Aggressive Cancer Malignant adrenal tumors

Research: New findings on malignant adrenal tumors

04/21/2014

Cancers in the adrenal gland are relatively rare in Germany, but are often unfavorable. European researchers have now been able to gain new insights into the malignant adrenal tumors, which could be a step towards improved treatment options.

Rare cancer disease with unfavorable course
With strong participation from Würzburg, a European research group has now succeeded in finding new genes and signaling pathways associated with adrenal tumors. Most adrenal disorders are benign tumors. Even though adrenal cancer is relatively rare, it represents a major threat to those affected. In Germany, there are about one or two cases per million population, but these are often unfavorable , For example, more than half of all patients who have a malignant adrenal tumor are no longer alive after five years. On the one hand the disease is often recognized late and on the other hand it is difficult to treat in an advanced stage.

Insights could be a step towards better treatment options
However, this could possibly change in the future thanks to new findings from the European research group ENSAT (European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors). As Professor Martin Fassnacht from the University of Würzburg reported, these could be a step towards improved treatment options. Together with the Frenchmen Jérôme Bertherat, Guillaume Assié and Eric Letouzé, Professor Fassnacht is one of the main authors of the work entitled „Integrated genomic characterization of adrenocortical carcinoma“, recently in the scientific journal „Nature Genetics“ has appeared.

Genetic changes of the very aggressive type of cancer
Professor Fassnacht and his colleagues succeeded in deciphering the genetic changes in the very aggressive type of cancer. For this, the scientists evaluated a variety of clinical data and tumor samples, many of which came from the University of Würzburg, and combined them with molecular biological data. „Through the work of the various experts in each area, we were able to study the genome closely“, said Fassnacht in a message from the Julius Maximillians University of Würzburg.

At present, no new therapeutic approach can be derived
According to this, new ones were added to the already known drivers of pathological genetic changes. „The change in the ZNRF3 gene, for example, was found in one fifth of the patients“, so the expert. Despite this discovery, he remains critical and already looks at future work. „The exact functioning of many of these 'new genes' is not yet clear. Therefore, from our results, unfortunately, not yet directly derive a new therapeutic approach“, so the doctor. However, the scientists hope that this will be possible in the future. That is why research is continuing in the European network.

Progress thanks to the European network
According to the University of Würzburg, the progress made in research into adrenal tumor disease is inextricably linked to the founding of the ENSAT network. In 2002, the initiative came from, among others, the Würzburg professor Bruno Allolio. Currently, Allolio and Professor Fassnacht jointly manage the departments of endocrinology and diabetology at the University Hospital until Bruno Allolio retires at the end of the winter semester 2014/15.

Possible evidence of adrenal disease
Indications of a possible adrenal disorder may include changes in the body's so-called vegetative functions, such as palpitations, excessive sweating, or high blood pressure. Other symptoms include metabolic changes such as weight gain or diabetes mellitus. In addition, changes in blood levels, especially blood salt levels, may indicate adrenal gland disease. Even the external appearance can change. So it could come among other things to increased body hair, a deeper voice or the so-called full moon face. (Sb)