Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0027627 (metastases)
 103,950 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Since the adrenal or parathyroid cancer is a clinically rare entity. We often have difficulty in its diagnosis and treatment. The adrenocortical cancer is usually classified into two categories--endocrinologically functioning or non-functioning. The incidence is not different between them. It is often found in an advanced stage as it does not show clinical manifestation before it has grown up to a large tumor. Only an effective agent for the adrenal cancer is op'-DDD so far. Recently, cisplatin, VP-16 (etoposide) and others are administered as trial use. Most of malignant pheochromocytomas are endocrinologically active and they often cause hypertension leading to death. Therefore it is important to control hypertension in malignant pheochromocytoma. Chemotherapy and irradiation are not effective for it. Recently, 131I-MIBG (metaiodobenzylguanidine) is found to be useful not only for diagnosis but also treatment of malignant pheochromocytoma. 131I-MIBG is accumulated specifically in the chromaffin cells and with helpful to find out metastatic foci. It is also used in a large amount as a specific irradiation therapy for this malignancy. Parathyroid cancer is found in approximately 3 percent of primary hyperparathyroidism. Clinically it usually reveal serum calcium level higher than 14 mg/dl, bone lesions and renal dysfunction in addition to palpable cervical tumors adhering with skin. Sometimes it is difficult to differentiate malignancy from adenoma in histology. Most cases develop local recurrences and distant metastases in due course and dies of hypercalcemia. It is very important to control hypercalcemia in inoperable cases. As both chemotherapy and radiation therapy render no effect on this malignancy. Surgery is a sole strategy for it.
 ...
PMID:[Current therapy of endocrine organ tumors (adrenal and parathyroid glands)]. 334 84

29 patients with adrenal tumors were admitted to our hospital from June 1985 to July 1994. The diagnosis was made preoperatively in 7 patients (5 adrenal cyst, 2 adrenal myelolipoma) by B-US, CT or MRI. Of the 22 patients whose diagnosis was not made before operation, 8 (tumor diameter: < 3cm) had adrenal cortical adenomas, 6 (tumor diameter: 3-6cm) adrenal medullary tumor, 8 (tumor diameter: > 6cm) adrenocortical cancer (2), adrenal neuroblastoma (1), metastatic cancer (2), adrenal pheochromocytoma (1) and adrenal lymphatic hyperplasia (1) respectively. All non-functioning adrenal tumors should be treated operatively except for adrenal cyst smaller than 3 cm or adrenal myelolipoma.
 ...
PMID:[Non-functioning adrenal tumor: clinical analysis of 29 cases]. 873 78

Bisphosphonates (BPs), specific inhibitors of osteoclasts, are well established in the management of skeletal metastases in breast cancer. Recent studies have suggested that these compounds may also directly influence tumor cell proliferation. As adrenocortical cancer frequently leads to bone metastases, we investigated the effects of clodronate (CLO) in the human adrenocortical cancer cell line NCI-H295 and in primary cultures of bovine adrenocortical cells. Both the non-amino BP CLO and the amino BP pamidronate (PAM) exhibited a dose-dependent antiproliferative effect in both cell types (cell viability in NCI-H295 cells: 100 microM CLO: 98+/-8%; 500 microM CLO 76+/-6%; 1000 microM CLO 53+/-2; 10 microM PAM 96+/-3%; 50 microM PAM 46+/-6%; 100 microM PAM 11+/-1% vs untreated control cells: 100+/-10%; P<0.01). FACS analysis in NCI-H295 cells treated with either CLO or PAM demonstrated both apoptotic and necrotic cell death. However, while during PAM treatment cell number and hormone secretion decreased in parallel, we observed specific impairment of steroidogenesis in the presence of CLO with a dose-dependent increase in the 17-OH-progesterone/cortisol ratio (100 microM CLO 134+/-30%; 500 microM CLO 284+/-10%; 1000 microM CLO 545+/-130% vs 100+/-20% in control cells; P<0.01). Further analysis in ACTH-stimulated bovine adrenal cells using stable isotope dilution/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry demonstrated CLO-induced inhibition of adrenal 21-hydroxylase (P450c21) activity leading to a dose-dependent increase in the 17-OH-progesterone/11-deoxycortisol ratio. In conclusion, we demonstrate a dose-dependent antiproliferative effect of CLO and PAM in adrenocortical cells. In addition, for the first time, we describe a suppressive effect of CLO on steroidogenesis via inhibition of adrenal 21-hydroxylase (P450c21) activity.
 ...
PMID:Clodronate inhibits adrenocortical cell proliferation and P450c21 activity. 1220 72

Positron emission tomography (PET) supplies a range of labeled compounds to be used for the characterization of tumor biochemistry. Some of these have proved to be of value for clinical diagnosis, treatment follow up, and clinical research. The first routinely used PET tracer in oncology, (18)F-labeled deoxyglucose (FDG), was successfully used for diagnosis of cancer, reflecting increased expression of glucose transporter in cancerous tissue. This tracer, however, usually does not show sufficient uptake in well-differentiated tumors such as neuroendocrine tumors. We developed a tracer more specific to neuroendocrine tumors-the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) labeled with (11)C-and demonstrated increased uptake and irreversible trapping of this tracer in carcinoid tumors. The uptake was so selective and the resolution was so high that we could detect more liver and lymph node metastases with PET than with CT or octreotide scintigraphy. To further improve the method, especially to reduce the high renal excretion of the tracer producing streaky artifacts in the area of interest, we introduced premedication by the decarboxylase inhibitor carbidopa, leading to a six-fold decreased renal excretion while the tumor uptake increased three-fold, hence improving the visualization of the tumors. (11)C-labeled l-DOPA was evaluated as an alternative tracer, especially for endocrine pancreatic tumors, which usually do not demonstrate enhanced urinary serotonin metabolites. However, only half of the EPTs, mainly functioning tumors, could be detected with l-DOPA. Instead 5-HTP seems to be a universal tracer for EPT and foregut carcinoids. With new, more sensitive PET cameras, larger field of view and procedures for whole-body coverage, the PET examination with 5-HTP is now routinely performed as reduced whole-body PET examinations with coverage of the thorax and abdomen. With this method we have been able to visualize small neuroendocrine lesions in the pancreas and thorax (e.g., ACTH-producing bronchial carcinoids) not detectable by any other method, including octreotide scintigraphy, MRI, and CT. Another tracer, the 11beta-hydroxylase inhibitor, metomidate labeled with (11)C, was developed to simplify diagnosis and follow-up of patients with incidentalomas. A large series of patients with incidentally found adrenal masses have been investigated and so far all lesions of adrenocortical origin have been easily identified because of exceedingly high uptake of (11)C-metomidate, whereas noncortical lesions showed very low uptake. In addition, adrenocortical cancer shows high uptake, suggesting that this PET tracer can be used for staging purposes.
 ...
PMID:The role of PET in localization of neuroendocrine and adrenocortical tumors. 1238 51

The diagnostic potential of positron emission tomography (PET) with carbon-11 metomidate in patients with adrenocortical cancer (ACC) was evaluated. Thirteen PET examinations were performed in 11 patients with CT-detected primary tumours or recurrence and/or metastases from a previously histopathologically proven ACC. The findings at PET were compared with those at CT and verified by histopathology. Six studies (group A) were performed in patients who at the time of imaging were free of medication that could interfere with 11beta-hydroxylase activity and thereby tracer uptake at PET, such as adrenal steroid inhibitors or chemotherapy. The remaining seven studies (group B) were carried out in patients who were monitored during treatment with one or a combination of these drugs. PET visualised all viable tumours with high tracer uptake, and revealed two more lesions than were seen on CT. Three necrotic tumours were detected as false negative observations, as confirmed at surgery and histopathological examination. A true negative observation was obtained at PET in the case of a suspected liver metastasis on CT that was found to have fat vacuolation at histopathological examination of an ultrasonically guided core biopsy specimen. Group A showed apparently higher uptake in normal tissues than group B (adrenal, P=0.03; liver, P=0.01). The metomidate uptake was increased in tumour lesions as compared with normal tissues (adrenal, P=0.02; liver, P=0.005). ACC could be clearly visualised with (11)C-metomidate PET except when the tumour was necrotic. Medication with adrenal steroid inhibitors and chemotherapy decreased the tracer uptake.
 ...
PMID:11C-metomidate PET imaging of adrenocortical cancer. 1263 69

Malignant tumor of adrenal cortex without early diagnosis and radical surgical treatment is fatal. The results of treatment of 216 patients with adrenocortical carcinoma treated in 1968-2002, which is 32.6% of all the patients with tumors of adrenal cortex treated in the clinic were analyzed. In majority of cases the disease was hormonally active. The best result was observed after primary radical surgery at early stage (without regional metastases). Re-operation in majority of cases ensures remission, however, it cannot be considered as radical method of treatment. Chloditane application permits to prolongs survival, however it has usually been used as additional treatment.
 ...
PMID:[Treatment results in adrenal cortex malignant tumors ]. 1461 Jul 95

The new imaging techniques used during the last several years: ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have improved detection of non-functional adrenal tumours s.c. "incidentaloma". Incidence of adrenal incidentaloma is not very low. They are detected in about 0.35-4.36% CT examination. In most of cases incidentaloma are benign and gave no clinical signs; however primary adrenal cortex cancer and metastases of different cancers are not uncommon. The primary adrenal lymphoma is an extremely rare disease. The predominant group of patients are men over 50 years with other manifestations of non Hodgkin lymphoma. Most frequently both adrenal glands are affected and signs of adrenal insufficiency (despite weakness, fever and loss of weight) are present. In our paper we present a case of primary, unilateral lymphoma in a 19 year old women. It was discovered as incidentaloma in ultrasound examination. Hormonal examinations were normal, but the tumour size was indication for surgery treatment. The diagnosis was made by histological examination and adjuvant chemotherapy was administrated.
 ...
PMID:[Primary adrenal lymphoma in incidentally discovered adrenal tumour]. 1744 88

Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare neoplasm occurring with a frequency of 1-2 cases per million. It is characterized by significant malignancy with mean survival of about 28 months, and in the presence of documented metastases survival is shorter up to 8 months. This type of a tumor is slightly more frequent in women (58.6%) than in men (41.4%). Etiology of adrenocortical carcinoma is still unclear, but a role of genetic and environmental factors has been largely considered. Most of the carcinomas (60%) are functional and usually the first manifestation is Cushing's syndrome with virilization. The tumor size is still the best single predictor of prognosis. Histopathology specimen from biopsy or obtained during operation should be stained for Melan A, which can confirm the adrenal origin of the tumor. The only method of treatment is a complete surgical excision of the carcinoma. However, because of its dynamics, metastases cannot be reliably excluded. We presented the case of functioning adrenocortical cancer in 37-year-old patient who at time of diagnosis had 12 cm in diameter tumor of the left adrenal gland and metastases to the liver and lung. In the article the symptoms associated with hormones produced by the carcinoma, diagnostics and treatment with regard to the progression of the disease have also been discussed.
 ...
PMID:[Disseminated adrenocortical carcinoma: case report]. 1796 98

In this study, we evaluate whether Snail is expressed in adrenocortical cancer (ACC) and if its expression is related to patient outcome. One of the best known functions of the zinc-finger transcription factor Snail is to induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Increasing evidence suggests that EMT plays a pivotal role in tumour progression and metastatic spread. Snail and E-cadherin expression were assessed by immunohistochemistry in 26 resected ACCs and real-time quantitative RT-PCR expression analysis was performed. Data were correlated with clinical outcome and in particular with overall patient survival. Seventeen of 26 (65%) ACC tumour samples expressed Snail when assessed by immunohistochemistry. Snail expression was neither detected in normal adrenocortical tissue, nor in benign adrenocortical adenomas. Expression levels were confirmed on the mRNA level by Real-Time-PCR. Survival rates were significantly decreased in Snail-positive tumours compared to Snail-negative tumours: 10 out of 16 vs one out of eight patients succumbed to disease after a median follow up of 14.5 and 28.5 months, respectively (P=0.03). Patients with Snail-expressing ACCs presented in advanced disease (11 out of 12 vs 6 out of 14, P=0.01) and tend to develop distant metastases more frequently than patients with negative staining (7 out of 11 vs two out of eight, P=0.19). In conclusion, we describe for the first time that Snail is expressed in a large subset of ACCs. Furthermore, Snail expression is associated with decreased survival, advanced disease and higher risk of developing distant metastases.
 ...
PMID:Expression of the zinc-finger transcription factor Snail in adrenocortical carcinoma is associated with decreased survival. 1901 64

A test system developed by the authors was used to measure serum concentrations of soluble Fas in patients with malignant and benign tumors of different location and morphology. Relationships between soluble Fas levels and the main clinical and morphological characteristics of cancer were evaluated. It is proven that the concentrations and incidence of detection of soluble Fas in the sera of patients with tumors are significantly higher than in normal subjects. No appreciable differences in the concentrations of soluble Fas were detected in malignant and benign tumors of the mammary gland, bones, ovaries, and adrenals. In thyroid cancer, soluble Fas levels were higher than in benign and hyperplastic processes in this organ. High level of soluble Fas is associated with late stages of the disease (ovarian cancer, cancer of the corpus uteri, adrenocortical and colorectal cancer) and with poor differentiation of the tumor (ovarian cancer and cancer of the corpus uteri), with local metastases (colorectal and adrenocortical cancer), and with tumor invasion into the myometrial tissue, intestinal wall, and adjacent tissues (cancer of the corpus uteri and colorectal cancer). A significantly high level of soluble Fas was detected in colorectal and adrenocortical cancer in the presence of at least 2 local metastases. Soluble Fas levels depended on tumor histogenesis in malignant and benign ovarian tumors. High concentration of soluble Fas was detected in large tumors in patients with ovarian cancer, cancer of the corpus uteri, colorectal cancer, thyroid cancer and adenoma, and in adrenocortical cancer. Initially high levels of soluble Fas are characteristic of patients whose tumors are little sensitive to nonadjuvant radiotherapy. The overall 5-year survival of patients with low levels of soluble Fas is better in osteosarcoma, cancer of the corpus uteri, ovarian and adrenocortical cancer.
 ...
PMID:Cancer and soluble FAS. 2039 60


1 2 Next >>