Precision Oncology in Rare Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Experiences and Challenges of the CCCMunichLMU Molecular Tumor Board.

Abstract

Background: Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) has become more generally accessible to patients with rare cancer, but data on the results and benefits are limited.

Objective: Our objective was to gain a real-world understanding of the molecular landscape and targeted treatment options in neuroendocrine tumors, neuroendocrine carcinomas, adrenocortical carcinomas, pheochromocytomas, and carcinoids.

Patients and methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed CGP results and clinical data from patients with neuroendocrine tumors, neuroendocrine carcinomas, adrenocortical carcinomas, pheochromocytomas, and carcinoids who were discussed in the CCCMunich^LMU Molecular Tumor Board (MTB) between May 2017 and April 2023.

Results: In total, 104 patients with endocrine and neuroendocrine neoplasms were discussed in the MTB. CGP was technically successful in 99 patients. The most commonly mutated genes were TP53 (29.3%), RB1 (11.1%), and KRAS (10.1%). The highest overall prevalence of pathogenic alterations was detected in neuroendocrine carcinomas (76.9%) and carcinoids (83.3%), and the lowest prevalence of pathogenic alterations was seen in adrenocortical carcinoma (37.5%). Of the 99 patients with successful CGP, 35 received a treatment recommendation from the MTB based on the CGP results. Of these, ten patients ultimately received the recommended treatment. Of the ten treated patients, four experienced a longer progression-free survival under the targeted treatment than under their previous treatment.

Conclusions: One-third of patients with rare endocrine and neuroendocrine neoplasms who underwent CGP had a druggable alteration and received a treatment recommendation from the MTB. However, only 28.6% of these patients were treated accordingly. Our experience highlights the unmet medical need for targeted treatment options in patients with rare cancers.