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Modica R, Liccardi A, Minotta R, Cannavale G, Benevento E, Colao A. Current understanding of pathogenetic mechanisms in neuroendocrine neoplasms. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2024; 19:49-61. [PMID: 37936421 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2023.2279540] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the fact that important advances in research on neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) have been made, consistent data about their pathogenetic mechanism are still lacking. Furthermore, different primary sites may recognize different pathogenetic mechanisms. AREAS COVERED This review analyzes the possible biological and molecular mechanisms that may lead to NEN onset and progression in different organs. Through extensive research of the literature, risk factors including hypercholesterolemia, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic atrophic gastritis are evaluated as potential pathogenetic mechanisms. Consistent evidence is available regarding sporadic gastric NENs and MEN1 related duodenopancreatic NENs precursor lesions, and genetic-epigenetic mutations may play a pivotal role in tumor development and bone metastases onset. In lung neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), diffuse proliferation of neuroendocrine cells on the bronchial wall (DIPNECH) has been proposed as a premalignant lesion, while in lung neuroendocrine carcinoma nicotine and smoke could be responsible for carcinogenic processes. Also, rare primary NENs such as thymic (T-NENs) and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) have been analyzed, finding different possible pathogenetic mechanisms. EXPERT OPINION New technologies in genomics and epigenomics are bringing new light to the pathogenetic landscape of NENs, but further studies are needed to improve both prevention and treatment in these heterogeneous neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Modica
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessia Liccardi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Napoli, Italy
| | - Roberto Minotta
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cannavale
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Napoli, Italy
| | - Elio Benevento
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Napoli, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Napoli, Italy
- UNESCO Chair "Education for Health and Sustainable Development, " Federico II University, Naples, Italy
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Fazio N, La Salvia A. Precision medicine in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: Where are we in 2023? Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 37:101794. [PMID: 37414651 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2023.101794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Precision medicine describes a target-related approach to tailoring diagnosis and treatment of the individual patient. While this personalized approach is revoluzionizing many areas of oncology, it is quite late in the field of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs), in which there are few molecular alterations to be therapeutically targeted. We critically reviewed the current evidence about precision medicine in GEP NENs, focusing on potential clinically relevant actionable targets for GEP NENs, such as the mTOR pathway, MGMT, hypoxia markers, RET, DLL-3, and some general agnostic targets. We analysed the main investigational approaches with solid and liquid biopsies. Furthermore, we reviewed a model of precision medicine more specific for NENs that is the theragnostic use of radionuclides. Overall, currently no true predictive factors for therapy have been validated so far in GEP NENs, and the personalized approach is based more on clinical thinking within a NEN-dedicated multidisciplinary team. However, there is a robust background to suppose that precision medicine, with the theragnostic model will yield new insights in this context soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Fazio
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, European Institute of Oncology (IEO) IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
| | - Anna La Salvia
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, National Institute of Health (ISS), Rome, Italy
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Marques-Ramos A, Cervantes R. Expression of mTOR in normal and pathological conditions. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:112. [PMID: 37454139 PMCID: PMC10349476 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01820-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a protein discovered in 1991, integrates a complex pathway with a key role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. By comprising two functionally distinct complexes, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2, it is a central cellular hub that integrates intra- and extracellular signals of energy, nutrient, and hormone availability, modulating the molecular responses to acquire a homeostatic state through the regulation of anabolic and catabolic processes. Accordingly, dysregulation of mTOR pathway has been implicated in a variety of human diseases. While major advances have been made regarding the regulators and effectors of mTOR signaling pathway, insights into the regulation of mTOR gene expression are beginning to emerge. Here, we present the current available data regarding the mTOR expression regulation at the level of transcription, translation and mRNA stability and systematize the current knowledge about the fluctuations of mTOR expression observed in several diseases, both cancerous and non-cancerous. In addition, we discuss whether mTOR expression changes can be used as a biomarker for diagnosis, disease progression, prognosis and/or response to therapeutics. We believe that our study will contribute for the implementation of new disease biomarkers based on mTOR as it gives an exhaustive perspective about the regulation of mTOR gene expression in both normal and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Marques-Ramos
- H&TRC-Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL-Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - R Cervantes
- H&TRC-Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL-Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Public Health Research Centre, NOVA National School of Public Health, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Lisbon, Portugal
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Antigene MYCN Silencing by BGA002 Inhibits SCLC Progression Blocking mTOR Pathway and Overcomes Multidrug Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030990. [PMID: 36765949 PMCID: PMC9913109 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most aggressive lung cancer type, and is associated with smoking, low survival rate due to high vascularization, metastasis and drug resistance. Alterations in MYC family members are biomarkers of poor prognosis for a large number of SCLC. In particular, MYCN alterations define SCLC cases with immunotherapy failure. MYCN has a highly restricted pattern of expression in normal cells and is an ideal target for cancer therapy but is undruggable by traditional approaches. We propose an innovative approach to MYCN inhibition by an MYCN-specific antigene-PNA oligonucleotide (BGA002)-as a new precision medicine for MYCN-related SCLC. We found that BGA002 profoundly and specifically inhibited MYCN expression in SCLC cells, leading to cell-growth inhibition and apoptosis, while also overcoming multidrug resistance. These effects are driven by mTOR pathway block in concomitance with autophagy reactivation, thus avoiding the side effects of targeting mTOR in healthy cells. Moreover, we identified an MYCN-related SCLC gene signature comprehending CNTFR, DLX5 and TNFAIP3, that was reverted by BGA002. Finally, systemic treatment with BGA002 significantly increased survival in MYCN-amplified SCLC mouse models, including in a multidrug-resistant model in which tumor vascularization was also eliminated. These findings warrant the clinical testing of BGA002 in MYCN-related SCLC.
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Pulmonary Large-Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: Therapeutic Challenges and Opportunities. FORUM OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/fco-2019-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (P-LCNEC) is a rare, poorly differentiated, non-small cell malignancy within the spectrum of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the lung. Despite sharing several similarities with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in their clinical, immunohistopathological, genomic, and prognostic features, it is a distinct and biologically heterogeneous entity with challenging diagnostic and therapeutic requirements. Given the lack of prospective, randomized data to guide management, it is common practice to pursue thoracic surgery for resectable tumors according to the guidelines for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and implement systemic chemotherapy as early as at stage I, similar to the treatment of SCLC. However, important issues, such as the optimal timing and combination of therapeutic modalities, the most effective type of chemotherapy for advanced-stage disease, and the benefit from prophylactic cranial irradiation, remain debated. Accumulating evidence from retrospective, molecular profiling studies supports the existence of at least two P-LCNEC subtypes, most notably a SCLC-like and a NSCLC-like phenotype, which presumably underlie the observed differential sensitivity to platinum-based regimens and warrant further validation as predictive biomarkers of efficacy. Furthermore, several potentially actionable, driver molecular alterations have been identified, offering implications for personalized treatment approaches, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy. The current review discusses open questions on the diagnosis and management of P-LCNEC, as well as recent advances in its genomic and transcriptomic characterization that create promising therapeutic opportunities.
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Torniai M, Scortichini L, Tronconi F, Rubini C, Morgese F, Rinaldi S, Mazzanti P, Berardi R. Systemic treatment for lung carcinoids: from bench to bedside. Clin Transl Med 2019; 8:22. [PMID: 31273555 PMCID: PMC6609661 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-019-0238-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the huge spectrum of lung neuroendocrine neoplasms, typical and atypical carcinoids should be considered as a separate biological entity from poorly differentiated forms, harboring peculiar molecular alterations. Despite their indolent behavior, lung carcinoids correlate with a worse survival. To date, only limited therapeutic options are available and novel drugs are strongly needed. In this work, we extensively reviewed scientific literature exploring available therapeutic options, new molecular targets and future perspectives in the management of well differentiated neoplasms of bronchopulmonary tree. Systemic therapy represents the main option in advanced and unresectable disease; accepted choices are somatostatin analogs, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, everolimus and chemotherapy. To date, an univocal treatment strategy has not been identified yet, thus tailored therapeutic algorithms should consider treatment efficacy as well as safety profiles. Several molecular alterations found in carcinoid tumors might act as molecular targets leading to development of new therapeutic options. Further studies are necessary to identify new potential “druggable” molecular targets in the selected subset of low-grade lung carcinoids. Furthermore, evaluating the available therapies in more homogeneous population might improve their efficacy through a perfect tailoring of treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Torniai
- Clinica Oncologica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Via Conca 71, 60126, Ancona, Italy
| | - Laura Scortichini
- Clinica Oncologica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Via Conca 71, 60126, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Tronconi
- Clinica Oncologica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Via Conca 71, 60126, Ancona, Italy
| | - Corrado Rubini
- Section of Pathological Anatomy and Histopathology, Department of Neuroscience, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Morgese
- Clinica Oncologica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Via Conca 71, 60126, Ancona, Italy
| | - Silvia Rinaldi
- Clinica Oncologica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Via Conca 71, 60126, Ancona, Italy
| | - Paola Mazzanti
- Clinica Oncologica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Via Conca 71, 60126, Ancona, Italy
| | - Rossana Berardi
- Clinica Oncologica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Via Conca 71, 60126, Ancona, Italy.
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Moris D, Ntanasis-Stathopoulos I, Tsilimigras DI, Adam MA, Yang CFJ, Harpole D, Theocharis S. Insights into Novel Prognostic and Possible Predictive Biomarkers of Lung Neuroendocrine Tumors. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2018; 15:153-163. [PMID: 29496694 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary lung neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) consist of typical and atypical carcinoids, large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas and small-cell lung carcinomas. NETs are highly heterogeneous in histological characteristics, clinical presentation and natural history. While there are morphological and immunohistochemical criteria to establish diagnosis, there is a lack of universal consensus for prognostic factors or therapeutic targets for personalized treatment of the disease. Thus, identifying potential markers of neuroendocrine differentiation and prognostic factors remains of high importance. This review provides an insight into promising molecules and genes that are implicated in NET carcinogenesis, cell-cycle regulation, chromatin remodeling, apoptosis, intracellular cascades and cell-cell interactions. Additionally it supports a basis for classifying these tumors into categories that distinct molecular characteristics and disease natural history, which may have a direct impact on treatment options. In light of the recent approval of everolimus, mammalian target of rapamycin pathway inhibition and related biomarkers may play a central role in the treatment of pulmonary NETs. Future clinical trials that integrate molecular profiling are deemed necessary in order to treat patients with NET on a personalized basis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ioannis Ntanasis-Stathopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Diamantis I Tsilimigras
- First Department of Pathology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Mohamad A Adam
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, U.S.A
| | | | - David Harpole
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, U.S.A
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Bi XG, Guo L, Wang XL, Wei Q, Du Q, Jiang WH, Zheng GY, Zhang HT, Ma JH, Zheng S. Distinct subcellular localization of E-cadherin between epithelioid angiomyolipoma and triphasic angiomyolipoma: A preliminary case-control study. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:695-704. [PMID: 28693223 PMCID: PMC5494718 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelioid angiomyolipoma (EAML) is a rare variant of angiomyolipoma (AML). Previous studies have demonstrated that epithelial (E-)cadherin is expressed in two subtypes of AML, EAML and triphasic AML; however, the expression pattern of E-cadherin remains unclear. In the present study, a preliminary case-control study was conducted to determine the expression pattern of E-cadherin between EAML and triphasic AML, the control, focusing on the subcellular localization and expression category of E-cadherin. No significant difference was identified in the age, sex, history of tuberous sclerosis, smoking and alcohol consumption between the two groups (P>0.05). In EAML, 9 patients were categorized as exhibiting a low risk of malignant behavior and the other two were categorized as exhibiting an intermediate or high risk of malignant behavior. The proportion of cases expressing E-cadherin, human melanoma black-45 (HMB45), melanoma antigen recognized by T cells 1 (Mart1/Melan A), smooth muscle actin and progesterone receptor were 95.5 (21/22), 95.5 (21/22), 86.4 (19/22), 77.3 (17/22) and 86.4% (19/22), respectively. E-cadherin was identified to be localized, using staining techniques, in the cell membrane and/or cytoplasm. The subcellular localization of E-cadherin was significantly different between EAML and triphasic AML; the majority of EAML cases revealed membranous and cytoplasmic staining, whereas triphasic AML cases demonstrated cytoplasmic staining (P=0.0093). The expression of E-cadherin may be positively associated with HMB45 (P=0.0044) and Mart1/Melan A (P=0.0049). The results of the present study identified that the subcellular localization of E-cadherin may be different between EAML and the control group of triphasic AML. Additionally, E-cadherin and melanocytic markers may be co-expressed in distinct subtypes of AML. A follow-up study with a large sample size to validate the results of the present study, followed by a mechanistic study based on cell lines to determine any significance, are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Gang Bi
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
| | - Lei Guo
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Liang Wang
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
| | - Qian Wei
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China.,Department of Pathology, Tibet Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region 850000, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Du
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Hao Jiang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Second Hospital, Beijing 100031, P.R. China
| | - Guang-Yuan Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Second Hospital, Beijing 100031, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Tu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Hui Ma
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
| | - Shan Zheng
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
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Hague A, Robbins HL. Akt as a potential prognostic marker in neuroendocrine tumors: a possibility? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINE ONCOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.2217/ije-2016-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Hague
- School of Oral & Dental Sciences, University of Bristol, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS1 2LY, UK
| | - Helen L Robbins
- Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
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Zatelli MC, Fanciulli G, Malandrino P, Ramundo V, Faggiano A, Colao A. Predictive factors of response to mTOR inhibitors in neuroendocrine tumours. Endocr Relat Cancer 2016; 23:R173-83. [PMID: 26666705 DOI: 10.1530/erc-15-0413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Medical treatment of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) has drawn a lot of attention due to the recent demonstration of efficacy of several drugs on progression-free survival, including somatostatin analogs, small tyrosine kinase inhibitors and mTOR inhibitors (or rapalogs). The latter are approved as therapeutic agents in advanced pancreatic NETs and have been demonstrated to be effective in different types of NETs, with variable efficacy due to the development of resistance to treatment. Early detection of patients that may benefit from rapalogs treatment is of paramount importance in order to select the better treatment and avoid ineffective and expensive treatments. Predictive markers for therapeutic response are under intensive investigation, aiming at a tailored patient management and more appropriate resource utilization. This review summarizes the available data on the tissue, circulating and imaging markers that are potentially predictive of rapalog efficacy in NETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Zatelli
- Section of Endocrinology and Internal MedicineDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124 Cona - Ferrara, ItalyNeuroendocrine Tumours UnitDepartment of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari - AOU Sassari, Sassari, ItalyEndocrinology UnitGaribaldi Nesima Medical Center, Catania, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Medicine and Surgery"Federico II" University of Naples, Naples, ItalyThyroid and Parathyroid Surgery UnitIstituto Nazionale per lo studio e la cura dei tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale" - IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fanciulli
- Section of Endocrinology and Internal MedicineDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124 Cona - Ferrara, ItalyNeuroendocrine Tumours UnitDepartment of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari - AOU Sassari, Sassari, ItalyEndocrinology UnitGaribaldi Nesima Medical Center, Catania, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Medicine and Surgery"Federico II" University of Naples, Naples, ItalyThyroid and Parathyroid Surgery UnitIstituto Nazionale per lo studio e la cura dei tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale" - IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasqualino Malandrino
- Section of Endocrinology and Internal MedicineDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124 Cona - Ferrara, ItalyNeuroendocrine Tumours UnitDepartment of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari - AOU Sassari, Sassari, ItalyEndocrinology UnitGaribaldi Nesima Medical Center, Catania, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Medicine and Surgery"Federico II" University of Naples, Naples, ItalyThyroid and Parathyroid Surgery UnitIstituto Nazionale per lo studio e la cura dei tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale" - IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Ramundo
- Section of Endocrinology and Internal MedicineDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124 Cona - Ferrara, ItalyNeuroendocrine Tumours UnitDepartment of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari - AOU Sassari, Sassari, ItalyEndocrinology UnitGaribaldi Nesima Medical Center, Catania, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Medicine and Surgery"Federico II" University of Naples, Naples, ItalyThyroid and Parathyroid Surgery UnitIstituto Nazionale per lo studio e la cura dei tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale" - IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Antongiulio Faggiano
- Section of Endocrinology and Internal MedicineDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124 Cona - Ferrara, ItalyNeuroendocrine Tumours UnitDepartment of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari - AOU Sassari, Sassari, ItalyEndocrinology UnitGaribaldi Nesima Medical Center, Catania, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Medicine and Surgery"Federico II" University of Naples, Naples, ItalyThyroid and Parathyroid Surgery UnitIstituto Nazionale per lo studio e la cura dei tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale" - IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Section of Endocrinology and Internal MedicineDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124 Cona - Ferrara, ItalyNeuroendocrine Tumours UnitDepartment of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari - AOU Sassari, Sassari, ItalyEndocrinology UnitGaribaldi Nesima Medical Center, Catania, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Medicine and Surgery"Federico II" University of Naples, Naples, ItalyThyroid and Parathyroid Surgery UnitIstituto Nazionale per lo studio e la cura dei tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale" - IRCCS, Naples, Italy
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11
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Arcaro A. Targeted therapies for small cell lung cancer: Where do we stand? Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2015; 95:154-64. [PMID: 25800975 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2015.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Revised: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for 15% of lung cancer cases and is associated with a dismal prognosis. Standard therapeutic regimens have been improved over the past decades, but without a major impact on patient survival. The development of targeted therapies based on a better understanding of the molecular basis of the disease is urgently needed. At the genetic level, SCLC appears very heterogenous, although somatic mutations targeting classical oncogenes and tumor suppressors have been reported. SCLC also possesses somatic mutations in many other cancer genes, including transcription factors, enzymes involved in chromatin modification, receptor tyrosine kinases and their downstream signaling components. Several avenues have been explored to develop targeted therapies for SCLC. So far, however, there has been limited success with these targeted approaches in clinical trials. Further progress in the optimization of targeted therapies for SCLC will require the development of more personalized approaches for the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Arcaro
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland.
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12
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Lee JH, Kang KW, Lee HW. Expression of phosphorylated mTOR and its clinical significances in small cell lung cancer. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2015; 8:2987-2993. [PMID: 26045808 PMCID: PMC4440117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase regulating the cell cycle and protein synthesis, and is an attractive molecule for novel molecular targeting therapy in various cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In contrast with NSCLC, mTOR expression has not been fully investigated in SCLC. In this study, we evaluated the correlations between mTOR expression and clinical characteristics in SCLC. Immunohistochemical staining for phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR) was performed and histoscores were calculated on 115 SCLC tissue specimens. Based on the distribution of the data, a histoscore of 60 was used as a cutoff to dichotomize SCLCs into low versus high expression groups. Extended-stage SCLCs showed significantly lower p-mTOR expression than those of a limited-stage (P=0.008). Lymph node metastasis was more frequently detected in the low than high expression group (P=0.074). The high p-mTOR expression group had a weak tendency toward prolonged overall survival, but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.170). We found that there is a significant difference in p-mTOR expression between different clinical stages in SCLC. This result indicates that p-mTOR might play a more pivotal role in the biologic behavior of early SCLCs than advanced ones and the effectiveness of mTOR inhibitors might vary according to the extent of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyun Lee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of MedicineChangwon, South Korea
| | - Kyung Woo Kang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of MedicineChangwon, South Korea
| | - Hyoun Wook Lee
- Department of Pathology, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of MedicineChangwon, South Korea
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Konosu-Fukaya S, Nakamura Y, Fujishima F, Kasajima A, McNamara KM, Takahashi Y, Joh K, Saito H, Ioritani N, Ikeda Y, Arai Y, Watanabe M, Sasano H. Renal epithelioid angiomyolipoma with malignant features: Histological evaluation and novel immunohistochemical findings. Pathol Int 2014; 64:133-41. [PMID: 24698423 DOI: 10.1111/pin.12142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Renal epithelioid angiomyolipoma (EAML) is a potentially malignant tumor type whose characteristics and biomarkers predictive of malignant behavior have not been elucidated. Here, we report three cases of renal EAML with malignant features but without histories of tuberous sclerosis complex. Case 1 involved a 29-year-old man with a 12-cm solid mass in the right kidney who underwent radical right nephrectomy. Case 2 involved a 22-year-old woman with a retroperitoneal mass who underwent radical right nephrectomy and retroperitoneal tumorectomy. Local recurrence was detected 7 years post-surgery. Case 3 involved a 23-year-old man with a 14-cm solid mass in the left kidney who underwent radical left nephrectomy. Microscopically, the tumors in all cases demonstrated proliferation of epithelioid cells with atypia, mitotic activity, necrosis, hemorrhage, and vascular invasion. Epithelioid cells in all cases were immunohistochemically positive for melanocytic and myoid markers and weakly positive for E-cadherin and β-catenin. Immunohistochemistry revealed activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway. Here, we report the morphological and immunohistochemical features of clinically or histologically malignant renal EAML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Konosu-Fukaya
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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14
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Righi L, Volante M, Rapa I, Vatrano S, Pelosi G, Papotti M. Therapeutic biomarkers in lung neuroendocrine neoplasia. Endocr Pathol 2014; 25:371-7. [PMID: 25252622 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-014-9335-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The well-known classification of neuroendocrine neoplasms of the lung into four major subtypes (including typical and atypical carcinoids and small- and large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas) has a proven prognostic validity but only partially helps to predict the response to specific therapies. Therapeutic biomarkers are incompletely known and include morphological, immunophenotypic, and molecular markers. Morphology alone has no specific predictive role, nor has any immunophenotypic marker been proven to bear predictive implications. Ki67 is a relevant prognostic marker and can indirectly predict response to chemotherapy, when levels are extremely high in high-grade neuroendocrine (NE) carcinomas. The expression of somatostatin receptors, especially of the type 2A, has been shown to predict response to somatostatin analog treatments, paralleling the information derived from octreotide scintigraphy. mTOR pathway is targeted by specific inhibitors, but the exact cellular molecules predicting response are still to be defined. It seems that high levels of phosphorylated forms of mTOR and of its downstream factor S6K are associated to a better response to rapalogs in experimental models. Data from gene expression profiling and mutational analyses are currently emerging, providing a more detailed map of different molecular activation pathways, potentially leading to a more accurate molecular classification of lung NE tumors as well as to the discovery of new therapeutic targets. The combination of mutational profiles with those of upregulated or downregulated genes also by gene gains or losses may ultimately provide a better characterization of NE tumor histological types in terms of response to specific chemotherapy or biotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisella Righi
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin at San Luigi Hospital, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
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15
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Motylewska E, Lawnicka H, Kowalewicz-Kulbat M, Sicinska P, Niedziela A, Melen-Mucha G, Stepien H. Interferon alpha and rapamycin inhibit the growth of carcinoid and medullary thyroid cancer in vitro. Pharmacol Rep 2014; 66:624-9. [PMID: 24948064 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2014.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Revised: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are highly vascularized neoplasms characterized by rising incidence. Moreover, the neuroendocrine cells were shown to express vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptors. Therefore, angiomodulators could be potentially a new group of drugs enhancing still unsatisfactory effectiveness of NET therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the direct influence of angiomodulators: VEGF and five endogenous and exogenous antiangiogenic compounds (endostatin, interferon alpha [IFNα], rapamycin, JV1-36, semaxinib [SU5416]) on the growth of two NET cell lines: lung carcinoid H727 cell line and medullary thyroid cancer TT cell line in vitro. IFNα and rapamycin induced the inhibitory effect on H727 and TT cell viability and proliferation, increasing apoptosis and arresting the cell cycle. Also semaxinib (10(-5)M) inhibited proliferation of both cell lines. VEGF and endostatin did not influence the growth of H727 and TT cells. The inhibitory effect of IFNα, rapamycin and semaxinib on carcinoid and medullary thyroid cancer growth was revealed in our in vitro study, although some other antiangiogenic agents did not directly influence H727 and TT cell growth. Thus, IFNα and mTOR inhibitors as multidirectionally acting drugs with antiangiogenic effect could be potentially efficient in treatment of neuroendocrine tumors and are worth further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Motylewska
- Department of Immunoendocrinology, Chair of Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
| | - Hanna Lawnicka
- Department of Immunoendocrinology, Chair of Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
| | | | - Paulina Sicinska
- Department of Environmental Pollution Biophysics, University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
| | - Agata Niedziela
- Department of Immunoendocrinology, Chair of Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
| | - Gabriela Melen-Mucha
- Department of Immunoendocrinology, Chair of Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
| | - Henryk Stepien
- Department of Immunoendocrinology, Chair of Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland.
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16
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PIK3CA mutations frequently coexist with EGFR/KRAS mutations in non-small cell lung cancer and suggest poor prognosis in EGFR/KRAS wildtype subgroup. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88291. [PMID: 24533074 PMCID: PMC3922761 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE PIK3CA gene encoding a catalytic subunit of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) is mutated and/or amplified in various neoplasia, including lung cancer. Here we investigated PIK3CA gene alterations, the expression of core components of PI3K pathway, and evaluated their clinical importance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Oncogenic mutations/rearrangements in PIK3CA, EGFR, KRAS, HER2, BRAF, AKT1 and ALK genes were detected in tumors from 1117 patients with NSCLC. PIK3CA gene copy number was examined by fluorescent in situ hybridization and the expression of PI3K p110 subunit alpha (PI3K p110α), p-Akt, mTOR, PTEN was determined by immunohistochemistry in PIK3CA mutant cases and 108 patients without PIK3CA mutation. RESULTS PIK3CA mutation was found in 3.9% of squamous cell carcinoma and 2.7% of adenocarcinoma. Among 34 PIK3CA mutant cases, 17 tumors harbored concurrent EGFR mutations and 4 had KRAS mutations. PIK3CA mutation was significantly associated with high expression of PI3K p110α (p<0.0001), p-Akt (p = 0.024) and mTOR (p = 0.001), but not correlated with PIK3CA amplification (p = 0.463). Patients with single PIK3CA mutation had shorter overall survival than those with PIK3CA-EGFR/KRAS co-mutation or wildtype PIK3CA (p = 0.004). A significantly worse survival was also found in patients with PIK3CA mutations than those without PIK3CA mutations in the EGFR/KRAS wildtype subgroup (p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS PIK3CA mutations frequently coexist with EGFR/KRAS mutations. The poor prognosis of patients with single PIK3CA mutation in NSCLC and the prognostic value of PIK3CA mutation in EGFR/KRAS wildtype subgroup suggest the distinct mutation status of PIK3CA gene should be determined for individual therapeutic strategies in NSCLC.
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17
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Qian ZR, Ter-Minassian M, Chan JA, Imamura Y, Hooshmand SM, Kuchiba A, Morikawa T, Brais LK, Daskalova A, Heafield R, Lin X, Christiani DC, Fuchs CS, Ogino S, Kulke MH. Prognostic significance of MTOR pathway component expression in neuroendocrine tumors. J Clin Oncol 2013; 31:3418-25. [PMID: 23980085 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2012.46.6946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Clinical studies have implicated the mechanistic target of rapamycin (serine/threonine kinase; MTOR) pathway in the regulation of neuroendocrine tumor (NET) growth. We explored whether expression of MTOR pathway components has prognostic significance in NET patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS We evaluated immunohistochemical expression of MTOR and phospho (p) -MTOR; its downstream targets RPS6KB1, RPS6, and EIF4EBP1; and its upstream regulators, in a cohort of 195 archival neuroendocrine tumors. We correlated expression levels with clinical outcomes, after adjusting for other prognostic variables. RESULTS We observed anticipated correlations between expression of upstream components of the MTOR pathway and their downstream targets. Expression of PIK3CA, MTOR, or p-EIF4EBP1 was associated with high MKI67 (Ki-67) labeling index. We failed to identify clinical correlations associated with expression of the upstream regulators TSC1, TSC2, AKT, p-AKT, PDPK1, PTEN, PIK3R1, or PIK3CA. In contrast, high expression of MTOR or its activated downstream targets p-RPS6KB1, p-RPS6, or p-EIF4EBP1 was associated with adverse clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION Our observations suggest that expression of MTOR or its downstream targets may be adverse prognostic factors in neuroendocrine tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Rong Qian
- Zhi Rong Qian, Monica Ter-Minassian, Jennifer A. Chan, Yu Imamura, Susanne M. Hooshmand, Aya Kuchiba, Teppei Morikawa, Lauren K. Brais, Anastassia Daskalova, Rachel Heafield, Charles S. Fuchs, Shuji Ogino, Matthew H. Kulke, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School; Monica Ter-Minassian, Xihong Lin, David C. Christiani, Shuji Ogino, Harvard School of Public Health; David C. Christiani, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Charles S. Fuchs, Shuji Ogino, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
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18
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Tsai HJ, Wu CC, Tsai CR, Lin SF, Chen LT, Chang JS. The epidemiology of neuroendocrine tumors in Taiwan: a nation-wide cancer registry-based study. PLoS One 2013; 8:e62487. [PMID: 23614051 PMCID: PMC3632554 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Accepted: 03/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The epidemiology of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) is not well illustrated, particularly for Asian countries. Methods The age-standardized incidence rates and observed survival rates of NETs diagnosed in Taiwan from January 1, 1996 to December 31, 2008 were calculated using data of the Taiwan Cancer Registry (TCR) and compared to those of the Norwegian Registry of Cancer (NRC) and the US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. Results During the study period, a total of 2,187 NET cases were diagnosed in Taiwan, with 62% males and a mean age of 57.9 years-old. The age-standardized incidence rate of NETs increased from 0.30 per 100,000 in 1996 to 1.51 per 100,000 in 2008. The most common primary sites were rectum (25.4%), lung and bronchus (20%) and stomach (7.4%). The 5-year observed survival was 50.4% for all NETs (43.4% for men and 61.8% for women, P<0.0001). The best 5-year observed survivals for NETs by sites were rectum (80.9%), appendix (75.7%), and breast (64.8%). Conclusions Compared to the data of Norway and the US, the age-standardized incidence rate of NETs in Taiwan is lower and the major primary sites are different, whereas the long-term outcome is similar. More studies on the pathogenesis of NETs are warranted to devise preventive strategies and improve treatment outcomes for NETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Jen Tsai
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chieh Wu
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Rung Tsai
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Fung Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (JSC); (LTC); (SFL)
| | - Li-Tzong Chen
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (JSC); (LTC); (SFL)
| | - Jeffrey S. Chang
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (JSC); (LTC); (SFL)
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CAPODANNO ALESSANDRA, BOLDRINI LAURA, ALÌ GRETA, PELLICCIONI SERENA, MUSSI ALFREDO, FONTANINI GABRIELLA. Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase α catalytic subunit gene somatic mutations in bronchopulmonary neuroendocrine tumours. Oncol Rep 2012; 28:1559-66. [PMID: 22949056 PMCID: PMC3583575 DOI: 10.3892/or.2012.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 08/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Bronchopulmonary neuroendocrine tumours (BP-NETs) comprise a large spectrum of tumours including typical carcinoids (TCs), atypical carcinoids (ACs), large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNECs) and small-cell lung carcinomas (SCLCs) that exhibit considerably different biological aggressiveness and clinical behaviours. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase α catalytic subunit (PIK3CA) gene is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of several types of human cancers through gene amplification, deletions or somatic missense mutations within the helical and catalytic domains. However, the PIK3CA gene status in BP-NETs has yet to be explored. This study aimed to investigate the PIK3CA gene status in a large series of BP-NETs by direct gene sequencing and to analyse its correlation with the main clinicopathological parameters. To the best of our knowledge, we demonstrated for the first time a high frequency of somatic missense mutations (23.2%) in the PIK3CA gene in a series of 190 BP-NETs, including 75 TCs, 23 ACs, 17 LCNECs and 75 SCLCs. The frequency of the PIK3CA gene mutation in the kinase domain was higher (17.9%) than that in the helical domain (5.3%). When the mutational status of the PIK3CA gene was compared with the main clinical and pathological characteristics of the BP-NET patients, we found a significant association between PIK3CA gene mutations and BP-NET histology (p=0.011). Interestingly, the frequency of PIK3CA gene mutations increased with the biological aggressiveness of all BP-NETs, except LCNECs. In conclusion, our results suggest that PIK3CA gene mutations may play a key role in tumourigenesis and aggressiveness of BP-NETs. The PIK3CA gene may represent a favourable candidate for an effective therapeutic strategy in the treatment of patients with BP-NETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- ALESSANDRA CAPODANNO
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pathological Anatomy, University of Pisa, I-56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - LAURA BOLDRINI
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pathological Anatomy, University of Pisa, I-56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - GRETA ALÌ
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pathological Anatomy, University of Pisa, I-56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - SERENA PELLICCIONI
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pathological Anatomy, University of Pisa, I-56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - ALFREDO MUSSI
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, University of Pisa, I-56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - GABRIELLA FONTANINI
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pathological Anatomy, University of Pisa, I-56124 Pisa, Italy
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