New targeted therapies for adrenocortical carcinomas

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Endocrinology
• Cancer Biology

Background:

• Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine malignancy with a poor prognosis.
• Current treatments like surgery and mitotane have limitations, especially for metastatic disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current landscape of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) treatment.
• To highlight the potential of targeted therapy as a promising strategy for ACC.
• To emphasize the need for continued research and investment in ACC targeted therapy.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing clinical and laboratory investigations on ACC.
• Analysis of explored molecular targets for ACC treatment, including angiogenesis and steroidogenesis pathways.
• Assessment of the current status of targeted therapies in clinical application for ACC.

Main Results:

• Despite extensive research, no targeted therapy has yet entered clinical use for ACC.
• Mitotane provides unsatisfactory results, particularly in metastatic ACC.
• Numerous molecular targets have been identified, but effective clinical translation remains elusive.

Conclusions:

• Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) remains a complex malignancy requiring novel therapeutic approaches.
• Targeted therapy, based on the unique biomolecular and genetic signature of ACC, represents the most promising avenue.
• Further research and investment are crucial to develop effective targeted therapies for ACC patients.