Adrenal Cancer

Expert management of adrenal cancer including surgery (adrenalectomy), chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone management.

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Adrenal Cancer

Adrenal Cancer

Solid Tumors

Overview

Adrenal cancer (adrenocortical carcinoma) is rare and aggressive. Treatment requires multidisciplinary approach including surgery, chemotherapy, and hormone management. Early detection and complete surgical resection offer best outcomes.

When to Consult

Upon diagnosis of adrenal mass, hormonal abnormalities (Cushing's syndrome, Conn's syndrome, pheochromocytoma symptoms), or confirmed adrenal cancer diagnosis.

What to Bring

CT/MRI scans, hormone level tests (cortisol, aldosterone, catecholamines, metanephrines), biopsy reports, genetic testing results, and complete endocrine history.

Risk Factors

Genetic syndromes (Li-Fraumeni, Beckwith-Wiedemann, Lynch syndrome)
Age (bimodal: children and 40-50 years)
Family history of adrenal cancer
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1)
Carney complex
McCune-Albright syndrome
Previous cancer history
Unknown factors in most cases

Causes

Genetic mutations (TP53, CTNNB1, APC)
Inherited genetic syndromes
Unknown factors in sporadic cases
DNA damage and mutations
Hormonal imbalances
Epigenetic changes
Abnormal cell growth in adrenal cortex

Treatment Options

Adrenalectomy

Surgical removal of affected adrenal gland. Open or laparoscopic approach. Complete resection crucial for cure. May require removal of adjacent organs if invaded.

Mitotane

Adrenolytic chemotherapy drug specific for adrenal cancer. Used as adjuvant therapy after surgery or for advanced disease. Requires careful monitoring of hormone levels.

EDP Chemotherapy

Etoposide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin combination. Standard chemotherapy regimen for advanced adrenal cancer. Often combined with mitotane.

Hormone Management

Managing excess hormone production (cortisol, aldosterone, androgens). Medications to block hormone synthesis or action. Essential for symptom control.

Targeted Therapy

Sunitinib or other multi-kinase inhibitors for advanced disease. Based on molecular profiling. Clinical trials evaluating various targeted agents.

Immunotherapy

Pembrolizumab or other checkpoint inhibitors being evaluated in clinical trials. May be effective for selected patients.

Radiation Therapy

External beam radiation for local control or palliation. May be used for residual disease or metastases.

Ablation Therapy

Radiofrequency or microwave ablation for liver or lung metastases that cannot be surgically removed.

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