Primitive neuroectodermal tumor

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Gertrude Djouka, M.D.[2], Maria Fernanda Villarreal, M.D. [3]

Synonyms and keywords: Primitive neuroectodermal tumors; PNET; CNS PNET; Askin tumor; Peripheral neuroepithelioma; Ependymoblastoma

Overview

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (also known as "PNET") is a rare type of malignant neural crest tumor. PNET arises from the neuroectoderm, which is normally involved in the development of the nervous system. Apart from central nervous system (CNS), PNETs can involve other tissues originating from the neuroectoderm such as muscles and bones. PNET was first discovered by James Ewing, an American pathologist, in 1921. However, the term PNETs is more commonly was described in 1973 by Hart and Earle. In fact, PNETs are members of the Ewing tumor family. These tumors have small round cells, are believed to originate from postganglionic parasympathetic primordial cells and have mutations of the EWS gene. Due to their origin, PNETs can be found at any site within the parasympathetic system. Apart from Ewing Sarcoma (ES) and PNET, this family of tumors includes other tumors such as Askin's tumor (a malignant small-cell tumor in the chest) and paravertebral small-cell tumors. PNETs are divided into peripheral and central based on their presentation site. Central PNETs are more commonly seen among children and young adults and account for approximately 1% of PNETs. Peripheral PNETs mostly occur in bones and surrounding tissues. PNETs are more commonly seen among children and young adults. The median age at diagnosis is 25 years of age. PNETs are highly malignant and their prognosis is generally poor, however, the prognosis is more favorable for adult patients with PNET. The 5-survival rate of patients with PNET is less than 35%. The disease affects both men and women, however, there is a slight tendency toward affecting males in the cases of peripheral PNET.

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

  • The pathogenesis of peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor is characterized by the chromosomal translocation t(11;22)(q24q12).[5][6]
  • This translocation fuses the EWS gene on chromosome 22 with the FLI1 gene on chromosome 11.
  • The EWS-FLI1 gene has been associated with the development of PNET involving the synthesis of adrenal pathway.
  • On gross pathology, white, hemorrhagic and necrotic mass are characteristic of PNET.[7]
  • On microscopy histopathological analysis, small round blue cells, fine chromatin, eosinophilic cytoplasm,homer-Wright rosettes, and high mitotic figures.[8][9]
  • On microscopic histopathological analysis, characteristic findings of the primitive neuroectodermal tumor, include small blue cell tumorRound hyperchromatic cells, abundant mitotic figures, Homer-Wright rosettes, in which tumor cells surround neutrophils, fibrosis, and short and round or spindle-shaped nuclei.
  • Immunohistochemical analysis can reveal differentiation toward different directions such as glial, neuronal and ependymal[10] .
  • Immunohistochemical analysis can also be positive for CD99, CD56, Neuron-specific enolase (NSE), S-100 protein, synaptophysin, and chromogranin A.
H&E staining of PNET. Courtesy of image: Wikipedia

Differentiating Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor from Other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

  • The annual incidence of PNETs from birth to 20 years of age is 2.9 per 1,000,000.[12]
  • The prevalence of primitive neuroectodermal tumors remains unknown.
  • The median age at diagnosis depends on the type of PNET and their location.
  • PNETs are more common among children and account for 2.5% of brain tumors in children.
  • PNETs have a slight tendency toward affecting men compared to women [13].
  • PNETs usually affect Hispanic and white individuals.
  • Peripheral PNET, has a tendency toward affecting Caucasians.

Risk Factors

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

  • The majority of patients with primitive neuroectodermal tumors remain asymptomatic for years.
  • Early clinical features are often unspecific.
  • If left untreated, patients with primitive neuroectodermal tumors may progress to develop metastases.
  • Common complications of the primitive neuroectodermal tumor, include increased intracranial pressure, cranial nerve palsy, and seizures.
  • Prognosis is similar for peripheral PNETs and central PNETs.
  • Prognosis is generally poor, and the 5-survival rate of patients with PNET less than 35% in adults and 64% in children[15].
  • Prognosis is more favorable for adult patients.
  • Tumors expressing CD99 are less aggressive after surgical resection and have a better prognosis.
  • Features associated with good prognosis include early diagnosis, combinatorial treatment approach including tumor resection, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, intratumoral calcification, Ki-67 <30%, high LDH, tumor volume >100 cc, and axial location.

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Electrocardiogram

  • There are no ECG findings associated with primitive neuroectodermal tumors.

X-ray

  • There are no x-ray findings associated with primitive neuroectodermal tumors.

Echocardiography or Ultrasound

  • There are no echocardiography/ultrasound findings associated with primitive neuroectodermal tumors.

CT

  • On CT, findings associated with the diagnosis of primitive neuroectodermal tumor, may include a large irregular mass with heterogeneous contrast enhancement. Cystic components and calcification are also common.

MRI

  • MRI is the imaging modality of choice for primitive neuroectodermal tumors.
  • On MRI, findings of the primitive neuroectodermal tumor, may include highly variable and can be hypo-intense to isointense, but usually, hypo-intense on T1-weighted images and generally high signal solid components on T2-weighted images.
  • MRI with contrast shows acid enhancement, cystic components, necrosis, and Calcification
  • Tumor has well-defined borders without peripheral edema
  • T1 C+ (Gd): shows markedly heterogeneous enhancement and leptomeningeal seeding is common
  • DWI: often shows restricted diffusion and solid composition in addition to enhancement which shows high vascularization of the tumor.
  • MR spectroscopy: elevated choline, decreased N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), elevated taurine (Tau) peak (relatively specific for PNET).
In cases of peripheral PNET, the whole body radioisotope scan can reveal the site of the tumor and possible metastases.

Other Imaging Findings

  • There are no other imaging findings associated with primitive neuroectodermal tumors.

Other Diagnostic Studies

  • There are no other diagnostic studies associated with primitive neuroectodermal tumors.

Treatment

Medical Therapy

  • There is no consensus in the treatment of PNET.
  • Chemotherapy is controversial in the treatment of PNET.
  • Temozolomide can be added to conventional treatment of excision and radiotherapy.
  • 7 to 8 weeks of radiotherapy at a dose of 50-55 Gy is recommended [16].

Surgery

  • Based on the site of the tumor, maximum resection must be performed.

Primary Prevention

  • There are no primary preventive measures available for primitive neuroectodermal tumors.

Secondary Prevention

  • There are no secondary preventive measures available for primitive neuroectodermal tumors.

References

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    Extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma/peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the small bowel presenting with gastrointestinal perforation

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  2. Rorke LB. (1983). "The cerebellar medulloblastoma and its relationship to primitive neuroectodermal tumors". J Neuropathol Exp Neuro.
  3. Chao, Xiaopei; Bi, Yalan; Li, Lei (2019). "Ovarian primary primitive neuroectodermal tumor: a review of cases at PUMCH and in the published literature". Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. 14 (1). doi:10.1186/s13023-019-1106-5. ISSN 1750-1172.
  4. Louis, David N.; Ohgaki, Hiroko; Wiestler, Otmar D.; Cavenee, Webster K.; Burger, Peter C.; Jouvet, Anne; Scheithauer, Bernd W.; Kleihues, Paul (2007). "The 2007 WHO Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System". Acta Neuropathologica. 114 (2): 97–109. doi:10.1007/s00401-007-0243-4. ISSN 0001-6322.
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  6. Delattre O, Zucman J, Plougastel B, Desmaze C, Melot T, Peter M; et al. (1992). "Gene fusion with an ETS DNA-binding domain caused by chromosome translocation in human tumours". Nature. 359 (6391): 162–5. doi:10.1038/359162a0. PMID 1522903.
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  8. Jürgens HF (1994). "Ewing's sarcoma and peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor". Curr Opin Oncol. 6 (4): 391–6. PMID 7803540.
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  10. Pigott TJ, Punt JA, Lowe JS, Henderson MJ, Beck A, Gray T (1990). "The clinical, radiological and histopathological features of cerebral primitive neuroectodermal tumours". Br J Neurosurg.
  11. Ambros IM, Ambros PF, Strehl S, Kovar H, Gadner H, Salzer-Kuntschik M (April 1991). "MIC2 is a specific marker for Ewing's sarcoma and peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors. Evidence for a common histogenesis of Ewing's sarcoma and peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors from MIC2 expression and specific chromosome aberration". Cancer. 67 (7): 1886–93. doi:10.1002/1097-0142(19910401)67:7<1886::aid-cncr2820670712>3.0.co;2-u. PMID 1848471.
  12. Visee, S; Soltner, C; Rialland, X; Machet, M C; Loussouarn, D; Milinkevitch, S; Pasco-Papon, A; Mercier, P; Rousselet, M C (2005). "Supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumours of the brain: multidirectional differentiation does not influence prognosis. A clinicopathological report of 18 patients". Histopathology. 46 (4): 403–412. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2559.2005.02101.x. ISSN 0309-0167.
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  15. Smoll NR. (2012). "Relative survival of childhood and adult medulloblastomas and primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs)". Cancer.
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