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Purpose: Struma ovarii (SO) is a highly specialized ovarian teratoma, consisting of thyroid tissue. Rarely, carcinomas histologically identical to their thyroid counterparts may occur, and are comprehensively defined as malignant struma ovarii (MSO). Their optimal management is controversial, and the molecular profile of the malignant counterpart in the ovary is incompletely known. In this study, the clinicopathological and molecular features of six MSO from different Italian Institutions were analysed, to explore genetic profiles of potential therapeutic interest. Methods: The histopathological features and immunoprofile (according to the known markers Galectin-3, HBME1, cytokeratin 19 and CD56) were reviewed. In addition, all cases underwent genetic analysis with a next-generation sequencing (NGS) hot spot cancer panel detecting mutations in 50 genes involved in cancerogenesis. RET/PTC rearrangements and TERT promoter alterations were also evaluated. Results: Papillary carcinoma in all similar to its thyroid counterpart was found in five of six cases, including classical (two tumors) and follicular variant (three tumors) types. The last case was a poorly differentiated carcinoma. An activating gene mutation, was detected in five of six cases, including two NRAS, two BRAF, and one JAK3oncogene mutations. No alterations were found in the other panel genes, nor in TERTpromoter, or in RETchromosomal regions. Conclusions: MSO is a rare condition. Papillary carcinoma is the predominant malignant type, sharing both histomorphological and molecular features of its thyroid counterpart. Interestingly, the single case of poorly differentiated carcinoma displayed a JAK3mutation. The presence of such driving mutation could be of potential interest in guiding postoperative treatment.

Purpose: Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PNENs) are a group of clinically rare and heterogeneous tumors of the pancreas. Currently there are no studies investigating the gender difference in PNEN susceptibility. Thus, the purpose of this study was aimed at examining how gender shapes risk factors, clinicopathological features, and comorbidities in PNENs. Methods: The study design consisted of an Italian multicenter, retrospective study. The study included all consecutive patients with PNENs followed at the participating centers. Two hundred and twenty-nine patients (105 males,124 females, age 54 ± 0.98 years) with PNENs were enrolled at the participating centers. The clinicopathological features (age, gender, BMI, histology, tumor size, tumor grade, distant metastasis, hormonal function, and diagnostic circumstances), comorbidities (cardiovascular diseases (CVD), pancreatitis, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and potential risk factors (smoking and drinking) were included in the analysis. Results: Females were slightly prevalent (54.15%). PNENs were diagnosed at younger age in females compared to males (p= 0.04). The prevalence of CVD was significantly higher in males than in females (p= 0.006). In the female group, the presence of T2DM was significantly associated with higher tumor grade (p= 0.04) and metastatic disease (p= 0.02). The proportion of smokers and alcohol drinkers was significantly higher in the male group (p< 0.001). No significant gender differences were detected regarding the other parameters included in the analysis. Conclusions: This study has identified gender differences of PNENs in terms of age at diagnosis, associated comorbidities, and potential risk factors. A gender-tailoredapproach could become a potential strategy to better understand the natural history of PNENs and improve the effectiveness of PNENs clinical management.

Treatment options for recurrent or metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) refractory to radioactive iodine (RAI) are inadequate. Multitargeted kinase inhibitors have recently shown promising results in phase 2–3 studies. This retrospective study aimed to document our clinical experience on the effects of sorafenib in the setting of daily clinical practice. Retrospective study evaluating the efficacy and safety of sorafenib in a cohort of patients consecutively treated with sorafenib at a single center. Twenty patients with advanced RAI-refractory thyroid carcinoma were enrolled (March 2011–March 2014). Patients generally started with 400 mg of sorafenib twice daily, tapering the dose in case of side effects. Radiological response and toxicity were measured during follow-up, together with safety parameters. CT scans were performed by a single experienced radiologist every 3–4 months. Five patients stopped sorafenib within 90 days due to severe toxicities. Median progression-free survival was 248 days. Five patients had a partial response (PR), achieved in all cases within 3 months, whereas 5 had stable disease (SD) at 12 months. Durable response rate (PR plus SD) for at least 6 months was 50 %, among those who received sorafenib for at least 3 months. Commonest adverse events included skin toxicity, gastrointestinal and constitutional symptoms. In our cohort of patients with advanced RAI-refractory thyroid carcinoma, sorafenib confirmed antitumor activity leading to SD or PR in the majority of cases, at the expense of clinically relevant side effects. More effective and tolerable agents are still needed in the treatment of RAI-refractory DTC.