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Published on: June 2, 2023
Sporadic Parathyroid Carcinoma Treated With Lenvatinib, Exhibiting a Novel Somatic MEN1 Mutation
Yu Ito1, Toshinori Imaizumi2, Hisashi Daido1
1Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Gifu Prefectural General Medical Center, Gifu 500-8717, Japan.
Abstract:
Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is extremely rare and is primarily treated surgically. Chemotherapy is an option for advanced stages, but no standard regimen exists. Emerging research suggests the efficacy of multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitors (MTKIs) for PC, targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR). A 61-year-old Japanese woman presented with a neck mass, diagnosed as PC with pleural and lumbar metastases. After parathyroidectomy and radiation for lumbar metastasis, immunohistochemistry showed VEGFR overexpression, leading to targeted therapy with MTKIs. Despite no actionable mutations on cancer genomic panel test, a novel MEN1 somatic mutation (NM_130801: exon2: c.332delG: p.G111fs*8) was identified, which may affect VEGFR2 expression and tumor epigenetics. Although severe hand-foot syndrome necessitated dose reductions and treatment interruptions, sorafenib treatment managed hypercalcemia with evocalcet and denosumab. Lenvatinib, as second-line therapy, was effective against pleural metastases but caused thrombocytopenia and hematuria, leading to discontinuation and uncontrolled recurrence and metastasis progression. Our case highlights the need for further research on genomic profiling, molecular targets, and therapy response in PC.
Insights
This study explores targeted therapy for rare parathyroid carcinoma (PC) using multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitors (MTKIs). A novel MEN1 mutation was found, highlighting the need for genomic profiling in PC treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
Background:
- Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is a rare endocrine malignancy with limited treatment options.
- Current treatments include surgery and, for advanced stages, chemotherapy, though no standard regimen exists.
- Multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitors (MTKIs) show promise, targeting pathways like VEGFR and PDGFR.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old woman with metastatic PC received parathyroidectomy and radiation.
- Immunohistochemistry revealed VEGFR overexpression, prompting MTKI therapy.
- A novel somatic MEN1 mutation was identified, potentially influencing VEGFR2 expression and tumor epigenetics.
Findings:
- Sorafenib managed hypercalcemia but caused severe hand-foot syndrome, requiring dose adjustments.
- Lenvatinib showed initial efficacy against pleural metastases but led to thrombocytopenia and hematuria, resulting in discontinuation.
- Tumor progression occurred despite targeted therapy and a novel MEN1 mutation.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of comprehensive genomic profiling in parathyroid carcinoma.
- Further research is needed to identify optimal molecular targets and predict therapy response in PC.
- Understanding the role of novel mutations like MEN1 in PC pathogenesis and treatment is crucial.
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