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Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of... Dec 2019Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors. Extra-adrenal lesions arising from the autonomic neural ganglia are termed paraganglioma. Clinical symptoms are common... (Review)
Review
Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors. Extra-adrenal lesions arising from the autonomic neural ganglia are termed paraganglioma. Clinical symptoms are common between the adrenal and extra-adrenal forms and are determined by excess secretion of catecholamines. Hypertension is a critical and often dramatic feature of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma, and its most prevalent reported symptom. However, given the rare occurrence of this cancer, in patients undergoing screening for hypertension, the prevalence ranges from 0.1% to 0.6%. Still, patients frequently come to the attention of endocrinologist when pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma is suspected as a secondary cause of hypertension. This article summarizes current clinical approaches in patients with pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Humans; Hypertension; Neuroendocrine Tumors; Paraganglioma; Pheochromocytoma
PubMed: 31655773
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecl.2019.08.006 -
Endocrine-related Cancer Apr 2023Paragangliomas (PGL) of the adrenal (also known as pheochromocytomas) or extra-adrenal neural crest-derived cells are highly heritable tumors, usually driven by single... (Review)
Review
Paragangliomas (PGL) of the adrenal (also known as pheochromocytomas) or extra-adrenal neural crest-derived cells are highly heritable tumors, usually driven by single pathogenic variants that occur mutually exclusively in genes involved in multiple cellular processes, including the response to hypoxia, MAPK/ERK signaling, and WNT signaling. The discovery of driver mutations has led to active clinical surveillance with outcome implications in familial PGL. The spectrum of mutations continues to grow and reveal unique mechanisms of tumorigenesis that inform tumor biology and provide the rationale for targeted therapy. Here we review recent progress in the genetics and molecular pathogenesis of PGLs and discuss new prospects for advancing research with new disease models and ongoing clinical trials presented at the recent International Symposium of Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas (ISP2022) held in October 2022 in Prague.
Topics: Humans; Pheochromocytoma; Paraganglioma; Mutation; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms
PubMed: 36748842
DOI: 10.1530/ERC-22-0373 -
Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of... Dec 2019Pseudopheochromocytoma manifests as severe, symptomatic paroxysmal hypertension without significant elevation in catecholamine and metanephrine levels and lack of... (Review)
Review
Pseudopheochromocytoma manifests as severe, symptomatic paroxysmal hypertension without significant elevation in catecholamine and metanephrine levels and lack of evidence of tumor in the adrenal gland. The clinical manifestations are similar but not identical to those in excess circulating catecholamines. The underlying symptomatic mechanism includes augmented cardiovascular responsiveness to catecholamines alongside heightened sympathetic nervous stimulation. The psychological characteristics are probably attributed to the component of repressed emotions related to a past traumatic episode or repressive coping style. Successful management can be achieved by strong collaboration between a hypertension specialist and a psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in cognitive-behavioral panic management.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Humans; Hypertension; Panic Disorder; Pheochromocytoma; Somatoform Disorders
PubMed: 31655774
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecl.2019.08.004 -
Acta Biochimica Polonica Sep 2023Pheochromocytoma (PPC) and paraganglioma (PGL) are the tumors that rarely occur in the pediatric population (PPGL). Both originate from chromaffin cells,...
Pheochromocytoma (PPC) and paraganglioma (PGL) are the tumors that rarely occur in the pediatric population (PPGL). Both originate from chromaffin cells, pheochromocytoma is localized in the adrenal gland, whereas paragangliomas are regarded as the tumors present in other localizations, from head to the pelvis. The clinical image is characterized by the presence of the sustained hypertension, headaches, sweating, palpitations. The symptoms are caused by the catecholamine secretion or are related to tumor mass pressure on different organs. The catecholamines and their metabolites levels in urine collection or plasma are necessary for further evaluation of the diagnosis. In pediatric population the tumors occur in multiple familial syndromes such as Multiple Endocrine type 2, Neurofibromatosis type 1, Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, Familial Paraganglioma syndrome are related to specific mutations (SDHx, RET, VHL, NF1) leading to the characteristic phenotype. The radiological and nuclear imaging are an important part of the examination. Although CT and MR are reported to have overall good sensitivity for the tumor detection, further analysis with nuclear imaging is recommended for the specified diagnosis. Right now 68GA-DOTATATE is regarded as the tracer of choice, leading to the complex evaluation of patients with different mutations and metastatic disease. The treatment of choice is the tumor excision. Also, lately new therapeutic approaches including genetically targeted therapies are under investigation for more complex treatment of tumors with underlying genetic cause or metastatic disease. Long term follow-up after treatment to avoid recurrence or to detect it in early stadium must be performed.
Topics: Child; Humans; Adolescent; Pheochromocytoma; Paraganglioma; Biological Transport; Catecholamines; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms
PubMed: 37717273
DOI: 10.18388/abp.2020_6955 -
Journal of Molecular Endocrinology Apr 2023The genetics of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) has become increasingly complex over the last two decades. The list of genes involved in the development of... (Review)
Review
The genetics of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) has become increasingly complex over the last two decades. The list of genes involved in the development of these tumors has grown steadily, and there are currently more than 20 driver genes implicated in either the hereditary or the sporadic nature of the disease. Although genetic diagnosis is achieved in about 75-80% of patients, genetic etiology remains unexplained in a significant percentage of cases. Patients lacking a genetic diagnosis include not only those with apparently sporadic PPGL but also patients with a family history of the disease or with multiple tumors, that meet the criteria to be considered as candidates for carrying germline mutations in yet undiscovered genes. Mutations in known PPGL genes deregulate three main signaling pathways (hypoxia, kinase signaling, and Wnt-signaling pathways), which could be the starting point for the development of personalized treatment for PPGL patients. Furthermore, the integration of results from several genomic high-throughput platforms enables the discovery of regulatory mechanisms that cannot be identified by analyzing each piece of information separately. These strategies are powerful tools for elucidating optimal therapeutic options based on molecular biomarkers in PPGL and represent an important step toward the achievement of precision medicine for patients with metastatic PPGL.
Topics: Humans; Pheochromocytoma; Paraganglioma; Mutation; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Wnt Signaling Pathway
PubMed: 36520714
DOI: 10.1530/JME-22-0167 -
Current Opinion in Endocrinology,... Jun 2021This review summarizes our current understanding of germline and somatic genetics and genomics of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PCC/PGL), describes existing... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This review summarizes our current understanding of germline and somatic genetics and genomics of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PCC/PGL), describes existing knowledge gaps, and discusses future research directions.
RECENT FINDINGS
Germline pathogenic variants (PVs) are found in up to 40% of those with PCC/PGL. Tumors with germline PVs are broadly categorized as Cluster 1 (pseudohypoxia), including those with SDH, VHL, FH, and EPAS1 PVs, or Cluster 2 (kinase signaling) including those with NF1, RET, TMEM127, and MAX PVs. Somatic driver mutations exist in some of the same genes (RET, VHL, NF1, EPAS1) as well as in additional genes including HRAS, CSDE1 and genes involved in cell immortalization (ATRX and TERT). Other somatic driver events include recurrent fusion genes involving MAML3.
SUMMARY
PCC/PGL have the highest association with germline PVs of all human solid tumors. Expanding our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of PCC/PGL is essential to advancements in diagnosis and surveillance and the development of novel therapies for these unique tumors.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Mutation; Paraganglioma; Pheochromocytoma; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 33764930
DOI: 10.1097/MED.0000000000000634 -
Ugeskrift For Laeger Apr 2023In this case report, a 56-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with rapid onset dyspnoea, hypertension, tachycardia, hypoxaemia, and pulmonary oedema. A...
In this case report, a 56-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with rapid onset dyspnoea, hypertension, tachycardia, hypoxaemia, and pulmonary oedema. A chest radiography revealed severe bilateral infiltrations and pulmonary oedema. Subsequent computertomography showed left-sided adrenal tumour and blood samples severely increased catecholamines. The patient received treatment including beta-blocking agents and developed severe heart failure. After stabilisation the patient underwent surgical resection of the tumour and left kidney. Pathological assessment revealed the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma.
Topics: Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Pulmonary Edema; Pheochromocytoma; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Hypertension; Dyspnea
PubMed: 37114590
DOI: No ID Found -
La Revue de Medecine Interne Nov 2019Phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGL) are rare neuroendocrine tumors that arise from the adrenal medulla or sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia. These tumors... (Review)
Review
Phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGL) are rare neuroendocrine tumors that arise from the adrenal medulla or sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia. These tumors produce most often catecholamines in excess, causing hypertension and sometimes severe acute cardiovascular complications. The diagnosis is based on plasma or urines metanephrines measurements and on conventional and nuclear medicine imaging. Catecholamines-producing PPGL is very unlikely if levels are normal. The diagnosis of PPGL cannot be made without visualization of a tumor. Therapeutic management consists mostly of surgical excision, after drug preparation, and should be done in referral centers. About 40% of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas occur in the context of an autosomal inherited syndrome, making genetic testing essential. The follow-up must be prolonged because a metastatic evolution or a recurrence can be observed in about 15% of the cases.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Adrenal Glands; Adrenalectomy; Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Algorithms; Catecholamines; Continuity of Patient Care; Genetic Testing; Heart Diseases; Humans; Hypertension; Paraganglioma; Pheochromocytoma; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
PubMed: 31493938
DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2019.07.008 -
Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic... Feb 2023Diagnosis of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma (PPGL) in pregnancy has been associated historically with high rates of materno-fetal morbidity and mortality. Recent... (Review)
Review
Diagnosis of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma (PPGL) in pregnancy has been associated historically with high rates of materno-fetal morbidity and mortality. Recent evidence suggests outcomes are improved by recognition of PPGL before or during pregnancy and appropriate medical management with alpha-blockade. Whether antepartum surgery (before the third trimester) is required remains controversial and open to case-based merits. Women with PPGL in pregnancy are more commonly delivered by Caesarean section, although vaginal delivery appears to be safe in selected cases. At least some PPGLs express the luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) which may explain their dramatic manifestation in pregnancy. PPGLs in pregnancy are often associated with heritable syndromes, and genetic counselling and testing should be offered routinely in this setting. Since optimal outcomes are only achieved by early recognition of PPGL in (or ideally before) pregnancy, it is incumbent for clinicians to be aware of this diagnosis in a pregnant woman with hypertension occurring before 20 weeks' gestation, and acute and/or refractory hypertension particularly if paroxysmal and accompanied by sweating, palpitations and/or headaches. All women with a past history of PPGL and/or heritable PPGL syndrome should be carefully assessed for the presence of residual or recurrent disease before considering pregnancy.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Pheochromocytoma; Cesarean Section; Paraganglioma; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Hypertension
PubMed: 36637675
DOI: 10.1007/s11154-022-09773-2 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas (Pheo/PGL) are rare catecholamine-producing tumours derived from adrenal medulla or from the extra-adrenal paraganglia respectively.... (Review)
Review
Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas (Pheo/PGL) are rare catecholamine-producing tumours derived from adrenal medulla or from the extra-adrenal paraganglia respectively. Around 10-15% of Pheo/PGL develop metastatic forms and have a poor prognosis with a 37% of mortality rate at 5 years. These tumours have a strong genetic determinism, and the presence of succinate dehydrogenase B (SDHB) mutations are highly associated with metastatic forms. To date, no effective treatment is present for metastatic forms. In addition to cancer cells, the tumour microenvironment (TME) is also composed of non-neoplastic cells and non-cellular components, which are essential for tumour initiation and progression in multiple cancers, including Pheo/PGL. This review, for the first time, provides an overview of the roles of TME cells such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) on Pheo/PGL growth and progression. Moreover, the functions of the non-cellular components of the TME, among which the most representatives are growth factors, extracellular vesicles and extracellular matrix (ECM) are explored. The importance of succinate as an oncometabolite is emerging and since Pheo/PGL SDH mutated accumulate high levels of succinate, the role of succinate and of its receptor (SUCNR1) in the modulation of the carcinogenesis process is also analysed. Further understanding of the mechanism behind the complicated effects of TME on Pheo/PGL growth and spread could suggest novel therapeutic targets for further clinical treatments.
Topics: Humans; Pheochromocytoma; Tumor Microenvironment; Paraganglioma; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Succinates
PubMed: 37033265
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1137456