Understanding the financial aspects of digital pathology: A dynamic customizable return on investment calculator for informed decision-making.

Background: The adoption of digital pathology has transformed the field of pathology, however, the economic impact and cost analysis of implementing digital pathology solutions remain a critical consideration for institutions to justify. Digital pathology implementation requires a thorough evaluation of associated costs and should identify and optimize resource allocation to facilitate informed decision-making. A dynamic cost calculator to estimate the financial implications of deploying digital pathology systems was needed to estimate the financial effects on transitioning to a digital workflow. Methods: A systematic approach was used to comprehensively assess the various components involved in implementing and maintaining a digital pathology system. This consisted of: (1) identification of key cost categories associated with digital pathology implementation; (2) data collection and analysis of cost estimation; (3) cost categorization and quantification of direct and indirect costs associated with different use cases, allowing customization of each factor based on specific intended uses and market rates, industry standards, and regional variations; (4) opportunities for savings realized by digitization of glass slides and (5) integration of the cost calculator into a unified framework for a holistic view of the financial implications associated with digital pathology implementation. The online tool enables the user to test various scenarios specific to their institution and provides adjustable parameters to assure organization specific relatability. Results: The Digital Pathology Association has developed a web-based calculator as a companion tool to provide an exhaustive list of the necessary concepts needed when assessing the financial implications of transitioning to a digital pathology system. The dynamic return on investment (ROI) calculator successfully integrated relevant cost and cost-saving components associated with digital pathology implementation and maintenance. Considerations include factors such as digital pathology infrastructure, clinical operations, staffing, hardware and software, information technology, archive and retrieval, medical-legal, and potential reimbursements. The ROI calculator developed for digital pathology workflows offers a comprehensive, customizable tool for institutions to assess their anticipated upfront and ongoing annual costs as they start or expand their digital pathology journey. It also offers cost-savings analysis based on specific user case volume, institutional geographic considerations, and actual costs. In addition, the calculator also serves as a tool to estimate number of required whole slide scanners, scanner throughput, and data storage (TB). This tool is intended to estimate the potential costs and cost savings resulting from the transition to digital pathology for business plan justifications and return on investment calculations. Conclusions: The digital pathology online cost calculator provides a comprehensive and reliable means of estimating the financial implications associated with implementing and maintaining a digital pathology system. By considering various cost factors and allowing customization based on institution-specific variables, the calculator empowers pathology laboratories, healthcare institutions, and administrators to make informed decisions and optimize resource allocation when adopting or expanding digital pathology technologies. The ROI calculator will enable healthcare institutions to assess the financial feasibility and potential return on investment on adopting digital pathology, facilitating informed decision-making and resource allocation.

Divergent Lineage Markers in Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma.

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) often results from dedifferentiation of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), and the diagnosis is not difficult, as the tumor is seen to progress from a recognized DTC. However, in some cases, the diagnosis based on biopsy of limited tissue or resection of a completely undifferentiated tumor relies on immunohistochemical biomarkers and is usually a diagnosis of exclusion. To examine the biomarker profile of ATC and to determine whether divergent lineage markers can complicate this process, we examined the expression of a number of biomarkers in a series of ATCs. Cases retrieved from the department laboratory information system were included if there was evidence of an accurate diagnosis based on the presence of a coexisting or antecedent DTC or in cases where the immunoprofile was consistent with thyroid origin in a non-equivocal clinical setting. Questionable cases were excluded. We identified 36 cases for analysis. Tissue sections were stained for PAX8, TTF1, BRAFV600E, NRASQ61R, TRK, and p53, as well as p40, CDX2, SATB2, GATA3, CD117, CD163, SALL4, SMARCA4, PRAME, SOX10, ERG and HEPPAR1. As expected, all 36 ATCs were negative for TTF1 except for one showing focal, weak expression. Thirteen expressed PAX8 with variable intensity. BRAFV600E was positive in 10/34 tumors and equivocal in 3; NRASQ61R was positive in 12, and TRK was positive in 1 case. Staining for p53 was diffusely positive in 14 and completely negative in 19, with only 3 cases showing a wild-type pattern. We found aberrant expression of GATA3 in 11/36 cases, SATB2 in 8/36, CD117 in 2/35, and SALL4 in 1/30. CD163 expression was identified in tumor cells in 10/30 cases with variable intensity; in the other tumors, interpretation was obscured by abundant histiocytes. P40 was positive in 5 cases with squamoid morphology. CDX2 was negative in 35 tested cases. PRAME was identified in 1 of 33 cases. Stains for SOX10, ERG, and HEPPAR1 were negative in 33 cases. Twenty tested cases showed retained SMARCA4 expression. We conclude that ATCs express a number of divergent lineage markers that can cause diagnostic dilemmas, as they are also features of other tumors in the differential diagnosis of high-grade midline neck malignancies.

Endocrine tumors of the female reproductive tract.

Endocrine cells responsible for hormone secretion are found in virtually every organ system. The diverse neoplasms arising from endocrine cells in the female reproductive tract are not well recognized as a distinct component of endocrine oncology. Here, we integrate cellular origins with native anatomical residence to help classify neoplasms of this system. The neoplasms include steroidogenic tumors that arise usually in ovarian stroma, neuroendocrine neoplasms that can arise from normal neuroendocrine cells throughout the female reproductive tract or in ovarian germ cell tumors, and thyroid follicular cell proliferations that are exclusively a component of an ovarian teratoma and may be malignant. The neuroendocrine neoplasms run the full spectrum from indolent neuroendocrine tumors to aggressive poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas. While many of these lesions are identified as incidental findings in surgically resected tissues, others present with inappropriate hormone excess. An important consideration is the distinction of primary disease from metastatic malignancy. Genetic disorders including those caused by germline mutations of the FOXL2, GNAS, DICER1, STK11 and MEN1 genes can present with primary endocrine neoplasms of the female reproductive tract.

Complete digital pathology transition: A large multi-center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Transitioning from glass slide pathology to digital pathology for primary diagnostics requires an appropriate laboratory information system, an image management system, and slide scanners; it also reinforces the need for sophisticated pathology informatics including synoptic reporting. Previous reports have discussed the transition itself and relevant considerations for it, but not the selection criteria and considerations for the infrastructure. OBJECTIVE: To describe the process used to evaluate slide scanners, image management systems, and synoptic reporting systems for a large multisite institution. METHODS: Six network hospitals evaluated six slide scanners, three image management systems, and three synoptic reporting systems. Scanners were evaluated based on the quality of image, speed, ease of operation, and special capabilities (including z-stacking, fluorescence and others). Image management and synoptic reporting systems were evaluated for their ease of use and capacity. RESULTS: Among the scanners evaluated, the Leica GT450 produced the highest quality images, while the 3DHistech Pannoramic provided fluorescence and superior z-stacking. The newest generation of scanners, released relatively recently, performed better than slightly older scanners from major manufacturers Although the Olympus VS200 was not fully vetted due to not meeting all inclusion criteria, it is discussed herein due to its exceptional versatility. For Image Management Software, the authors believe that Sectra is, at the time of writing the best developed option, but this could change in the very near future as other systems improve their capabilities. All synoptic reporting systems performed impressively. CONCLUSIONS: Specifics regarding quality and abilities of different components will change rapidly with time, but large pathology practices considering such a transition should be aware of the issues discussed and evaluate the most current generation to arrive at appropriate conclusions.

Paraganglioma-induced reverse takotsubo syndrome treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a young patient with a history of malignancy: a case report.

Background: Reverse takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy (rTCC) is a rare type of stress-induced cardiomyopathy associated with catecholamine surges. Reverse takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy is characterized by basal and mid-ventricular hypokinesis with apical sparing. Paragangliomas are catecholamine-secreting neuroendocrine tumours outside the adrenal gland that can cause palpitations, hypertension, and rarely cardiomyopathy. In cases of occult paraganglioma, catecholamine-induced rTCC can be rapidly reversed with adequate haemodynamic support. Case summary: A 28-year-old woman with a history of cervical cancer, ovarian insufficiency, and preeclampsia presented to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting, and chest pain. The patient was initially tachycardic, tachypnoeic, and hypotensive. On exam, she was in distress with diffuse rales and cool extremities. Electrocardiogram showed sinus tachycardia to 147 b.p.m. and lateral ST depression in V4 and V5. Troponin was elevated to 13 563 ng/L. An echocardiogram showed severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) with hypokinesis of the basal segments and apical sparing, identified as rTCC. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed a 3.6 × 2.7 cm right adrenal mass. The patient rapidly developed respiratory failure and was subsequently intubated, sedated, and initiated on vasopressors. In the setting of cardiogenic shock refractory to vasopressor support, the decision was made to cannulate for venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). Plasma and urine metanephrines were elevated. After 5 days, the patient's LVEF recovered to her baseline, and the rTCC had resolved. The patient's hypertension was managed with gradual alpha-blockade, and she subsequently underwent successful adrenalectomy on Day 44. Discussion: An occult paraganglioma should be considered when rTCC pattern is identified. The pathophysiology of paraganglioma-mediated catecholamine surges predisposing to rTCC is unclear. Potential mechanisms for rTCC include oestrogen deficiency, catecholamine cardiotoxicity, and coronary artery spasm. The VA-ECMO is an increasingly used modality to provide haemodynamic support to patients with refractory cardiogenic shock.

Ectopic Cushing's syndrome from a corticotropin-releasing hormone-secreting medullary thyroid carcinoma: a rare pitfall of inferior petrosal sinus sampling.

Summary: This case report describes a rare presentation of ectopic Cushing's syndrome (CS) due to ectopic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) production from a medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). The patient, a 69-year-old man, presented with symptoms of muscle weakness, facial plethora, and easy bruising. An inferior petrosal sinus sampling test (IPSS) demonstrated pituitary adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) secretion, but a whole-body somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT) revealed enhanced uptake in the right thyroid lobe which, in addition to a grossly elevated serum calcitonin level, was indicative of an MTC. A 18F-DOPA PET/CT scan supported the diagnosis, and histology confirmed the presence of MTC with perinodal growth and regional lymph node metastasis. On immunohistochemical analysis, the tumor cell stained positively for calcitonin and CRH but negatively for ACTH. Distinctly elevated plasma CRH levels were documented. The patient therefore underwent thyroidectomy and bilateral adrenalectomy. This case shows that CS caused by ectopic CRH secretion may masquerade as CS due to a false positive IPSS test. It also highlights the importance of considering rare causes of CS when diagnostic test results are ambiguous. Learning points: Medullary thyroid carcinoma may secrete CRH and cause ectopic CS. Ectopic CRH secretion entails a rare pitfall of inferior petrosal sinus sampling yielding a false positive test. Plasma CRH measurements can be useful in selected cases.

Multilineage Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors (PitNETs) Expressing PIT1 and SF1.

PitNETs are usually restricted in their cytodifferentiation to only one of 3 lineages dictated by expression of the pituitary transcription factors (TFs) PIT1, TPIT, or SF1. Tumors that show lineage infidelity and express multiple TFs are rare. We searched the pathology files of 4 institutions for PitNETs with coexpression of PIT1 and SF1. We identified 38 tumors in 21 women and 17 men, average age 53 (range 21-79) years. They represented 1.3 to 2.5% of PitNETs at each center. Acromegaly was the presentation in 26 patients; 2 had central hyperthyroidism associated with growth hormone (GH) excess and one had significantly elevated prolactin (PRL). The remainder had mass lesions with visual deficits, hypopituitarism, and/or headaches. Tumor size ranged from 0.9 to 5 cm; all 7 lesions smaller than 1 cm were associated with acromegaly. Larger lesions frequently invaded the cavernous sinuses. Four cases represented a second attempt at surgical resection. PIT1 was usually diffusely positive but 5 cases had variable (patchy or focal) staining. SF1 reactivity was variable in intensity but diffuse in all but 2 cases. GATA3 data, available in 14 cases, identified diffuse positivity in 5 and focal staining in 1. GH was expressed in all but 5 tumors, PRL and thyrotropin (TSH) were expressed in 14 and 13, respectively, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in 11 of 18, and luteinizing hormone (LH) in 4 of 17. Keratin staining patterns were diffuse perinuclear/membranous in 27, variable perinuclear in 4, and negative in 3; scattered fibrous bodies were seen in 5 and diffuse fibrous bodies in 1. Ki67 labeling index ranged from < 1 to 7.9%. In 3 cases, these tumors represented one of multiple synchronous PitNETs; a separate corticotroph tumor was seen in 2 patients and one patient had 2 additional discrete lesions, a sparsely granulated lactotroph, and a pure gonadotroph tumor comprising a triple tumor. PitNETs expressing PIT1 and SF1 represent multilineage PitNETs. These rare tumors have variable clinical and morphological features, most often presenting as large tumors with GH excess and occasionally as one of multiple synchronous PitNETs of distinct lineages.

The predictive impact of dual somatostatin receptor/fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) in metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs): review of literature and a single institution experience.

Treatment with radiolabelled somatostatin analogs, a form of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), has changed the management of patients with advanced gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). There is a subgroup of patients who have suboptimal benefit and rapidly progress on PRRT, indicating that accurate prognostic and predictive markers are urgently needed. Currently, most of the literature concentrate on the prognostic impact of the dual positron emission tomography (PET) scan with very few information regarding the predictive value. We report a case series and review the literature to summarizes the predictive value of combined somatostatin receptor (SSTR) and fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET in metastatic GEP-NETs. We conducted a review of the literature for data published from 2010 to 2021 in MEDLINE, Embase, the National Institutes of Health trial registry, Cochrane CENTRAL, and published proceedings from major gastrointestinal and neuroendocrine cancer meetings. Our main criteria included all published prospective and retrospective data in which the predictive value of dual PET scans using SSTR and FDG was correlated with PRRT response in patients with metastatic GEP-NETs. We summarized clinical outcomes including progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and post-therapy complications associated with PRRT according to FDG avidity. We excluded studies that did not include FDG PET scan, GEP patients, studies with no clear predictive value of the FDG PET scan, and studies that did not report a direct correlation between FDG avidity and primary outcome. Additionally, we summarized our institutional experience in eight patients who progressed during or within the first year of PRRT treatment. Our search identified 1306 articles; most of them showed only the prognostic value of Integrated SSTR/FDG PET imaging biomarker in GEP-NETs. Only three studies (n=75 patients) met our inclusion criteria and retrospectively investigated the predictive value of dual SSTR and FDG imaging in subjects being considered for PRRT. The results confirmed that FDG avidity correlates with advanced NET grades. Lesions that are both SSTR and FDG avid had early disease progression. In one study, at multivariate analysis, FDG PET results were independently predictive of lower PFS for PRRT. In our case series, there were eight patients with metastatic well-differentiated GEP-NETs (grades 2 and 3) who progressed within one year of PRRT. Seven of them had positive FDG PET scan at the time of progression. In conclusion, Dual SSTR/FDG PET imaging has a potential predictive impact for PRRT in GEP-NETs. It permits the capturing of the disease complexity and aggressiveness, which correlates with PRRT response. Therefore, prospective future trials should validate the predictive value of dual SSTRs/FDG PET for better PRRT stratification.

The Unique Importance of Differentiation and Function in Endocrine Neoplasia.

The assessment of cell differentiation in endocrine neoplasms involves not only the identification of a cell's structure and expression of specific transcription factors which regulate that cell, but also the identification of hormones and/or enzymes involved in hormone synthesis. The importance of this functional characterization is emphasized by the fact that the hormones serve as biomarkers for clinical surveillance to identify persistence, recurrence, or progression of disease. Sometimes, unusual patterns of hormone expression lead to unexpected clinical signs and symptoms. Loss of differentiated hormone production can be a sign of dedifferentiation as a tumor becomes more aggressive. In addition to prognostic information, cell differentiation can be predictive, since differentiated endocrine cells express targets for therapy, such as the sodium iodide symporter in thyroid cancers and somatostatin receptors in neuroendocrine tumors. The salient features of differentiation in the three main types of endocrine cells can be used to determine prognosis and to tailor management of patients with endocrine neoplasms.

Severe Obesity Associated With Pituitary Corticotroph Hyperplasia and Neoplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of corticotroph hyperplasia (CH) or lymphocyte infiltration in the pituitary of patients with obesity. METHODS: The pituitary and adrenal glands from 161 adult autopsies performed between 2010 and 2019 at our institution were reviewed. The clinical history, body mass index (BMI), and cause of death were recorded. Routine hematoxylin and eosin staining, reticulin staining, and immunohistochemical staining for adrenocorticotropic hormone, CD3, and CD20 were performed. The results were analyzed using the Fisher and chi-square statistics. Decedents were separated into 4 groups based on BMI (kg/m2): (1) lean (BMI, <25.0), (2) overweight (BMI, 25.0-29.9), (3) obesity class I (BMI, 30.0-34.9), and (4) obesity classes II to III (BMI, >34.9). RESULTS: CH/neoplasia was identified in 44 of 161 pituitary glands. Four (9.1%) of 53 lean patients had pituitary lesions, whereas 27.3% (12) of overweight, 22.7% (10) of obesity class I, and 40.9% (18) of obesity class II patients had hyperplasia (P < .0001). Small corticotroph tumors were identified in 15 patients; only 1 was a lean patient, and the tumor was associated with the Crooke hyaline change of nontumorous corticotrophs. The presence of CH and neoplasia was associated with adrenal cortical hyperplasia and lipid depletion. Microscopic foci of T and B lymphocytes were identified in the pituitaries of patients in each weight category; no independent association between BMI and lymphocyte inflammation was found. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate an association between CH/neoplasia and obesity. It remains unclear whether obesity is the cause or effect of adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol excess.

Insights Obtained from the Nontumorous Glandular Tissue in Patients with Endocrine Tumors.

The pathology of neoplasia tends to focus on the tumor that requires characterization, grading, and staging. However, nontumorous tissue surrounding the lesion can also provide information, particularly about pathogenetic mechanisms. In endocrine tissues, this takes the form of precursor lesions that characterize several genetic predisposition syndromes. In addition, because of the unique functional aspects of endocrine neoplasia, the nontumorous tissue provides evidence of hormone excess, with hyperplasia and/or atrophy and other involutional changes allowing the pathologist to confirm both hormone function by the tumor and the effects of medical therapies. In this article, we review the various clinically relevant features that should be assessed and reported to enhance clinical management of patients with endocrine neoplasms. For example, in thyroid there may be inflammatory thyroiditis or goiter of various etiologies; there may be C-cell hyperplasia either as a preneoplastic lesion in patients with genetic predisposition to medullary thyroid carcinoma or as a reactive phenomenon. Drug-induced changes can be seen in thyroid and adrenal cortex. In neuroendocrine tissues, the nontumorous tissues may show precursor lesions such as endocrine cell hyperplasia/dysplasia; there may be related or unrelated hyperplastic or neoplastic lesions. Some tissues, such as pituitary corticotrophs and adrenal cortex, develop changes that reflect feedback suppression by hormone excess that can serve as biomarkers of tumor functionality and provide enhanced clinicopathologic correlates.

The Spectrum of Endocrine Pathology.

Endocrine pathology comprises a spectrum of disorders originating in various sites throughout the body. Some disorders affect endocrine glands, and others arise from endocrine cells that are dispersed in non-endocrine tissues. Endocrine cells can broadly be classified as neuroendocrine, steroidogenic, or thyroid follicular cells; these three families have distinct embryologic origins, morphologic structure, and biochemical hormone synthetic pathways. Lesions affecting the endocrine system include developmental abnormalities, inflammatory processes that can be infectious or autoimmune, hypofunction with atrophy or hyperfunction caused by hyperplasia secondary to pathology in other sites, and neoplasia of many types. Understanding endocrine pathology requires knowledge of both structure and function, including the biochemical signaling pathways that regulate hormone synthesis and secretion. Molecular genetics has clarified sporadic and hereditary disease that is common in this field.

Cauda Equina Neuroendocrine Tumors: Distinct Epithelial Neuroendocrine Neoplasms of Spinal Origin.

The tumor formerly known as "cauda equina paraganglioma" was recently renamed as cauda equina neuroendocrine tumor (CENET) based on distinct biological and genetic properties. Nevertheless, it remains insufficiently understood. For this study, we retrieved CENETs (some previously reported), from the pathology files of 3 institutions; we examined their immunohistochemical profile, including common neuroendocrine tumor-associated hormones and transcription factors. We identified 24 CENETs from 7 female and 17 male adult patients, with a median age of 47 years. Six included neurofilament-positive ganglion cells. All tumors tested were positive for INSM1, synaptophysin, chromogranin A, SSTR2, and CD56 as well as at least 1 keratin (AE1/AE3, CAM5.2); CK7 and CK20 were negative. Glial fibrillary acidic protein was negative, except for peripheral nontumoral elements. S100 protein was variable but mainly expressed in scattered sustentacular cells. All but 1 tumor tested were positive for HOXB13; several stained for SATB2, and all tumors were consistently negative for GATA3. All tumors tested were negative for transcription factors found in various other epithelial neuroendocrine neoplasms including TTF1, CDX2, PIT1, TPIT, SF1, and PAX8; staining for T-brachyury was negative. Four of 5 CENETs tested had at least focal tyrosine hydroxylase reactivity. Serotonin expression was detected in all 21 tumors tested; it was diffusely positive in 5 and had variable positivity in the remainder. A few tumors had scattered cells expressing gastrin, calcitonin, pancreatic polypeptide, and peptide YY, while glucagon, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and monoclonal carcinoembryonic antigen were negative. PSAP expression was found focally in 4 of 5 tumors examined. SDHB was consistently intact; ATRX was intact in 14 tumors and showed only focal loss in 3. The median Ki-67 labeling index was 4.5% (range: 1% to 15%). We conclude that CENET represents a distinct neuroendocrine neoplasm; the subset with ganglion cells qualifies for designation as composite gangliocytoma/neuroma-neuroendocrine tumor (CoGNET) as defined in the 2022 WHO classification of neuroendocrine neoplasms. In addition to INSM1, chromogranin, synaptophysin, and keratins, the most characteristic finding is nuclear HOXB13 expression; a subset also express SATB2. Serotonin is the most common hormone expressed. The cytogenesis and pathogenesis of these lesions remains unclear.

Thymoquinone Plus Immunotherapy in Extra-Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: Case Series for a Novel Combination.

BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a heterogeneous group of cancers that had a significant increase in annual incidence in the last decade. They can be divided into well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). Poorly differentiated NECs are aggressive forms of cancers with limited therapeutic options. The first line treatment of metastatic poorly differentiated NECs is similar to small cell lung cancer, with cytotoxic chemotherapy (etoposide plus platinum). Patients who progress have limited therapeutic options and poor overall survival, calling for other novel agents to combat this deadly disease. Therefore, in this article, we summarized the effects of a novel component, Thymoquinone (TQ, C10H12O2), which is the main bioactive component of the black seed (Nigella sativa, Ranunculaceae family), plus immunotherapy in case series of patients with refractory metastatic extra-pulmonary NEC (EP-NEC) and one case of mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasm (MiNEN). METHODS: We report the effect of TQ plus dual immune checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab plus ipilimumab) in four patients with poorly differentiated gastrointestinal Ep-NEC and MiNEN who progressed on cytotoxic chemotherapy. RESULTS: This is the first case series to report the clinical activity of TQ plus dual immune checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab plus ipilimumab) in patients with refractory metastatic EP-NEC. The four patients showed benefits with the combined regimen TQ plus dual ICPIs with durable response and exceeded the two years of progression-free survival. None of the four patients experienced significant toxicity, and all of them showed improvement in quality of life. CONCLUSION: The reported clinical courses suggest that combined TQ plus ICPIs is a potential promising regimen for refractory EP-NEC and MiNEN that deserves further prospective investigation.

American Association of Endocrine Surgeons Guidelines for Adrenalectomy: Executive Summary.

Importance: Adrenalectomy is the definitive treatment for multiple adrenal abnormalities. Advances in technology and genomics and an improved understanding of adrenal pathophysiology have altered operative techniques and indications. Objective: To develop evidence-based recommendations to enhance the appropriate, safe, and effective approaches to adrenalectomy. Evidence Review: A multidisciplinary panel identified and investigated 7 categories of relevant clinical concern to practicing surgeons. Questions were structured in the framework Population, Intervention/Exposure, Comparison, and Outcome, and a guided review of medical literature from PubMed and/or Embase from 1980 to 2021 was performed. Recommendations were developed using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology and were discussed until consensus, and patient advocacy representation was included. Findings: Patients with an adrenal incidentaloma 1 cm or larger should undergo biochemical testing and further imaging characterization. Adrenal protocol computed tomography (CT) should be used to stratify malignancy risk and concern for pheochromocytoma. Routine scheduled follow-up of a nonfunctional adrenal nodule with benign imaging characteristics and unenhanced CT with Hounsfield units less than 10 is not suggested. When unilateral disease is present, laparoscopic adrenalectomy is recommended for patients with primary aldosteronism or autonomous cortisol secretion. Patients with clinical and radiographic findings consistent with adrenocortical carcinoma should be treated at high-volume multidisciplinary centers to optimize outcomes, including, when possible, a complete R0 resection without tumor disruption, which may require en bloc radical resection. Selective or nonselective α blockade can be used to safely prepare patients for surgical resection of paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma. Empirical perioperative glucocorticoid replacement therapy is indicated for patients with overt Cushing syndrome, but for patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion, postoperative day 1 morning cortisol or cosyntropin stimulation testing can be used to determine the need for glucocorticoid replacement therapy. When patient and tumor variables are appropriate, we recommend minimally invasive adrenalectomy over open adrenalectomy because of improved perioperative morbidity. Minimally invasive adrenalectomy can be achieved either via a retroperitoneal or transperitoneal approach depending on surgeon expertise, as well as tumor and patient characteristics. Conclusions and Relevance: Twenty-six clinically relevant and evidence-based recommendations are provided to assist surgeons with perioperative adrenal care.