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Nicosia L, Rotili A, Pesapane F, Bozzini AC, Battaglia O, Pellegrino G, Fusco N, Porta FM, Frassoni S, Bagnardi V, Corso G, Sangalli C, Cassano E. Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM) compared to Breast Magnetic Resonance (MRI) in the evaluation of breast lobular neoplasia. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2024; 203:135-143. [PMID: 37787819 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-023-07096-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the diagnostic performance (detection, assessment of correct disease extent and multifocality/centricity) of Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM) Versus Breast Magnetic Resonance (MRI) in the study of lobular neoplasms. METHODS We retrospectively selected all the patients who underwent surgery for a lobular breast neoplasm, either an in situ or an invasive tumor, and had undergone both breast CEM and MRI examinations during the pre-surgical planning. Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was performed to assess the differences between size measurements using the different methods and the post-surgical pathological measurements, considered the gold standard. The agreement in identifying multifocality/multicentricity among the different methods and the pathology was assessed using the Kappa statistics. RESULTS We selected 19 patients, of which one presented a bilateral neoplasm. Then, the images of these 19 patients were analyzed, for a total of 52 malignant breast lesions. We found no significant differences between the post-surgical pathological size of the lesions and the calculated size with CEM and MRI (p-value of the difference respectively 0.71 and 0.47). In all 20 cases, neoplasm detection was possible both with CEM and MRI. CEM and MRI showed an excellent ability to identify multifocal and multicentric cases (K statistic equal to 0.93 for both the procedures), while K statistic was 0.11 and 0.59 for FFDM and US, respectively. CONCLUSION The findings of this study suggest that CEM is a reliable imaging technique in the preoperative setting of patients with lobular neoplasm, with comparable results to breast MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Nicosia
- Breast Imaging Division, Radiology Department, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy.
| | - Anna Rotili
- Breast Imaging Division, Radiology Department, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo Pesapane
- Breast Imaging Division, Radiology Department, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Carla Bozzini
- Breast Imaging Division, Radiology Department, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Ottavia Battaglia
- Postgraduation School of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pellegrino
- Postgraduation School of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Fusco
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Maria Porta
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- School of Pathology, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Samuele Frassoni
- Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milan-Bicocca, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Bagnardi
- Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milan-Bicocca, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Corso
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
- Division of Breast Surgery, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Via Ripamonti, 435, 20141, Milan, Italy
- European Cancer Prevention Organization (ECP), 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Sangalli
- European Cancer Prevention Organization (ECP), 20122, Milan, Italy
- Data Management, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Cassano
- Breast Imaging Division, Radiology Department, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
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Ivanova M, Porta FM, D'Ercole M, Pescia C, Sajjadi E, Cursano G, De Camilli E, Pala O, Mazzarol G, Venetis K, Guerini-Rocco E, Curigliano G, Viale G, Fusco N. Standardized pathology report for HER2 testing in compliance with 2023 ASCO/CAP updates and 2023 ESMO consensus statements on HER2-low breast cancer. Virchows Arch 2024; 484:3-14. [PMID: 37770765 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-023-03656-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Since the release of the DESTINY-Breast04 (DB-04) trial findings in June 2022, the field of pathology has seen a renaissance of HER2 as a predictive biomarker in breast cancer. The trial focused on patients with metastatic breast cancer who were classified as "HER2-low," i.e., those with immunohistochemistry (IHC) HER2 1 + or 2 + and negative in situ hybridization (ISH) results. The study revealed that treating these patients with trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) instead of the oncologist's chosen chemotherapy led to outstanding improvements in survival. This has challenged the existing binary HER2 pathological classification system, which categorized tumors as either positive (overexpression/amplification) or negative, as per the ASCO/CAP 2018 guideline reaffirmed by ASCO/CAP 2023 guideline update. Given that DB-04 excluded patients with HER2 IHC score 0 status, the results of the ongoing DB-06 trial may shed further light on the potential benefits of T-DXd therapy for these patients. Roughly half of all breast cancers are estimated to belong to the HER2-low category, which does not represent a distinct or specific subtype of cancer. Instead, it encompasses a diverse group of tumors that exhibit clinical, morphological, immunohistochemical, and molecular variations. However, HER2-low offers a distinctive biomarker status that identifies a specific therapeutic regimen (i.e., T-DXd) linked to a favorable prognosis in breast cancer. This unique association emphasizes the importance of accurately identifying these tumors. Differentiating between a HER2 IHC score 0 and score 1 + has not been clinically significant until now. To ensure accurate classification and avoid misdiagnosis, it is necessary to adopt standardized procedures, guidelines, and specialized training for pathologists in interpreting HER2 expression in the lower spectrum. Additionally, the utilization of artificial intelligence holds promise in supporting this endeavor. Here, we address the current state of the art and unresolved issues in assessing HER2-low status, with a particular emphasis on the score 0. We explore the dilemma surrounding the exclusion of HER2-zero patients from potentially beneficial therapy based on traditional HER2 testing. Additionally, we examine the clinical context, considering that DB-04 primarily involved heavily pretreated late-stage metastatic breast cancers. We also delve into emerging evidence suggesting that extrapolating HER2-low status from the original diagnosis may lead to misleading results. Finally, we provide recommendations for conducting high-quality testing and propose a standardized pathology report in compliance with 2023 ASCO/CAP updates and 2023 ESMO consensus statements on HER2-low breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariia Ivanova
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Maria Porta
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Marianna D'Ercole
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Pescia
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Elham Sajjadi
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Cursano
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa De Camilli
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Oriana Pala
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Mazzarol
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Konstantinos Venetis
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Guerini-Rocco
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Viale
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Fusco
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy.
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3
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Porta FM, Sajjadi E, Venetis K, Frascarelli C, Cursano G, Guerini-Rocco E, Fusco N, Ivanova M. Immune Biomarkers in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Improving the Predictivity of Current Testing Methods. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1176. [PMID: 37511789 PMCID: PMC10381494 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13071176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) poses a significant challenge in terms of prognosis and disease recurrence. The limited treatment options and the development of resistance to chemotherapy make it particularly difficult to manage these patients. However, recent research has been shifting its focus towards biomarker-based approaches for TNBC, with a particular emphasis on the tumor immune landscape. Immune biomarkers in TNBC are now a subject of great interest due to the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in these tumors. This characteristic often coincides with the presence of PD-L1 expression on both neoplastic cells and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, a subset of TNBC harbor mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) TNBC, which is frequently accompanied by microsatellite instability (MSI). All of these immune biomarkers hold actionable potential for guiding patient selection in immunotherapy. To fully capitalize on these opportunities, the identification of additional or complementary biomarkers and the implementation of highly customized testing strategies are of paramount importance in TNBC. In this regard, this article aims to provide an overview of the current state of the art in immune-related biomarkers for TNBC. Specifically, it focuses on the various testing methodologies available and sheds light on the immediate future perspectives for patient selection. By delving into the advancements made in understanding the immune landscape of TNBC, this study aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the field. The ultimate goal is to pave the way for the development of more personalized testing strategies, ultimately improving outcomes for TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Maria Porta
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Elham Sajjadi
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Konstantinos Venetis
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Frascarelli
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Cursano
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Guerini-Rocco
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Fusco
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Mariia Ivanova
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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4
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Corso G, Criscitiello C, Nicosia L, Pesapane F, Vicini E, Magnoni F, Sibilio A, Zanzottera C, De Scalzi AM, Mannucci S, Marabelli M, Calvello M, Feroce I, Zagami P, Porta FM, Toesca A, Tarantino P, Nicolò E, Mazzarol G, La Vecchia C, Bonanni B, Leonardi MC, Veronesi P, Fusco N. Metaplastic breast cancer: an all-round multidisciplinary consensus. Eur J Cancer Prev 2023; 32:348-363. [PMID: 37021548 DOI: 10.1097/cej.0000000000000794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Metaplastic breast cancer (MpBC) is a rare and aggressive histologic subtype of breast cancer (BC) characterized by the presence of at least two cellular types, commonly epithelial and mesenchymal components. Despite growing evidence that MpBC is a unique entity, it has long been treated as a variant of nonspecial type (NST) BC. MpBC typically shows the phenotype of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), but compared to NST-TNBC, it is a relatively chemorefractory tumor associated with worse outcomes. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop management guidelines specifically for MpBC to improve the prognosis of patients with early MpBC. This expert consensus aims to guide diagnosis and standardize clinical management of early MpBC among treating physicians. We provide guidance on the challenging radiological and pathological diagnosis of MpBC. Evidence on the involvement of genetic predisposition in the development of MpBC is also explored. We emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for the treatment of patients with early MpBC. The optimal surgery and radiotherapy approach is presented, as well as the opportunity offered by novel therapeutic approaches to increase treatment response in this chemoresistant subtype. Appropriate management of patients with MpBC is critical to reduce the high risk of local and distant recurrence that characterizes this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Corso
- Division of Breast Surgery, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan
- European Cancer Prevention Organization (ECP)
| | - Carmen Criscitiello
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS
| | - Luca Nicosia
- Breast Imaging Division, Radiology Department, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Milan
| | - Filippo Pesapane
- Breast Imaging Division, Radiology Department, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Milan
| | - Elisa Vicini
- Division of Breast Surgery, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS
| | - Francesca Magnoni
- Division of Breast Surgery, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS
| | - Andrea Sibilio
- Division of Breast Surgery Forlì (Ravenna), AUSL Romagna, Ravenna
| | - Cristina Zanzottera
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Milan
| | | | - Sara Mannucci
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Milan
| | - Monica Marabelli
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Milan
| | - Mariarosaria Calvello
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Milan
- Division of Hematology, Clinica Moncucco, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Irene Feroce
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Milan
| | - Paola Zagami
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences
| | | | - Antonio Toesca
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo (TO), Italy
| | - Paolo Tarantino
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS
- Division of Breast Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eleonora Nicolò
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS
| | - Giovanni Mazzarol
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo La Vecchia
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, and
| | - Bernardo Bonanni
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Milan
| | | | - Paolo Veronesi
- Division of Breast Surgery, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan
| | - Nicola Fusco
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Ivanova M, Porta FM, Giugliano F, Frascarelli C, Sajjadi E, Venetis K, Cursano G, Mazzarol G, Guerini-Rocco E, Curigliano G, Criscitiello C, Fusco N. Breast Cancer with Brain Metastasis: Molecular Insights and Clinical Management. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1160. [PMID: 37372340 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related death among women. Brain metastases are a primary contributor to mortality, as they often go undetected until late stages due to their dormant nature. Moreover, the clinical management of brain metastases is complicated by the relevant issue of blood-brain barrier penetration. The molecular pathways involved in the formation, progression, and colonization of primary breast tumors and subsequent brain metastases are diverse, posing significant hurdles due to the heterogeneous nature of breast cancer subtypes. Despite advancements in primary breast cancer treatments, the prognosis for patients with brain metastases remains poor. In this review, we aim to highlight the biological mechanisms of breast cancer brain metastases by evaluating multi-step genetic pathways and to discuss currently available and emerging treatment strategies to propose a prospective overview of the management of this complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariia Ivanova
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Maria Porta
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
- School of Pathology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Giugliano
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Frascarelli
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Elham Sajjadi
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Konstantinos Venetis
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Cursano
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Mazzarol
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Guerini-Rocco
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Carmen Criscitiello
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Fusco
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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6
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Antonarelli G, Pieri V, Porta FM, Fusco N, Finocchiaro G, Curigliano G, Criscitiello C. Targeting Post-Translational Modifications to Improve Combinatorial Therapies in Breast Cancer: The Role of Fucosylation. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060840. [PMID: 36980181 PMCID: PMC10047715 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Various tumors rely on post-translational modifications (PTMs) to promote invasiveness and angiogenesis and to reprogram cellular energetics to abate anti-cancer immunity. Among PTMs, fucosylation is a particular type of glycosylation that has been linked to different aspects of immune and hormonal physiological functions as well as hijacked by many types of tumors. Multiple tumors, including breast cancer, have been linked to dismal prognoses and increased metastatic potential due to fucosylation of the glycan core, namely core-fucosylation. Pre-clinical studies have examined the molecular mechanisms regulating core-fucosylation in breast cancer models, its negative prognostic value across multiple disease stages, and the activity of in vivo pharmacological inhibition, instructing combinatorial therapies and translation into clinical practice. Throughout this review, we describe the role of fucosylation in solid tumors, with a particular focus on breast cancer, as well as physiologic conditions on the immune system and hormones, providing a view into its potential as a biomarker for predicating or predicting cancer outcomes, as well as a potential clinical actionability as a biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Antonarelli
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Pieri
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Maria Porta
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
- School of Pathology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Fusco
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Carmen Criscitiello
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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7
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Contarino A, Dolci A, Maggioni M, Porta FM, Lopez G, Verga U, Elli FM, Iofrida EF, Cantoni G, Mantovani G, Arosio M. Is Encapsulated Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Associated With a Better Prognosis? A Case Series and a Review of the Literature. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:866572. [PMID: 35574005 PMCID: PMC9094444 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.866572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Context Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a malignant neuroendocrine neoplasm that may spread to lymph nodes before the primary tumor is diagnosed; moreover, distant metastases are already present in about 10% of patients at diagnosis. Serum calcitonin (Ctn) usually reflects the spread of disease, thus orienting the extent of surgery and predicting the possibility of biochemical remission. Tumor size and vascular invasion are important prognostic factors, but little is known on the relationship between other histopathological features, such as the presence of a tumor capsule, and long term outcome of MTC. Purpose To evaluate the prevalence of encapsulated tumors among MTCs and the association of tumor capsule with a favorable outcome after surgery. Methods A retrospective observational single-center study was conducted together with a narrative review of the available literature. Results Among 44 patients (27 female, 17 male; median age: 56 years) with MTC (6 hereditary, 37 sporadic) followed up at our center in the last four years (median follow-up: 29.2 months), seven (15.9%) showed an encapsulated tumor at histology and a clinical remission after surgery. None of them had nodal metastases and median preoperative Ctn (398 pg/mL, IQR 126.5-7336) did not differ significantly from that of the 14 patients (31.8%) with persistent disease after surgery (787 pg/mL, IQR 340.5-2905.5; p=0.633), although their tumor size was significantly higher (median 33 mm versus 16 mm respectively, p=0.036). Among patients with preoperative Ctn levels above 500 pg/mL (n=11), only two (18.2%) showed undetectable Ctn levels during follow-up, both having an encapsulated MTC (OR 0.000, p=0.02). Notably, they were two similar cases of large MTC (> 3 cm) with extensive hyalinization and calcification, associated with very high Ctn levels (> 13'500 and 1'100 pg/mL, respectively) but no nodal nor distant metastases, in complete remission after surgery although one of them carried the aggressive M918T somatic RET mutation. Conclusion MTC rarely shows a tumor capsule, which seems to correlate with a better prognosis and absence of nodal metastases, regardless of RET or RAS mutational status. Among encapsulated MTCs (E-MTC), Ctn levels and tumor size are not predictive of persistence of disease after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Contarino
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Dolci
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Maggioni
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Maria Porta
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Lopez
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Uberta Verga
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Marta Elli
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Francesca Iofrida
- Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianmaria Cantoni
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Mantovani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Maura Arosio
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Valenza C, Porta FM, Rappa A, Guerini-Rocco E, Viale G, Barberis M, de Marinis F, Curigliano G, Catania C. Complex Differential Diagnosis between Primary Breast Cancer and Breast Metastasis from EGFR-Mutated Lung Adenocarcinoma: Case Report and Literature Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:3384-3392. [PMID: 34590588 PMCID: PMC8482094 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28050292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We present a case of a woman with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated lung adenocarcinoma who received gefitinib for 2 years and obtained a partial response. The patient then developed liver metastasis and a breast lesion, displaying high estrogen receptor (ER) expression and harboring the same EGFR mutation. From the radiological studies, it was not possible to make a differential diagnosis between primary breast cancer and breast metastasis from lung cancer. After the removal of the breast nodule, thanks to the clinical history, radiology, and above all, molecular and immunohistochemical investigations, a diagnosis of breast metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma was made. This case emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive clinical, pathological, and molecular analysis in the differential diagnosis between primary breast cancer and metastases from extramammary tumor to guide adequate treatment decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Valenza
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (C.V.); (G.C.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy; (E.G.-R.); (G.V.)
| | - Francesca Maria Porta
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (F.M.P.); (A.R.); (M.B.)
- School of Pathology, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rappa
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (F.M.P.); (A.R.); (M.B.)
| | - Elena Guerini-Rocco
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy; (E.G.-R.); (G.V.)
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (F.M.P.); (A.R.); (M.B.)
| | - Giuseppe Viale
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy; (E.G.-R.); (G.V.)
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (F.M.P.); (A.R.); (M.B.)
| | - Massimo Barberis
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (F.M.P.); (A.R.); (M.B.)
| | - Filippo de Marinis
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (C.V.); (G.C.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy; (E.G.-R.); (G.V.)
| | - Chiara Catania
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-57489773
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