Sunitinib-induced complete response in metastatic renal cancer expressing neuroendocrine markers: a new predictive factor?

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

To date, no predictive factors are recognized and applied in the therapeutic choice for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Due to significant side-effects and costs, which are relevant issues in this setting, optimization of treatments has become a priority.

CASE REPORT:

We herein report a case of complete remission of metastatic renal cell carcinoma after 1 year of treatment with sunitinib. Since pancreatic metastases were detected by a 68Ga-DOTA-NOC positron emission tomography, it was decided to perform a histological revision of the specimens, with immunohistochemical staining for neuroendocrine markers on the primary tumor.

CONCLUSION:

On the basis of the detection of neuroendocrine markers on the primary neoplasm, together with pancreatic metastases positive on a 68Ga-DOTA-NOC positron emission tomography (PET), we hypothesize and discuss about a potential role of specific neuroendocrine markers as predictive indicators of response to sunitinib (and allegedly to other target therapies) in the treatment of this neoplasm.

• Authors: Donatella Gambini, Elisa Locatelli, Umberto Gianelli, Claudia Bareggi, Barbara Galassi, Roberto Visintin, Sara Massironi, Paolo G Dell'orto, Maurizio Tomirotti
• Journal: Anticancer research (Anticancer Res) Vol. 34 Issue 12 Pg. 7361-5 (Dec 2014) ISSN: 1791-7530 [Electronic] Greece
• PMID: 25503173 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright© 2014 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Angiogenesis Inhibitors
• Antineoplastic Agents
• Biomarkers, Tumor
• Indoles
• Pyrroles
• Sunitinib

Topics

• Angiogenesis Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Antineoplastic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Biomarkers, Tumor (biosynthesis)
• Carcinoma, Renal Cell (drug therapy, surgery)
• Humans
• Indoles (therapeutic use)
• Kidney Neoplasms (drug therapy, pathology, surgery)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Nephrectomy
• Pancreatic Neoplasms (drug therapy, secondary)
• Positron-Emission Tomography
• Pyrroles (therapeutic use)
• Sunitinib