Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare endocrine malignant disease with a generally unfavorable
but heterogeneous prognosis. Although even in advanced stages a subset of patients
experiences long-term disease stabilisation, effective systemic treatment options
are limited. Mitotane is the only approved drug and the combination of etoposide,
doxorubicin and cisplatin (plus mitotane) is currently considered as treatment standard
for advanced adrenocortical carcinoma based on the results of a large randomized phase
III trial. However, progression-free survival is often limited and further treatment
options are frequently needed. Here we summarize the current knowledge about second
and third-line therapeutic modalities (local and systemic) in advanced disease. Following
the recent ESE-ENSAT guidelines local therapies play an important role for these patients.
Regarding systemic therapies the best data are available for gemcitabine+capecitabine
or streptozotocin (both with or without mitotane). Furthermore, we introduce our own
approach to patients with advanced adrenocortical carcinoma based on our experience
as a large multidisciplinary clinic dedicated to the care of patients with this orphan
disease.
Key words
adrenal cancer - ACC - second line therapy