Adenocarcinoma of unknown primary site
- Overview
- Theory
- Diagnosis
- Management
- Follow up
- Resources
Treatment algorithm
Please note that formulations/routes and doses may differ between drug names and brands, drug formularies, or locations. Treatment recommendations are specific to patient groups: see disclaimer
identification of primary site pending
supportive care
Supportive care should be initiated, ideally under the guidance of a palliative care physician or team.
Initial treatment strategies are aimed at controlling symptoms attributable to the underlying process, such as pain or local obstruction, and the focus should be on palliation of symptoms.
Bone pain: typically requires treatment with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), an opioid analgesic, or a corticosteroid, or a suitable combination of these agents. Zoledronic acid (a bisphosphonate) or denosumab can be given for pain due to bone metastases and to decrease risk of skeletal-related events such as fractures. Palliative radiation can also be considered.
Neuropathic pain: may respond to anticonvulsant therapy (e.g., gabapentin) or antidepressant therapy (e.g., duloxetine).
Local pain: can be treated with regional nerve blocks or radiotherapy.
Obstructive symptoms: are related to tumour mass or localised inflammation, and are common (e.g., bowel, biliary, and bronchial obstruction). Obstructive symptoms should be aggressively managed, using a multi-disciplinary approach, with interventional radiology, endoscopic or surgical intervention, radiotherapy, and pharmacotherapy, as appropriate.
Other symptoms requiring attention include fatigue, depression, anorexia, nausea, and delirium.
commence chemotherapy
Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group
Chemotherapy has been the cornerstone of treatment of adenocarcinoma of unknown primary site (ACUP), and is used empirically with palliative intent in patients with an unfavourable subtype.[2]National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: occult primary [internet publication]. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/category_1 [3]Krämer A, Bochtler T, Pauli C, et al. Cancer of unknown primary: ESMO clinical practice guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2023 Mar;34(3):228-46. https://www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(22)04769-X/fulltext http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36563965?tool=bestpractice.com
Many chemotherapeutic regimens have been assessed, but systematic reviews and meta-analyses have failed to demonstrate superiority of one regimen over another.[34]Amela EY, Lauridant-Philippin G, Cousin S, et al. Management of "unfavourable" carcinoma of unknown primary site: synthesis of recent literature. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2012 Nov;84(2):213-23. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22503530?tool=bestpractice.com [35]Golfinopoulos V, Pentheroudakis G, Salanti G, et al. Comparative survival with diverse chemotherapy regimens for cancer of unknown primary site: multiple-treatments meta-analysis. Cancer Treat Rev. 2009 Nov;35(7):570-3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19539430?tool=bestpractice.com [36]Lee J, Hahn S, Kim DW, et al. Evaluation of survival benefits by platinums and taxanes for an unfavourable subset of carcinoma of unknown primary: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Cancer. 2013 Jan 15;108(1):39-48. https://www.nature.com/articles/bjc2012516 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23175147?tool=bestpractice.com One meta-analysis reported a tendency towards improved survival with regimens containing platinum agents or taxanes.[36]Lee J, Hahn S, Kim DW, et al. Evaluation of survival benefits by platinums and taxanes for an unfavourable subset of carcinoma of unknown primary: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Cancer. 2013 Jan 15;108(1):39-48. https://www.nature.com/articles/bjc2012516 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23175147?tool=bestpractice.com
The performance status of the patient is a critical treatment determinant. The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scale, ranging from 0 (fully active) to 5 (dead), is commonly used to assess performance. See Diagnostic criteria.
The majority of patients with ACUP are older adults, with some functional impairment related to the advanced disease.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend consideration of systemic therapy for patients who are: symptomatic with performance status of 1-2; or asymptomatic with aggressive cancer and performance status 0.[2]National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: occult primary [internet publication]. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/category_1
unfavourable subtype: multiple metastases and/or without a likely primary site
chemotherapy
For patients with adenocarcinoma of unknown primary site (ACUP) in whom a favourable clinico-pathological subtype is not identified, the recommended initial treatment is empiric chemotherapy.[2]National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: occult primary [internet publication]. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/category_1 [3]Krämer A, Bochtler T, Pauli C, et al. Cancer of unknown primary: ESMO clinical practice guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2023 Mar;34(3):228-46. https://www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(22)04769-X/fulltext http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36563965?tool=bestpractice.com
Standard empirical chemotherapy for patients with ACUP is a doublet regimen comprising a platinum agent combined with either a taxane (paclitaxel or docetaxel) or gemcitabine.[2]National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: occult primary [internet publication]. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/category_1 [3]Krämer A, Bochtler T, Pauli C, et al. Cancer of unknown primary: ESMO clinical practice guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2023 Mar;34(3):228-46. https://www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(22)04769-X/fulltext http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36563965?tool=bestpractice.com Responses are not durable (median survival approximately 12 months among patients with good performance status).[37]Gross-Goupil M, Fourcade A, Blot E, et al. Cisplatin alone or combined with gemcitabine in carcinomas of unknown primary: results of the randomised GEFCAPI 02 trial. Eur J Cancer. 2012 Mar;48(5):721-7. https://www.ejcancer.com/article/S0959-8049(12)00018-4/fulltext http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22317952?tool=bestpractice.com [38]Zarkavelis G, Mauri D, Pentheroudakis G. How I treat cancers of unknown primary. ESMO Open. 2019 May 10;4(suppl 2):e000502. https://www.esmoopen.com/article/S2059-7029(20)32606-5/fulltext http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31231571?tool=bestpractice.com
There is no agreement on appropriate second-line therapy for patients previously treated with platinum-containing regimens; no single agent or combination has proven beneficial (response rate or median survival). Decisions about second-line therapy are based on oncologist preference, or on other patient characteristics that may prevent the use of certain cytotoxic drug classes.
See local specialist protocol for dosing guidelines.
Primary options
carboplatin
or
cisplatin
-- AND --
gemcitabine
OR
carboplatin
or
cisplatin
-- AND --
docetaxel
or
paclitaxel
supportive care
Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group
Supportive care should be initiated, ideally under the guidance of a palliative care physician or team.
Focus should be on palliation of symptoms.
Bone pain: typically requires treatment with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), an opioid analgesic, or a corticosteroid, or a suitable combination of these agents. Zoledronic acid (a bisphosphonate) or denosumab can be given for pain due to bone metastases and to decrease risk of skeletal-related events such as fractures. Palliative radiation can also be considered.
Neuropathic pain: may respond to anticonvulsant therapy (e.g., gabapentin) or antidepressant therapy (e.g., duloxetine).
Local pain: can be treated with regional nerve blocks or radiotherapy.
Obstructive symptoms: are related to tumour mass or localised inflammation, and are common (e.g., bowel, biliary, and bronchial obstruction). Obstructive symptoms should be aggressively managed, using a multi-disciplinary approach, with interventional radiology, endoscopic or surgical intervention, radiotherapy, and pharmacotherapy, as appropriate.
Other symptoms requiring attention include fatigue, depression, anorexia, nausea, and delirium.
favourable subtype: women with isolated axillary lymphadenopathy (likely breast primary)
primary breast cancer management protocol
Female patients presenting with isolated axillary adenopathy and documented adenocarcinoma should undergo mammography for suspected breast cancer.[2]National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: occult primary [internet publication]. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/category_1
Contrast-enhanced breast MRI and/or breast ultrasound is indicated if mammography is not diagnostic but there is histopathological evidence for breast cancer.[2]National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: occult primary [internet publication]. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/category_1
Retrospective studies indicate that breast MRI can help to identify the primary cancer in approximately two-thirds of patients with negative clinical examination and negative mammography.[39]de Bresser J, de Vos B, van der Ent F, et al. Breast MRI in clinically and mammographically occult breast cancer presenting with an axillary metastasis: a systematic review. Eur J Surg Oncol. 2010 Feb;36(2):114-9. https://www.ejso.com/article/S0748-7983(09)00468-5/fulltext http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19822403?tool=bestpractice.com
Evaluation of immunohistochemical markers of breast cancer (e.g., GATA3; oestrogen receptor/progesterone receptor [ER/PR]) is recommended in women with isolated axillary lymphadenopathy.[2]National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: occult primary [internet publication]. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/category_1
Tumours that are ER-/PR-positive may be treated with hormonal therapy.
Patients with likely breast primary should be managed according to primary breast cancer protocols.[2]National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: occult primary [internet publication]. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/category_1 [3]Krämer A, Bochtler T, Pauli C, et al. Cancer of unknown primary: ESMO clinical practice guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2023 Mar;34(3):228-46. https://www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(22)04769-X/fulltext http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36563965?tool=bestpractice.com See Primary invasive breast cancer.
supportive care
Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group
Supportive care should be initiated, ideally under the guidance of a palliative care physician or team.
Focus should be on palliation of symptoms.
Bone pain: typically requires treatment with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), an opioid analgesic, or a corticosteroid, or a suitable combination of these agents. Zoledronic acid (a bisphosphonate) or denosumab can be given for pain due to bone metastases and to decrease risk of skeletal-related events such as fractures. Palliative radiation can also be considered.
Neuropathic pain: may respond to anticonvulsant therapy (e.g., gabapentin) or antidepressant therapy (e.g., duloxetine).
Local pain: can be treated with regional nerve blocks or radiotherapy.
Obstructive symptoms: are related to tumour mass or localised inflammation, and are common (e.g., bowel, biliary, and bronchial obstruction). Obstructive symptoms should be aggressively managed, using a multi-disciplinary approach, with interventional radiology, endoscopic or surgical intervention, radiotherapy, and pharmacotherapy, as appropriate.
Other symptoms requiring attention include fatigue, depression, anorexia, nausea, and delirium.
favourable subtype: women with peritoneal carcinomatosis of a serous papillary adenocarcinoma (likely ovarian primary)
ovarian cancer management protocol
Histologically analogous to stage III ovarian cancer.
BRCA1/2 germline mutations may be present and CA 125 is typically elevated, consistent with an ovarian cancer profile.
First-line therapy is similar to that for advanced-stage ovarian cancer, which includes optimal surgical debulking and adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy, generally a taxane/platinum doublet.[3]Krämer A, Bochtler T, Pauli C, et al. Cancer of unknown primary: ESMO clinical practice guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2023 Mar;34(3):228-46. https://www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(22)04769-X/fulltext http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36563965?tool=bestpractice.com
There is some evidence, although not consistent, to support the use of intraperitoneal chemotherapy for advanced-stage ovarian cancer; its potential role in the management of papillary adenocarcinoma of the peritoneal cavity has not yet been evaluated.[40]van Driel WJ, Koole SN, Sikorska K, et al. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in ovarian cancer. N Engl J Med. 2018 Jan 18;378(3):230-40. https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa1708618 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29342393?tool=bestpractice.com [41]Lim MC, Chang SJ, Park B, et al. Survival after hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy and primary or interval cytoreductive surgery in ovarian cancer: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Surg. 2022 May 1;157(5):374-83. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/fullarticle/2789724 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35262624?tool=bestpractice.com [42]Walker JL, Brady MF, Wenzel L, et al. Randomized trial of intravenous versus intraperitoneal chemotherapy plus bevacizumab in advanced ovarian carcinoma: an NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group study. J Clin Oncol. 2019 Jun 1;37(16):1380-90. https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.18.01568 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31002578?tool=bestpractice.com
Patients with ovarian-like cancer of unknown primary (CUP) are treated per ovarian cancer guidelines.[2]National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: occult primary [internet publication]. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/category_1 [3]Krämer A, Bochtler T, Pauli C, et al. Cancer of unknown primary: ESMO clinical practice guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2023 Mar;34(3):228-46. https://www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(22)04769-X/fulltext http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36563965?tool=bestpractice.com See Ovarian cancer.
supportive care
Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group
Supportive care should be initiated, ideally under the guidance of a palliative care physician or team.
Focus should be on palliation of symptoms.
Bone pain: typically requires treatment with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), an opioid analgesic, or a corticosteroid, or a suitable combination of these agents. Zoledronic acid (a bisphosphonate) or denosumab can be given for pain due to bone metastases and to decrease risk of skeletal-related events such as fractures. Palliative radiation can also be considered.
Neuropathic pain: may respond to anticonvulsant therapy (e.g., gabapentin) or antidepressant therapy (e.g., duloxetine).
Local pain: can be treated with regional nerve blocks or radiotherapy.
Obstructive symptoms: are related to tumour mass or localised inflammation, and are common (e.g., bowel, biliary, and bronchial obstruction). Obstructive symptoms should be aggressively managed, using a multi-disciplinary approach, with interventional radiology, endoscopic or surgical intervention, radiotherapy, and pharmacotherapy, as appropriate.
Other symptoms requiring attention include fatigue, depression, anorexia, nausea, and delirium.
favourable subtype: poorly differentiated carcinoma with neuroendocrine features (likely small cell lung cancer primary)
small cell lung cancer management protocol
A significant minority of poorly differentiated or undifferentiated carcinomas have neuroendocrine features identified by histological assessment. Favourable neuroendocrine carcinoma subtypes are not considered in European guidelines because an elusive primary cancer is a common finding.[3]Krämer A, Bochtler T, Pauli C, et al. Cancer of unknown primary: ESMO clinical practice guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2023 Mar;34(3):228-46. https://www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(22)04769-X/fulltext http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36563965?tool=bestpractice.com
Combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel, carboplatin, and etoposide was associated with a major response rate of 53% (median survival 14.5 months; 2- and 3-year survival rates of 33% and 24%, respectively) in one phase 2 clinical trial of treatment-naive patients with metastatic poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma.[43]Hainsworth JD, Spigel DR, Litchy S, et al. Phase II trial of paclitaxel, carboplatin, and etoposide in advanced poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma: a Minnie Pearl Cancer Research Network study. J Clin Oncol. 2006 Aug 1;24(22):3548-54. https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2005.05.0575 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16877720?tool=bestpractice.com In a subsequent phase 2 study, irinotecan and cisplatin was not inferior to etoposide and cisplatin in patients with poorly differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma.[44]Zhang P, Li J, Li J, et al. Etoposide and cisplatin versus irinotecan and cisplatin as the first-line therapy for patients with advanced, poorly differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma: a randomized phase 2 study. Cancer. 2020 May 1;126 Suppl 9:2086-92. https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cncr.32750 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32293725?tool=bestpractice.com Enrolment to the study was terminated early (n=66 patients) because initial analyses reported similar response rates.[44]Zhang P, Li J, Li J, et al. Etoposide and cisplatin versus irinotecan and cisplatin as the first-line therapy for patients with advanced, poorly differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma: a randomized phase 2 study. Cancer. 2020 May 1;126 Suppl 9:2086-92. https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cncr.32750 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32293725?tool=bestpractice.com
Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine tumours are treated per small cell lung cancer guidelines.[2]National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: occult primary [internet publication]. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/category_1 [45]Eads JR. Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine tumors. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2016 Feb;30(1):151-62. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26614374?tool=bestpractice.com See Small cell lung cancer.
supportive care
Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group
Supportive care should be initiated, ideally under the guidance of a palliative care physician or team.
Focus should be on palliation of symptoms.
Bone pain: typically requires treatment with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), an opioid analgesic, or a corticosteroid, or a suitable combination of these agents. Zoledronic acid (a bisphosphonate) or denosumab can be given for pain due to bone metastases and to decrease risk of skeletal-related events such as fractures. Palliative radiation can also be considered.
Neuropathic pain: may respond to anticonvulsant therapy (e.g., gabapentin) or antidepressant therapy (e.g., duloxetine).
Local pain: can be treated with regional nerve blocks or radiotherapy.
Obstructive symptoms: are related to tumour mass or localised inflammation, and are common (e.g., bowel, biliary, and bronchial obstruction). Obstructive symptoms should be aggressively managed, using a multi-disciplinary approach, with interventional radiology, endoscopic or surgical intervention, radiotherapy, and pharmacotherapy, as appropriate.
Other symptoms requiring attention include fatigue, depression, anorexia, nausea, and delirium.
favourable subtype: well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours (likely neuroendocrine primary)
neuroendocrine tumour management protocols
Neuroendocrine tumours include islet cell tumours, carcinoid tumours, and gastrinomas, among others. Favourable neuroendocrine carcinoma subtypes are not considered in European guidelines because an elusive primary cancer is a common finding.[3]Krämer A, Bochtler T, Pauli C, et al. Cancer of unknown primary: ESMO clinical practice guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2023 Mar;34(3):228-46. https://www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(22)04769-X/fulltext http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36563965?tool=bestpractice.com
If feasible, surgical debulking or chemoembolisation is preferred as an initial therapy, as control of tumour bulk appears to delay progression of systemic disease. Chemotherapy is variably effective, depending on the underlying tumour type, with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours exhibiting much better response rates than carcinoid tumours derived from other primary sites. Treatments appropriate for well-differentiated metastatic neuroendocrine tumours should be considered, including somatostatin analogues (e.g., octreotide, lanreotide), everolimus, sunitinib, or peptide receptor radiotherapy.[4]Lee MS, Sanoff HK. Cancer of unknown primary. BMJ. 2020 Dec 7;371:m4050. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33288500?tool=bestpractice.com
Well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours should be treated as carcinoid tumours.[2]National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: occult primary [internet publication]. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/category_1 See VIPoma.
supportive care
Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group
Supportive care should be initiated, ideally under the guidance of a palliative care physician or team.
Focus should be on palliation of symptoms.
Bone pain: typically requires treatment with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), an opioid analgesic, or a corticosteroid, or a suitable combination of these agents. Zoledronic acid (a bisphosphonate) or denosumab can be given for pain due to bone metastases and to decrease risk of skeletal-related events such as fractures. Palliative radiation can also be considered.
Neuropathic pain: may respond to anticonvulsant therapy (e.g., gabapentin) or antidepressant therapy (e.g., duloxetine).
Local pain: can be treated with regional nerve blocks or radiotherapy.
Obstructive symptoms: are related to tumour mass or localised inflammation, and are common (e.g., bowel, biliary, and bronchial obstruction). Obstructive symptoms should be aggressively managed, using a multi-disciplinary approach, with interventional radiology, endoscopic or surgical intervention, radiotherapy, and pharmacotherapy, as appropriate.
Other symptoms requiring attention include fatigue, depression, anorexia, nausea, and delirium.
favourable subtype: adenocarcinoma with colorectal immunohistochemistry (likely colorectal primary)
colorectal cancer management protocol
Patients with immunohistochemistry suggestive of colorectal primary site (CDX2-positive, CK20-positive, CK7-negative) may benefit from chemotherapy regimens used for treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (e.g., capecitabine plus oxaliplatin [CapeOX]; fluorouracil/folinic acid plus oxaliplatin [FOLFOX or FLOX] or irinotecan [FOLFIRI], with or without bevacizumab).[2]National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: occult primary [internet publication]. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/category_1 [3]Krämer A, Bochtler T, Pauli C, et al. Cancer of unknown primary: ESMO clinical practice guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2023 Mar;34(3):228-46. https://www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(22)04769-X/fulltext http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36563965?tool=bestpractice.com [46]Hainsworth JD, Schnabel CA, Erlander MG, et al. A retrospective study of treatment outcomes in patients with carcinoma of unknown primary site and a colorectal cancer molecular profile. Clin Colorectal Cancer. 2012 Jun;11(2):112-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22000811?tool=bestpractice.com See Colorectal cancer.
supportive care
Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group
Supportive care should be initiated, ideally under the guidance of a palliative care physician or team.
Focus should be on palliation of symptoms.
Bone pain: typically requires treatment with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), an opioid analgesic, or a corticosteroid, or a suitable combination of these agents. Zoledronic acid (a bisphosphonate) or denosumab can be given for pain due to bone metastases and to decrease risk of skeletal-related events such as fractures. Palliative radiation can also be considered.
Neuropathic pain: may respond to anticonvulsant therapy (e.g., gabapentin) or antidepressant therapy (e.g., duloxetine).
Local pain: can be treated with regional nerve blocks or radiotherapy.
Obstructive symptoms: are related to tumour mass or localised inflammation, and are common (e.g., bowel, biliary, and bronchial obstruction). Obstructive symptoms should be aggressively managed, using a multi-disciplinary approach, with interventional radiology, endoscopic or surgical intervention, radiotherapy, and pharmacotherapy, as appropriate.
Other symptoms requiring attention include fatigue, depression, anorexia, nausea, and delirium.
favourable subtype: poorly differentiated carcinoma of the mediastinum or retroperitoneum in males <40 years (likely testicular primary)
testicular cancer management protocol
These patients should be assessed for testicular germ cell tumours (using alpha-fetoprotein [AFP] and beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin [hCG] serum tumour markers).[2]National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: occult primary [internet publication]. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/category_1 [4]Lee MS, Sanoff HK. Cancer of unknown primary. BMJ. 2020 Dec 7;371:m4050. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33288500?tool=bestpractice.com Male patients should be considered for testicular ultrasound, particularly if tumour markers are elevated, and primarily treated with curative intent with a cisplatin-based regimen (e.g., bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin [BEP]).[2]National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: occult primary [internet publication]. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/category_1 See Testicular cancer.
Historically, many patients with poorly differentiated carcinoma with midline distribution actually had extragonadal germ cell tumours. European guidelines, therefore, suggest that the poorly differentiated carcinoma with midline distribution subtype should no longer be used.[3]Krämer A, Bochtler T, Pauli C, et al. Cancer of unknown primary: ESMO clinical practice guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2023 Mar;34(3):228-46. https://www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(22)04769-X/fulltext http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36563965?tool=bestpractice.com
supportive care
Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group
Supportive care should be initiated, ideally under the guidance of a palliative care physician or team.
Focus should be on palliation of symptoms.
Bone pain: typically requires treatment with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), an opioid analgesic, or a corticosteroid, or a suitable combination of these agents. Zoledronic acid (a bisphosphonate) or denosumab can be given for pain due to bone metastases and to decrease risk of skeletal-related events such as fractures. Palliative radiation can also be considered.
Neuropathic pain: may respond to anticonvulsant therapy (e.g., gabapentin) or antidepressant therapy (e.g., duloxetine).
Local pain: can be treated with regional nerve blocks or radiotherapy.
Obstructive symptoms: are related to tumour mass or localised inflammation, and are common (e.g., bowel, biliary, and bronchial obstruction). Obstructive symptoms should be aggressively managed, using a multi-disciplinary approach, with interventional radiology, endoscopic or surgical intervention, radiotherapy, and pharmacotherapy, as appropriate.
Other symptoms requiring attention include fatigue, depression, anorexia, nausea, and delirium.
favourable subtype: blastic bone metastases with immunohistochemistry/serum prostate-specific antigen (likely prostate primary)
prostate cancer management protocol
Blastic bone metastases in older men (aged ≥40 years) with elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) most likely indicate a prostate primary.
Treatment with androgen deprivation therapy (with or without radiotherapy), or other treatments appropriate for newly diagnosed prostate cancer, should be administered.[4]Lee MS, Sanoff HK. Cancer of unknown primary. BMJ. 2020 Dec 7;371:m4050. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33288500?tool=bestpractice.com See Prostate cancer.
supportive care
Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group
Supportive care should be initiated, ideally under the guidance of a palliative care physician or team.
Focus should be on palliation of symptoms.
Bone pain: typically requires treatment with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), an opioid analgesic, or a corticosteroid, or a suitable combination of these agents. Zoledronic acid (a bisphosphonate) or denosumab can be given for pain due to bone metastases and to decrease risk of skeletal-related events such as fractures. Palliative radiation can also be considered.
Neuropathic pain: may respond to anticonvulsant therapy (e.g., gabapentin) or antidepressant therapy (e.g., duloxetine).
Local pain: can be treated with regional nerve blocks or radiotherapy.
Obstructive symptoms: are related to tumour mass or localised inflammation, and are common (e.g., bowel, biliary, and bronchial obstruction). Obstructive symptoms should be aggressively managed, using a multi-disciplinary approach, with interventional radiology, endoscopic or surgical intervention, radiotherapy, and pharmacotherapy, as appropriate.
Other symptoms requiring attention include fatigue, depression, anorexia, nausea, and delirium.
favourable subtype: single metastatic lesion
definitive local therapy
Patients presenting with a single metastatic lesion of unknown primary site are rare, and treatment should be individualised. However, the general consensus is to consider definitive local therapy, usually surgical; definitive radiotherapy may be appropriate depending on anatomical location.[2]National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: occult primary [internet publication]. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/category_1 [3]Krämer A, Bochtler T, Pauli C, et al. Cancer of unknown primary: ESMO clinical practice guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2023 Mar;34(3):228-46. https://www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(22)04769-X/fulltext http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36563965?tool=bestpractice.com Adjuvant chemotherapy may be considered to control metastatic foci that are not yet evident.[4]Lee MS, Sanoff HK. Cancer of unknown primary. BMJ. 2020 Dec 7;371:m4050. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33288500?tool=bestpractice.com
Common sites of solitary lesions include the liver, adrenal gland, brain, and bone.
Treatment varies depending on suspected primary. Immunohistochemical testing can help to determine a likely primary site and guide treatment. A chemotherapy regimen with broad activity across tumour types (encompassing most likely sites of disease, such as occult lung carcinoma, or gastrointestinal tumours) is often preferred.
supportive care
Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group
Supportive care should be initiated, ideally under the guidance of a palliative care physician or team.
Focus should be on palliation of symptoms.
Bone pain: typically requires treatment with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), an opioid analgesic, or a corticosteroid, or a suitable combination of these agents. Zoledronic acid (a bisphosphonate) or denosumab can be given for pain due to bone metastases and to decrease risk of skeletal-related events such as fractures. Palliative radiation can also be considered.
Neuropathic pain: may respond to anticonvulsant therapy (e.g., gabapentin) or antidepressant therapy (e.g., duloxetine).
Local pain: can be treated with regional nerve blocks or radiotherapy.
Obstructive symptoms: are related to tumour mass or localised inflammation, and are common (e.g., bowel, biliary, and bronchial obstruction). Obstructive symptoms should be aggressively managed, using a multi-disciplinary approach, with interventional radiology, endoscopic or surgical intervention, radiotherapy, and pharmacotherapy, as appropriate.
Other symptoms requiring attention include fatigue, depression, anorexia, nausea, and delirium.
favourable subtype: oligometastatic disease
ablative surgery and/or radiotherapy
European guidelines suggest that selected patients with oligometastatic disease may be managed using local ablative surgery and/or radiotherapy.[3]Krämer A, Bochtler T, Pauli C, et al. Cancer of unknown primary: ESMO clinical practice guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2023 Mar;34(3):228-46. https://www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(22)04769-X/fulltext http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36563965?tool=bestpractice.com [47]Pouyiourou M, Wohlfromm T, Kraft B, et al. Local ablative treatment with surgery and/or radiotherapy in single-site and oligometastatic carcinoma of unknown primary. Eur J Cancer. 2021 Nov;157:179-89. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34521064?tool=bestpractice.com Candidate patients should satisfy the following criteria: local ablative treatment of all lesions by surgery and/or radiotherapy is deemed feasible; oligometastatic state has been confirmed by imaging including positron emission tomography/computed tomography and brain magnetic resonance imaging; number of metastases does not exceed five; no involvement of a diffuse organ, such as malignant pleural, peritoneal, or leptomeningeal carcinomatosis.[3]Krämer A, Bochtler T, Pauli C, et al. Cancer of unknown primary: ESMO clinical practice guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2023 Mar;34(3):228-46. https://www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(22)04769-X/fulltext http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36563965?tool=bestpractice.com
Median event-free and overall survival of 15.6 and 52.5 months, respectively, has been reported following local ablative treatment of single-site and oligometastatic carcinoma of unknown primary.[47]Pouyiourou M, Wohlfromm T, Kraft B, et al. Local ablative treatment with surgery and/or radiotherapy in single-site and oligometastatic carcinoma of unknown primary. Eur J Cancer. 2021 Nov;157:179-89. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34521064?tool=bestpractice.com
supportive care
Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group
Supportive care should be initiated, ideally under the guidance of a palliative care physician or team.
Focus should be on palliation of symptoms.
Bone pain: typically requires treatment with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), an opioid analgesic, or a corticosteroid, or a suitable combination of these agents. Zoledronic acid (a bisphosphonate) or denosumab can be given for pain due to bone metastases and to decrease risk of skeletal-related events such as fractures. Palliative radiation can also be considered.
Neuropathic pain: may respond to anticonvulsant therapy (e.g., gabapentin) or antidepressant therapy (e.g., duloxetine).
Local pain: can be treated with regional nerve blocks or radiotherapy.
Obstructive symptoms: are related to tumour mass or localised inflammation, and are common (e.g., bowel, biliary, and bronchial obstruction). Obstructive symptoms should be aggressively managed, using a multi-disciplinary approach, with interventional radiology, endoscopic or surgical intervention, radiotherapy, and pharmacotherapy, as appropriate.
Other symptoms requiring attention include fatigue, depression, anorexia, nausea, and delirium.
Choose a patient group to see our recommendations
Please note that formulations/routes and doses may differ between drug names and brands, drug formularies, or locations. Treatment recommendations are specific to patient groups. See disclaimer
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