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Bravaccini S, Boldrin E, Gurioli G, Tedaldi G, Piano MA, Canale M, Curtarello M, Ulivi P, Pilati P. The use of platelets as a clinical tool in oncology: opportunities and challenges. Cancer Lett 2024:217044. [PMID: 38876385 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217044] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Platelets are small circulating anucleated cells mainly involved in thrombosis and hemostasis processes. Moreover, platelets play an active role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression, stimulating angiogenesis and vascular remodelling, and protecting circulating cancer cells from shear forces and immune surveillance. Several reports indicate that platelet number in the blood circulation of cancer patients is associated with prognosis and response to treatment. However, the mechanisms of platelets "education" by cancer cells and the crosstalk between platelets and tumor are still unclear, and the role of "tumor educated platelets" (TEPs) is achieving growing interest in cancer research. TEPs are a biological source of cancer-derived biomarkers, especially RNAs that are protected by platelets membrane from circulating RNases, and could serve as a non-invasive tool for tumor detection, molecular profiling and evolution during therapy in clinical practice. Moreover, short platelet lifespan offers the possibility to get a snapshot assessment of cancer molecular profile, providing a real-time tool. We review and discuss the potential and the clinical utility, in terms of cancer diagnosis and monitoring, of platelet count together with other morphological parameters and of the more recent and innovative TEP profiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bravaccini
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014 Meldola, Italy.
| | - Elisa Boldrin
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Diagnostics Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padova, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Gurioli
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014 Meldola, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Tedaldi
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014 Meldola, Italy.
| | - Maria Assunta Piano
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Diagnostics Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padova, Italy.
| | - Matteo Canale
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014 Meldola, Italy.
| | - Matteo Curtarello
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Diagnostics Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padova, Italy.
| | - Paola Ulivi
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014 Meldola, Italy.
| | - Pierluigi Pilati
- Surgical Oncology of Digestive Tract Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padova, Italy.
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Puia D, Ivanuta M, Pricop C. Appendicular Neuroendocrine Tumours: An Unusual Cause of Hydronephrosis. Cureus 2024; 16:e62774. [PMID: 39036213 PMCID: PMC11260117 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.62774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Although neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are predominantly located in the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and lungs, they can also occur in uncommon places such as the biliary system, prostate, breast, head, neck, and even the spinal cord. We present the case of a 30-year-old woman who was referred to the urology clinic for right ureterohydronephrosis. Because the contrast-enhanced CT scan did not show signs of kidney stones or an upper urothelial tract cell carcinoma and was combined with renal scintigraphy, the kidney was not functional, and a left nephrectomy was performed. During the surgery, it was observed that the appendix was attached to the ureter by a tiny tumour. In addition, an appendectomy was also conducted. The pathological test indicated the presence of a NET that had invaded the ureter. The diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. The tissue has been positive for chromogranin and synaptophysin staining. Our work highlights the infrequency and difficulty of diagnosing NETs that invade the ureter. Conducting a thorough histological evaluation in patients with uncertain histopathological diagnoses is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragos Puia
- Urology, University for Medicine and Pharmacy "Grigore T. Popa", Iasi, ROU
| | - Marius Ivanuta
- Urology, University for Medicine and Pharmacy "Grigore T. Popa", Iasi, ROU
| | - Catalin Pricop
- Urology, University for Medicine and Pharmacy "Grigore T. Popa", Iasi, ROU
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Schmidt M, Hinterleitner C, Singer S, Lauer UM, Zender L, Hinterleitner M. Diagnostic Approaches for Neuroendocrine Neoplasms of Unknown Primary (NEN-UPs) and Their Prognostic Relevance-A Retrospective, Long-Term Single-Center Experience. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4316. [PMID: 37686593 PMCID: PMC10486951 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) represent a rare and heterogenous group of tumors with predominantly gastroenteropancreatic or pulmonary origin. Despite numerous diagnostic efforts, the primary tumor site remains unknown in up to 20% of the patients diagnosed with NEN. In this subgroup of NEN patients, a standard diagnostic algorithm has not yet been integrated into clinical routine. Of note, an undetermined primary tumor site in NENs is associated with an impaired clinical outcome by at least "formally" limiting treatment options exclusively approved for NENs of a certain histological origin. In this retrospective study, a patient cohort of 113 patients initially diagnosed with NEN of unknown primary (NEN-UP) was analyzed. In 13 patients (11.5%) a primary tumor site could be identified subsequently, amongst others, by performing somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-PET-based imaging, which was irrespective of the initial clinical or demographic features. Diagnostic work-up and therapeutic regimens did not differ significantly between patients with an identified or unidentified primary tumor site; only a detailed immunohistochemical assessment providing additional information on the tumor origin proved to be significantly associated with the detection of a primary tumor site. Our study revealed that a profound diagnostic work-up, particularly including SSTR-PET-based imaging, leads to additional treatment options, finally resulting in significantly improved clinical outcomes for patients with NEN-UPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Schmidt
- Department of Medical Oncology & Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- ENETS Center of Excellence, University Hospital Tuebingen, Otfried-Mueller-Str. 14, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany;
- DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 ‘Image-Guided and Functional Instructed Tumor Therapy’ (iFIT), University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Clemens Hinterleitner
- Department of Medical Oncology & Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- ENETS Center of Excellence, University Hospital Tuebingen, Otfried-Mueller-Str. 14, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany;
- DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 ‘Image-Guided and Functional Instructed Tumor Therapy’ (iFIT), University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Stephan Singer
- ENETS Center of Excellence, University Hospital Tuebingen, Otfried-Mueller-Str. 14, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany;
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ulrich M. Lauer
- Department of Medical Oncology & Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- ENETS Center of Excellence, University Hospital Tuebingen, Otfried-Mueller-Str. 14, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany;
- DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 ‘Image-Guided and Functional Instructed Tumor Therapy’ (iFIT), University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Lars Zender
- Department of Medical Oncology & Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- ENETS Center of Excellence, University Hospital Tuebingen, Otfried-Mueller-Str. 14, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany;
- DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 ‘Image-Guided and Functional Instructed Tumor Therapy’ (iFIT), University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Martina Hinterleitner
- Department of Medical Oncology & Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- ENETS Center of Excellence, University Hospital Tuebingen, Otfried-Mueller-Str. 14, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany;
- DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 ‘Image-Guided and Functional Instructed Tumor Therapy’ (iFIT), University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
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Komarnicki P, Musiałkiewicz J, Stańska A, Maciejewski A, Gut P, Mastorakos G, Ruchała M. Circulating Neuroendocrine Tumor Biomarkers: Past, Present and Future. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11195542. [PMID: 36233409 PMCID: PMC9570647 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11195542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumors are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms originating from the diffuse endocrine system. Depending on primary location and hormonal status, they range in terms of clinical presentation, prognosis and treatment. Functional tumors often develop symptoms indicating an excess of hormones produced by the neoplasm (exempli gratia insulinoma, glucagonoma and VIPoma) and can be diagnosed using monoanalytes. For non-functional tumors (inactive or producing insignificant amounts of hormones), universal biomarkers have not been established. The matter remains an important unmet need in the field of neuroendocrine tumors. Substances researched over the years, such as chromogranin A and neuron-specific enolase, lack the desired sensitivity and specificity. In recent years, the potential use of Circulating Tumor Cells or multianalytes such as a circulating microRNA and NETest have been widely discussed. They offer superior diagnostic parameters in comparison to traditional biomarkers and depict disease status in a more comprehensive way. Despite a lot of promise, no international standards have yet been developed regarding their routine use and clinical application. In this literature review, we describe the analytes used over the years and cover novel biomarkers that could find a use in the future. We discuss their pros and cons while showcasing recent advances in the field of neuroendocrine tumor biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Komarnicki
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznań, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-511-912-072
| | - Jan Musiałkiewicz
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznań, Poland
| | - Alicja Stańska
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznań, Poland
| | - Adam Maciejewski
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznań, Poland
| | - Paweł Gut
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznań, Poland
| | - George Mastorakos
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, Aretaieion University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Marek Ruchała
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznań, Poland
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Physins in digestive system neoplasms. Adv Clin Chem 2022; 111:157-176. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Zhou Y, Heitmann JS, Kropp KN, Hinterleitner M, Koch A, Hartkopf AD, Salih HR, Hinterleitner C, Maurer S. Regulation of Platelet-Derived ADAM17: A Biomarker Approach for Breast Cancer? Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11071188. [PMID: 34208863 PMCID: PMC8305148 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11071188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor progression and metastasis are critically dependent on the tumor microenvironment. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17) is associated with shedding of several substrates involved in tumor progression and known to be expressed by platelets of healthy donors and patients with solid tumors. Here, we report that platelet-derived ADAM17 (pADAM17) is regulated upon platelet activation of breast cancer patients, but not of healthy individuals. The observed downregulation of pADAM17 on platelets of cancer patients correlated with clinical parameters related to tumor progression including tumor stage and the occurrence of metastasis. Our data identify an association between platelet activation, modulation of platelet-derived ADAM17, and metastasis. In conclusion, we demonstrate that further development of pADAM17 as a liquid biomarker is warranted for monitoring disease progression in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjun Zhou
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (Y.Z.); (J.S.H.); (M.H.); (H.R.S.); (S.M.)
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jonas S. Heitmann
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (Y.Z.); (J.S.H.); (M.H.); (H.R.S.); (S.M.)
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Korbinian N. Kropp
- Department of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Pneumology, University Medical Center of Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Martina Hinterleitner
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (Y.Z.); (J.S.H.); (M.H.); (H.R.S.); (S.M.)
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - André Koch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (A.K.); (A.D.H.)
| | - Andreas D. Hartkopf
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (A.K.); (A.D.H.)
| | - Helmut R. Salih
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (Y.Z.); (J.S.H.); (M.H.); (H.R.S.); (S.M.)
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Clemens Hinterleitner
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (Y.Z.); (J.S.H.); (M.H.); (H.R.S.); (S.M.)
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology (Internal Medicine VIII), University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Stefanie Maurer
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (Y.Z.); (J.S.H.); (M.H.); (H.R.S.); (S.M.)
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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