Project description:BackgroundPrimitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) is a rare kind of sarcoma that is primarily found in the kidney and has a very poor prognosis. Here, we review and summarize the clinical data of patients with renal PNET in our center and follow up the patients for survival status. Although the current literature suggests that chemotherapy may benefit the survival of these patients, the information from our center suggests that this may not be the case.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with renal PNET diagnosed pathologically at Peking University First Hospital from January 1, 2007, to January 1, 2018. All of the patients were followed up for survival status.ResultsSeven patients with renal PNET were found. The ratio of males to females was 6:1. The median age was 29 years (21-72 years) at the time of diagnosis. The preoperative imaging examination showed a large renal mass protruding outwards from the renal contour, with internal necrosis and hemorrhage. Six/7 patients were diagnosed with distant metastasis or retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis. The main clinical manifestations of patients were pain (5/7) and fever (3/7). In immunohistochemistry, all patients' samples were CD99 positive. All patients died in our follow-up, with an average overall survival (OS) of 12.09 months (1.90-26.77 months).ConclusionsAs a rare renal tumor, renal PNET has a propensity to occur in young males. Most patients have distant metastasis when they are diagnosed, and the prognosis is very poor. Effective treatments are urgently needed.
Project description:Primary primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) are extremely rare in the lung and especially in adult women. We describe a case of PNET of the lung with aggressive behavior in 31-year-old woman. Diagnosis was based on histopathological and immunohistochemical studies, and confirmed by molecular genetic analysis of chromosome rearrangements in the EWSR1 gene region. Clinical follow-up, post-mortem findings, and differential diagnosis are also discussed.
Project description:BackgroundDiverse functions of microRNAs (miRNAs), including effects on tumorigenesis, proliferation, and differentiation, have been reported, and several miRNAs have also been demonstrated to play an important role in apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the possible role that miRNAs may play in the development of chemoresistance in Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (EWS).MethodsWe screened doxorubicin (Dox)-resistant EWS cells to identify any distinct miRNA sequences that may regulate the chemoresistance of EWS cells. The effects of miRNAs were evaluated using a chemosensitivity assay. The possible target genes of the miRNAs were predicted using a web-based prediction program.ResultsWe found miR-125b to be upregulated in two different Dox-resistant EWS cell lines. The upregulation of miR-125b was also confirmed in the EWS tumors having survived chemotherapy regimen which includes doxorubicin. When miR-125b was knocked down in EWS cells, both the Dox-resistant and parental cells showed an enhanced sensitivity to doxorubicin, which was associated with the upregulation of the pro-apoptotic molecules, p53 and Bak. Inversely, the overexpression of miR-125b in parental EWS cells resulted in enhanced drug resistance, not only to doxorubicin, but also to etoposide and vincristine.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that miR-125b may play a role in the development of chemoresistance in EWS by suppressing the expression of the apoptotic mediators, such as p53 and Bak.
Project description:BackgroundPeripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor isolated in the heart, presenting as a primary cardiac tumor is considered as extremely rare.MethodsWe present a 53-year-old Chinese female with a cardiac tumor which was discovered by CT.ResultsA hypo-intense tumorous mass was shown extending from the left ventricle by Cardiac CT, and fused FDG positron emission tomography demonstrated no other abnormal FDG active lesions in the body. We performed a total resection surgery of the tumor subsequently and the patient recovered well and discharged from hospital 6 d after surgery.ConclusionThe pathological diagnosis was primary cardiac peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor. No tumor recurrence was shown by echocardiography during the 24 months follow-up visits.
Project description:Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) mainly arises from soft tissues of the extremities such as humerus, femur, C tibia. It rarely arises from kidney; less than 200 cases have been reported in the literature. The clinical presentation and radiography findings are not specific. Here we first report two cases of renal primitive neuroectodermal tumor in Syria. the first patient was 26-year-old- female that presented to urology clinic complaining of right flank pain. Ultrasonography of the abdomen showed a large mixed heterogeneous mass in the right kidney with no hemorrhage or calcification and MSCT of abdomen and pelvis demonstrate a mixed well-demarcated heterogeneous mass measuring (74*117) mm in the right kidney right radical nephrectomy was performed. The second patient 19-year-old-male presented with left flank pain. Ultrasonography of the abdomen showed mixed large mass involving the left kidney, with unmarked border. The CT of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrating a (30*110*90) mm left renal mass and periaortic lymphadenopathy measuring (45*28) mm. The patient underwent Left radical nephrectomy with periaortic lymphadenectomy dissection. The final diagnosis for both cases was Renal PNET based on microscopic and immunohistochemistry examination. In patient with suspected renal mass in the radiographic images, the diagnosis of renal primitive neuroectodermal tumor should be kept in the mind despite its rarity. The final diagnosis is done by histopathological study in association with immunohistochemical examination. Highlights • Here we will first report two cases of renal PNET in Syria.• The diagnosis of renal primitive neuroectodermal tumor should be kept in the mind despite its rarity.• The final diagnosis is done by histopathological study in association with immunohistochemical examination.
Project description:IntroductionPrimitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) form a group of tumors defined by their appearance that are thought to develop from primitive (undifferentiated) nerve cells in the brain. They are rare tumors and their incidence is not well defined.Case presentationAn 18-month-old male presenting with typical Cushingoid appearance (moon face, central obesity, hirsutism and growth arrest) was admitted for evaluation of endocrine problems. Subsequent laboratory studies revealed markedly elevated adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) and cortisol levels, as well as a hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, these data are consistent with the diagnosis of Cushing's disease. He was treated with metyrapone to control hypercortisolemia. One month and a half later, a mass was detected in the abdomen by ultrasonography. An abdominal Computed tomography confirmed a large heterogeneous retroperitoneal mass with a significant amount of extension into surrounding structures which was removed by laparoscopic abdominal surgery. The patient's symptoms completely resolved and the ACTH and cortisol levels were also greatly reduced. Histologically, the tumor tissue consistent with the diagnosis of the retroperitoneal primitive neuroectodermal tumor which was confirmed immunohistochemically. This case demonstrates the successful diagnosis and treatment of a rare neoplasm.ConclusionThis is the first rare case with ectopic ACTH syndrome caused by the peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor.
Project description:Peripheral Primitive NeuroEctodermal Tumors (pPNETs) are rare highly malignant tumors; originating from the neuroectoderm. Although PNETs may arise in various locations (most commonly in the extremities), very few cases have been reported in the pelvis. There is still poor evidence about the management of these tumors in the literature. We present a rare case of pelvic PNET in a 20-year-old male. The patient presented with symptoms mimicking a lumbar disk hernia, which delayed the diagnosis. He was managed with a combination of a debulking procedure, adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy; and has been in remission for 2 years upon follow-up. This case highlights the importance of diagnosing such aggressive tumors as early as possible (as prognosis may vary significantly), and the challenge in the management of PNETs due to poor evidence.
Project description:BackgroundExtraosseous Ewing's sarcoma/peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumours(EWS/pPNETs) of the kidney are rare. Signs and symptoms are atypical in EWS patients. Presenting symptoms include haematuria, abdominal pain, or a palpable mass. A comprehensive review of the literature shows that it is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis based on physical examination alone. The imaging findings of EWS/pPNETs are nonspecific. We used contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to diagnose an EWS/pPNET in our patient, which had never been reported previously to our knowledge.Case presentationThis article reports the case of a 20-year-old female with an abdominal mass and gross haematuria for 1 month. The ultrasound revealed a hypoechoic mass with a clear margin at the lower pole in the left kidney. CEUS demonstrated signs of annular enhancement and heterogeneous enhancement of the tumour, and simultaneous wash-in was predominant. Computed tomography images showed an elliptical low-density tumour. The patient underwent a left kidney resection, and the pathological diagnosis was an EWS/pPNET. Twenty-one days after the kidney operation, the patient underwent 8 cycles of a CAV (vinorelbine, ifosfamide, epirubicin) + IE (isocyclophosphamide, etoposide) chemotherapy regimen. Subsequently, radiotherapy (dose: 45 Gy, radiation field:the tumour bed following surgical resection) was administered for nearly 30 days. The patient had no signs of local recurrence or metastasis within a follow-up of 4 years.ConclusionsAs a radiation-free, inexpensive, convenient, and repeatable examination method, ultrasound was the primary choice for kidney examination. Early CEUS was helpful to make an accurate diagnosis. Surgery and adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy administered in a timely manner can prevent further deterioration.
Project description:BackgroundEwing sarcoma/PNET is managed with treatment paradigms involving combinations of chemotherapy, surgery, and sometimes radiation. Although the 5-year survival rate of non-metastatic disease approaches 70%, those cases that are metastatic and those that recur have 5-year survival rates of less than 20%. Molecularly targeted treatments offer the potential to further improve treatment outcomes.MethodsA PUBMED search was performed from 1997 to 2011. Published literature that included the topic of the Ewing sarcoma/PNET was also referenced.ResultsInsulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) antagonists have demonstrated modest single agent efficacy in phase I/II clinical trials in Ewing sarcoma/PNET, but have a strong preclinical rationale. Based on in vitro and animal data, treatment using antisense RNA and cDNA oligonucleotides directed at silencing the EWS-FLI chimera that occurs in most Ewing sarcoma/PNET may have potential therapeutic importance. However drug delivery and degradation problems may limit this therapeutic approach. Protein-protein interactions can be targeted by inhibition of RNA helicase A, which binds to EWS/FLI as part of the transcriptional complex. Tumour necrosis factor related apoptosis inducing ligand induction using interferon has been used in preclinical models. Interferons may be incorporated into future chemotherapeutic treatment paradigms. Histone deacetylase inhibitors can restore TGF-β receptor II allowing TFF-β signalling, which appears to inhibit growth of Ewing sarcoma/PNET cell lines in vitro. Immunotherapy using allogeneic natural killer cells has activity in Ewing sarcoma/PNET cell lines and xenograft models. Finally, cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors such as flavopiridol may be clinically efficacious in relapsed Ewing sarcoma/PNET.ConclusionPreclinical evidence exists that targeted therapeutics may be efficacious in the ESFT. IGF-1R antagonists have demonstrated efficacy in phase I/II clinical trials, although predicting responses remains a challenge. The future treatment of Ewing sarcoma/PNET is likely to be improved by these scientific advances.
Project description:Central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumours (CNS PNET) are high-grade, predominantly paediatric, brain tumours. Previously they have been grouped with medulloblastomas owing to their histological similarities. The WNT/beta-catenin pathway has been implicated in many tumour types, including medulloblastoma. On pathway activation beta-catenin (CTNNB1) translocates to the nucleus, where it induces transcription of target genes. It is commonly upregulated in tumours by mutations in the key pathway components APC and CTNNB1. WNT/beta-catenin pathway status was investigated by immunohistochemical analysis of CTNNB1 and the pathway target cyclin D1 (CCND1) in 49 CNS PNETs and 46 medulloblastomas. The mutational status of APC and CTNNB1 (beta-catenin) was investigated in 33 CNS PNETs and 22 medulloblastomas. CTNNB1 nuclear localisation was seen in 36% of CNS PNETs and 27% of medulloblastomas. A significant correlation was found between CTNNB1 nuclear localisation and CCND1 levels. Mutations in CTNNB1 were identified in 4% of CNS PNETs and 20% of medulloblastomas. No mutations were identified in APC. A potential link between the level of nuclear staining and a better prognosis was identified in the CNS PNETs, suggesting that the extent of pathway activation is linked to outcome. The results suggest that the WNT/beta-catenin pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of CNS PNETs. However, activation is not caused by mutations in CTNNB1 or APC in the majority of CNS PNET cases.