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Yang Y, Zeng Q, Liu G, Zheng S, Luo T, Guo Y, Tang J, Huang Y. Hierarchical classification-based pan-cancer methylation analysis to classify primary cancer. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:465. [PMID: 38066424 PMCID: PMC10709847 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05529-0] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hierarchical classification offers a more specific categorization of data and breaks down large classification problems into subproblems, providing improved prediction accuracy and predictive power for undefined categories, while also mitigating the impact of poor-quality data. Despite these advantages, its application in predicting primary cancer is rare. To leverage the similarity of cancers and the specificity of methylation patterns among them, we developed the Cancer Hierarchy Classification Tool (CHCT) using the idea of hierarchical classification, with methylation data from 30 cancer types and 8239 methylome samples downloaded from publicly available databases (The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO)). We used unsupervised clustering to divide the classification subproblems and screened differentially methylated sites using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, Tukey-kramer test, and Boruta algorithms to construct models for each classifier module. After validation, CHCT accurately classified 1568 out of 1660 cases in the test set, with an average accuracy of 94.46%. We further curated an independent validation cohort of 677 cancer samples from GEO and assigned a diagnosis using CHCT, which showed high diagnostic potential with generally high accuracies (an average accuracy of 91.40%). Moreover, CHCT demonstrates predictive capability for additional cancer types beyond its original classifier scope as demonstrated in the medulloblastoma and pituitary tumor datasets. In summary, CHCT can hierarchically classify primary cancer by methylation profile, by splitting a large-scale classification of 30 cancer types into ten smaller classification problems. These results indicate that cancer hierarchical classification has the potential to be an accurate and robust cancer classification method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youpeng Yang
- Medicine School, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Qiuhong Zeng
- Geneplus-Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Gaotong Liu
- Geneplus-Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Shiyao Zheng
- Medicine School, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Tianyang Luo
- Medicine School, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Yibin Guo
- Medicine School, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Jia Tang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, 510062, China.
- School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Yi Huang
- Geneplus-Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, 518118, China.
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2
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van den Berg MF, Kooistra HS, Grinwis GCM, Nicoli S, Golinelli S, Stammeleer L, van Wolferen ME, Timmermans-Sprang EPM, Zandvliet MMJM, van Steenbeek FG, Galac S. Whole transcriptome analysis of canine pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1155804. [PMID: 37691636 PMCID: PMC10484483 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1155804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are neuroendocrine tumors arising from the chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla and extra-adrenal paraganglia, respectively. Local invasion, concurrent disorders, and metastases prevent surgical removal, which is the most effective treatment to date. Given the current lack of effective medical treatment, there is a need for novel therapeutic strategies. To identify druggable pathways driving PPGL development, we performed RNA sequencing on PPGLs (n = 19) and normal adrenal medullas (NAMs; n = 10) of dogs. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that PPGLs clearly clustered apart from NAMs. In total, 4,218 genes were differentially expressed between PPGLs and NAMs. Of these, 232 had a log2 fold change of >3 or < -3, of which 149 were upregulated in PPGLs, and 83 were downregulated. Compared with NAMs, PPGLs had increased expression of genes related to the cell cycle, tumor development, progression and metastasis, hypoxia and angiogenesis, and the Wnt signaling pathway, and decreased expression of genes related to adrenal steroidogenesis. Our data revealed several overexpressed genes that could provide targets for novel therapeutics, such as Ret Proto-Oncogene (RET), Dopamine Receptor D2 (DRD2), and Secreted Frizzled Related Protein 2 (SFRP2). Based on the PCA, PPGLs were classified into 2 groups, of which group 1 had significantly higher Ki67 scores (p = 0.035) and shorter survival times (p = 0.04) than group 2. Increased expression of 1 of the differentially expressed genes between group 1 and 2, pleiotrophin (PTN), appeared to correlate with a more aggressive tumor phenotype. This study has shed light on the transcriptomic profile of canine PPGL, yielding new insights into the pathogenesis of these tumors in dogs, and revealed potential novel targets for therapy. In addition, we identified 2 transcriptionally distinct groups of PPGLs that had significantly different survival times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marit F. van den Berg
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Hans S. Kooistra
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Guy C. M. Grinwis
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Stefania Golinelli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lisa Stammeleer
- Small Animal Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Monique E. van Wolferen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Maurice M. J. M. Zandvliet
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Frank G. van Steenbeek
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Division of Heart and Lungs, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Sara Galac
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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3
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Parisien-La Salle S, Dumas N, Bédard K, Jolin J, Moramarco J, Lacroix A, Lévesque I, Burnichon N, Gimenez-Roqueplo AP, Bourdeau I. Genetic spectrum in a Canadian cohort of apparently sporadic pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas: New data on multigene panel retesting over time. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2022; 96:803-811. [PMID: 34750850 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14618] [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: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pheochromocytomas (PHEOs) and paragangliomas (PGLs), collectively known as PPGLs, are tumours with high heritability. The prevalence of germline mutations in apparently sporadic PPGLs varies depending on the study population. The objective of this study was to determine the spectrum of germline mutations in a cohort of patients with apparently sporadic PPGLs over time. DESIGN We performed a retrospective review of patients with apparently sporadic PPGLs who underwent genetic testing at our referral centre from 2005 to 2020. PATIENTS We included patients with apparently sporadic PPGLs who underwent genetic testing at our referral center. MEASUREMENTS Genetic analysis included sequential gene sequencing by Sanger method or next generation sequencing (NGS) with a multigene panel. RESULTS The prevalence of germline mutations was 26.2% (43/164); 40.0% (30/75) in PGLs and 14.6% (13/89) in PHEOs. We identified four novel pathogenic variants (two SDHB and two SDHD). Patients carrying germline mutations were younger (38.7 vs. 49.7 years old) than patients with no identified germline mutations. From 2015 to 2020, we performed NGS with a multigene panel on 12 patients for whom the initial genetic analysis was negative. Germline mutations in previously untested genes were found in four (33.3%) of these patients (two MAX and two SDHA), representing 9.3% (4/43) of the mutation carriers. CONCLUSION The prevalence of germline mutations in our cohort of patients with apparently sporadic PPGLs was 26.2%. Genetic re-evaluation over time using multigene sequencing by NGS assay in a subgroup of patients leads to an increase in the detection of mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéfanie Parisien-La Salle
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nadine Dumas
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, CRCHUM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Karine Bédard
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Judith Jolin
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jessica Moramarco
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - André Lacroix
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Isabelle Lévesque
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nelly Burnichon
- Department of Genetics, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France
- PARCC, INSERM, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Paule Gimenez-Roqueplo
- Department of Genetics, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France
- PARCC, INSERM, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Bourdeau
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, CRCHUM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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4
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Labrecque MP, Brown LG, Coleman IM, Lakely B, Brady NJ, Lee JK, Nguyen HM, Li D, Hanratty B, Haffner MC, Rickman DS, True LD, Lin DW, Lam HM, Alumkal JJ, Corey E, Nelson PS, Morrissey C. RNA splicing factors SRRM3 and SRRM4 distinguish molecular phenotypes of castration-resistant neuroendocrine prostate cancer. Cancer Res 2021; 81:4736-4750. [PMID: 34312180 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-0307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is an increasingly common clinical feature arising from cellular plasticity. We recently characterized two mCRPC phenotypes with NE features: androgen receptor (AR)-positive NE-positive amphicrine prostate cancer (AMPC) and AR-negative small cell or neuroendocrine prostate cancer (SCNPC). Here, we interrogated the regulation of RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST), a transcriptional repressor of neuronal genes, and elucidated molecular programs driving AMPC and SCNPC biology. Analysis of prostate cancer (PC) cell lines, mCRPC specimens, and LuCaP patient-derived xenograft models detected alternative splicing of REST to REST4 and attenuated REST repressor activity in AMPC and SCNPC. The REST locus was also hypermethylated and REST expression was reduced in SCNPC. While serine/arginine repetitive matrix protein 4 (SRRM4) was previously implicated in alternative splicing of REST in mCRPC, we detected SRRM3 expression in REST4-positive, SRRM4-negative AMPC and SCNPC. In CRPC cell lines, SRRM3 induced alternative splicing of REST to REST4 and exacerbated the expression of REST-repressed genes. Furthermore, SRRM3 and SRRM4 expression defined molecular subsets of AMPC and SCNPC across species and tumor types. Two AMPC phenotypes and three SCNPC phenotypes were characterized, denoted either by REST attenuation and ASCL1 activity or by progressive activation of neuronal transcription factor programs, respectively. These results nominate SRRM3 as the principal REST splicing factor expressed in early NE differentiation and provide a framework to molecularly classify diverse NE phenotypes in mCRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ilsa M Coleman
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
| | | | | | - John K Lee
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
| | | | | | | | | | - David S Rickman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
| | | | | | - Hung-Ming Lam
- Urology, University of Washington School of Medicine
| | - Joshi J Alumkal
- Rogel Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School
| | - Eva Corey
- Department of Urology, University of Washington
| | - Peter S Nelson
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
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5
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Papathomas TG, Suurd DPD, Pacak K, Tischler AS, Vriens MR, Lam AK, de Krijger RR. What Have We Learned from Molecular Biology of Paragangliomas and Pheochromocytomas? Endocr Pathol 2021; 32:134-153. [PMID: 33433885 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-020-09658-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in molecular genetics and genomics have led to increased understanding of the aetiopathogenesis of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs). Thus, pan-genomic studies now provide a comprehensive integrated genomic analysis of PPGLs into distinct molecularly defined subtypes concordant with tumour genotypes. In addition, new embryological discoveries have refined the concept of how normal paraganglia develop, potentially establishing a developmental basis for genotype-phenotype correlations for PPGLs. The challenge for modern pathology is to translate these scientific discoveries into routine practice, which will be based largely on histopathology for the foreseeable future. Here, we review recent progress concerning the cell of origin and molecular pathogenesis of PPGLs, including pathogenetic mechanisms, genetic susceptibility and molecular classification. The current roles and tools of pathologists are considered from a histopathological perspective, including differential diagnoses, genotype-phenotype correlations and the use of immunohistochemistry in identifying hereditary predisposition and validating genetic variants of unknown significance. Current and potential molecular prognosticators are also presented with the hope that predictive molecular biomarkers will be integrated into risk stratification scoring systems to assess the metastatic potential of these intriguing neoplasms and identify potential drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas G Papathomas
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Gloucestershire Cellular Pathology Laboratory, Cheltenham General Hospital, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cheltenham, UK
| | - Diederik P D Suurd
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Karel Pacak
- Section on Medical Neuroendocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Arthur S Tischler
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston Massachusetts, USA
| | - Menno R Vriens
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alfred K Lam
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
- Pathology Queensland, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Ronald R de Krijger
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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6
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Antonio K, Valdez MMN, Mercado-Asis L, Taïeb D, Pacak K. Pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma: recent updates in genetics, biochemistry, immunohistochemistry, metabolomics, imaging and therapeutic options. Gland Surg 2020; 9:105-123. [PMID: 32206603 DOI: 10.21037/gs.2019.10.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs), rare chromaffin/neural crest cell tumors, are commonly benign in their clinical presentation. However, there are a number of cases presenting as metastatic and their diagnosis and management becomes a dilemma because of their rarity. PPGLs are constantly evolving entities in the field of endocrinology brought about by endless research and discoveries, especially in genetics. Throughout the years, our knowledge and perception of these tumors and their genetic background has greatly expanded and changed, and each new discovery leads to advancement in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of PPGLs. In this review, we discuss the recent updates in the genetics, biochemistry, immunohistochemistry, metabolomics, imaging and treatment options of PPGLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karren Antonio
- Section on Medical Neuroendocrinology, The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ma Margarita Noreen Valdez
- Section on Medical Neuroendocrinology, The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | | | - David Taïeb
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, La Timone University Hospital, CERIMED, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Karel Pacak
- Section on Medical Neuroendocrinology, The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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7
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Albattal S, Alswailem M, Moria Y, Al-Hindi H, Dasouki M, Abouelhoda M, Alkhail HA, Alsuhaibani E, Alzahrani AS. Mutational profile and genotype/phenotype correlation of non-familial pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. Oncotarget 2019; 10:5919-5931. [PMID: 31666924 PMCID: PMC6800268 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
About 30%-40% of patients with pheochromocytoma (PCC) and paraganglioma (PGL) have underlying germline mutations in certain susceptibility genes despite absent family history of these tumors. Here, we present mutational profile of 101 such patients with PCC/PGL (PPGL) from the highly consanguineous population of Saudi Arabia. Results: Of 101 cases with PPGL, 37/101 (36.6%) had germline mutations. Mutations were detected in 30 cases by PCR and direct Sanger sequencing and in 7 additional cases by NGS. The most commonly mutated gene was SDHB (21/101 cases, 20.8%) and the most common SDHB mutation was c.268C>T, p.R90X occurring in 12/21 (57%) cases. Mutations also occurred in SDHC (4/101, 3.96%), SDHD (3/101, 3%), VHL (2/101, 2%) and MAX (2/101, 2%) genes. The following genes were mutated in 1 patient each (1%), RET, SDHA, SDHAF2, TMEM127 and NF1. Metastatic PPGL occurred in 6/21 cases (28.6%) with SDHB mutations and in 1 case with SDHAF2 mutation. Patients and Methods: DNA was isolated from peripheral blood (53 patients) or from non-tumorous formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue (48 patients). PCR and direct Sanger sequencing of RET, SDHx, VHL, MAX and TMEM127 genes were performed. Cases without mutations were subjected to whole exome sequencing using next generation sequencing (NGS). Conclusion: About 37% of PPGL without family history of such tumors harbor germline mutations. The most commonly mutated gene is SDHB followed by SDHC, SDHD, VHL, MAX and rarely RET, SDHA, SDHAF2, TMEM127 and NF1. SDHB mutations were associated with metastatic PPGL in more than a quarter of cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shatha Albattal
- Department of Molecular Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia.,Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Meshael Alswailem
- Department of Molecular Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yosra Moria
- Department of Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hindi Al-Hindi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed Dasouki
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia.,Saudi Human Genome Program, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Abouelhoda
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia.,Saudi Human Genome Program, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hala Aba Alkhail
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ali S Alzahrani
- Department of Molecular Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
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8
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Pacak K, Taïeb D. Pheochromocytoma (PHEO) and Paraganglioma (PGL). Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11091391. [PMID: 31540433 PMCID: PMC6769510 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This series of 23 articles (17 original articles, six reviews) is presented by international leaders in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Karel Pacak
- Section on Medical Neuroendocrinology, Head, Developmental Endocrine Oncology and Genetics Affinity Group. Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD, NIH, Building 10, CRC, Room 1E-3140, 10 Center Drive MSC-1109, Bethesda, MD 20892-1109, USA.
| | - David Taïeb
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, La Timone University Hospital, European Center for Research in Medical Imaging, Aix-Marseille University, 13100 Marseille, France.
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Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an aggressive and rare neoplasm that originates in the cortex of the adrenal gland. The disease is associated with heterogeneous but mostly poor outcomes and lacks effective pharmaceutical treatment options. Multi-omics studies have defined the landscape of molecular alterations in ACC. Specific molecular signatures can be detected in body fluids, potentially enabling improved diagnostic applications for patients with adrenal tumours. Importantly, pan-molecular data sets further reveal a spectrum within ACC, with three major subgroups that have different disease outcomes. These new subgroups have value as prognostic biomarkers. Research has revealed that the p53-RB and the WNT-β-catenin pathways are common disease drivers in ACC. However, these pathways remain difficult to target by therapeutic interventions. Instead, a unique characteristic of ACC is steroidogenic differentiation, which has emerged as a potential treatment target, with several agents undergoing preclinical or clinical investigations. Finally, a large proportion of ACC tumours have genetic profiles that are associated with promising therapeutic responsiveness in other cancers. All these opportunities now await translation from the laboratory into the clinical setting, thereby offering a real potential of improved survival outcomes and increased quality of life for patients with this serious condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joakim Crona
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Felix Beuschlein
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany.
- Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Klinische Ernährung, UniversitätsSpital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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