bims-netuvo Biomed News
on Nerves in tumours of visceral organs
Issue of 2024–08–25
eight papers selected by
Maksym V. Kopanitsa, Charles River Laboratories
  1. Role of the sympathetic nervous system in cancer-associated cachexia and tumor progression in tumor-bearing BALB/c mice.
  2. Crosstalk between breast cancer-derived microRNAs and brain microenvironmental cells in breast cancer brain metastasis.
  3. Exploring Analgesic Use Patterns Among Cancer Survivors With Chronic Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.
  4. Rare adrenal schwannoma treated with robotic-assisted adrenalectomy: A case report.
  5. Comprehensive analysis of diagnosis and treatment in 99 cases of abdominal Schwannoma.
  6. Primary schwannoma of the thyroid gland: analysis of case characteristics and review of the literature.
  7. Left distal sciatic giant solitary myxoid neurofibroma: a case report & literature review.
  8. Stereotactic radio-neurosurgery for jugular foramen schwannomas.
  1. BMC Neurosci. 2024 Aug 22. 25(1): 37
    Role of the sympathetic nervous system in cancer-associated cachexia and tumor progression in tumor-bearing BALB/c mice.
    Isaias Gutierrez-Leal, Diana Caballero-Hernández, Alonso A Orozco-Flores, Ricardo Gomez-Flores, Deyanira Quistián-Martínez, Patricia Tamez-Guerra, Reyes Tamez-Guerra, Cristina Rodríguez-Padilla.
       BACKGROUND: Adipose and muscle tissue wasting outlines the cachectic process during tumor progression. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is known to promote tumor progression and research suggests that it might also contribute to cancer-associated cachexia (CAC) energetic expenditure through fat wasting.
    METHODS: We sympathectomized L5178Y-R tumor-bearing male BALB/c mice by intraperitoneally administering 6-hydroxydopamine to evaluate morphometric, inflammatory, and molecular indicators of CAC and tumor progression.
    RESULTS: Tumor burden was associated with cachexia indicators, including a 10.5% body mass index (BMI) decrease, 40.19% interscapular, 54% inguinal, and 37.17% visceral adipose tissue loss, a 12% food intake decrease, and significant (p = 0.038 and p = 0.0037) increases in the plasmatic inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IFN-γ respectively. Sympathectomy of tumor-bearing mice was associated with attenuated BMI and visceral adipose tissue loss, decreased interscapular Ucp-1 gene expression to basal levels, and 2.6-fold reduction in Mmp-9 relative gene expression, as compared with the unsympathectomized mice control group.
    CONCLUSION: The SNS contributes to CAC-associated morphometric and adipose tissue alterations and promotes tumor progression in a murine model.
    Keywords:  Adrenergic system; Cancer cachexia; Inflammation; Lymphoma; Sympathectomy; Sympathetic nervous system
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12868-024-00887-8
  2. Front Oncol. 2024 ;14 1436942
    Crosstalk between breast cancer-derived microRNAs and brain microenvironmental cells in breast cancer brain metastasis.
    Munazza S Khan, Grace L Wong, Chuling Zhuang, Mariana K Najjar, Hui-Wen Lo.
      Breast cancer is the most frequent malignancy in women, constituting 15.2% of all new cancers diagnosed in the United States. Distant breast cancer metastasis accounts for the majority of breast cancer-related deaths; brain metastasis is the third most common site for metastatic breast cancer but is associated with worst prognosis of approximately eight months of survival. Current treatment options for breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) are limited and ineffective. To help identify new and effective therapies for BCBM, it is important to investigate the mechanisms by which breast cancer cells metastasize to the brain and thrive in the brain microenvironment. To this end, studies have reported that primary breast tumor cells can prime brain microenvironmental cells, including, astrocytes and microglia, to promote the formation of BCBM through the release of extracellular vesicle-microRNAs (miRNAs). Breast tumor-derived miRNAs can also promote breast cancer cell invasion through the blood-brain barrier by disrupting the integrity of the brain microvascular endothelial cells. In this review, we summarize current literature on breast cancer-derived BCBM-promoting miRNAs, cover their roles in the complex steps of BCBM particularly their interactions with microenvironmental cells within the brain metastatic niche, and finally discuss their therapeutic applications in the management of BCBM.
    Keywords:  blood-brain barrier; brain metastasis; brain microenvironment; breast cancer; microRNA
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2024.1436942
  3. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2024 Aug 15. 51(5): 445-450
    Exploring Analgesic Use Patterns Among Cancer Survivors With Chronic Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.
    Robert Knoerl, Michael B Sohn, Melyssa Foust, Lori Francar, Mark A O'Rourke, Gary M Morrow, Karen M Mustian, Lynn Gauthier, Jennifer S Gewandter.
       OBJECTIVES: To explore cancer survivors' historical and current use of analgesics for chronic chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
    SAMPLE & SETTING: 142 post-treatment cancer survivors who received neurotoxic chemotherapy and were experiencing moderate to severe CIPN.
    METHODS & VARIABLES: Participants completed the Treatment-Induced Neuropathy Assessment Scale at baseline and reported all analgesics used to manage CIPN. Frequency of historical or current prescription analgesic use for chronic CIPN was described and stratified by CIPN pain severity.
    RESULTS: At baseline, 31% of participants reported historical use of analgesics for CIPN and 46% of participants were currently using analgesics for CIPN. Gabapentin was the most frequently used analgesic, historically (20%) and currently (34%), and duloxetine was used less frequently (6% historical use, 10% current use). Many participants with severe pain (59%) reported using analgesics for CIPN.
    IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Duloxetine, the first-line treatment for chronic CIPN pain, was used less frequently than gabapentin, a common prescription analgesic for neuropathic pain. Further research is needed to determine strategies to promote the implementation of evidence-based CIPN treatments in clinical practice.
    Keywords:  analgesics; cancer pain; chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1188/24.ONF.445-450
  4. Urol Case Rep. 2024 Sep;56 102807
    Rare adrenal schwannoma treated with robotic-assisted adrenalectomy: A case report.
    Glendon Markollari, Hunter J Kraus, Naveen Pokala.
      Schwannomas are benign neoplasms that arise from peripheral nerve sheaths. Typically found in peripheral nerves of the head, neck, and extremities, these tumors seldom arise in the retroperitoneum. We report the case of a 50-year-old male with a 5 cm right adrenal mass removed via robotic-assisted laparoscopic approach due to concerns for adrenocortical carcinoma, which surgical pathology revealed to be a rare adrenal schwannoma. This is the reported case.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eucr.2024.102807
  5. Cancer Med. 2024 Aug;13(16): e70140
    Comprehensive analysis of diagnosis and treatment in 99 cases of abdominal Schwannoma.
    Shaoqing Fan, Haiqian Wang, Xuemei Sun, Chunyue Gai, Ce Liang, Guiying Wang, Wenbo Niu.
       PURPOSE: Schwannoma is a rare mesenchymal tumor. In this study, we analyzed clinicopathologically 99 schwannomas.This retrospective study delves into the clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemical dimensions of abdominal schwannomas.
    RESULTS: A cohort of 99 cases, comprising 4 malignant and 95 benign schwannomas, was meticulously examined. Clinical analysis revealed a notable gender distribution (1:1.7, male to female) and an average age of 58.5 years. The majority of cases were asymptomatic. A cohort of 99 cases, comprising 4 malignant and 95 benign schwannomas, was meticulously examined. Clinical analysis revealed a notable gender distribution (1:1.7, male to female) and an average age of 58.5 years. The majority of cases were asymptomatic. Tumor sizes ranged from 0.5 to 30 cm, with distinct locations in the stomach for most benign cases and the abdomen/small intestine for malignancies. Initial misdiagnoses were frequent. Pathological evaluations revealed distinct features, including Antoni A and B patterns, spindle cells, and lymphatic sheath structures in benign schwannomas. Malignant cases exhibited atypical cells, ulcers, and invasive growth. Immunohistochemical markers, such as S100, SOX10, and vimentin, consistently demonstrated positivity by contributing to accurate diagnoses. Treatment outcomes indicated a poor prognosis in malignant cases, with overall survival ranging from 10 to 41 months. Conversely, benign cases displayed no recurrence or metastasis during follow-up, despite atypical behaviors.
    CONCLUSION: This study underscores the rarity of abdominal schwannomas and underscores the need for a comprehensive diagnostic morphology and immunohistochemistry. SOX10 emerges as a crucial and specific marker for accurate diagnosis. Further research is imperative to refine diagnostic protocols and enhance our understanding of the clinical behavior of abdominal schwannomas.
    Keywords:  GNET; S100; SOX10; abdominal schwannoma; gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumor
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.70140
  6. BMC Surg. 2024 Aug 17. 24(1): 234
    Primary schwannoma of the thyroid gland: analysis of case characteristics and review of the literature.
    Hangjun Ren, Xingguo Cui, Lianmei Zhang.
       BACKGROUND: To improve the characteristics of primary thyroid schwannomas (PTS) and to provide reference basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
    METHODS: PubMed was searched for case reports of PTS up to December 2022 using the search terms "Thyroid nerve sheath tumor" or "Thyroid schwannoma" or "Thyroid Neurilemmoma", respectively. 34 cases were screened.
    RESULTS: PTS can occur at any age, nodules averaged 3.9 cm. The most common symptoms were voice change and dysphagia. Fine needle aspiration cytology showing spindle-shaped cells should be considered for schwannoma. Most cases underwent thyroid lobectomy or nodule removal with a good prognosis. Tissue types with both Antoni A and Antoni B features are common. Positive immunohistochemical staining for S-100 protein, CD34 and waveform proteins helped confirm the diagnosis.
    CONCLUSIONS: Positive immunohistochemistry for S-100 and wave proteins helps confirm the diagnosis. Preoperative diagnosis is challenging, but pathology and immunohistochemical staining are the gold standard for diagnosis. The first choice of treatment is surgical resection of the nodules, the prognosis is good.
    Keywords:  Neck schwannoma; S-100 protein; Thyroid nerve sheath tumor; Thyroid nodule; Thyroid schwannoma
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12893-024-02523-y
  7. Front Surg. 2024 ;11 1417418
    Left distal sciatic giant solitary myxoid neurofibroma: a case report & literature review.
    Fatima Az-Zahra' Thawabtah, Mayar Idkedek, Hafez Nimer.
       Introduction: Neurofibroma, a rare benign tumor of the peripheral nervous system, can manifest anywhere along a nerve from the dorsal ganglion to its terminal branches. Myxoid neurofibroma can present as a solitary non-tender nodule and is often confirmed by positive immunohistochemical staining for S-100 protein. However, in 50% of cases, neurofibromas are associated with neurofibromatosis.
    Case presentation: We present a case of a 34-year-old male with mild pain in the posterior part of his left thigh, accompanied by a slowly-growing swelling particularly noticeable when flexing his knee. It had gradually increased in size over several months, which the patient observed as a decrease in the degree of knee extension. Initial biopsy indicated schwannoma with no evidence of malignancy. Four years later, the swelling increased in size and necessitated resection surgery, revealing an irregular giant tumor measuring 8 *6 *4.5 cm, adherent to adjacent structures, including the femur, muscles, popliteal artery and vein, and a branch of the sciatic nerve. Pathological analysis reclassified the diagnosis to low-grade myxoid neurofibroma. Follow-up MRI three months later showed gross total resection without residual or recurrence of the tumor.
    Discussion: Solitary neurofibromas are often small in size, ranging from 1 to 2 cm in the greatest dimension. Alternatively, tumors that occur as a part of genetic neurofibromatosis tend to be multiple and often grow to large sizes. In our case, the patient didn't have neurofibromatosis as he didn't meet its diagnostic criteria despite having a giant tumor measuring approximately 8*6*4.5 cm. To our knowledge, this is the first report of giant myxoid solitary neurofibroma of the thigh apart from neurofibromatosis. Thus, this type of tumor should be considered in the differential diagnosis of tumors at this location.
    Keywords:  giant; myxoid; neurofibroma; sciatic nerve; solitary
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2024.1417418
  8. Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2024 Aug 23. 166(1): 348
    Stereotactic radio-neurosurgery for jugular foramen schwannomas.
    Camil Bourhila, Cristian Cotrutz, Roy Thomas Daniel, Mercy George, Luis Schiappacasse, David Patin, Marc Levivier, Constantin Tuleasca.
       BACKGROUND: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) represents a minimally invasive and valuable alternative for jugular foramen schwannomas (JFS), both as upfront and/or adjuvant treatment (in hybrid approaches).
    METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of our cases treated at the Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) from June 2010 to October 2023. Eleven patients underwent SRS, among whom three had prior surgery, two in our center in the frame of a planned combined approach and one in another center. Two patients received "volume-staged" SRS. The mean age at SRS was 60 years (median 68; range 29-83). Cranial nerve (CN) symptoms were present in six patients, while five were asymptomatic. The mean tumor volume at SRS was 2.1 cc (median 1.2; range 0.068-7.3 cc), with a 12 Gy marginal dose prescribed in all cases.
    RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 3.9 years (median 2, range 1-7). Cranial nerve function improved after SRS in six patients, while five remained stable. At the last follow-up, all tumors showed a decrease in volume, except for one patient, who underwent surgery at 18 months after SRS, for volumetric increase at 6 and 12 months, with further XII-th CN palsy and medulla oblongata compression. Although tumor decreased at 18 months, such patient needed microsurgical resection for symptom persistence and was further controlled. The mean tumor volume at 1 year post-SRS was 1.6 cc (median 0.55; range 0.028-7.77 cc), at 2 years was 1.31 cc (median 0.76; range 0.19-5), and at 3 years was 1.32 cc (median 0.59; range 0.23-4.8). No adverse radiation events were observed.
    CONCLUSIONS: Stereotactic radiosurgery is considered a safe and effective treatment for jugular foramen schwannomas, ensuring high rates of tumor control in all patients over the long term. The cranial nerve function improved after SRS in the 6 patients who had deficits and the other 5 patients who had no deficits remained asymptomatic. For larger tumors, combined/hybrid approaches can be a valuable alternative, to obtain tumor control and to preserve neurological function.
    Keywords:  Cranial nerves; Gamma Knife; Jugular foramen; Schwannoma; Stereotactic radiosurgery
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-024-06211-x
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