Post-Radiation Grade 3 Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: A New Entity?

BACKGROUND

Cancer survivors have a 14% increased risk of developing a malignancy compared with the general population. Second radiation-induced malignancies with different histologies have been described in different organs. Based on individual observations, we hypothesized that neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) could arise in irradiated organs.

METHODS

In a retrospective analysis of Gustave Roussy database of NEC patients (small cell lung cancer excluded) diagnosed as a second cancer, we looked for the frequency of grade 3 NEC that arose in patients who had received previous radiation therapy for a first cancer. Radiation therapy for the first cancer, dose, location of radiation therapy, pathological characteristics, overall survival, and response to treatment of secondary NEC were analyzed.

RESULTS

From January 1995 to December 2017, 847 cases of NEC were seen at Gustave Roussy. Among them, 95 (11.2%) patients had a history of previous malignancy of which 36 (4%) had been treated with radiation therapy. Out of these 36 patients, 12 (1.4% of all NEC patients) developed a NEC within the previous irradiated organ (median dose of 50 Gy, range 36-67.5). Most frequent first cancers were breast cancer (n = 4) and Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 3). NEC arose within a median time of 21.7 years (range 5.1-36.4) from radiation in the thorax (n = 5), digestive tract (n = 3), and other sites. Five large cell NEC, 3 small cell NEC, 1 mixed neuroendocrine neoplasm and 3 not otherwise specified NEC were diagnosed. Ten patients had stage IV disease at diagnosis; median overall survival was 37.8 months (95% CI [17.6 to NA]). Three patients (25%) achieved complete response with multimodal treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

NEC can arise from previously irradiated organs and may have a better outcome in this setting. Other risk factors should be investigated to explain the high rate of previous cancer in this population of neuroendocrine neoplasm.

Impact of young age on platinum response in women with epithelial ovarian cancer: Results of a large single-institution registry

OBJECTIVE

In young women, EOC is a rare disease with an uncertain genetic and biological substrate.

METHODS

We report a long follow-up of EOC patients treated at Gustave Roussy between 1990 and 2009. We matched young patients aged ≤30 years to randomly selected older patients aged ≥40 years according to known prognostic factors (i.e. FIGO stage, histology and surgical residual disease) and the date of diagnosis with a threshold at the year 2000 to balance the treatment procedures.

RESULTS

EOC was diagnosed in 68 patients aged ≤30 years matched with 111 patients aged ≥40 years. Low-grade (LG) (i.e. serous and endometrioid) (52%, n = 35) and mucinous (i.e. 23%, n = 16 infiltrative and 12% n = 8 expansile) tumors are prevalent. High-grade (HG) tumors are rare (7%, n = 5). Early stage diseases (53%, n = 36 FIGO I/II) are predominant. Response to platinum based chemotherapy is observed to be inferior in young patients as compared to matched older patients (ORR, 29 vs 84% p = 0.0002). For HG tumors the PFS is of 0% at 5 and 10 years in younger as compared to 30% in older patients. No difference in PFS (median 4.9 vs 9.8 ms, p = 0.58) and OS (not reached vs 15.3 ms, p = 0.47) is found overall among younger and older patients respectively. The median follow-up was 72 months (range, 11-288 months). No genetic abnormalities were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Young EOC patients are most often diagnosed at an early FIGO stage with LG serous or mucinous histology. Tumors are significantly more resistant to platinum-based chemotherapy in younger patients.

Clinical consequences of upfront pathology review in the randomised PORTEC-3 trial for high-risk endometrial cancer

Background

In the PORTEC-3 trial, women with high-risk endometrial cancer (HR-EC) were randomised to receive pelvic radiotherapy (RT) with or without concurrent and adjuvant chemotherapy (two cycles of cisplatin 50 mg/m² in weeks 1 and 4 of RT, followed by four cycles of carboplatin AUC5 and paclitaxel 175 mg/m²). Pathology review was required before patient enrolment. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the role of central pathology review before randomisation.

Patients and methods

A total of 1295 cases underwent pathology review to confirm HR-EC in the Netherlands (n = 395) and the UK (n = 900), and for 1226/1295 (95%) matching review and original reports were available. In total, 329 of these patients were enrolled in the PORTEC-3 trial: 145 in the Netherlands and 184 in the UK, comprising 48% of the total PORTEC-3 cohort of 686 participants. Areas of discrepancies were evaluated, and inter-observer agreement between original and review opinion was evaluated by calculating the kappa value (κ).

Results

In the 1226 pathology reviews, 6356 selected items were evaluable for both original and review pathology. In 43% of cases at least one pathology item changed after review. For 102 patients (8%), this discrepancy led to ineligibility for the PORTEC-3 trial, most frequently due to differences in the assessment of histological type (34%), endocervical stromal involvement (27%) and histological grade (19%). Lowest inter-observer agreement was found for histological type (κ = 0.72), lymph-vascular space invasion (κ = 0.72) and histological grade (κ = 0.70).

Conclusion

Central pathology review by expert gynaeco-pathologists changed histological type, grade or other items in 43% of women with HR-EC, leading to ineligibility for the PORTEC-3 trial in 8%. Upfront pathology review is essential to ensure enrolment of the target trial-population, and to avoid over- or undertreatment, especially when treatment modalities with substantial toxicity are involved.

This study is registered with ISRCTN (ISRCTN14387080, www.controlled-trials.com) and with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00411138).

Post-first-line FOLFOX chemotherapy for grade 3 neuroendocrine carcinoma

There is no standard for second-line chemotherapy in poorly differentiated grade 3 neuroendocrine carcinoma (G3-NEC) patients. We analyzed the antitumor efficacy of 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) chemotherapy in this population. A single-center retrospective analysis of consecutive G3-NEC patients treated with FOLFOX chemotherapy after failure of a cisplatinum-based regimen between December 2003 and June 2012 was performed. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), response rate, and safety were assessed according to RECIST 1.1 and NCI.CTC v4 criteria. Twenty consecutive patients were included (seven males and 13 females; median age 55; range 23-87 years) with a performance status of 0-1 in 75% of them. Primary location was gastroenteropancreatic in 12, thoracic in four, other in two, and unknown in two patients. There were 12 (65%) large-cell and 7 (30%) small-cell G3-NEC tumors, and 1 (5%) unknown. All patients had distant metastases. Twelve (60%) patients received FOLFOX as second-line treatment and 8 (40%) as third-line treatment or later and the median number of administered cycles was 6 (range 3-14). The median follow-up was 19 months. Median PFS was 4.5 months. Among the 17 evaluable patients, five partial responses (29%), six stable diseases (35%), and six progressive diseases (35%) were observed. Median OS was 9.9 months. Main Grade 3-4 toxicities were neutropenia (35%), thrombopenia (20%), nausea/vomiting (10%), anemia (10%), and elevated liver transaminases (10%). Our results indicate that the FOLFOX regimen could be considered as a second-line option in poorly differentiated G3-NEC patients after cisplatinum-based first-line treatment but warrant further confirmation in future larger prospective studies.

Gliomatosis Peritonei: A Particular Entity With Specific Outcomes Within the Growing Teratoma Syndrome

Objectives

Ovarian immature teratoma may be associated with peritoneal spread that could, after adjuvant chemotherapy, develop into disease exclusively composed of mature implants (growing teratoma syndrome) and/or gliomatosis peritonei (GP), defined as the presence of pure mature glial tissue. However, very few specific series are devoted to the outcomes of pure GP. This was the aim of the present study.

Patients

From 1997 to 2013, data concerning patients treated for stage II/III immature teratoma were reviewed. All slides were reviewed by an expert pathologist. Patients with ovarian cancer associated with peritoneal spread in the form of pure GP (initially if patients were treated without adjuvant treatment or after adjuvant chemotherapy if done) were analyzed.

Results

Ten patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The median age of patients at diagnosis was 36 years (range, 14–41 years). Six patients had undergone a conservative treatment. Five patients had macroscopic residual disease at the end of surgery.

The median duration of follow-up from the diagnosis of GP was 39 months (range, 6–114 months). Six patients had undergone secondary surgery. Among them, 5 had incompletely resected macroscopic GP. No patients had died of their disease. All patients were asymptomatic at the time of the last consultation (1 of them with abnormal radiologic imaging).

Conclusions

Gliomatosis peritonei is a particular entity of the condition described as growing teratoma syndrome because residual peritoneal disease can be asymptomatic totally stable over a long period which raises the question of a more conservative surgical approach in patients with massive peritoneal spread.

Influence of histological subtypes on the risk of an invasive recurrence in a large series of stage I borderline ovarian tumor including 191 conservative treatments

BACKGROUND

The overall prognosis of stage I borderline ovarian tumors (BOT) is excellent but a small percentage of patients die to their disease. The prognostic factors for such a rare event are still not clearly defined. The aim of this study was to determine these factors for recurrence per se and recurrence in the form of invasive carcinoma in a large series of stage I tumors.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients with BOT. Three inclusion criteria were defined: (i) a centralized histological review; (ii) macroscopic stage I tumors; (iii) exclusion of metastatic disease to the ovaries.

RESULTS

From 2000 to 2010, 254 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria [140 had mucinous BOT (MBOT) and 114 a serous BOT (SBOT)], and 191 had undergone conservative management. After a median follow-up of 45 months, 43 patients had developed recurrences (31 borderline and 12 invasive). The risks of recurrences were statistically increased after conservative treatment, particularly after a cystectomy, in patients with stage IB and among patients with incompletely staged tumors. In the subgroup of conservatively treated patients (representing 75% of our population), the risks of recurrences were statistically increased in patients affected by a SBOT, in patients who had undergone a cystectomy, in patients with stage IB disease and in patients with a micropapillary pattern (MPP). MBOT and the presence of a MPP were identified as prognostic factors for invasive disease.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present series of BOT with the largest number of patients treated conservatively to date, the presence of a MPP and the mucinous subtype were associated with a higher rate of progression to carcinoma after conservative management. These important results suggest that MBOT belong to a 'high-risk' group likely to develop an invasive recurrence after fertility-sparing surgery in stage I BOT.

Prognostic factors for recurrence after conservative treatment in a series of 119 patients with stage I serous borderline tumors of the ovary

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate prognostic factors for recurrence after conservative treatment of a large series of 'apparent' stage I serous borderline ovarian tumors (SBOTs).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A review of 119 patients treated conservatively between 2000 and 2009 with follow-up data. All pathological slides were reviewed by the same expert pathologist. Prognostic factors for recurrence were studied (age, histological subtypes and surgical procedure).

RESULTS

Conservative surgical procedures were: unilateral cystectomy (n = 43, 36%); unilateral adnexectomy (UA; n = 50, 42%); bilateral cystectomies (n = 11, 9%) and UA + contralateral cystectomy (n = 15, 13%). Stromal microinvasion and/or a micropapillary pattern was present in 21 (18%) and 13 (11%) patients, respectively. With a median follow-up of 45 months, 38 (32%) patients relapsed (10 also had peritoneal disease in the form of noninvasive implants at the first recurrence). In 2 of these 38 patients, progression-to-invasive disease occurred at the second and third relapse (one patient died to the recurrence). Three prognostic factors for recurrence were identified in the univariate analysis: a young age (< or >30 years old), the type of conservative treatment (adnexectomy versus cystectomy) and tumor bilaterality. In the multivariate analysis, only age remained statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

In this series (the largest reported, to date, on recurrences after the conservative management of stage I SBOT), the risk of relapse was not related to tumor histological subtypes (micropapillary and stromal microinvasion) nor to the use of complete staging surgery. Invasive recurrences were very rare in stage I SBOT, but did occur. A young age, tumor bilaterality and the use of a cystectomy were identified as risk factors for recurrence, suggesting that management of fertility preservation (particularly in very young patients) should be associated with a meticulously conducted follow-up.

Adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy for borderline serous ovarian tumors with invasive implants

BACKGROUND

Most borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) are cured with surgery. However BOTs with invasive implants have a poor prognosis with a mortality of 20-40%. The benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) in this setting remains poorly defined.

METHODS

Retrospective study of serous BOT+invasive implants treated with adjuvant CT.

RESULTS

36 patients were referred with serous BOTs+invasive implants and treated with surgery and platinum-based CT between 06/1982 and 02/2011. 83% were stage III/IV. Tumors demonstrated microinvasion, micropapillary pattern or desmoplastic implants in 53%, 47% and 67% of cases, respectively. 8% had fertility-sparing surgery. Taking into account initial and completion surgeries, R0 was achieved in 84% (27/32) (NA, N=4). The majority (72%) received a combination of platinum+taxane. 11% of patients experienced a G3/G4 toxicity. 13 of 36 (36%) patients relapsed at a median of 27.3 months after diagnosis of invasive implants. Among 12 patients with histologically confirmed relapse, 8 patients progressed with invasive disease in the form of carcinoma or invasive implants. 5 year PFS/OS were 67%/96%. Neither microinvasion, micropapillary pattern, nor desmoplastic implants predicted relapse. In cases with evaluable disease, an objective response to chemotherapy was observed in 4 of 6 patients.

CONCLUSION

This is the largest study of BOT with invasive implants treated with surgery and adjuvant platinum-based CT. Treatment was well tolerated and the invasive relapse rate was 22% (8/36). Although numbers are small, the objective responses suggest a possible role for adjuvant CT in BOTs with invasive implants.

Are G3 ENETS neuroendocrine neoplasms heterogeneous?

The new WHO classification of gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) neuroendocrine tumors (NET) implies that G3 neoplasms with mitotic index >20 and/or Ki67 index >20% are neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC), described as poorly differentiated, small or large cell types, by analogy with lung NEC. To characterize the subgroup of non-small-cell-type GEP and thoracic NET with mitotic index >20 and/or Ki67 >20% according to their pathological features, response to cisplatin and overall survival (OS). We reviewed pathological and clinical presentation of G3 non-small-cell-type NET referred to our institution for 5 years. Data from 166 patients with metastatic thoracic and GEP-NET were collected. Twenty-eight patients (17%) fulfill the inclusion criteria. Tumors were classified as well-differentiated NET (G3-WDNET) in 42.8% of cases and poorly differentiated, large-cell NEC (G3-LCNEC) in 57.2% of cases. Plasma chromogranin A or neuron-specific enolase were elevated in 42 and 25% respectively of G3-WDNET and 31 and 50% of G3-LCNEC. Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy was positive in 88 and 50% of G3-WDNET or G3-LCNEC respectively. Complete or partial response to cisplatin was observed in 31% of cases, all classified as G3-LCNEC. The median OS was 41 months for G3-WDNET but 17 months for G3-LCNEC (P=0.34). Short survival was observed in 25% of G3-WDNET but 62.5% of G3-LCNEC patients (P=0.049). G3 ENETS GEP and thoracic neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) could constitute a heterogeneous subgroup of NEN as regards diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. If confirmed, future classifications may consider splitting them into two groups according to their morphological differentiation.

Abstract 3480: Impact of a second opinion for sex cord stromal tumors through expression and molecular analysis of FOXL2: a study of the GINECO group and TMRO network

Background: Ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors (SCSTs) represent about 7% of ovarian tumors. Since the exact diagnosis of these rare malignancies is difficult to establish and could modify the appropriate therapeutic strategy, the GINECO group (Group of National Investigators for Ovarian Cancer Studies) developed the National Rare Ovarian tumor Observatory in 2002 which proposes a systematic pathological second opinion for all cases of rare ovarian tumor diagnosed in France. We investigated whether a systematic second opinion in one of the expert centers (Lyon, France), using evaluation of FOXL2 mutation and FOXL2 level of expression for all samples of suspected SCSTs cases, could improve diagnosis and classification of sex cord-stromal tumors.

Methods: Immunostaining for FOXL2 and new molecular markers is being developed in this pathology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of a systematic second opinion and the use of a new algorithm that rationalizes the use of these new tools, to allow more accurate diagnosis and classification of SCSTs. Data were collected in a recent database dedicated to rare ovarian cancer “Observatory for rare malignant tumors of the ovary”. Seventy-two patients from the database were included. All tumor samples were referred to referent center for morphological and IHC review. Search for FOXL2C134W mutation and immunostaining of FOXL2 were performed.

Results: FOXL2 mutation was present in 44 out of 47 adult granulosa cell tumors (A-GCTs) (94%), in 2 out of 8 thecomas (25%) and in 1 out of 10 sertoli leydig tumors (10%). These results confirm FOXL2 mutation as a specific marker for A-GCTs. Immuno-expression of FOXL2 was present in 44 out of 45 SCSTs (97.8%). After a second opinion, using morphological and classical immunohistochemistry markers only, 15% of the initial diagnoses were modified. With the use of our algorithm, initial diagnosis was changed in 22%.

Conclusion: New tools like the search of a FOXL2 mutation are fundamental to obtain an optimal diagnosis and classification of these tumors. The use of an algorithm could be generalized to homogenize practice and rationalize the use of these markers. We hope this algorithm can also adjust and standardize the therapeutic strategy.

Citation Format: Thibaut Goulvent, Denis Maillet, Ruth Rimokh, Philippe Cassier, Marie-Cecile Vacher-Lavenu, Pierre Meeus, Patricia Pautier, Pierre Duvillard, Jerome Alexandre, Eric Pujade-Laurraine, Mojgan Devouassoux-Shisheboran, Isabelle Treilleux, Isabelle Ray-coquard. Impact of a second opinion for sex cord stromal tumors through expression and molecular analysis of FOXL2: a study of the GINECO group and TMRO network. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3480. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-3480

Frequency and characterization of gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor patients with high-grade of uptake at somatostatin receptor scintigraphy

Recent studies suggest that the somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) grade of uptake is a predictor of response to peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). To identify and characterize patients with well-differentiated (WD) neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) displaying a high-grade uptake at SRS. Patients with WD-NEN, whose SRS films were available for review, were retrospectively included. SRS was reviewed by three independent readers and classified into four subgroups based on a modified Krenning's scale (mKS): no uptake (group-0), homogeneous grade 1-2 uptake (group-1), homogeneous grade 3-4 (group-2), and heterogeneous grade 1-4 (group-3). A simplified scale (sS) of SRS was also used to look for characteristics of patients with high-grade uptake. One hundred and six WD-NEN patients were enrolled. Group-0, group-1, group-2, and group-3 were found in 17, 8, 33, and 42% of cases respectively. High-grade uptake at sS (75% of cases) was correlated with older age, functioning NEN, high chromogranin-A level, and grade 1 (G1) NEN based on mitotic count. Based on the mKS or sS scales, no difference on survival was found. Thirty-three to seventy-five percent of metastatic NEN patients can be considered candidates for PRRT based on homogeneous or heterogeneous high-grade uptake. Functioning G1 NEN patients could be the best candidates for PRRT. Randomized trials are expected to confirm this result.

Fertility and borderline ovarian tumor: a systematic review of conservative management, risk of recurrence and alternative options

BACKGROUND

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the fertility outcome after borderline ovarian tumor (BOT) management and the results of conservative management, risk of recurrence and alternative options.

METHODS

The search strategy was based on relevant terms concerning BOT using Medline and the Central Cochrane Library. Both early and advanced stages of serous and mucinous BOT were included, but not rare entities such as endometrioid, Brenner or clear-cell BOT because of their low incidence. We considered all articles-case reports, original studies, meta-analyses and reviews-in English and French.

RESULTS

Overall, 230 articles were screened of which 120 were retained for review. Most pregnancies were spontaneous but some data were obtained from studies analyzing the contribution of assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, not all studies differentiated spontaneous pregnancy from those obtained after fertility treatment including ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination and IVF. Conservative management of early stage BOT resulted in a pooled estimate for spontaneous pregnancy rate of 54% with a low risk of lethal recurrence (pooled estimate: 0.5%). In patients with advanced stage BOT, the spontaneous pregnancy rates was lower (34% in the single series reporting pregnancy rate in this context) and the risk of lethal recurrence increased (pooled estimate: 2%).

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review underlines that fertility subsequent to treatment of BOT depends mainly on histology and initial staging to distinguish early from advanced stages. In patients with advanced stage BOT, several alternative options to conservative management are available to allow patients to conceive without compromising their prognosis.

A new policy regarding ovarian resection in young women treated for peritoneal carcinomatosis

OBJECTIVE

To appreciate if the ovaries can be preserved in selected young women with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC).

BACKGROUND

The traditional rule is to resect the ovaries systematically when PC is found at surgery.

METHODS

A new policy was developed to preserve the ovaries when they were macroscopically normal in young women with PC of different origin who expressed a strong desire for future pregnancy.

RESULTS

A total of 106 women younger than age 41 years underwent complete cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. At least one ovary was preserved in 29 % of them (and in 44 % of those who strongly wished future pregnancy). Among resected "normal" ovaries, 17 % were involved by tumor at the final pathologic examination. Among the resected "suspicious" ovaries, 38 % were involved. Among the 29 preserved ovaries (in 21 women), after a median follow-up of 32 months, 4 (14 %) developed ovarian recurrence, in 3 of them associated with other metastases. Two women became pregnant. In five women with partially normal ovary, egg harvesting and cryopreservation was performed.

CONCLUSIONS

This new policy allowed ovarian preservation in 44 % of the young women wishing childbearing and allowed two births. Recurrence in the preserved ovary was 14 % with our criteria of selection. This policy is promising but can be further improved.

Metastatic tumors to the colon and rectum: a multi-institutional study

CONTEXT

Unlike the small bowel, the colorectal mucosa is seldom the site of metastatic disease. Objective.-To determine the incidence of truly colorectal metastases, and subsequent clinicopathologic findings, in a substantial colorectal cancer population collected from 7 European centers.

DESIGN

During the last decade, 10 365 patients were identified as having colorectal malignant tumors, other than systemic diseases. Data collected included patient demographics, clinical symptoms, treatment, the presence of metastases in other sites, disease-free interval, follow-up, and overall survival. All secondary tumors resulting from direct invasion from malignant tumors of the contiguous organs were excluded, as well as those resulting from lymph node metastases or peritoneal seeding.

RESULTS

Only 35 patients were included (10 men) with a median age of 59 years. They presented with obstruction, bleeding, abdominal pain, or perforation. The leading source of metastases was the breast, followed by melanoma. Metastases were synchronous in 3 cases. The mean disease-free interval for the remaining cases was 6.61 years. Surgical resection was performed in 28 cases. Follow-up was available for 26 patients; all had died, with a mean survival time of 10.67 months (range, 1-41 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Colorectal metastases are exceptional (0.338%) with the breast as a leading source of metastases; they still represent a late stage of disease and reflect a poor prognosis. Therefore, the pathologist should be alert for the possibility of secondary tumors when studying large bowel biopsies. Any therapy is usually palliative, but our results suggest that prolonged survival after surgery and complementary therapy can be obtained in some patients.

Placental site and epithelioid trophoblastic tumours: diagnostic pitfalls

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical and histological pitfalls in the diagnosis of placental site trophoblastic tumours (PSTT) and epithelioid trophoblastic tumours (ETT), two rare types of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN).

METHODS

This retrospective, observational, study was carried out in the French Trophoblastic Disease Reference Centre, Lyon, between 2000 and 2011. Due to the many similarities in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of PSTT and ETT, these two types of tumour were investigated together. Twenty-two patients with PSTT or ETT were analysed.

RESULTS

The clinical presentation of these two types of tumour was irregular vaginal bleeding (55%) or amenorrhoea (27%), with a median plasma hCG level of 205IU/L. Seven of the 22 patients (32%) were initially misdiagnosed as an ectopic pregnancy. Median age at presentation was 35-years, with a median interval of 12months between the antecedent pregnancy and diagnosis of PSTT or ETT. The initial histological diagnosis was incorrect in 7/18 (39%) patients; there was a major disagreement with the referral pathologist in five of these seven patients (28%).

CONCLUSIONS

PSTT and ETT are the most difficult types of GTN to diagnose clinically and histologically. An incorrect diagnosis can lead to significant therapeutic deviations from the recommended first-line treatment, namely hysterectomy. Clinical and histological expertise is essential to avoid the pitfalls in the diagnosis of PSTT and ETT.

A randomized clinical trial of adjuvant chemotherapy with doxorubicin, ifosfamide, and cisplatin followed by radiotherapy versus radiotherapy alone in patients with localized uterine sarcomas (SARCGYN study). A study of the French Sarcoma Group

BACKGROUND

There is no proven benefit of adjuvant treatment of uterine sarcoma (US). SARCGYN phase III study compared adjuvant polychemotherapy followed by pelvic radiotherapy (RT) (arm A) versus RT alone (arm B) conducted to detect an increase ≥ 20% of 3-year PFS.

METHODS

Patients with FIGO stage ≤ III US, physiological age ≤ 65 years; chemotherapy: four cycles of doxorubicin 50 mg/m&sup2; d1, ifosfamide 3 g/m&sup2;/day d1-2, cisplatin 75 mg/m&sup2; d3, (API) + G-CSF q 3 weeks. Study was stopped because of lack of recruitment.

RESULTS

Eighty-one patients were included: 39 in arm A and 42 in arm B; 52 stage I, 16 stage II, 13 stage III; 53 leiomyosarcomas, 9 undifferenciated sarcomas, 19 carcinosarcomas. Gr 3-4 toxicity during API (/37 patients): thrombopenia (76%), febrile neutropenia (22%) with two toxic deaths; renal gr 3 (1 patient). After a median follow-up of 4.3 years, 41/81 patients recurred, 15 in arm A, 26 in arm B. The 3 years DFS is 55% in arm A, 41% in arm B (P = 0.048). The 3-year overall survival (OS) is 81% in arm A and 69% in arm B (P = 0.41).

CONCLUSION

API adjuvant CT statistically increases the 3 year-DFS of patients with US.

Metastatic tumors to the colon and rectum: a multi-institutional study

CONTEXT

Unlike the small bowel, the colorectal mucosa is seldom the site of metastatic disease. Objective.-To determine the incidence of truly colorectal metastases, and subsequent clinicopathologic findings, in a substantial colorectal cancer population collected from 7 European centers.

DESIGN

During the last decade, 10 365 patients were identified as having colorectal malignant tumors, other than systemic diseases. Data collected included patient demographics, clinical symptoms, treatment, the presence of metastases in other sites, disease-free interval, follow-up, and overall survival. All secondary tumors resulting from direct invasion from malignant tumors of the contiguous organs were excluded, as well as those resulting from lymph node metastases or peritoneal seeding.

RESULTS

Only 35 patients were included (10 men) with a median age of 59 years. They presented with obstruction, bleeding, abdominal pain, or perforation. The leading source of metastases was the breast, followed by melanoma. Metastases were synchronous in 3 cases. The mean disease-free interval for the remaining cases was 6.61 years. Surgical resection was performed in 28 cases. Follow-up was available for 26 patients; all had died, with a mean survival time of 10.67 months (range, 1-41 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Colorectal metastases are exceptional (0.338%) with the breast as a leading source of metastases; they still represent a late stage of disease and reflect a poor prognosis. Therefore, the pathologist should be alert for the possibility of secondary tumors when studying large bowel biopsies. Any therapy is usually palliative, but our results suggest that prolonged survival after surgery and complementary therapy can be obtained in some patients.

Metastatic tumors to the colon and rectum: a multi-institutional study

CONTEXT

Unlike the small bowel, the colorectal mucosa is seldom the site of metastatic disease. Objective.-To determine the incidence of truly colorectal metastases, and subsequent clinicopathologic findings, in a substantial colorectal cancer population collected from 7 European centers.

DESIGN

During the last decade, 10 365 patients were identified as having colorectal malignant tumors, other than systemic diseases. Data collected included patient demographics, clinical symptoms, treatment, the presence of metastases in other sites, disease-free interval, follow-up, and overall survival. All secondary tumors resulting from direct invasion from malignant tumors of the contiguous organs were excluded, as well as those resulting from lymph node metastases or peritoneal seeding.

RESULTS

Only 35 patients were included (10 men) with a median age of 59 years. They presented with obstruction, bleeding, abdominal pain, or perforation. The leading source of metastases was the breast, followed by melanoma. Metastases were synchronous in 3 cases. The mean disease-free interval for the remaining cases was 6.61 years. Surgical resection was performed in 28 cases. Follow-up was available for 26 patients; all had died, with a mean survival time of 10.67 months (range, 1-41 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Colorectal metastases are exceptional (0.338%) with the breast as a leading source of metastases; they still represent a late stage of disease and reflect a poor prognosis. Therefore, the pathologist should be alert for the possibility of secondary tumors when studying large bowel biopsies. Any therapy is usually palliative, but our results suggest that prolonged survival after surgery and complementary therapy can be obtained in some patients.

Doxorubicin, cisplatin, and ifosfamide (API) as first-line therapy for relapsed or metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma

10098

Background: Uterine leiomyosarcomas (ULMS) are rare gynecologic malignancies characterized by a poor prognosis due to a high rate of local and metastatic recurrences. Chemotherapy (CT) with doxorubicin or ifosfamide or both is associated with a 10 to 30% objective response rate (ORR) and a cisplatin-based multiCT approach achieved a good response rate (DECAV therapy: API + dacarbazine + vindesine, 54% ORR in uterine sarcomas), though toxic. We aimed to determine efficacy and toxicity of doxorubicin, cisplatin and ifosfamide (API) combination as first line treatment of metastatic or relapsed ULMS (MRULMS). Methods: This monocentric study included MRULMS pts with a physiological age < 65 y. CT consisted in doxorubicin 50 mg/m² d1, ifosfamide 3 g/m²/d d1d2 + mesna, cisplatin 75 mg/m² d3, + G-CSF; q 3 weeks. Results: Results in 38 pts with MRULMS were analyzed; median age was 51 (40-64), median cycles of CT was 5; 8 (21%) pts were treated for local relapse, 21 (55.3%) for metastatic disease and 9 (23.7%) for both. Metastatic sites were: lungs in 16 pts (42.1%), pelvis in 7 pts (18.4%), liver in 7 pts (18.4%), peritoneum in 6 pts (15.8%) and bone in 5 pts (13.2%); 14 pts (36.8%) had a multisite metastatic disease. Main grade 3-4 toxicities in 38 pts were neutropenia (74%), thrombopenia (60%), anemia (55%), fatigue (18%) and vomiting (13%). Febrile neutropenia was observed in 35% of pts and 1 patient died of septic shock after cycle 1. Thirty four pts were evaluable for response (4 pts had complete surgery at relapse) and 16 pts responded (4 CR + 12 PR) (ORR: 47%); 23.5% and 29.4% of the pts had respectively stable and progressive disease. For all pts (38) and evaluable pts (34), median PFS were 9.8 and 9.5 months and OS 27 and 25.3 months respectively. Conclusions: Despite toxicity observed, API is an effective treatment which compares favorably with other first line therapies for MRULMS pts.

Efficacy and safety of the APE (actinomycin D, cisplatin, etoposide) regimen for the management of high-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia

5028

Background: Patients (pts) with high risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) or who fail low risk single agent chemotherapy (CT) require multi agent CT to be cured. The most common regimen is etoposide (E), methotrexate and actinomycin D (A) alternating weekly with cyclophophamide and vincristine (EMA/CO). Cisplatin (P) is a very active drug but its role is controversial and usually restricted to second line. We report results of a platinum based therapy: APE. Methods: We evaluated the efficacy and safety on 103 pts treated at Institut Gustave Roussy (IGR) (n=80) or other French centers (n=23) between 1983 and 2010 with APE for high risk GTN (defined by IGR criteria [Azab, Cancer, 1988] and/or FIGO score >6). Pts with brain metastasis were excluded. Results: Efficacy was evaluated on 59 pts treated for high risk GTN in first line, and on 39 pts in >2nd line including 13 pts after multi agent CT. We excluded pts with placental site trophoblastic tumors (n=2), or with FIGO score <7 and without IGR criteria (n=3). Complete remission (CR) rate was 95%. Seven pts (7 %) relapsed and a second CR was obtained for all with surgery and/or CT. Only one patient died due to GTN, after successive CRs obtained with 3 regimens. Five year overall survival (median follow-up 6.6 years) was 98%. Toxicity was evaluated on 95 pts. No toxic death occurred. Given good efficacy and to avoid acute hematotoxicity and long-term G>1 neuro and ototoxicity APE regimen was modified as detailed in the Table (below). Long-term neuro (5 pts, G1), oto (2 pts, G1 and 2 pts, G2) and renal toxicities (1 pt, G1 ) were recorded. No long-term G2 toxicities were observed with APE3. One pt developed an AML 4 after 4cy APE and 6 cy EMA/CO. 37 pts of 40 who wished to be pregnant succeeded and all of them had at least one live birth. Conclusions: With a 98% long-term overall survival rate, an excellent reproductive outcome, and no detectable long-term toxicity, APE-3 should be regarded as an alternative standard option to EMA/CO for high-risk GTN. [Table: see text]

Well-differentiated grade 3 digestive neuroendocrine tumors: Myth or reality? The PRONET study group

4129

Background: In contrast to the 2000 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of digestive neuroendocrine tumors (NET) in which morphologic differentiation was the first criterion, the 2010 WHO classification of NET is based mostly on histologic grade. NET are now classified into three main categories: NET G1 (mitotic count <2/10 HPF and/or ≤2% Ki67 index), NET G2 (2-20/10 HPF and/or 3-20%), and neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) of small or large cell type. While NET G1 and G2 are well-differentiated tumors, NEC are considered poorly differentiated G3 tumors. We looked at the agreement between grade and differentiation to determine whether all NET can be readily classified according to the 2010 WHO classification. Methods: We designed a 1-year prospective, epidemiologic study to assess the characteristics of newly diagnosed NET, including diagnostic pathology. From August 2010 to July 2011, all pathology laboratories in France were invited to register all incident cases of gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) and thoracic NET, excluding small cell carcinoma. For GEP-NET, investigators were asked to indicate morphologic differentiation (according to WHO 2000) and elements of histologic grade (mitotic index, Ki67 index), according to ENETS. Results: Of 500 invited centers, 80 participated; 1417 incidental cases were included and 77 excluded (duplicates or exclusion criteria), totaling 1340 cases; 778 (58.1%) were GEP-NET; 660/778 (85%) were well differentiated, 72 (9%) poorly differentiated, and 46 (6%) adenocarcinoid, nonclassified, or not evaluable; 422 (54.2%) were G1, 220 (28%) G2, 104 (13.5%) G3, and 32 (4.1%) had missing grades. Of those deemed G3, 72 (69%) were described as poorly differentiated, 21 (20%) as well differentiated (mean Ki67 index 35%, range 25%-60%), and 11 (10.5%) as adenocarcinoid. Conclusions: In this prospective, epidemiologic study, overall agreement between grade and differentiation was good. However, a significant proportion of G3 NET were classified as well differentiated and thus unclassifiable by 2010 WHO classification. This group of tumor deserves to be included in future classifications to help the clinician decide whether they should be treated as NET G1/G2 or NEC G3.

Malignant germ cell-like tumors, expressing Ki-1 antigen (CD30), are revealed during in vivo differentiation of partially reprogrammed human-induced pluripotent stem cells

Because many of the genes used to produce induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from somatic cells are either outright established oncogenes, such as c-myc and Klf4, or potentially related to tumorigenesis in various cancers, both the safety and the risks of tumorigenesis linked to iPSC generation require evaluation. In this work, we generated, by lentivirus-mediated gene transfer of Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, and Lin28, two types of iPSCs from human mesenchymal stem cells and human amniotic fluid-derived cells: fully reprogrammed iPSCs with silencing of the four transgenes and partially reprogrammed iPSCs that still express one or several transgenes. We assessed the behavior of these cells during both their differentiation and proliferation using in vivo teratoma assays in nonobese diabetic mice with severe combined immunodeficiency. In contrast to fully reprogrammed iPSCs, 43% of partially reprogrammed iPSC cases (6 of 14 teratomas) generated major dysplasia and malignant tumors, with yolk sac tumors and embryonal carcinomas positive for α-fetoprotein, cytokeratin AE1/AE3, and CD30. This correlated with the expression of one or several transgenes used for the reprogramming, down-regulation of CDK 1A mRNA (p21/CDKN1A), and up-regulation of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 mRNA. Therefore, the oncogenicity of therapeutically valuable patient-specific iPSC-derived cells should be scrupulously evaluated before they are used for any clinical applications.

P5-01-07: Identification of SORBS2 as a Candidate Marker To Predict Metastatic Relapse in Breast Cancer

Background

Elucidation of promising cancer biomarkers from gene expression data can provide important insight into the relationship between signaling networks and cancer. SORBS2, sorbin and SH3 domain containing 2, is a multi-adapter protein involved in signal transduction associated to the cytoskeleton and was reported to be strongly repressed in pancreatic and cervical cancers.

Methods: With the purpose of identifying genes involved in metastatic process, we compared gene expression profiling of 19 invasive ovarian cancers and 24 borderline tumors. Prognostic value of the selected genes was then tested in a gene expression array database that includes 1659 patients with early breast cancer (Gyorffy B et al. 2010). Upon isolation of SORBS2 as a predictor, its involvement in cell migration and tumor progression was investigated in vitro. Small interfering RNA targeting SORBS2 was used to downregulate its expression in T47D and Hela, two cell lines overexpressing SORBS2. Functional effect of siRNA-induced knockdown of SORBS2 on cell viability was determined by WST-1 assay and Trypan Blue exclusion test. Effect on cell migration was evaluated by wound-healing and transwell assays. Western blot analyses were also performed to examine the expressions of proteins involved in cell survival, death and migration.

Results: High-throughput analyses of genes that are differentially expressed between borderline ovarian tumors and invasive carcinoma demonstrated that SORBS2 is significantly downregulated in invasive carcinoma (FDR&lt;10e-10). Moreover, SORBS2 loss was a strong predictor of relapse in a gene expression array dataset of 1659 patients presenting an early breast cancer (HR=0.62, 0.52−0.72, p=6.4e-10). In vitro studies showed that SORBS2 specific downregulation stimulated cell proliferation, by an average of 40%, in T47D and Hela cell lines. SORBS2 knockdown had no effect on either cell migration rate or protein expressions of p-FAK and p-Paxillin, two focal adhesion proteins which are critical to cell adhesion and migration. No significant variations in protein expressions of Akt/mTOR pro-survival or caspases activation pathways were observed. Gene expression profiling before and after SORBS2 dowregulation is ongoing in the two cell lines.

Conclusion: This study is the first to provide evidence for an antiproliferative activity of SORBS2 with no effect on cell migration in breast cancer cells. Our clinical and in vitro data suggest that SORBS2 is a candidate marker to predict relapse in patients with early breast cancer. Molecular mechanisms mediating the antiproliferative effect of SORBS2 are currently being investigated.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-01-07.

Phase II study of cetuximab as first-line single-drug therapy in patients with unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the skin

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), as a first-line monotherapy in patients with unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (SCCS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-six patients received cetuximab (initial dose of 400 mg/m(2) followed by subsequent weekly doses of 250 mg/m(2)) for at least 6 weeks with a 48-week follow-up. The primary end point was the disease control rate (DCR) at 6 weeks (according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors [RECIST] criteria). Secondary end points included best response rate, overall survival, progression-free survival (PFS), and toxicity assessment. Association of treatment efficacy with RAS mutations or FcγR genotypes was investigated.

RESULTS

Median age of the study population was 79 years. DCR at 6 weeks was obtained in 25 of 36 patients (69%; 95% CI, 52% to 84%) of the intention-to-treat population. The best responses were eight partial responses and two complete responses. There were no cetuximab-related deaths. There were three related serious adverse events: two grade 4 infusion reactions and one grade 3 interstitial pneumopathy. Grade 1 to 2 acne-like rash occurred in 78% of patients and was associated with prolonged PFS. One HRAS mutation was identified. Combined FcγRIIa-131H/H and/or FcγRIIIa-158V/V polymorphisms were not associated with the clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSION

As a first-line treatment in patients with unresectable SCCS, cetuximab achieved 69% DCR. A randomized phase III trial is warranted to confirm that cetuximab may be considered as a therapeutic option especially in elderly patients. The low frequency of RAS mutations in SCCS makes SCCS tumors attractive for EGFR inhibition.

Prognostic value of lymph node involvement in ovarian serous borderline tumors

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to evaluate the prognosis value of lymph node involvement (LN positive) lymph node involvement for borderline ovarian tumor (BOT).

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective study on 49 patients treated at our institution for advanced-stage serous BOT (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics [FIGO] III or IV). Pathological characteristics and survival were compared according to the lymph node status. The same analysis was performed on 1503 patients of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.

RESULTS

In our institution, 14 patients were LN positive. Eight patients have been upstaged after lymph node dissection. No patient has died during follow-up (median 53 months). LN positivity was not associated with recurrence. In the SEER registry, 93 patients (6.2%) had LN positivity. These patients were younger and with more advanced local extension. Survival curves were similar after adjustment for FIGO stage.

CONCLUSION

Lymph node involvement does not appear as a prognosis factor for advanced-stage BOT.

[The accuracy of FDG-PET/CT in early-stage cervical and vaginal cancers]

OBJECTIVE

[(18)F]fluoro-deoxy-glucose positron-emission tomography combined with integrated computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) is commonly used for advanced stage cervical cancer but its efficiency is discussed in early stage. The aim of this study was to evaluate false negative rate of FDG-PET/CT in early-stage cervical and vaginal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients treated between 2005 and 2008 for stage IB1 cervical cancer and stage I vaginal cancer who underwent a FDG-PET/CT followed by a pelvic lymphadenectomy were studied.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients were included with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy (16 cervical cancer, two vaginal cancer). The median age of patients was 41 years. Radical hysterectomy was performed for 16 patients, by a laparoscopic approach in 15 cases and by a laparotomic approach in one case. One patient had a simple hysterectomy and one had exclusive radiotherapy. No patient had pelvic or para-aortic fixation on FDG-PET/CT. Three patients have proven pelvic involvement and one had para-aortic metastases. The false-negative rate and negative predictive value of FDG-PET/CT were 17% and 83% respectively.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The accuracy of FDG-PET/CT imaging in predicting the pelvic nodal status is very low in patients with early-stage cervical and vaginal cancer and is not able to replace surgical exploration.

Performance of (18)fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy for high Ki67 (≥10%) well-differentiated endocrine carcinoma staging

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this prospective study was to compare the performance of (111)In-octreotide somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) and (18)fluorodesoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in aggressive well-differentiated endocrine carcinoma (WDEC) defined by a high Ki67 (≥10%).

METHODS

Eighteen consecutive patients explored in a single hospital between November 2003 and 2008 for high Ki67 (≥10%) WDEC were prospectively included. WDEC were sporadic in 17 cases and secreting in 16 cases. FDG-PET, SRS, and computed tomography (CT) were performed within a maximum of 3 months and reviewed by two independent readers. For each patient, an analysis per organ and lesion was performed. Both the results of conventional imaging and the highest number of metastatic organs and distinct lesions visualized by all imaging methods including SRS, FDG-PET, and thoraco-abdomino-pelvic CT were considered for the determination of the standard. Correlation between tumor slope and maximum standardized uptake value, Ki67 value, and grade of uptake at SRS was evaluated.

RESULTS

FDG-PET, SRS, and CT showed at least one lesion in 18 (100%), 15 (83%), and 17 (94%) patients, respectively. A total of 254 lesions were diagnosed in 59 organs. FDG-PET, SRS, and CT detected 195 (77%), 109 (43%), and 195 (77%) lesions in 53 (90%), 30 (51%), and 39 (66%) organs, respectively. FDG-PET, compared to SRS, detected more, the same as, and less lesions in 14 (78%), one (6%), and three (17%) patients, respectively. A statistical trend was found between Ki67 value and tumor slope (P = 0.07). Median survival after diagnosis was 25 months (range, 6-71 months).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that FDG-PET is more sensitive than the SRS for high Ki67 WDEC staging.

Prognosis and prognostic factors of the micropapillary pattern in patients treated for stage II and III serous borderline tumors of the ovary

BACKGROUND

To determine the prognosis of a micropapillary (MP) pattern in patients with stage II and stage III serous borderline tumor of the ovary (SBOT).

METHODS

Review of patients with stage II and stage III SBOT treated or referred to our institution with characterization of an MP pattern and its clinical impact.

RESULTS

In 1969-2006, 168 patients were reviewed. Fifty-six patients had SBOT-MP. The rate of conservative surgery was lower in the SBOT-MP group than in the typical SBOT group, but the rate of patients with more than three peritoneal sites with implants was higher in the SBOT-MP group. The rate of invasive implants was not statistically different between the two groups. Eighteen recurrences were observed (six of them in the form of invasive disease) in the SBOT-MP group. Only one death was observed. The overall survival times and recurrence-free intervals were similar in both groups. The only prognostic factor for recurrence in the SBOT-MP group was the use of conservative surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present series, an MP pattern doesn't appear to signify a poor prognosis. The only prognostic factor for recurrence in SBOT-MP was the use of conservative surgery. Further studies on the MP pattern are needed to evaluate prognosis and the results of conservative surgery.