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Cancer Treatment Reviews
Article . 2025 . Peer-reviewed
License: CC BY NC
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Targeting pediatric adrenocortical carcinoma: Molecular insights and emerging therapeutic strategies

Authors: Michaela Kuhlen; Maximilian Schmutz; Marina Kunstreich; Antje Redlich; Rainer Claus;

Targeting pediatric adrenocortical carcinoma: Molecular insights and emerging therapeutic strategies

Abstract

Pediatric adrenocortical carcinoma (pACC) is an exceptionally rare and aggressive malignancy, accounting for only 0.2-0.3% of childhood cancers. Characterized by significant endocrine activity and often associated with genetic syndromes such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, pACC exhibits distinct clinical and molecular profiles compared to adult adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). Current treatment approaches, largely adapted from adult protocols, center on surgery and chemotherapy, including mitotane. However, the lack of pediatric-specific data and major clinical trials underscores a pressing need for tailored therapeutic strategies. Advances in molecular profiling have unveiled actionable targets, such as alterations in the Wnt/β-catenin and MAP/ERK pathways, overexpression of IGF2, and epigenetic dysregulation. Emerging therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and radiopharmaceuticals, hold promise but remain largely untested in pediatric populations. Targeting metabolic vulnerabilities, such as steroidogenesis and lipid metabolism, offers additional avenues for therapeutic innovation. Furthermore, improved diagnostic tools like liquid biopsy and steroid profiling may enhance disease monitoring and early detection. Despite progress in understanding pACC biology, significant challenges remain in translating these insights into effective treatments. Collaborative efforts, such as the European Cooperative Study Group for Pediatric Rare Tumors (EXPeRT), and the development of pediatric-specific clinical trials are vital for advancing the field. Multidisciplinary care and international research initiatives will be pivotal in addressing the unmet needs of pACC patients. By leveraging molecular insights and fostering global collaboration, the field can move toward personalized medicine, improving outcomes and quality of life for children with this challenging disease. Expanding clinical trials, refining diagnostic tools, and integrating novel therapies into treatment regimens will be critical in bridging the gap between pediatric and adult ACC treatment success.

Related Organizations
Keywords

Adrenocortical Carcinoma, Humans, Molecular Targeted Therapy, Child, Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms

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    popularity
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    Top 10%
    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
4
Top 10%
Average
Average
hybrid
Related to Research communities
Cancer Research