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Püsküllüoğlu M, Grela-Wojewoda A, Ambicka A, Pacholczak-Madej R, Pietruszka A, Mucha-Małecka A, Rudzińska A, Ziobro M, Ryś J, Mituś JW. Non-metastatic primary neuroendocrine neoplasms of the breast: a reference cancer center's experience of a heterogenous entity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1217495. [PMID: 38800480 PMCID: PMC11116701 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1217495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Primary neuroendocrine neoplasms of the breast (Br-NENs) are rare. The classification has been updated in recent years making interpretation of the data published challenging. It is unclear whether neuroendocrine differentiation is associated with poorer prognosis and what treatment approaches should be applied. Methods The database for breast cancer patients treated between 2009 and 2022 at the Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology Branch Krakow was explored to search for Br-NENs. Patients' medical and pathological data were collected and analyzed. Results We included 22 females with Br-NEN without metastases at the time of diagnosis. The median age was 64 years (range: 28-88), Of the cases, 18 were hormone receptor positive, all were HER-2 negative, the median Ki67 was 27% (10-100%). The median tumor size at the time of diagnosis was 29.5mm (7-75mm), 9 patients were N-positive. DCIS was present in 5 cases. Only one case was negative for chromogranin and synaptophysin staining, but data were missing for 4 cases. Nine patients received adjuvant chemotherapy, mainly based on anthracyclines and taxanes, while 16 received adjuvant hormonal therapy and 15 received postoperative radiotherapy. Radical surgery was performed in all patients, but two underwent suboptimal tumorectomy. One patient had local recurrence, three experienced metastatic disease, all involving the lungs, but these patients are still alive. The median follow-up was 96 months (8-153). Two patients died, with a follow up time of no recurrence >4 years. Our results were compared to twelve case series collecting clinical data on Br-NENs, with median patient number of 10.5 (range: 3-142). Conclusion Br-NENs represent a heterogenous group of diseases, lacking data from prospective studies or clinical trials. There are no established treatment standards tailored for Br-NENs. Our patients' cohort exhibited a favorable prognosis, potentially attributed to lower tumor stage and Ki67 index compared to other reported case series. We suggest that radical surgery and postoperative radiotherapy be administered akin to standard treatment for breast cancer of no special type. ESMO also advocates for this approach in systemic treatment, although we recommend considering platinum-based chemotherapy for patients with poorly differentiated Br-NENs exhibiting high Ki67.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirosława Püsküllüoğlu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Kraków, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Grela-Wojewoda
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Kraków, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Ambicka
- Department of Tumour Pathology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Kraków, Poland
| | - Renata Pacholczak-Madej
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Pietruszka
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Mucha-Małecka
- Department of Radiotherapy, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Kraków Branch, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Rudzińska
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marek Ziobro
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Kraków, Poland
| | - Janusz Ryś
- Department of Tumour Pathology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jerzy W. Mituś
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Kraków, Poland
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2
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Banerjee J, Ranjan RP, Alam MT, Deshmukh S, Tripathi PP, Gandhi S, Banerjee S. Virus-associated neuroendocrine cancers: Pathogenesis and current therapeutics. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 248:154720. [PMID: 37542862 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154720] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) comprise malignancies involving neuroendocrine cells that often lead to fatal pathological conditions. Despite escalating global incidences, NENs still have poor prognoses. Interestingly, research indicates an intricate association of tumor viruses with NENs. However, there is a dearth of comprehension of the complete scenario of NEN pathophysiology and its precise connections with the tumor viruses. Interestingly, several cutting-edge experiments became helpful for further screening of NET for the presence of polyomavirus, Human papillomavirus (HPV), Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), Epstein Barr virus (EBV), etc. Current research on the neuroendocrine tumor (NET) pathogenesis provides new information concerning their molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Of note, scientists observed that metastatic neuroendocrine tumors still have a poor prognosis with a palliative situation. Different oncolytic vector has already demonstrated excellent efficacies in clinical studies. Therefore, oncolytic virotherapy or virus-based immunotherapy could be an emerging and novel therapeutic intervention. In-depth understanding of all such various aspects will aid in managing, developing early detection assays, and establishing targeted therapeutic interventions for NENs concerning tumor viruses. Hence, this review takes a novel approach to discuss the dual role of tumor viruses in association with NENs' pathophysiology as well as its potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juni Banerjee
- Institute of Advanced Research, Koba Institutional Area, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382426, India.
| | - Ramya P Ranjan
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032, India
| | - Md Tanjim Alam
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB), 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, India; IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence(IICB-TRUE), Kolkata 700091, India
| | - Sanika Deshmukh
- Institute of Advanced Research, Koba Institutional Area, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382426, India
| | - Prem Prakash Tripathi
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB), 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, India; IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence(IICB-TRUE), Kolkata 700091, India.
| | - Sonu Gandhi
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032, India.
| | - Shuvomoy Banerjee
- Institute of Advanced Research, Koba Institutional Area, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382426, India.
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3
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Thomas A, Reis-Filho JS, Geyer CE, Wen HY. Rare subtypes of triple negative breast cancer: Current understanding and future directions. NPJ Breast Cancer 2023; 9:55. [PMID: 37353557 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-023-00554-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare subtypes of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) are a heterogenous group of tumors, comprising 5-10% of all TNBCs. Despite accounting for an absolute number of cases in aggregate approaching that of other less common, but well studied solid tumors, rare subtypes of triple-negative disease remain understudied. Low prevalence, diagnostic challenges and overlapping diagnoses have hindered consistent categorization of these breast cancers. Here we review epidemiology, histology and clinical and molecular characteristics of metaplastic, triple-negative lobular, apocrine, adenoid cystic, secretory and high-grade neuroendocrine TNBCs. Medullary pattern invasive ductal carcinoma no special type, which until recently was a considered a distinct subtype, is also discussed. With this background, we review how applying biological principals often applied to study TNBC no special type could improve our understanding of rare TNBCs. These could include the utilization of targeted molecular approaches or disease agnostic tools such as tumor mutational burden or germline mutation-directed treatments. Burgeoning data also suggest that pathologic response to neoadjuvant therapy and circulating tumor DNA have value in understanding rare subtypes of TNBC. Finally, we discuss a framework for advancing disease-specific knowledge in this space. While the conduct of randomized trials in rare TNBC subtypes has been challenging, re-envisioning trial design and technologic tools may offer new opportunities. These include embedding rare TNBC subtypes in umbrella studies of rare tumors, retrospective review of contemporary trials, prospective identification of patients with rare TNBC subtypes entering on clinical trials and querying big data for outcomes of patients with rare breast tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Thomas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Jorge S Reis-Filho
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charles E Geyer
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hannah Y Wen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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4
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Kimura K, Kawabata S, Oku H, Ikari A, Tominaga T, Takai S, Sakane J, Tanaka M, Aoki C, Ota M, Minami E, Hirose Y, Lee SW, Iwamoto M. Breast neuroendocrine tumor arising in the axilla of a man: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2022; 16:467. [PMID: 36528621 PMCID: PMC9759905 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-022-03683-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accessory breast carcinomas of the axilla of males are rare, and primary breast neuroendocrine tumors (BNETs) are rare as well. We present a case of a BNET arising in the axilla of a man. CASE PRESENTATION A 64-year-old Japanese man presented with a hard 15-mm mass in the axilla and axillary lymph node swelling. Histopathological examination of the incisional biopsy specimen revealed a neuroendocrine carcinoma. Therefore, wide radical excision of the axillary tumor and axillary lymph node dissection were performed. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that the solid tumor was mainly located in the subcutaneous adipose tissues and appeared to invade the skin. The tumor phenotypes were positive for CAM 5.2, synaptophysin, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and GATA-binding protein 3; they were negative for human epidermal growth receptor 2. The neuroendocrine component comprised more than 90% of the tumor, and the Ki-67 index was 21%. These results indicated that the tumor was a BNET. This patient underwent adjuvant chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS BNET cases in males are rare. The clinical and histological criteria as well as treatment for these rare cases are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosei Kimura
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shigeru Kawabata
- Department of Pathology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroyo Oku
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ayana Ikari
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomo Tominaga
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Saki Takai
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Junna Sakane
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Michiaki Tanaka
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Chinatsu Aoki
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Monika Ota
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Erika Minami
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Hirose
- Department of Pathology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Sang-Woong Lee
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiko Iwamoto
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
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5
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Li Y, Cao Y, Wu X, Liu R, Wang K. HER-2-positive primary neuroendocrine neoplasms of the breast with signet ring feature: A case report and review of literature. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1029007. [PMID: 36578949 PMCID: PMC9791177 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1029007] [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: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Primary neuroendocrine neoplasm of the breast (BNEN) is an uncommon breast neoplasm, and in most cases, it presents as hormone receptors positive and HER-2 negative. Moreover, in neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), the signet ring feature is a rare morphological subtype, and only a few cases have been reported. Here, we report the case of a primary breast neuroendocrine neoplasm with an unusual signet ring cell appearance in this paper. The documentation of this case, combined with a review of the literature, may add to existing knowledge about the outcome and management of this rare tumor. Methods In the present review, we describe a unique case of HER-2-positive primary BNEN with a signet ring feature that has not been reported in English. Additionally, we performed a literature search of the PubMed and Web of Science databases and calculated statistics for clinical data and follow-up. Results Our literature search, excluding non-English literature, identified 15 articles with data from 24 cases, including ours. The mean age was 51.25 years (range, 30-79 years), and there were 13 male patients (54%) and 11 female patients (46%). Of the 24 cases, some cases (11/24) were associated with lymph node metastases, a few cases (6/24) had distant metastasis, and the vast majority of cases (23/24) occurred in the digestive system. Primary hepatic signet ring cell neuroendocrine tumor showed slow progression and good prognosis. Lymph node involvement was identified in one of eight (12.5%) documented cases, and one of eight (12.5%) reported cases presented with distant metastatic disease. However, the prognosis of neuroendocrine tumors with signet ring cells in the pancreas and stomach was poor. Lymph node involvement was identified in 9 of 15 (60%) documented cases, and 5 of 15 (33.3%) reported cases presented with distant metastatic disease. Conclusion NENs with a signet ring feature is uncommon, and this is the first case report of its occurrence in the breast. Current knowledge is limited to anecdotal experience based on case reports and small case series. We provide a literature review to summarize knowledge about this rare entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjin Li
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yi Cao
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoying Wu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ruijie Liu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,*Correspondence: Kuansong Wang, ; Ruijie Liu,
| | - Kuansong Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,*Correspondence: Kuansong Wang, ; Ruijie Liu,
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6
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Martinez EO, Jorns JM, Kong AL, Kijak J, Lee WY, Huang CC, Cortina CS. Primary Breast Neuroendocrine Tumors: An Analysis of the National Cancer Database. Ann Surg Oncol 2022; 29:6339-6346. [PMID: 35789311 PMCID: PMC9464685 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-12123-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary breast neuroendocrine tumors (BNETs) represent < 1% of breast cancers. Diagnosing BNETs can be challenging, and a limited amount of cohort data currently exists in literature. We aimed to describe primary BNET characteristics, treatment modalities, and survival outcomes through the National Cancer Database (NCDB). METHODS A retrospective cohort analysis was performed using the NCDB from 2004 to 2017. BNET cases were compared with patients with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). A matched IDC cohort was created by matching patient age, race, and disease stage. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed, and hazard ratios (HR) were calculated through the bootstrap sampling method. RESULTS A total of 1389 BNET and 1,967,401 IDC cases were identified. When compared with IDC patients, BNET patients were older, had more comorbidities, and were more often male (p < 0.01). BNETs were larger, higher grade, and more frequently hormone receptor negative (p < 0.01). While BNET patients were treated with surgery and radiotherapy (p < 0.01) less often compared with IDC patients, they presented at later disease stage (p < 0.001) and received systemic treatment more frequently (53.5% vs. 40%, p < 0.01). Patients with BNET had increased mortality compared with the matched IDC cohort: stage 1 HR 1.8, stage 2 HR 2.0, stage 3 HR 1.8, and stage 4 HR 1.5 (p < 0.001 for all). CONCLUSION Patients with BNET tend to present at higher clinical stages, are more frequently hormone receptor negative, and have inferior overall survival compared with patients with IDC. Further treatment strategies and studies are needed to elucidate optimal therapies to maximize patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique O Martinez
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Julie M Jorns
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Amanda L Kong
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- MCW Cancer Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Julie Kijak
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Wen-Yao Lee
- Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
- Zilber School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Chiang-Ching Huang
- Zilber School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Chandler S Cortina
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- MCW Cancer Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
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7
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Yuan M, Chen D, Sun H, Wang X, Wan D. Primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast with leptomeninges metastasis: A case report and literature review. J Int Med Res 2022; 50:3000605221118505. [PMID: 36069002 PMCID: PMC9459456 DOI: 10.1177/03000605221118505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast (NECB) is a rare tumour with an incident rate of 0.3-0.5%. The most common metastatic sites of NECB are liver, bones, lung, pancreas, soft tissues and brain, while leptomeninges metastasis (LM) is reported rarely. This current case report describes a 50-year-old female patient with NECB and LM whose overall survival was 2 months. The report also presents the current literature regarding the knowledge of this unusual tumour and metastatic type. The current patient was diagnosed with NECB with right cerebellar metastasis, followed by LM. She underwent modified radical mastectomy of the left breast, left whole breast radiation therapy and incomplete adjuvant chemotherapy until the metastasis occurred. Whole-brain radiation therapy and a first-line salvage regimen of etoposide and cis-platinum were then undertaken. The patient died 2 months after their LM diagnosis. Primary NECB with LM is sporadic, devoid of effective treatment and associated with a poor prognosis. Consequently, it is vitally important to identify LM in order to achieve longer patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Yuan
- Department of Oncology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.,Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Dongmei Chen
- Department of Oncology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongliang Sun
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuhong Wang
- Department of Pathology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Donggui Wan
- Department of Oncology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
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8
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Aryal V, Singh M, Neupane K, Marhatta A, Amatya KS, Dhakal HP. Invasive ductal carcinoma of breast with neuroendocrine differentiation: A case report. Clin Case Rep 2022; 10:e6171. [PMID: 35949409 PMCID: PMC9354097 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.6171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary invasive breast carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation is an uncommon presentation. We hereby report a case diagnosed as invasive ductal carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation in a 52‐year‐old female patient who presented with a painless right breast lump. Primary invasive breast carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation is an uncommon presentation. We hereby report a case of invasive ductal carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation who presented with a painless right breast lump. The patient was evaluated with mammography, ultrasound‐guided tru‐cut biopsy, and CT scan of the chest. Later right mastectomy with frozen section examination of right axillary sentinel lymph node was performed. Finally, a diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation was made with the help of the histomorphological evaluation and immunohistochemical study using neuroendocrine markers like CD56 and INSM1. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of invasive breast carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation reported from Nepal and can help better understand the clinical entity, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this rare tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinayak Aryal
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineNepal Cancer Hospital and Research CenterLalitpurNepal
| | - Moushami Singh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineNepal Cancer Hospital and Research CenterLalitpurNepal
| | - Karun Neupane
- Department of Internal MedicineJacobi Medical CenterBronxNew YorkUSA
| | - Adwait Marhatta
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineNepal Cancer Hospital and Research CenterLalitpurNepal
| | - Kapendra S. Amatya
- Department of Surgical OncologyNepal Cancer Hospital and Research CenterLalitpurNepal
| | - Hari P. Dhakal
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineNepal Cancer Hospital and Research CenterLalitpurNepal
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9
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Stimes N, Stanbery L, Albrethsen M, Trivedi C, Hamouda D, Dworkin L, Nemunaitis J. Small-cell breast carcinoma with response to atezolizumab: a case report. Immunotherapy 2022; 14:669-674. [PMID: 35481350 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2021-0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Small-cell carcinoma of the breast is a rare disease with little research outlining molecular targets or optimal therapeutic management. We summarize a young female patient with poorly differentiated high-grade carcinoma with neuroendocrine features/small-cell carcinoma. Case presentation: A 31-year-old female presented with a large left breast mass. Initial biopsy revealed small-cell, triple-negative breast carcinoma. Treatment consisted of cisplatin and etoposide but was poorly tolerated and discontinued after one cycle. Combination abraxane/atezolizumab resulted in transient partial response in tumor size with 7 months of progression-free stability. Worsening metastatic disease was found 8 months after initial biopsy on radiologic studies and the patient expired 10 months after initial biopsy. Conclusion: Transient benefit in response to combination abraxane/atezolizumab was demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Stimes
- College of Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | | | | | | | - Danae Hamouda
- College of Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Lance Dworkin
- College of Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
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10
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Rakha E, Tan PH. Head to head: Do neuroendocrine tumours in the breast truly exist? Histopathology 2022; 81:2-14. [PMID: 35133666 DOI: 10.1111/his.14627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease with a spectrum of morphological features. Concepts of histogenesis and differentiation in BC remain controversial. Recent evidence supports differentiation rather than histogenesis as the underlying mechanism for the myriad morphological appearances of BC. Prognosis and response to therapy are determined by a combination of factors including tumour grade, stage and receptor status whereas tumour histological types play an independent role in only limited examples. Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) comprise one of the most debated entities in the breast since their first description. Apart from the rare small cell NE carcinoma (NEC) which has well-characterised features similar to their counterparts in other organs, the true existence, diagnostic criteria and clinical significance of NE neoplasms (NENs) in the breast are shrouded in controversy. At the core of this discussion is whether normal NE cells exist in the breast, and if breast NETs have distinct morphology and clinical behaviour. When NETs are encountered in the breast, metastatic origin has to be excluded. The more frequent situation in which NE differentiation is observed in breast cancers is in the context of recognisable, morphologically well described special type neoplasms like the hypercellular mucinous carcinoma and solid papillary carcinoma. In this review, arguments for and against maintaining the category of NENs in the breast are articulated in relation to existing literature on this group of unusual tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad Rakha
- University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust, Department of Histopathology, Nottingham City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Puay Hoon Tan
- Division of Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Academia, 20 College Road, Singapore, 169856
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11
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Prisciandaro M, Antista M, Raimondi A, Corti F, Morano F, Centonze G, Sabella G, Mangogna A, Randon G, Pagani F, Prinzi N, Niger M, Corallo S, Castiglioni di Caronno E, Massafra M, Bartolomeo MD, de Braud F, Milione M, Pusceddu S. Biomarker Landscape in Neuroendocrine Tumors With High-Grade Features: Current Knowledge and Future Perspective. Front Oncol 2022; 12:780716. [PMID: 35186729 PMCID: PMC8856722 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.780716] [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: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are classified based on morphology and are graded based on their proliferation rate as either well-differentiated low-grade (G1) to intermediate (G2–G3) or poorly differentiated high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC G3). Recently, in gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) NETs, a new subgroup of well-differentiated high-grade tumors (NET G3) has been divided from NEC by WHO due to its different clinical–pathologic features. Although several mutational analyses have been performed, a molecular classification of NET is an unmet need in particular for G3, which tends to be more aggressive and have less benefit to the available therapies. Specifically, new possible prognostic and, above all, predictive factors are highly awaited, giving the basis for new treatments. Alteration of KRAS, TP53, and RB1 is mainly reported, but also druggable alterations, including BRAF and high microsatellite instability (MSI-H), have been documented in subsets of patients. In addition, PD-L1 demonstrated to be highly expressed in G3 NETs, probably becoming a new biomarker for G3 neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) discrimination and a predictive one for immunotherapy response. In this review, we describe the current knowledge available on a high-grade NET molecular landscape with a specific focus on those harboring potentially therapeutic targets in the advanced setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Prisciandaro
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Michele Prisciandaro,
| | - Maria Antista
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Raimondi
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Corti
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Morano
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Centonze
- First Pathology Division, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Sabella
- First Pathology Division, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mangogna
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofalo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giovanni Randon
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo Pagani
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Natalie Prinzi
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Niger
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Salvatore Corallo
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marco Massafra
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Di Bartolomeo
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo de Braud
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Milione
- First Pathology Division, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Pusceddu
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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Balma M, Liberini V, Racca M, Laudicella R, Bauckneht M, Buschiazzo A, Nicolotti DG, Peano S, Bianchi A, Albano G, Quartuccio N, Abgral R, Morbelli SD, D'Alessandria C, Terreno E, Huellner MW, Papaleo A, Deandreis D. Non-conventional and Investigational PET Radiotracers for Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:881551. [PMID: 35492341 PMCID: PMC9039137 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.881551] [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: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women, with high morbidity and mortality rates. In breast cancer, the use of novel radiopharmaceuticals in nuclear medicine can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and staging, refine surveillance strategies and accuracy in choosing personalized treatment approaches, including radioligand therapy. Nuclear medicine thus shows great promise for improving the quality of life of breast cancer patients by allowing non-invasive assessment of the diverse and complex biological processes underlying the development of breast cancer and its evolution under therapy. This review aims to describe molecular probes currently in clinical use as well as those under investigation holding great promise for personalized medicine and precision oncology in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Balma
- Nuclear Medicine Department, S. Croce e Carle Hospital, Cuneo, Italy
- *Correspondence: Michele Balma
| | - Virginia Liberini
- Nuclear Medicine Department, S. Croce e Carle Hospital, Cuneo, Italy
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Manuela Racca
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Riccardo Laudicella
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and of Morpho-Functional Imaging, Nuclear Medicine Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Fondazione Istituto G. Giglio, Cefalù, Italy
| | - Matteo Bauckneht
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Health Science (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ambra Buschiazzo
- Nuclear Medicine Department, S. Croce e Carle Hospital, Cuneo, Italy
| | | | - Simona Peano
- Nuclear Medicine Department, S. Croce e Carle Hospital, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Andrea Bianchi
- Nuclear Medicine Department, S. Croce e Carle Hospital, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Albano
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Fondazione Istituto G. Giglio, Cefalù, Italy
| | - Natale Quartuccio
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, A.R.N.A.S. Civico di Cristina and Benfratelli Hospitals, Palermo, Italy
| | - Ronan Abgral
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Brest, Brest, France
| | - Silvia Daniela Morbelli
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Health Science (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Enzo Terreno
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular & Preclinical Imaging Centers, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Martin William Huellner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alberto Papaleo
- Nuclear Medicine Department, S. Croce e Carle Hospital, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Désirée Deandreis
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Uccella S. The classification of neuroendocrine neoplasms of the breast and its clinical relevance. Virchows Arch 2021; 481:3-12. [PMID: 34698887 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-021-03223-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the breast (Br-NENs) are rare tumors of the mammary gland. Their definition and classification have been a matter of discussion for more than half a century, as they present some degree of overlap with other malignancies in the mammary gland. The recent evolutions in the understanding of the pathogenesis of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) as well as the novel tools in the diagnostic arsenal of the pathologists, and a better correlation with clinical data, have led to improved classification schemes for these entities, beginning from those arising in digestive and thoracic organs. These new classification concepts have been recently expanded to NENs arising in every anatomical site, with the proposal of a common classification framework that has been applied in the 5th edition of the WHO classification of tumors. These concepts include the recognition of two distinct families of NENs (neuroendocrine tumors, NETs, and neuroendocrine carcinomas, NECs), the identification of mixed neuroendocrine/non-neuroendocrine neoplasms, and the application of definite morphological and immunohistochemical criteria for the diagnosis of NENs. The last WHO classification of Br-NENs, however, still seems to leave several unanswered questions and unmet needs in the understanding of diagnostic and clinical features of these entities. This review will critically revise the current classification of Br-NENs, underlining its lights and shadows and focusing on the identification of diagnostic histopathological criteria that can help the univocal recognition of Br-NET, Br-NEC, and Br-MiNEN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Uccella
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Pathology, University of Insubria, via Ottorino Rossi 9 21100, Varese, Italy.
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Irelli A, Sirufo MM, Scipioni T, Aielli F, Martella F, Ginaldi L, Pancotti A, De Martinis M. The VES-13 and G-8 tools as predictors of toxicity associated with aromatase inhibitors in the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer in elderly patients: A single-center study. Indian J Cancer 2021; 0:319470. [PMID: 34380841 DOI: 10.4103/0019-509x.319470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background Adjuvant hormone treatment of postmenopausal breast cancer is mainly based on aromatase inhibitors. Adverse events associated with such class of drugs are particularly severe in elderly patients. Therefore, we investigated the possibility of ab initio predict which elderly patients could encounter toxicity. Methods In light of national and international oncological guidelines recommending the use of screening tests for multidimensional geriatric assessment in elderly patients aged ≥70 years and eligible for active cancer treatment, we assessed whether the Vulnerable Elder Survey (VES)-13 and the Geriatric (G)-8 could be predictors of toxicity associated with aromatase inhibitors. Seventy-seven consecutive patients aged ≥70 diagnosed with non-metastatic hormone-responsive breast cancer and therefore eligible for adjuvant hormone therapy with aromatase inhibitors, were screened with the VES-13 and the G-8, and underwent a six-monthly clinical and instrumental follow-up in our medical oncology unit, from September 2016 to March 2019 (30 months). Said patients were identified as vulnerable (VES-13 score ≥3 or G-8 score ≤14) and fit (VES-13 score <3 or G-8 score >14). The likelihood of experiencing toxicity is greater among vulnerable patients. Results The correlation between the VES-13 or the G-8 tools and the presence of adverse events is equal to 85.7% (p = 0.03). The VES-13 demonstrated 76.9% sensitivity, 90.2% specificity, 80.0% positive predictive value, 88.5% negative predictive value. The G-8 demonstrated 79.2% sensitivity, 88.7% specificity, 76% positive predictive value, 90.4% negative predictive value. Conclusion The VES-13 and the G-8 tools could be valuable predictors of the onset of toxicity associated with aromatase inhibitors in the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer in elderly patients aged ≥70.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azzurra Irelli
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, AUSL 04 Teramo, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Sirufo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy; Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, Italy
| | - Teresa Scipioni
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, AUSL 04 Teramo, Italy
| | - Federica Aielli
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, AUSL 04 Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Lia Ginaldi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy; Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, Italy
| | - Amedeo Pancotti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, AUSL 04 Teramo, Italy
| | - Massimo De Martinis
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy; Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, Italy
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15
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Irelli A, Sirufo MM, Quaglione GR, De Pietro F, Bassino EM, D’Ugo C, Ginaldi L, De Martinis M. Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer with Osteoclast-Like Giant Cells: A Case Report Based on the Gene Expression Profile for Changes in Management. J Pers Med 2021; 11:156. [PMID: 33672165 PMCID: PMC7927002 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11020156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the case of a 49-year-old woman diagnosed with a rare histotype of early breast cancer (BC), invasive ductal carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells (OGCs), from the perspective of gene profile analysis tests. The patient underwent a quadrantectomy of the right breast with removal of 2 cm neoplastic nodule and three ipsilateral sentinel lymph nodes. The Oncotype Dx gave a recurrence score (RS) of 23, and taking into account the patient's age, an RS of 23 corresponds to a chemotherapy benefit of 6.5%. After a multidisciplinary collegial discussion, and in consideration of the patient's age, the absence of comorbidity, the premenopausal state, the rare histotype and the Oncotype Dx report, the patient was offered adjuvant chemotherapy treatment followed by hormone therapy. This case may be an example of the utility of integrating gene expression profiling tests into clinical practice in the adjuvant treatment decision of a rare histotype BC. The Oncotype Dx test required to supplement the histological examination made us opt for the proposal of a combined treatment of adjuvant chemotherapy followed by adjuvant hormone therapy. It demonstrates the importance of considering molecular tests and, in particular, the Oncotype Dx, in estimating the risk of disease recovery at 10 years in order to identify patients who benefit from hormone therapy alone versus those who benefit from the addition of chemotherapy, all with a view toward patient-centered oncology. Here, we discuss the possible validity and limitations of the Oncotype Dx in a rare luminal A-like histotype with high infiltrate of stromal/inflammatory cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azzurra Irelli
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, AUSL 04 Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Maria Maddalena Sirufo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (F.D.P.); (E.M.B.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Francesca De Pietro
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (F.D.P.); (E.M.B.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Enrica Maria Bassino
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (F.D.P.); (E.M.B.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Carlo D’Ugo
- Radiotherapy Unit, Department of Oncology, AUSL 04, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Lia Ginaldi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (F.D.P.); (E.M.B.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Massimo De Martinis
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (F.D.P.); (E.M.B.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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Panzuto F. Clinical Challenges in the Management of Neuroendocrine Tumors. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10020257. [PMID: 33445572 PMCID: PMC7826968 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10020257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Panzuto
- Digestive Diseases Unit, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
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Sex and Gender Influences on Cancer Immunotherapy Response. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8070232. [PMID: 32708265 PMCID: PMC7400663 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8070232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The global burden of cancer is growing and a wide disparity in the incidence, malignancy and mortality of different types of cancer between each sex has been demonstrated. The sex specificity of cancer appears to be a relevant issue in the management of the disease, and studies investigating the role of sex and gender are becoming extremely urgent. Sex hormones are presumably the leading actors of sex differences in cancer, especially estrogens. They modulate gene expression, alter molecules and generate disparities in effectiveness and side effects of anticancer therapies. Recently immunotherapy aims to improve anticancer treatment strategies reducing off-target effects of chemotherapy and direct cancer cells killing. It is recognized as a fruitful strategy to treat and possible to cure cancer. Immunotherapeutic agents are used to activate or boost the activation of the immune system to fight cancer cells through physiological mechanisms often evaded in the offensive march of the disease. These therapeutic strategies have allowed new successes, but also have serious adverse effects including non-specific inflammation and autoimmunity. Sex and gender issues are of primary importance in this field, due to their recognized role in inflammation, immunity and cancer, and the clarification and understanding of these aspects is a necessary step to increase the responses and to diminish the adverse effects of immunotherapy. This review describes the available knowledge on the role of sex and gender in cancer immunotherapy, and will offer insights to stimulate the attention and practice of clinicians and researchers in a gender perspective of new cancer treatment strategies.
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