Treatment Of Metastatic Adrenocortical Carcinoma Research Articles

High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy Combined with PD-1 Blockade as a Treatment for Metastatic Adrenocortical Carcinoma - A Single Center Case Series.

The response rate of advanced adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) to standard chemotherapy with mitotane and etoposide/doxorubicin/cisplatin (EDP-M) is unsatisfactory, and benefit is frequently short lived. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) have been examined in patient's refractory to EDP-M, but objective response rates are only approximately 15%. High-dose rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) is a catheter-based internal radiotherapy and expected to favorably combine with immunotherapies. Here we describe three cases of patients with advanced ACC who were treated with HDR-BT and the CPI pembrolizumab. None of the tumors were positive for established response markers to CPI. All patients were female, had progressed on EDP-M and received external beam radiation therapy for metastatic ACC. Pembrolizumab was initiated 7 or 23 months after brachytherapy in two cases and prior to brachytherapy in one case. Best response of lesions treated with brachytherapy was complete (n=2) or partial response (n=1) that was ongoing at last follow up after 23, 45 and 4 months, respectively. Considering all sites of tumor, response was complete and partial remission in the two patients with brachytherapy prior to pembrolizumab. The third patient developed progressive disease with severe Cushing's syndrome and died due to COVID-19. Immune-related adverse events of colitis (grade 3), gastroduodenitis (grade 3), pneumonitis (grade 2) and thyroiditis (grade 1) occurred in the two patients with systemic response. HDR-BT controlled metastases locally. Sequential combination with CPI therapy may enhance an abscopal antitumoral effect in non-irradiated metastases in ACC. Systematic studies are required to confirm this preliminary experience and to understand underlying mechanisms.

PSAT009 Cushing's Syndrome Developing 42 Years After Successful Treatment for Metastatic Adrenocortical Carcinoma

Abstract Introduction ACC is a rare malignancy with poor prognosis. ACC is associated with CS in about 10% of the cases. Herein we report a case of a patient with metastatic ACC who developed contralateral functional adrenal adenoma causing Cushing's syndrome 42 years later. Clinical Case A 72-year-old female presented for evaluation of right adrenal incidentaloma, measuring 4.4×3 cm, on CT abdomen and pelvis (CTAP), done as part of the evaluation for hip pain. In addition to the adrenal incidentaloma, a large left adnexal mass (8×7 cm) was also observed. Her past medical history was significant for left adrenal ACC diagnosed at the age of 30, The patient's initial presentation included virilization and menstrual abnormalities. Laboratory evaluation revealed hyperandrogenism and hypercortisolism. There was no evidence of metastatic disease, and the patient was managed surgically (total left adrenalectomy) with normalization of laboratory abnormalities and resolution of symptoms. Four years later, patient pulmonary metastasis were observed in a surveillance scan and the patient underwent wedge resection and chemotherapy. The patient did not have any evidence of recurrent disease thereafter. At the current presentation, there were no symptoms or signs of adrenal hormone excess. Hormonal workup revealed borderline elevation of plasma metanephrines, with normal 24 h urinary metanephrines and catecholamines. DHEA-S and testosterone levels, as well as other androgens, were normal. 1 mg dexamethasone suppression (DST) was abnormal, with cortisol of 5.5 mcg/dL 8 h after dexamethasone administration (normal <1.8 mcg/dL). High dose DST was repeatedly abnormal, with cortisol levels at 4.0 and 4.4 mcg/dL (normal <1.8 mcg/dL). AM cortisol was elevated, at 23.4 mcg/dL (normal 4-22 mcg/dL) with ACTH at 12 pg/mL (normal <45 pg/dL). 24 h urinary free cortisol (UFC) was repeatedly elevated at 123.2 and 83.8 mcg/d (normal <45.0 mcg/d). CA 125 was normal. As there are case reports of ectopic Cushing's syndrome related to ovarian malignancies, and the patient had a large adnexal mass, adrenal and ovarian vein sampling was performed. Cortisol levels were higher in the right adrenal vein compared to the periphery, and the gradient was normal for the left ovarian vein. The right ovary was not visualized, and it was not possible to catheterize the right ovarian vein. Whole body FDG scan revealed intermediate uptake by right adrenal mass and normal uptake by left adnexal mass. Based on these results, it was determined that the right adrenal was the source of excess cortisol, and the patient underwent laparoscopic right adrenalectomy. Pathology evaluation showed adrenal adenoma, without evidence of ACC. The patient was started on physiologic replacement doses of hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone. The patient has been doing very well clinically. Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Consolidation Intensity-Modulated Whole Abdominal Radiotherapy as Part of the Complex Treatment for Metastatic Adrenocortical Carcinoma in Adolescence

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an extremely rare solid malignant tumor. We present rare local advanced ACC with lung metastases in adolescence. After visible radical surgery for a 100mm/130mm/50mm tumor, the initial histological diagnosis was anaplastic pleomorphic neuroblastoma originating from the left adrenal gland. Despite the eight courses chemotherapy, the disease progression was reported, which requires a pathohistological revision with a broad immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. After surgical excision of peritoneal metastases, a system Ch alteration of Vincristine/ Cyclophospamide/Farmarubicin and Vepesid/ Cisplatin - on 4 blocks each, in combination with the constant intake of Mitotane (Lesydren) was performed. Due to the disease progression, a consolidation intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) of the right lung metastasis measuring 23 mm/ 16 mm with PET/ CT hypermetabolic activity/ SUV max 9,67 and of a vertebral L2 metastasis was performed. In December 2021, a right-sided thoracotomy with resection of three pulmonary metastases, followed by pulmonary segmentectomy of the irradiated right-sided lung metastasis was performed. The peritoneal metastatic dessimination necessitated a consolidation whole abdominal IMRT with boost in the tumor bed/ upper pole of the left kidney. With this rare clinical case, we emphasize the role of complex treatment, especially with respect to local oncological therapy (surgery and IMRT) in metastatic adolescence ACC. Despite metastatic disease, complex treatment achieves a 3 -year survival rate

Efficacy of EDP ± mitotane chemotherapy in the treatment of metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma. Predictive and prognostic factors of efficacy

Introduction. Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an orphan disease with an unfavorable prognosis. The most effective therapeutic option in the treatment of ACC is EDP plus mitotane combination chemotherapy. However, no studies comparing the efficacy of the EDP regimen with or without mitotane have been published.Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of health records of patients with histologically confirmed metastatic ACC, who received at least one chemotherapy cycle with EDP ± mitotane. The study included 73 patients, 49 of which received a combination of EDP and mitotane and 24 were treated with EDP chemotherapy.Results. The objective response rate was 18,4 % in the EDP + mitotane group versus 4,1 % in the EDP group. Disease control was reported in 25 (51 %) and 13 (54,2 %) patients, respectively. No significant differences were found in progression-free survival (PFS) rates between the EDP and EDP + mitotane groups; the median PFS rate was 6,5 and 6,0 months, respectively. The median overall survival (OS) in the total population was 20,9 months; no significant differences were found between the groups. However, an increase in median PFS was observed in patients who achieved a therapeutic concentration of mitotane. Moreover, the achievement of therapeutic mitotane concentrations was the only factor significantly associated with improved PFS (HR 0.44, p = 0.006). Significant unfavorable prognostic factors associated with lower OS were Ki-67 level in the primary tumor > 20 % (HR 10.5, p = 0.006) and more than 1 site of metastases (HR 3.82, p = 0.02).Conclusions. This study showed that the addition of mitotane to EDP chemotherapy does not improve the median PFS and OS in the total patient population, however, the achievement of therapeutic mitotane concentrations is significantly associated with improved progression-free survival.

Circulating Glycosaminoglycan Anticoagulants Associated With Suramin Treatment

A complex coagulopathy appeared in three women receiving suramin as treatment for metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma. Although hepatocellular dysfunction accounted for some of the abnormality, a unique feature of the coagulopathy was the presence of an inhibitor of the thrombin clotting time. The potency of this circulating anticoagulant increased markedly during exacerbations of hepatic injury. The anticoagulant was removed from plasma samples from two of the patients by passage over a column of diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-Sephacel. It eluted from the DEAE at salt concentrations that removed "high-charge" glycosaminoglycans. Elimination of the purified anticoagulant activity in vitro required a combination of heparitinase and chondroitinase ABC, suggesting that the activity was mediated by both heparan sulfate and dermatan sulfate. Suramin is hypothesized to inhibit enzymes that normally degrade glycosaminoglycans, resulting in accumulation of these substances, which are released from the liver into the circulation during periods of hepatic injury.

Mitotane Therapy in Adrenocortical Cancer Induces CYP3A4 and Inhibits 5α-Reductase, Explaining the Need for Personalized Glucocorticoid and Androgen Replacement

Mitotane [1-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2-dichloroethane] is the first-line treatment for metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) and is also regularly used in the adjuvant setting after presumed complete removal of the primary tumor. Mitotane is considered an adrenolytic substance, but there is limited information on distinct effects on steroidogenesis. However, adrenal insufficiency and male hypogonadism are widely recognized side effects of mitotane treatment. Our objective was to define the impact of mitotane treatment on in vivo steroidogenesis in patients with ACC. At seven European specialist referral centers for adrenal tumors, we analyzed 24-h urine samples (n = 127) collected from patients with ACC before and during mitotane therapy in the adjuvant setting (n = 23) or for metastatic ACC (n = 104). Urinary steroid metabolite excretion was profiled by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in comparison with healthy controls (n = 88). We found a sharp increase in the excretion of 6β-hydroxycortisol over cortisol (P < 0.001), indicative of a strong induction of the major drug-metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P450 3A4. The contribution of 6β-hydroxycortisol to total glucocorticoid metabolites increased from 2% (median, interquartile range 1-4%) to 56% (39-71%) during mitotane treatment. Furthermore, we documented strong inhibition of systemic 5α-reductase activity, indicated by a significant decrease in 5α-reduced steroids, including 5α-tetrahydrocortisol, 5α-tetrahydrocorticosterone, and androsterone (all P < 0.001). The degree of inhibition was similar to that in patients with inactivating 5α-reductase type 2 mutations (n = 23) and patients receiving finasteride (n = 5), but cluster analysis of steroid data revealed a pattern of inhibition distinct from these two groups. Longitudinal data showed rapid onset and long-lasting duration of the observed effects. Cytochrome P450 3A4 induction by mitotane results in rapid inactivation of more than 50% of administered hydrocortisone, explaining the need for doubling hydrocortisone replacement in mitotane-treated patients. Strong inhibition of 5α-reductase activity is in line with the clinical observation of relative inefficiency of testosterone replacement in mitotane-treated men, calling for replacement by 5α-reduced androgens.

A phase II trial of combination chemotherapy and surgical resection for the treatment of metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma

A phase II trial of combination chemotherapy and surgical resection for the treatment of metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma

A phase II trial of combination chemotherapy and surgical resection for the treatment of metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma: continuous infusion doxorubicin, vincristine, and etoposide with daily mitotane as a P-glycoprotein antagonist.

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is rare, nearly always fatal, and to the authors' knowledge has few nonsurgical treatment options. Based on in vitro studies demonstrating the efficacy of mitotane as a P-glycoprotein (Pgp) antagonist, and expression of high levels of Pgp in ACC, the authors conducted a study of infusional doxorubicin, vincristine, and etoposide with oral mitotane +/- surgical resection in patients with metastatic ACC. Thirty-six patients with metastatic ACC received daily oral mitotane (mean, 4.6 g/day) and 96-hour infusional doxorubicin (10 mg/m(2)/day), etoposide (75 mg/m(2)/day), and vincristine (0.4 mg/m(2)/day). Four responding patients (11%) underwent surgery. Thirty-five patients were evaluable; all had metastatic disease. Eleven patients had not undergone resection of the primary tumor. Approximately 53% of patients had functional tumors. A total of 190 cycles were administered to 36 patients. Responses were observed in 8 patients (22%): 1 complete, 4 partial, and 3 minor responses. The mean duration of response was 12.4 months. Using a landmark method, the median survival of patients who did not respond to chemotherapy was 11.6 months from a point 4 months after the initiation of therapy, whereas that of 8 patients who demonstrated a response to chemotherapy was 34.3 months from that same landmark. High levels of Pgp expression were documented in nine of nine tumors. Mitotane levels > 10 microg/mL, previously shown to antagonize Pgp in vitro, were achieved in 25 of 36 patients (69%). However, rhodamine efflux from CD56-positive cells was not impaired, suggesting poor in vivo Pgp inhibition. The predominant Grade 3/4 toxicity (according to the Common Toxicity Criteria of the National Cancer Institute) was neutropenia in 66% of cycles; however, fever occurred in only 3% of cycles. Daily mitotane was associated with Grade 1/2 nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and neuropsychiatric changes in 31 of 36 patients (86%). Using a combination regimen of daily mitotane with infusional doxorubicin, vincristine, and etoposide in patients with metastatic ACC, responses were observed in 22% of patients. The superiority of this combination over single-agent mitotane is uncertain. The side effects of mitotane made treatment difficult. More effective Pgp antagonists are needed.

Suramin in adrenocortical cancer: limited efficacy and serious toxicity

No satisfactory treatment for adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is available. We investigated the efficacy and toxicity of suramin in the treatment of metastatic ACC since suramin has been recently reported to be active as a single agent therapy for patients with ACC and prostatic carcinoma. We collected data on 9 patients with metastatic ACC treated with suramin in four centres in Germany between 1987 and 1992. Nine patients (5 women, 4 men; age range 32-67 years) were included. Biochemical evidence of steroid excess was found in 6/9, in three leading to clinical symptoms (hypertension, hyperglycaemia, hirsutism, gynaecomastia). Tumour responses were assessed by radiological and biochemical evaluation. Other investigations included regular measurements of blood cell counts, coagulation, hepatic and renal function parameters, and serum suramin concentrations. The patients received cumulative doses ranging from 8.2 to 30.2 g suramin over periods of 1-15 months. 3/9 achieved a partial response, 2/9 disease stabilization and 4/9 experienced progressive disease. Tumour responses were transient. Suramin treatment was without direct influence on steroid excess. Serious side-effects included coagulopathy (6/9), thrombocytopenia (6/9), polyneuropathy (2/9) and allergic skin reactions (4/9); the death of two patients was possibly related to suramin therapy. Both toxicity and tumour response were strongly associated with serum level or cumulative dose of suramin. (1) Suramin is of antineoplastic efficacy in the treatment of metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma. (2) The clinical use of suramin is limited by a narrow therapeutic window with the risk of serious and possibly lethal toxicity at one extreme, and loss of efficacy at the other. Strict monitoring of suramin serum levels is mandatory aiming at levels between 200 and 250 mg/l. Suramin should not be considered as first-line treatment for metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma. (3) To improve treatment options in adrenocortical carcinoma as well as for further investigation on the usefulness of suramin, controlled prospective trials are urgently needed.