Median event-free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 15.6 months and 52.5 months, respectively. Of 61 patients who received local treatment, 20 (32.8%) remained event-free over a median follow-up of 28 months. Baseline clinical parameters including affected organ, number, volume and histology of metastases had no significant impact on prognosis, whereas deleterious TP53 mutations and DNA copy number loss emerged as independent adverse risk factors with respect to EFS. Surgical treatment was associated with improved OS as compared to radiation-based therapy. CONCLUSION Our study advocates to pursue localised treatment with surgery and/or radiotherapy whenever feasible and implies that genetic parameters might additionally determine the clinical course of single-site CUP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pouyiourou
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Timothy Wohlfromm
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bianca Kraft
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Hielscher
- Division of Biostatistics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Damian Stichel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Delorme
- Division of Radiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Volker Endris
- Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Olaf Neumann
- Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Alwin Krämer
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tilmann Bochtler
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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22
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Soni N, Ora M, Aher PY, Mishra P, Maheshwarappa RP, Priya S, Graham MM. Role of FDG PET/CT for detection of primary tumor in patients with extracervical metastases from carcinoma of unknown primary. Clin Imaging 2021; 78:262-270. [PMID: 34174653 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2021.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To explore the diagnostic performance of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) to detect the primary tumor site in patients with extracervical metastases from carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP). We evaluated patient outcomes as overall survival (OS). MATERIALS AND METHODS In a single-center, retrospective study (2005-2019), patients with extracervical metastases from CUP underwent FDG PET/CT to detect primary tumor sites. The final diagnosis was based on histopathology/or clinical follow-up of at least 12 months. RESULTS A total of 83 patients [Male 41 (49%), mean age 59 ± 14 years, range: 32-83 years] fulfilled the inclusion/exclusion criteria and were enrolled for analysis. The primary tumor was detected in 36 out of 83 (43%) patients based on histopathology/or clinical follow-up. PET/CT suggested the primary tumor site in 39 (47%) patients with diagnostic accuracy of 87%, sensitivity 89%, specificity 85%, PPV 82%, NPV 91% and detection rate 39%. Patients with oligometastases (<3) (2.16 years, 1.04-2.54) and primary unidentified (1 year, 0.34-2.14) had longer median survival time compared to the patients with multiple metastases (0.67 years, 0.17-1.58, p = 0.009) and primary identified (0.67 years,0.16-1.33, p = 0.002). The SUVmax of the primary or metastatic lesions with maximum uptake was not significantly related to survival. CONCLUSIONS PET/CT could reveal the primary tumor site in 39% of the patients. It demonstrated the metastatic disease burden and distribution in patients with 'primary obscured', which directs management. Patients with multiple metastases and primary identified had a poorer prognosis. In patients with primary unidentified after PET/CT, a further search was futile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neetu Soni
- Nuclear Medicine Resident at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA.
| | - Manish Ora
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, SGPGIMS, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pritish Y Aher
- Fellow Chest Imaging, Radiology Department, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
| | - Prabhakar Mishra
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, SGPGIMS, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Sarv Priya
- Resident Radiology Department, UIHC, Iowa city 52246, IA, USA.
| | - Michael M Graham
- Radiology - Division of Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Oncology, 3863 JPP, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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23
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Costantini M, Montella RA, Fadda MP, Garganese G, Di Leone A, Sanchez AM, Franceschini G, Rinaldi PM. Axillary Nodal Metastases from Carcinoma of Unknown Primary (CUPAx): Role of Contrast-Enhanced Spectral Mammography (CESM) in Detecting Occult Breast Cancer. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11060465. [PMID: 34070278 PMCID: PMC8225076 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11060465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Axillary lymph node metastases of occult breast cancer (CUPAx) is an unusual condition that represents both a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The first steps in the diagnostic work-up of patients with CUPAx are the histological analysis of the lymph node metastasis and the execution of basic breast diagnostic imaging (mammography and ultrasound). In the case of occult breast cancer, breast Magnetic Resonance (MR) must be performed. Breast MR identifies a suspicious lesion in many patients and second-look ultrasound detects a corresponding ultrasound alteration in about half of cases, allowing the performance of a US-guided biopsy. In the case of an MR-only lesion, MR-guided biopsy is mandatory. We present a case of CUPAx in which contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) is used to help the detection of occult breast cancer and to guide stereotactic vacuum breast biopsy (VABB). CESM is a new breast imaging technique that is proving to have good performance in breast cancer detection and that is showing potential in the identification of occult breast cancer in a CUPAx setting. The use of an innovative and personalized breast imaging approach in breast cancer patients improves diagnostic possibilities and promises to become the focus in decision strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Costantini
- Radiology Unit, Mater Olbia Hospital (Qatar Foundation Endowment and Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS Foundation), 07026 Olbia, Italy; (M.C.); (M.P.F.); (P.M.R.)
- Area Diagnostica per Immagini, Dipartimento Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Rino Aldo Montella
- Radiology Unit, Mater Olbia Hospital (Qatar Foundation Endowment and Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS Foundation), 07026 Olbia, Italy; (M.C.); (M.P.F.); (P.M.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0789-1899901
| | - Maria Paola Fadda
- Radiology Unit, Mater Olbia Hospital (Qatar Foundation Endowment and Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS Foundation), 07026 Olbia, Italy; (M.C.); (M.P.F.); (P.M.R.)
| | - Giorgia Garganese
- Gynecology and Breast Care Center, Mater Olbia Hospital (Qatar Foundation Endowment and Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS Foundation), 07026 Olbia, Italy;
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Sezione Ginecologia e Ostetricia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Alba Di Leone
- Multidisciplinary Breast Center, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna e del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy; (A.D.L.); (A.M.S.); (G.F.)
| | - Alejandro Martin Sanchez
- Multidisciplinary Breast Center, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna e del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy; (A.D.L.); (A.M.S.); (G.F.)
| | - Gianluca Franceschini
- Multidisciplinary Breast Center, Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna e del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy; (A.D.L.); (A.M.S.); (G.F.)
- Istituto di Semeiotica Chirurgica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Maria Rinaldi
- Radiology Unit, Mater Olbia Hospital (Qatar Foundation Endowment and Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS Foundation), 07026 Olbia, Italy; (M.C.); (M.P.F.); (P.M.R.)
- Area Diagnostica per Immagini, Dipartimento Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy
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24
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Loef C, Merkx MAW. Cancer of unknown primary origin; Know the enemy. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2021; 30:e13460. [PMID: 33977583 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Loef
- Department of Research & Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization (IKNL), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Matthias A W Merkx
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization (IKNL), Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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25
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Cancer of unknown primary stem-like cells model multi-organ metastasis and unveil liability to MEK inhibition. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2498. [PMID: 33941777 PMCID: PMC8093243 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22643-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancers of unknown primary (CUPs), featuring metastatic dissemination in the absence of a primary tumor, are a biological enigma and a fatal disease. We propose that CUPs are a distinct, yet unrecognized, pathological entity originating from stem-like cells endowed with peculiar and shared properties. These cells can be isolated in vitro (agnospheres) and propagated in vivo by serial transplantation, displaying high tumorigenicity. After subcutaneous engraftment, agnospheres recapitulate the CUP phenotype, by spontaneously and quickly disseminating, and forming widespread established metastases. Regardless of different genetic backgrounds, agnospheres invariably display cell-autonomous proliferation and self-renewal, mostly relying on unrestrained activation of the MAP kinase/MYC axis, which confers sensitivity to MEK inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. Such sensitivity is associated with a transcriptomic signature predicting that more than 70% of CUP patients could be eligible to MEK inhibition. These data shed light on CUP biology and unveil an opportunity for therapeutic intervention. Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is a mysterious malignancy featuring metastatic dissemination in the absence of a recognizable primary tumor. By characterizing CUP cancer stem cells we show that self-sustained long-term propagation and sensitivity to MEK inhibition are CUP common features.
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26
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Emerging noninvasive methylation biomarkers of cancer prognosis and drug response prediction. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 83:584-595. [PMID: 33757849 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide being responsible for 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Epigenetic alterations are key in directing the aberrant expression of tumor-associated genes that drive cellular malignant transformation and cancer progression. Among epigenetic alterations, DNA methylation is the most deeply studied one in relation to environmental exposure. Tissue biopsies have traditionally been the main procedure by which a small sample of body tissue is excised to confirm cancer diagnosis or to indicate the primary site when cancer has spread. In contrast, the analysis of circulating tumor-derived material, or tumor circulome, by means of liquid biopsy of peripheral blood, urine, saliva or sputum is a noninvasive, fast and reproducible alternative to tissue biopsy. Recently, the assessment of epigenetic alterations such as DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation in circulating free DNA has been proved possible. These marks can be associated to prognosis and response to a variety of treatments including chemotherapy, hormonotherapy or immunotherapy. Epigenetic biomarkers may offer some advantages over RNA or genetic biomarkers given their stability in bodily fluids and their high tissue-specificity. While many challenges are still ahead, the unique advantages of these types of biomarkers is urging the scientific community to persevere in their clinical validation and integration into reliable prediction models. This review aims at recapitulating the emerging noninvasive DNA methylated biomarkers of importance for prediction of prognosis and drug response in cancer.
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27
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Modica C, Basilico C, Chiriaco C, Borrelli N, Comoglio PM, Vigna E. A receptor-antibody hybrid hampering MET-driven metastatic spread. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:32. [PMID: 33446252 PMCID: PMC7807714 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01822-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background The receptor encoded by the MET oncogene and its ligand Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) are at the core of the invasive-metastatic behavior. In a number of instances genetic alterations result in ligand-independent onset of malignancy (MET addiction). More frequently, ligand stimulation of wild-type MET contributes to progression toward metastasis (MET expedience). Thus, while MET inhibitors alone are effective in the first case, combination therapy with ligand inhibitors is required in the second condition. Methods In this paper, we generated hybrid molecules gathering HGF and MET inhibitory properties. This has been achieved by ‘head-to-tail’ or ‘tail-to-head’ fusion of a single chain Fab derived from the DN30 MET antibody with a recombinant ‘ad-hoc’ engineered MET extracellular domain (decoyMET), encompassing the HGF binding site but lacking the DN30 epitope. Results The hybrid molecules correctly bind MET and HGF, inhibit HGF-induced MET downstream signaling, and quench HGF-driven biological responses, such as growth, motility and invasion, in cancer cells of different origin. Two metastatic models were generated in mice knocked-in by the human HGF gene: (i) orthotopic transplantation of pancreatic cancer cells; (ii) subcutaneous injection of primary cells derived from a cancer of unknown primary. Treatment with hybrid molecules strongly affects time of onset, number, and size of metastatic lesions. Conclusion These results provide a strategy to treat metastatic dissemination driven by the HGF/MET axis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-020-01822-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Modica
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Cristina Basilico
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy.
| | - Cristina Chiriaco
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Nicla Borrelli
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Elisa Vigna
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060, Candiolo, TO, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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28
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Dermawan JK, Rubin BP. The role of molecular profiling in the diagnosis and management of metastatic undifferentiated cancer of unknown primary ✰: Molecular profiling of metastatic cancer of unknown primary. Semin Diagn Pathol 2020; 38:193-198. [PMID: 33309276 DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) refers to metastatic tumors for which the primary tumor of origin cannot be determined at the time of diagnosis, despite extensive clinicopathologic investigations. Molecular profiling is increasingly able to predict a probable primary tumor type for CUP when clinicopathologic workup is inconclusive. Numerous studies have explored the use of various molecular profiling techniques for identification of site/tissue of origin of CUP. These techniques include gene expression profiling utilizing microarray, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, RNA-sequencing, somatic gene mutation profiling with next-generation DNA sequencing, and epigenomics including DNA methylation profiling. Despite the generally poor prognosis of CUP, a minority of patients can expect to benefit from targeted therapy despite being agnostic to the tissue of origin. Studies have explored the use of various molecular profiling techniques to predict prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers, with the goal of improving outcome for patients with CUP. However, discordant results between non-randomized and randomized clinical trials in evaluating tumor-type specific therapies raise uncertainties of the benefits of molecularly-predicted tissue of origin-based treatment in routine clinical use. Nevertheless, the current overall trend is in favor of using molecular tools to refine the diagnosis and clinical management of patients with CUP. More large-cohort, randomized prospective studies are needed to assess and validate the utility and feasibility of molecular profiling to uncover potentially targetable genetic alterations. These efforts will also yield further biological insights into the biology and pathogenesis of CUP (Graphical Abstract).
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine K Dermawan
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, United States
| | - Brian P Rubin
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, United States.
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29
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Rassy E, Pavlidis N. The diagnostic challenges of patients with carcinoma of unknown primary. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2020; 20:775-783. [PMID: 32779501 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2020.1807948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is a disease entity encompassing heterogeneous malignancies without a clinically-detectable anatomical primary. It is usually a poor prognosis malignancy with dismal prognosis where molecular and genetic testing were expected to be a major breakthrough. AREAS COVERED In this review, we provide an overview of the advances in the understanding of the carcinogenesis, biology, diagnosis and treatment of patients with CUP. This review focuses on the advantages and inconveniences of immunohistochemistry and CUP classifiers in assessing the progress in the management of CUP. EXPERT OPINION CUP classifiers were expected to gradually replace the classical multistep approach in identifying the culprit tumors to guide site-specific therapy. Immunohistochemistry staining led to the prediction of a single tissue of origin in 10.8-51%. CUP classifiers identified the primary site in 61-89% of these cases and were concordant with immunohistochemistry in 57.1-100%. Immunohistochemistry is cheap, fast and broadly available whereas CUP classifiers are less widely available and have not been validated in randomized control trials. The diagnostic recommendations consist of a standard pathology evaluation based on morphology and algorithmic immunohistochemistry assessment. Physicians should weigh in the input of the CUP classifier to the clinical picture and pathology investigations before performing additional investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elie Rassy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy Institute , Villejuif, France.,Department of Medical Oncology, Saint Joseph University , Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nicholas Pavlidis
- University of Ioannina , Ioannina, Greece.,European School of Oncology College , Milan, Italy
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