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Liu Y, Li M, Liu Y, Wan Y, Yang B, Li D, Wang S. Liquid-Based Cytology of Small Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix: A Multicenter Retrospective Study. Onco Targets Ther 2024; 17:557-565. [PMID: 39006884 PMCID: PMC11244633 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s460465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims There are currently few reports describing the liquid-based cytological characteristics of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix. This study aimed to retrospectively analyze these features to reduce missed or misdiagnosis. Methods A total of 11 patients with histologically diagnosed small cell carcinoma of the cervix from three hospitals between 2017 and 2023 were included in this study. The cytological morphology of small cell carcinoma of the cervix and causes of missed or misdiagnosis were analyzed and summarized through a review of clinical data, liquid-based cytology, histology, immunohistochemistry, and human papillomaviruses (HPV) test results. Results In this study, the positivity rate of preliminary cytological screening was 63.6% (7/11); however, no cases were accurately diagnosed as small cell carcinoma of the cervix. A total of 36.4% (4/11) of small cell carcinoma of the cervix cases were cytologically negative; retrospective cytology found that two of these were false negatives. The main cytological features of small cell carcinoma of the cervix were summarized. Most of the liquid-based cytology smear cells were dense, and almost all cases showed clustered and scattered cytoplasm-scanty tumor cells. The tumor cells were all deeply stained and relatively consistent small cells. Most cases showed typical nuclear molding, chromatin stippling, and no obvious nucleoli. Mild nuclear smears, nuclear fragments, and mitotic figures were seen in most cases. Conclusion Liquid-based cytology has a high rate of missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis in small cell carcinoma of the cervix. This study confirms that reviewing cytology results can effectively reduce this proportion and that increasing understanding of small cell carcinoma of the cervix morphology is conducive to improving the cytology-based diagnosis rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Liu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meirong Li
- Department of Pathology, Deyang People’s Hospital, Deyang, Sichuan Province, 618099, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Pathology, Chengdu Women and Children’s Central Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610073, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Wan
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shaohua Wang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China
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Wang Y, Qiu H, Lin R, Hong W, Lu J, Ling H, Sun X, Yang C. Advancements in the Understanding of Small-Cell Neuroendocrine Cervical Cancer: Where We Stand and What Lies Ahead. J Pers Med 2024; 14:462. [PMID: 38793044 PMCID: PMC11122604 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14050462] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Small-cell neuroendocrine cervical carcinoma (SCNCC) is a rare yet aggressive gynecological malignancy associated with dismal clinical outcomes. Its rarity has led to a limited number of retrospective studies and an absence of prospective research, posing significant challenges for evidence-based treatment approaches. As a result, most gynecologic oncology centers have limited experience with this tumor, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive review and summary. This article systematically reviews the pathogenesis, immunohistochemical and molecular characteristics, prognostic factors, and clinical management of gynecologic SCNCC. We specifically focused on reviewing the distinct genomic characteristics of SCNCC identified via next-generation sequencing technologies, including loss of heterozygosity (LOH), somatic mutations, structural variations (SVs), and microRNA alterations. The identification of these actionable genomic events offers promise for discovering new molecular targets for drug development and enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, we delve deeper into key clinical challenges, such as determining the optimal treatment modality between chemoradiation and surgery for International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I phase patients within a precision stratification framework, as well as the role of targeted therapy within the homologous recombination (HR) pathway, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) in the management of SCNCC. Finally, we anticipate the utilization of multiple SCNCC models, including cancer tissue-originated spheroid (CTOS) lines and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), to decipher driver events and develop individualized therapeutic strategies for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hui Qiu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Rongjie Lin
- Department of Radiotherapy, West China Xiamen Hospital of Sichuan University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Weiwei Hong
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Jiahao Lu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Huan Ling
- Department of Ultrasound in Gynecology and Obstetrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiaoge Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 750306, China
| | - Chunxu Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
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Wang XQ, Fu J, Zhang YT, Xu Y. INSM1 expression in primary and metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasms at distinct locations. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:155067. [PMID: 38171081 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155067] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1) has been reported as a valuable marker for neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). The aims of this study were to evaluate any change in INSM1 expression between primary and metastatic NENs in distinct locations, as well as the expression of INSM1 at different differentiation levels. Furthermore, we would also investigate the significance of INSM1 expression in non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (non-NENs). METHODS We collected 78 cases with primary NENs and 16 cases with metastatic NENs. An addition 7 cases of non-NENs with neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation and 84 cases of other non-NENs, respectively, were included as controls. RESULTS In our cohort, 82% of primary NENs and 88% of metastatic NENs expressed INSM1 with no difference between them. There was no difference in the expression of INSM1 in the lung and digestive system, and its staining pattern was independent of tumor differentiation or location. The proportion of INSM1 -positive in non-NENs with NE differentiation was significantly higher than that in other non-NENs. INSM1 sensitivity for primary NENs (82%) was comparable to Chromogranin A (82%), less than that of Synaptophysin (96%) and CD56 (94%); specificity was higher (96% vs 94%, 82%, and 89%, respectively). The sensitivity of INSM1 for well differentiated NENs was significantly higher than that of poorly differentiated NENs (100% vs 79%). CONCLUSIONS INSM1 is a useful neuroendocrine marker in primary and metastatic NENs, helping to identify primary NENs with different degrees of differentiation. The expression of INSM1 was independent of tumor location. It should be with caution to interpret the expression of INSM1 in non-NENs that morphologically resemble NENs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Qing Wang
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China.
| | - Jing Fu
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Yi-Tong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
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Chao A, Wu RC, Lin CY, Chang TC, Lai CH. Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix: From molecular basis to therapeutic advances. Biomed J 2023; 46:100633. [PMID: 37467967 PMCID: PMC10522988 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2023.100633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix (SCNECC) is an uncommon but aggressive uterine malignancy, the cause of which is generally associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. A lack of clinical trials and evidence-based treatment guidelines poses therapeutic challenges to this rare tumor. At present, published data remain limited to case series and case reports. While clinical management has traditionally followed those of small cell neuroendocrine (SCNE) lung cancer relying on surgery, chemoradiation, and systemic chemotherapy, the prognosis remains dismal. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as monoclonal antibodies that target programmed death-1 (PD-1) or programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), atezolizumab and durvalumab have proven effective in extensive-stage SCNE lung cancer. Moreover, pembrolizumab has also proven beneficial effects when added onto chemotherapy in metastatic and recurrent HPV-associated non-SCNE cervical cancer. It holds promise to use ICIs in combination with chemoradiation to improve the clinical outcomes of patients with SCNECC. Future advances in our understanding of SCNECC biology - associated with the study of its genomic and molecular aberrations as well as knowledge from SCNE of lung and other extrapulmonary sites- would be helpful in discovering new molecular targets for drug development. Collaborative efforts and establishment of a SCNECC-specific biobank will be essential to achieve this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Chao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Gynecologic Cancer Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ren-Chin Wu
- Gynecologic Cancer Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Yun Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Gynecologic Cancer Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Chang Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Gynecologic Cancer Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chyong-Huey Lai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Gynecologic Cancer Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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Jacoba IM, Weber HC. Biomarkers in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2023; 30:175-180. [PMID: 36895178 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NEN) represent a heterogenous group of rare tumors emanating from neuroendocrine cells that are clinically silent for prolonged periods of time without detection. Traditional biomarkers lack sufficiently high enough specificity and sensitivity for these tumors and their secreted products. New molecules are sought to improve accuracy of detection and monitoring of GEP-NENs. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent advances in the discovery of novel biomarkers and their potential characteristics and utility as markers of GEP-NENs. RECENT FINDINGS Several recent GEP-NEN investigations regarding NETest demonstrate superior sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis and disease monitoring as compared with chromogranin A. Among several tissue-based emergent candidate molecules as biomarkers for GEP-NEN INSM1 has demonstrated consistently excellent characteristics when compared with traditional markers including chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and CD56. SUMMARY For the diagnosis and clinical monitoring of NEN, there still exists a considerable need for better biomarkers. Novel technology has resulted in a promising liquid biopsy for the detection and monitoring of GEP-NENs. The search for improved tissue biomarkers has resulted in identification of one potential candidate whereas several others remain in the investigatory phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isa Mulingbayan Jacoba
- Boston Medical Center/Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
| | - H Christian Weber
- Boston Medical Center/Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
- Department of Medicine
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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