Aggressive surgery for metastatic liver neuroendocrine tumors

Current Management of Neuroendocrine Tumour Liver Metastases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article aims to illustrate the current state of investigations and management of liver metastases in patients with Neuroendocrine Neoplasms. Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are rising in incidence globally and have become the second most prevalent gastrointestinal malignancy in UK and USA. Frequently, patients have metastatic disease at time of presentation. The liver is the most common site of metastases for gastro-enteropancreatic NETs. Characterisation of liver metastases with imaging is important to ensure disease is not under-staged.

RECENT FINDINGS

Magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography are now becoming standard of care for imaging liver metastases. There is an increasing armamentarium of therapies available for management of NETs and loco-regional therapy for liver metastases. The data supporting surgical and loco-regional therapy is reviewed with focus on role of liver transplantation. It is important to use appropriate imaging and classification of NET liver metastases. It is key that decisions regarding approach to treatment is undertaken in a multidisciplinary team and that individualised approaches are considered for management of patients with metastatic NETs.

Single center outcomes from parenchymal-sparing resections and microwave ablations for neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases

BACKGROUND

Reported outcomes after surgical debulking in patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases (NETLM) are sparse.

METHODS

NETLM patients that underwent surgical debulking from 2019 to 2021 were reviewed. Trends in perioperative liver function, complications, symptom response, and progression-free survival were examined.

RESULTS

1069 liver lesions were debulked from 53 patients using a combination of parenchymal-sparing resections (PSR) and ultrasound-guided microwave ablations (MWA). Post-operative transaminitis and thrombocytopenia were common, and severity correlated with increasing number of lesions. Laboratory markers for synthetic liver function did not differ according to the number of lesions debulked. 13% of patients sustained a Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or 4 complication which was not associated with the number of lesions targeted. All patients with preoperative symptoms had improvement after surgery. Median time to progression was 10.9 months.

CONCLUSIONS

PSR with MWA for large numbers of NETLM is safe and effective for symptom control and does not affect synthetic liver function.

Liver Transplant for Patients With Neuroendocrine Tumor: A Report of 2 Exceptional Cases and Literature Review

Patients with neuroendocrine tumors with unresec-table liver involvement can benefit from liver transplant. There is a specific set of guidelines for neuroendocrine tumors with liver metastasis that involve less than 50% of the liver. However, beyond those guidelines, there are reports of exceptional criteria patients who benefited from liver transplant. Here, we present 2 unusual cases of patients with exceptional circumstances and with neuroendocrine tumors who underwent liver transplant. The first case describes a patient with an extremely rare neuroen-docrine tumor of the proximal common bile duct that caused liver biliary cirrhosis. The patient underwent tumor resection and liver transplant concurrently. The second case describes a patient with a neuroendocrine tumor of unknown primary origin with more than 50% hepatic involvement who received a liver transplant after downstaging. In our center, patients with unresectable hepatic metastases from neuroendoc-rine tumors are currently selected for liver transplant based on well-established criteria. However, these 2 cases did not meet the criteria for consideration of liver transplant; thus, multidisciplinary team sessions were held to discuss these 2 cases. After a period of nonsurgical treatment and evaluation of the tumor behavior, we selected the patients as candidates for liver transplant based on the favorable tumor behavior and favorable response to treatment. For both patients, we did not observe any signs of tumor recurrence during follow-up. The outcomes were acceptable, and the patients tolerated treatment well. Considering the favorable tumor pathology (G1 phase and low Ki67 index), we suggest that more studies should be conducted to evaluate the outcomes of patients with low-grade tumors and that the criteria for patients with low-grade tumors could be extended based on such future data.

Treatment strategies for neuroendocrine liver metastases: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are often diagnosed when metastatic. The liver is the main site of metastases. Unfortunately, optimal management of neuroendocrine liver metastases remains a topic of debate. The aim of this study was to make a systematic review of the current literature about the results of the different treatments of neuroendocrine liver metastases.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted for English language publications from 1995 to 2021. Outcomes were analyzed according to survival, disease-free survival, and in the case of systemic therapies, progression-free survival.

RESULTS

5509 patients were analyzed in the review. 67% of patients underwent surgery achieving 5 years overall survival despite only 30% percent without a recurrence. 60% of patients that had received a transplant reached 5 years survival with a low disease-free survival rate (20%). Five-year survival rate was 36.2% for patients undergoing loco-regional therapies.

CONCLUSION

Surgical resection is the best treatment when metastases are resectable, with the highest rate of survival, although liver transplantation shows good results for patients not eligible for surgery. Loco-regional therapies may be useful when surgical resection is contraindicated, or selectively used as a bridge to surgery or transplantation. Systemic therapies are indicated in patients for whom curative treatment cannot be obtained.

Surgery, Liver Directed Therapy and Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Liver Metastases

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are described by the World Health Organization (WHO) classification by grade (1–3) and degree of differentiation. Grade 1 and 2; well differentiated PNETs are often characterized as relatively “indolent” tumors for which locoregional therapies have been shown to be effective for palliation of symptom control and prolongation of survival even in the setting of advanced disease. The treatment of liver metastases includes surgical and non-surgical modalities with varying degrees of invasiveness; efficacy; and risk. Most of these modalities have not been prospectively compared. This paper reviews literature that has been published on treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine liver metastases using surgery; liver directed embolization and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). Surgery is associated with the longest survival in patients with resectable disease burden. Liver-directed (hepatic artery) therapies can sometimes convert patients with borderline disease into candidates for surgery. Among the three embolization modalities; the preponderance of data suggests chemoembolization offers superior radiographic response compared to bland embolization and radioembolization; but all have similar survival. PRRT was initially approved as salvage therapy in patients with advanced disease that was not amenable to resection or embolization; though the role of PRRT is evolving rapidly

Multimodal Management of Grade 1 and 2 Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (p-NETs) are rare tumors with a recent growing incidence. In the 2017 WHO classification, p-NETs are classified into well-differentiated (i.e., p-NETs grade 1 to 3) and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (i.e., p-NECs). P-NETs G1 and G2 are often non-functioning tumors, of which the prognosis depends on the metastatic status. In the localized setting, p-NETs should be surgically managed, as no benefit for adjuvant chemotherapy has been demonstrated. Parenchymal sparing resection, including both duodenum and pancreas, are safe procedures in selected patients with reduced endocrine and exocrine long-term dysfunction. When the p-NET is benign or borderline malignant, this surgical option is associated with low rates of severe postoperative morbidity and in-hospital mortality. This narrative review offers comments, tips, and tricks from reviewing the available literature on these different options in order to clarify their indications. We also sum up the overall current data on p-NETs G1 and G2 management.

What Are the Place and Modalities of Surgical Management for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms? A Narrative Review

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (panNENs) are a heterogeneous group of tumors derived from cells with neuroendocrine differentiation. They are considered malignant by default. However, their outcomes are variable depending on their presentation in the onset of hereditary syndromes, hormonal secretion, grading, and extension. Therefore, although surgical treatment has long been suggested as the only treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms, its modalities are an evolving landscape. For selected patients (small, localized, non-functional panNENs), a "wait and see" strategy is suggested, as it is in the setting of multiple neuroendocrine neoplasia type 1, but the accurate size cut-off remains to be established. Parenchyma-sparring pancreatectomy, aiming to limit pancreatic insufficiency, are also emerging procedures, which place beyond the treatment of insulinomas and small non-functional panNENs (in association with lymph node picking) remains to be clarified. Furthermore, giving the fact that the liver is generally the only metastatic site, surgery keeps a place of choice alongside medical therapies in the treatment of metastatic disease, but its modalities and extensions are still a matter of debate. This narrative review aims to describe the current recommended surgical management for pancreatic NENs and controversies in light of the actual recommendations and recent literature.

Prior Resection of the Primary Tumor Prolongs Survival After Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy of Advanced Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to compare impact on survival after resection of primary tumors (PTs) after peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT).

BACKGROUND

PRRT is a highly effective therapeutic option to treat locally advanced or metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 889 patients with advanced NEN (G1-G3, stage IV) treated with at least 1 cycle of PRRT. In 486 of 889 patients (55%, group 1), PT had been removed before PRRT. Group 2 constituted 403 patients (45%) with no prior PT resection. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was determined by 68Ga SSTR-PET/CT in all patients applying RECIST and EORTC.

RESULTS

Most patients had their PT in pancreas (n = 335; 38%) and small intestine (n = 284; 32%). Both groups received a mean of 4 cycles of PRRT (P = 0.835) with a mean cumulative administered radioactivity of 21.6 ± 11.7 versus 22.2 ± 11.2 GBq (P = 0.407). Median OS in group 1 was 134.0 months [confidence interval (CI): 118-147], whereas OS in group 2 was 67.0 months (CI: 60-80; hazard ratio 2.79); P < 0.001. Likewise, the median progression-free survival after first PRRT was longer in group 1 with 18.0 (CI: 15-20) months as compared to group 2 with 14.0 (CI: 15-18; hazard ratio 1.21) months; P = 0.012.

CONCLUSIONS

A previous resection of the PT before PRRT provides a significant survival benefit in patients with NENs stage IV.

The effect of primary site, functional status and treatment modality on survival in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms with synchronous liver metastasis: a US population-based study

Background

The incidence of indolent gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) has increased dramatically. GEP-NENs often present late with concomitant liver metastasis, which is associated with poorer outcomes.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of 3,188 patients with liver metastatic GEP-NENs from the national scale Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database in the USA between 2010 and 2016. The population-based sample of GEP-NENs with liver metastasis was stratified by primary site (intestinal, pancreatic or gastric), surgical intervention and functional status.

Results

Of the 3,188 patients with liver metastatic GEP-NENs in this study, intestinal NENs (iNENs) were the most common and displayed the best 5-year survival of 42.6% compared to 25.8% in pancreatic NENs (pNENs) and 12.0% in gastric NENs (gNENs). Surgical intervention [hazard ratio (HR): 0.46, 95% CI: (0.40–0.53), P<0.001] and carcinoid subtype showed robust survival advantages across all groups. pNENs with liver metastasis were associated with the greatest benefit of surgery [HR: 0.55, 95% CI: (0.41–0.75), P<0.001] while iNENs were the most commonly treated by surgery. After risk adjustment, primary site was not associated with outcome in the non-surgical group.

Conclusions

Taken collectively, when diagnosed with liver metastasis, iNENs conferred a better overall prognosis than both pNENs and gNENs. Primary surgical resection, especially of carcinoid type tumors, emerged as a robust prognostic indicator of better outcomes irrespective of primary site. This finding was most pronounced in liver metastatic pNENs. When possible, we recommend surgical intervention in GEP-NENs with liver metastasis.

Outcomes of Simultaneous Resection of Small Bowel Neuroendocrine Tumors with Synchronous Liver Metastases

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the short- and long-term outcomes of synchronous resection of liver metastases (LM) from small bowel neuroendocrine tumors (SB-NET).

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients undergoing resection for LMs from SB-NETs from January 1997 and December 2018 was performed.

RESULTS

There were 44 patients with synchronous SB-NET and LMs. Perioperative and 90-day mortality values were zero, and the morbidity rate was 27%. The median overall survival (OS) was 128.4 months (CI 95% 74.0-161.5 months) with 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates of 100%, 83%, 79%, and 60%, respectively. Not achieving surgical treatment for LM was the unique independent factor for survival (HR 6.50; CI 95% 1.54-27.28; p = 0.01) in patients with unresected LMs having OS and 10-year survival rates (42 months, 33%) versus patients undergoing liver resection (152 months, 66%)(p = 0.0008). The recurrence rate was 81.8% and associated with longer OS and 5-year survival rates when limited to the liver [223 months (61%) vs 94 months (87%)].

CONCLUSIONS

Simultaneous resection of SB-NETs with synchronous LMs was safe and associated with considerable long-term survival even in the presence of bilobar disease. However, recurrence after resection was common (81%) but associated with longer survival rates when limited to the liver.

Management of Ileal Neuroendocrine Tumors with Liver Metastases

PURPOSE

Assessment of treating metastatic ileal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) with complete resection of primary tumor, nodal and liver metastases, plus administration of long-acting somatostatin analogues (SSAs).

METHODS

A prospective database was queried for patients with ileal or pancreatic NETs with pathology-confirmed liver metastases and tumor somatostatin receptors. Patients did not have MEN-1 and had no previous treatment. The impacts of SSA treatment on the primary outcome of survival and secondary outcome of progression-free survival were assessed with Kaplan-Meier analysis. Log rank test was used to compare overall and progression-free survival among groups.

RESULTS

Seventeen ileal NET patients and 36 pancreatic NET patients who underwent surgical resection between 2001 and 2018, who had pathology-confirmed liver metastases and confirmed tumor somatostatin receptors, did not have MEN-1, and had no previous treatment were identified. Median follow-up for patients with ileal NETs was 80 months (range 0-197 months) and 32 months (range 1-182 months) for pancreatic NETs. Five-year survival was 93% and 72% for ileal and pancreatic NET, respectively. Progression-free 5-year survival was 70% and 36% for ileal and pancreatic NET, respectively. Overall 5-year survival for pNETs was greater in those patients treated with SSA (79%) compared to those who underwent surgery alone (34%, p < 0.01). The average ECOG score was low for surviving patients with ileal (0.15) and pancreatic NET (0.73) indicating a good quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Resection of primary lymph node and liver metastatic ileal or pancreatic NETs followed with continued SSAs is associated with an excellent progression-free and overall survival and minimal side effects.

Adjuvant therapy following resection of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors provides no recurrence or survival benefit

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Lack of high-level evidence supporting adjuvant therapy for patients with resected gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP NETs) warrants an evaluation of its non-standard of care use.

METHODS

Patients with primary GEP NETs who underwent curative-intent resection at eight institutions between 2000 and 2016 were identified; 91 patients received adjuvant therapy. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between adjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy and somatostatin analog cohorts.

RESULTS

In resected patients, 33 received cytotoxic chemotherapy, and 58 received somatostatin analogs. Five-year RFS/OS was 49% and 83%, respectively. Cytotoxic chemotherapy RFS/OS was 36% and 61%, respectively, lower than the no therapy cohort (P < .01). RFS with somatostatin analog therapy (compared to none) was lower (P < .01), as was OS (P = .01). On multivariable analysis, adjuvant cytotoxic therapy was negatively associated with RFS but not OS controlling for patient/tumor-specific characteristics (RFS P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data, reflecting the largest reported experience to date, demonstrate that adjuvant therapy for resected GEP NETs is negatively associated with RFS and confers no OS benefit. Selection bias enriching our treatment cohort for individuals with unmeasured high-risk characteristics likely explains some of these results; future studies should focus on patient subsets who may benefit from adjuvant therapy.

Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Well-Differentiated Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

Neuroendocrine neoplasms constitute a diverse group of tumors that derive from the sensory and secretory neuroendocrine cells and predominantly arise within the pulmonary and gastrointestinal tracts. The majority of these neoplasms have a well-differentiated grade and are termed neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). This subgroup is characterized by limited proliferation and patients affected by these tumors carry a good to moderate prognosis. A substantial subset of patients presenting with a NET suffer from the consequences of endocrine syndromes as a result of the excessive secretion of amines or peptide hormones, which can impair their quality of life and prognosis. Over the past 15 years, critical developments in tumor grading, diagnostic biomarkers, radionuclide imaging, randomized controlled drug trials, evidence-based guidelines, and superior prognostic outcomes have substantially altered the field of NET care. Here, we review the relevant advances to clinical practice that have significantly upgraded our approach to NET patients, both in diagnostic and in therapeutic options.

Prognostic and predictive factors on overall survival and surgical outcomes in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: recent advances and controversies

Introduction: Recent advances in diagnostic modalities and therapeutic agents have raised the importance of prognostic factors in predicting overall survival, as well as predictive factors for surgical outcomes, in tailoring therapeutic strategies of patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (panNENs).Areas covered: Numerous recent studies of panNEN patients report the prognostic values of a number of clinically related factors (clinical, laboratory, imaging, treatment-related factors), pathological factors (histological, classification, grading) and molecular factors on long-term survival. In addition, an increasing number of studies showed the usefulness of various factors, specifically biomarkers and molecular makers, in predicting recurrence and mortality related to surgical treatment. Recent findings (from the last 3 years) in each of these areas, as well as recent controversies, are reviewed.Expert commentary: The clinical importance of prognostic and predictive factors for panNENs is markedly increased for both overall outcome and post resection, as a result of recent advances in all aspects of the diagnosis, management and treatment of panNENs. Despite the proven prognostic utility of routinely used tumor grading/classification and staging systems, further studies are required to establish these novel prognostic factors to support their routine clinical use.

Repeat liver resection for pure large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder: a favorable outcome

Background

The pure large cell type is a rare variant of primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder. Few reports have mentioned extended survival. Although a multimodal treatment has been described in the treatment of such rare disease, redo liver resection has not yet been mentioned.

Case report

A 67-year-old lady was found to have poorly differentiated, high grade, pure large cell neuroendocrine tumor of the gallbladder after cholecystectomy for gallstones. After the diagnosis, staging workup showed a lesion in segment IVB/V of the liver, and chromogranin was elevated (982 mcg/L). The patient underwent central inferior hepatectomy and wedge excision of a lesion in segment III (discovered intra-operatively), with hilar lymphadenectomy. Three months after the first liver resection, she developed a new liver lesion II/III and underwent left lateral liver resection. The patient remained disease-free for 4 months following the second liver resection but then developed recurrent liver disease and was started on chemotherapy. Further progression led to multi-organ failure and death at 26 months from initial diagnosis.

Conclusion

This is the first reported repeat liver resection in such a rare disease that has led to extended overall survival. We suggest that a group of selected patients with this rare malignancy, and liver-limited disease, may benefit from repeated liver resection.

A Prognostic Scoring System for the Prediction of Metastatic Recurrence Following Curative Resection of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

BACKGROUND

Patients with early-stage pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) may develop metastatic recurrences despite undergoing potentially curative pancreas resections. We sought to identify factors predictive of metastatic recurrences and develop a prognostication strategy to predict recurrence-free survival (RFS) in resected PNETs.

METHODS

Patients with localized PNETs undergoing surgical resection between 1989 and 2015 were identified. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to identify potential predictors of post-resection metastasis. A score-based prognostication system was devised using the identified factors. The bootstrap model validation methodology was utilized to estimate the external validity of the proposed prognostication strategy.

RESULTS

Of the 140 patients with completely resected early-stage PNETs, overall 5- and 10-year RFS were 84.6% and 67.1%, respectively. The median follow-up was 56 months. Multivariate analysis identified tumor size > 5 cm, Ki-67 index 8-20%, lymph node involvement, and high histologic grade (G3, or Ki-67 > 20%) as independent predictors of post-resection metastatic recurrence. A scoring system based on these factors stratified patients into three prognostic categories with distinct 5-year RFS: 96.9%, 54.8%, and 33.3% (P < 0.0001). The bootstrap model validation methodology projected our proposed prognostication strategy to retain a high predictive accuracy even when applied in an external dataset (validated c-index of 0.81).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of tumor size, LN status, grade, and Ki-67 was identified as the most highly predictive indicators of metastatic recurrences in resected PNETs. The proposed prognostication strategy may help stratify patients for adjuvant therapies, enhanced surveillance protocols and future clinical trials.

Insights into the biology and treatment strategies of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are the second most common primary pancreatic neoplasms after pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. PNETs present with widely various clinical manifestation and unfavorable survival rate. The recent advances in next generation sequencing have significantly increased our understanding of the molecular landscape of PNETs and help guide the development of targeted therapies. This review intends to outline a holistic picture of the tumors by discussing current understanding of clinical presentations, up-to-date treatment strategies, novel mouse models, and molecular biology of PNETs. Furthermore, we will provide insight into the future development of more effective targeted therapies that are necessary to manage PNETs.

Prospective Evaluation of Results of Reoperation in Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To determine the role of reoperation in patients with persistent or recurrent Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (ZES).

BACKGROUND

Approximately, 0% to 60% of ZES patients are disease-free (DF) after an initial operation, but the tumor may recur.

METHODS

A prospective database was queried.

RESULTS

A total of 223 patients had an initial operation for possible cure of ZES and then were subsequently evaluated serially with cross sectional imaging-computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, more recently octreoscan-and functional studies for ZES activity. The mean age at first surgery was 49 years and with an 11-year mean follow-up 52 patients (23%) underwent reoperation when ZES recurred with imageable disease. Results in this group are analyzed in the current report. Reoperation occurred on a mean of 6 years after the initial surgery with a mean number of reoperations of 1 (range 1-5). After reoperation 18/52 patients were initially DF (35%); and after a mean follow-up of 8 years, 13/52 remained DF (25%). During follow-up, 9/52 reoperated patients (17%) died, of whom 7 patients died a disease-related death (13%). The overall survival from first surgery was 84% at 20 years and 68% at 30 years. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 status did not affect survival, but DF interval and liver metastases did.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that a significant proportion of patients with ZES will develop resectable persistent or recurrent disease after an initial operation. These patients generally have prolonged survival after reoperation and 25% can be cured with repeat surgery, suggesting all ZES patients postresection should have systematic imaging, and if tumor recurs, advise repeat operation.

Unmet Needs in Functional and Nonfunctional Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

Recently, the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) held working sessions composed of members of the advisory board and other neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) experts to attempt to identify unmet needs in NENs in different locations or with advanced/poorly differentiated NENs. This report briefly summarizes the main proposed areas of unmet needs in patients with functional and nonfunctional pancreatic NENs.

Economics of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Despite current interest, enthusiasm and progress in the development of therapies for gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), there are substantial gaps in the published literature regarding cost-of-illness analyses, economic evaluation and budget impact analyses. Compounding the issue is that data on resource utilization and cost-effectiveness of different diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for GEP-NETs are scarce.

METHODS

A systematic review on the economic impact of GEP-NETs was carried out using four databases: EMBASE, PubMed, the National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database and Cochrane review. Fully published articles from January 2000 to May 2017, in English and Spanish, were included. All articles that satisfied the inclusion criteria were included in the systematic review; summary descriptive statistics were used to describe the methodological characteristics.

RESULTS

The 14 studies selected included cost-of-illness analyses (n = 4), economic evaluations (n = 7) and budget impact analyses (n = 3). Almost all studies were performed in the United States. Healthcare costs for patients with NETs included medication, outpatient visits, hospitalizations, and check-ups/tests. Reducing adverse events is an area where cost savings could be achieved; however, there was not enough evidence on the cost impact of adverse events.

CONCLUSION

There is a lack of data related to resource utilization in the field of GEP-NETs. Therefore, cost-effectiveness and budget impact studies of existing and emerging treatments are urgently needed to help the decision-making process for patients with NETs.

177Lu-DOTATATE therapy in patients with neuroendocrine tumours including high-grade (WHO G3) neuroendocrine tumours: response to treatment and long-term survival update

PURPOSE

Upon diagnosis, distant metastases are encountered in 21-50% of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). However, few systemic treatment options are available for the well-differentiated NETs in the metastatic stage. Lu-DOTATATE is one of the most effective treatments in this limited patient group. We retrospectively investigated its efficacy and effect on the survival in patients with both well-differentiated and grade III NETs who had high uptake in pretherapeutic Ga-DOTATATE PET/computed tomography scans.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with metastatic NETs treated with Lu-DOTATATE between January 2010 and November 2015 in our department were included in this retrospective cohort. Toxicity and adverse effects were evaluated according to SWOG criteria. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were calculated considering the first date of treatment. Response was evaluated according to RECIST criteria. Potential predictors of survival and response were analysed.

RESULTS

Patients (n=186) with metastatic NETs originating from various primary sites (bronchial, pancreatic, nonpancreatic gastroenteropancreatic-NETs, pheochromocytoma-paraganglioma and unknown primary) were treated with 1107 courses of Lu-DOTATATE treatment (median: 6; range: 3-12). Among 160 patients whose responses to treatment could be evaluated according to the RECIST criteria, 28.1% (n=45) had a progressive disease, 21.9% (n=35) had a stable disease, 46.9% (n=75) had a partial response and 3.1% (n=5) had a complete response. Median follow-up was 30.6 months. The Kaplan-Meier estimated median PFS was 36.4 months, mean PFS was 38 months and the mean OS was 55 months. The disease control rates in patients with WHO grades I, II and III were 74, 73 and 60%, respectively, and the OS rates were 61.9, 52.2 and 38.4 months, respectively. We observed no major renal toxicity except a minor increase (11.1%) in average serum creatinine levels. In 33.9% (n=56) of the patients, grade I toxicity; in 9.1% (n=15), grade II; and in 1.2% (n=2), grade III toxicity were observed.

CONCLUSION

Lu-DOTATATE therapy is an important treatment option in somatostatin receptor type-2-positive pancreatic, nonpancreatic gastroenteropancreatic-NETs, and lung NETs including metastatic NETs with an unknown primary site and significantly contributed to patients' OS. Additionally, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy may have a role in a selected subgroup of patients with grade III NET with high somatostatin receptor type-2 expression.

Analysis of recurrence after the resection of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Outcomes after recurrence of resected pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are not well described. We aim to assess the rate and sites of recurrence, and its effect on clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of patients (n = 83) who underwent surgical resection of PNETs at 2 institutions. Patients were treated from September 2002 to July 2010.

RESULTS

There were 13 (16%) recurrences. The most common site of recurrence was the liver (9 patients, 9.6%). The most common treatment of recurrences was chemotherapy (5 patients, 36%). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival was 90.9%, 82.7%, and 72.5%, respectively. Median recurrence-free survival was 127 months. The median follow-up for all PNET patients was 25.8 months (range, 1-140 months). The 3-year survival was 97%. The median follow-up of patients after the diagnosis of a recurrence was 13.8 months. The overall survival for those with and without recurrence was 96.3% and 100%, respectively (P = .36). The age ( P = .002) and lymph node ratio ( P < .001) were predictors of recurrence on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Age and lymph node ratio are significant predictors of recurrence after the resection of PNETs with hepatic metastases being the most common. Survival of patients with recurrence is not significantly different from patients without recurrence.

Early recurrence of well-differentiated (G1) neuroendocrine liver metastasis after curative-intent surgery: Risk factors and outcome

BACKGROUND

The objective of the current study was to identify the risk of early vs late recurrence of well-differentiated (G1) neuroendocrine liver metastasis (NELM) after curative-intent resection.

METHODS

Patients who underwent curative-intent resection for well-differentiated NELM were identified from a multi-institutional database. Clinicopathological details, as well as the long-term overall (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS) were obtained and compared. The optimal cutoff value to differentiate early and late recurrence was determined to be 1 year based on trend curve analysis.

RESULTS

Among the 548 patients undergoing curative resection for NELM, 162 patients had a well-differentiated NELM. After a median follow-up of 69 months, 59 (36.4%) patients had tumor recurrence; 23 (39.0%) patients recurred within 1 year (early recurrence) after surgery, while 36 (61.0%) recurred after 1 year (late recurrence). Early recurrence was associated with worse outcome vs late recurrence (5-year OS, 72.4% vs 92.0%; P = 0.020) and no recurrence (5-year OS, 72.4% vs 100.0%; P < 0.001). In addition, postrecurrence survival was worse within 36 months after recurrence among patients who recurred early compared with patients who recurred late (survival after recurrence at 36 months: early recurrence, 71.6% vs late recurrence, 91.4%; P = 0.047), although survival was comparable at 60 months (early recurrence, 71.6% vs late recurrence, 70.0%; P = 0.304). On multivariable analysis, nonfunctional neuroendocrine tumors (hazard ratio [HR], 4.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-16.7; P = 0.029) and lymph node metastasis (HR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.1-11.1; P = 0.028) were independent risk factors for early recurrence, whereas lymph node metastasis (HR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.2-7.8; P = 0.020) and R1 resection (HR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.4-10.5; P = 0.008) were independently associated with late recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Roughly, one-third of patients with well-differentiated NELM experienced a recurrence following curative-intent surgery. Among patients who recurred, two out of five patients recurred within 1 year after surgery. Early recurrence of well-differentiated NELM was associated with the hormone functional status and lymph node metastasis.

Gastrinomas: Medical or Surgical Treatment

This article reviews the role of surgical and medical management in patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) due to a gastrin-secreting neuroendocrine tumor (gastrinoma). It concentrates on the status at present but also briefly reviews the changes over time in treatment approaches. Generally, surgical and medical therapy are complementary today; however, in some cases, such as patients with ZES and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, the treatment approach remains controversial.

Treatment options for PNET liver metastases: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are rare pancreatic neoplasms. About 40-80% of patients with PNET are metastatic at presentation, usually involving the liver (40-93%). Liver metastasis represents the most significant prognostic factor. The aim of this study is to present an up-to-date review of treatment options for patients with liver metastases from PNETs.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed using the PubMed database to identify all pertinent studies published up to May 2018.

RESULTS

The literature search evaluated all the therapeutic options for patients with liver metastases of PNETs, including surgical treatment, loco-regional therapies, and pharmacological treatment. All the different treatment options showed particular indications in different presentations of liver metastases of PNET. Surgery remains the only potentially curative therapeutic option in patients with PNETs and resectable liver metastases, even if relapse rates are high. Efficacy of medical treatment has increased with advances in targeted therapies, such as everolimus and sunitinib, and the introduction of radiolabeled somatostatin analogs. Several techniques for loco-regional control of metastases are available, including chemo- or radioembolization.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of patients with PNET metastases should be multidisciplinary and must be personalized according to the features of individual patients and tumors.

Two Cases of Primary Hepatic Neuroendocrine Tumors and a Review of the Current Literature

Neuroendocrine tumors comprise approximately 1-2% of all gastrointestinal tumors, and while the liver is the most common site for metastasis of these tumors, primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumors are very rare entities. Since first being reported in 1958, there have been less than 150 cases reported in the literature. Because of the infrequent occurrence of these tumors, the pool of data available for analysis regarding these tumors is small. As such, the medical community must rely on the publication of case report data to further enlarge this data pool, with the hopes of eventually having enough data to draw meaningful, statistically significant conclusions with regard to diagnosis and management of these rare tumors. We have encountered two patients at our institution within the last year with primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumors. We present their cases in this manuscript in an effort to contribute to the available data on the disease. We also provide a concise review of the literature available to date regarding primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Proactive multi-modality treatment of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours (PNETs): Potential survival benefits

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Primary and metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNET) can be treated with combination of surgery, locoregional and systemic therapy. Survival benefits from individual treatments have been well reported, however, the combined outcome from multimodal treatments are not well described in the literature. We report outcomes in a cohort of PNET patients treated with proactive, multimodality therapy.

METHODS

106 patients were identified from a single tertiary referral centre prospective database. Outcomes of treatment were studied, with the primary end point being death from any cause.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 71 months and overall 5-year survival of 62%. In patients with stage I-III disease (51 patients) estimated 5-year survival was 90%. Median survival in patients with stage IV disease was 51 months with an estimated 5-year survival of 40% in this group. A total of 80 patients (75%) had surgery of which 16% suffered complications requiring intervention. There was no perioperative mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that proactive multimodal treatment is safe and may confer a survival benefit to patients in this cohort compared to historical data.

Is Multifocality an Indicator of Aggressive Behavior in Small Bowel Neuroendocrine Tumors?

OBJECTIVES

Many patients with small bowel neuroendocrine tumors (SBNETs) have multifocal tumors (MFTs), but the frequency of MFTs has varied widely across SBNET studies. It is also unclear whether patients with MFTs have more advanced disease or worse clinical course than do those with unifocal SBNETs. We set out to determine the frequency of multifocal and unifocal SBNETs and compare clinicopathologic factors, somatostatin receptor 2 expression, and survival.

METHODS

Clinicopathologic variables from 179 patients with surgically managed SBNETs were collected. Statistical comparisons were made using Welch t-test, Wilcoxon test, and Fisher's exact test. Survival was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Somatostatin receptor 2 expression was analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Ki-67 expression by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Multifocal tumors were found in 45% of patients with SBNETs. Clinicopathologic factors such as grade, TNM stage, presence of distant metastases, mean somatostatin receptor 2 expression, success of imaging modalities, and preoperative and postoperative hormone levels were not significantly different between multifocal and unifocal groups. Progression-free survival and overall survival were also not significantly affected by multifocality.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicopathologic features and survival of patients with MFTs and unifocal tumors are remarkably similar. Although the etiology of MFTs is unclear, patients with MFTs do not have a more aggressive clinical course than patients with unifocal SBNETs.

The Role of Cytoreductive Hepatic Surgery as an Adjunct to the Management of Metastatic Neuroendocrine Carcinomas

BACKGROUND

Patients with metastatic neuroendocrine cancers to the liver often present with disabling endocrinopathies and pain associated with bulky disease. Quality of life for these patients is poor and can require long-term therapy with somatostatin analogs for control of their symptoms. Alternative therapies to decrease tumor burden and subsequent hormone release have been investigated. Of these, cytoreductive surgery was found to have the most consistent and profound impact on symptom regression and overall survival.

METHODS

Several cases are reported that illustrate an aggressive multimodality approach in the treatment of metastatic neuroendocrine cancers to the liver. The literature is reviewed and the role of cytoreductive surgery in the management of hepatic neuroendocrine metastases is discussed.

RESULTS

Cytoreductive surgery can be performed safely with minimal morbidity and mortality. Regression of symptoms occurs in the majority of patients and survival is prolonged.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical intervention as part of an aggressive multimodality treatment plan results in improved outcomes for patients with advanced hepatic metastases of neuroendocrine origin. Future directions may include earlier surgical intervention with adjuvant therapies reserved for aggressive recurrent disease.

Resection of liver metastasis from neuroendocrine tumors: evaluation of results and prognostic factors

OBJECTIVES

to determine the prognostic factors that may impact on morbidity and mortality and survival of patients undergoing surgical treatment of liver metastases from neuroendocrine tumors.

METHODS

We studied 22 patients undergoing liver resection for metastases from neuroendocrine tumors between 1997 and 2007. Epidemiological and clinical data were correlated with morbidity and mortality and overall and disease-free survivals.

RESULTS

twelve patients were male and ten female, with a mean age of 48.5 years. Bilobar disease was present in 17 patients (77.3%). In ten patients (45.5%) the primary tumor originated in the pancreas, terminal ileum in eight, duodenum in two, rectum in one and jejunum in one. Complete surgical resection (R0) was achieved in 59.1% of patients. Eight patients (36.3%) developed complications in the immediate postoperative period, one of them dying from septicemia. All patients undergoing re-hepatectomy and/or two-stage hepatectomy had complications in the postoperative period. The overall survival at one and five years was 77.3% and 44.2%. The disease-free survival at five years was 13.6%. The primary pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (p = 0.006) was associated with reduced overall survival. Patients with number of metastatic nodules < 10 (p = 0.03) and asymptomatic at diagnosis (p = 0.015) had higher disease-free survival.

CONCLUSION

liver metastases originating from pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors proved to be a negative prognostic factor. Symptomatic patients with multiple metastatic nodules showed a significant reduction in disease-free survival.

Surgical treatment of non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours based on three clinical scenarios

INTRODUCTION

The treatment of patients with non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NFPNET) is resection in locally pancreatic disease, or with resectable liver metastases. There is controversy about unresectable liver disease.

METHODS

We analysed the perioperative data and survival outcome of 63 patients who underwent resection of NFPNET between 1993 and 2012. They were divided into 3 scenarios: A, pancreatic resection (44patients); B, pancreatic and liver resection in synchronous resectable liver metastases (12patients); and C, pancreatic resection in synchronous unresectable liver metastases (6patients). The prognostic factors for survival and recurrence were studied.

RESULTS

Distal pancreatectomy (51%) and pancreaticoduodenectomy (38%) were more frequently performed. Associated surgery was required in 44% of patients, including synchronous liver resections in 9patients. Two patients received a liver transplant during follow-up. According to the WHO classification they were distributed into G1: 10 (16%), G2: 45 (71%), and G3: 8 (13%). The median hospital stay was 11days. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were 49% and 1.6%, respectively. At the closure of the study, 43 (68%) patients were still alive, with a mean actuarial survival of 9.6years. The WHO classification and tumour recurrence were risk factors of mortality in the multivariate analysis. The median actuarial survival by scenarios was 131months (A), 102months (B), and 75months (C) without statistically significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical resection is the treatment for NFPNET without distant disease. Resectable liver metastases in well-differentiated tumours must be resected. The resection of the pancreatic tumour with unresectable synchronous liver metastasis must be considered in well-differentiated NFPNET. The WHO classification grade and recurrence are risk factors of long-term mortality.

Surgical management for non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms with synchronous liver metastasis: A consensus from the Chinese Study Group for Neuroendocrine Tumors (CSNET)

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (p-NENs) are slowly growing tumors with frequent liver metastasis. There is a variety of approaches to treat non-functional p-NENs with synchronous liver metastasis (LM) which complicates the determination of optimal treatment. Based on updated literature review, we discussed the treatment strategy determinants for p-NEN with LM. According to the resectability of primary tumor, the WHO 2010 grade classification and the radiological type of liver metastasis, the CSNET group reached agreements on a number of issues, including the following. Prior to treatment, biopsy is required to confirm pathology. Liver biopsy is important for more accurate grading of tumor and percutaneous core needle biopsy is more available than EUS-FNA. In patients with unresectable primary, surgical resection for liver-metastatic lesions should be avoided. Curative surgery is recommended for G1/G2 p-NET with type I LM and R1 resection also seems to improve overall survival rate. Cytoreductive surgery is recommended for G1/G2 p-NET with type II LM in select patients, and should meet stated requirements. Surgical resection for G1/G2 p-NET with type III LM and p-NEC with LM should be avoided, and insufficient evidence exists to guide the surgical treatment of G3 p-NET with LM. Liver transplantation may be an option in highly select patients. In addition, the optimal time for surgical approach is still required for more evidence.

A rare case of a primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumor

Neuroendocrine tumors are well-differentiated low grade malignant neoplasms. Their pathogenesis is thought to be secondary to the unrestricted proliferation of neuroendocrine cells. They most commonly arise in the bronchopulmonary or gastrointestinal tract but can originate from almost any organ. While the liver is a common site of metastases, primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumors are an exceedingly rare pathology, of which fewer than 100 cases have been described in world literature. Thus, there exists a paucity of data regarding the clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of this disease. We present a case of a 35-year-old patient who presented to our facility for evaluation of a cough and cervical lymphadenopathy. Two biopsies of the lymph nodes were negative, however on workup for an occult malignancy a hypodense heterogeneous hypervascular lesion measuring 3.7 cm × 2.7 cm in segment IVb of the liver was noted on computer tomography (CT) scan. The levels of laboratory studies such as liver enzymes, alkaline phospatase, chromogranin A, 24-hour 5 hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and tumor markers including alpha fetoprotein were not elevated. An MRI confirmed the mass, and the patient underwent CT guided biopsy of the hepatic lesion. Staining from the biopsy resulted in cells reactive for synaptophysin, chromogranin, anti-Cytokeratin (CAM 5.2), MOC31, CD 56 and mucin glycoprotein (MUC) confirming a nonsecretory neuroendocrine tumor. Patient underwent octreotide scan, PET scan, CT chest, MRI head along with EUS, EGD and colonoscopy to evaluate for a primary source, however, none was found. The well localized presentation without extensive hepatic invasion made the patient a candidate for surgical resection which was successfully performed. The patient remains disease free over 36 months after initial presentation. Primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumors are an exceedingly rare entity whose variable presentation necessitates provider familiarity with this condition. Once identified, excluding other primary locations with thorough investigation and treatment with surgical resection has been shown to provide the most patient benefit.

Long term results of hepatic resection or orthotopic liver transplantation in patients with liver metastases from gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors

Hepatic metastases are one of the most important prognostic factors for survival among patients affected by gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). The present study aims to evaluate the impact of surgery, including hepatic resection or orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), on the outcome of patients affected by hepatic metastases from NETs, in terms of overall survival (OS). In this multicentric retrospective study, data was collected on 26 patients, who underwent surgery for hepatic metastases from NETs in two Italian University Clinics between January 1990 and December 2012; of which, 22 patients underwent hepatic resective surgery and 4 patients OLT. Hepatic metastases were synchronous in the 53.8% of cases and metachronous in the 46.2% of cases. The median number of resected hepatic metastases was 3. Surgical radicalness (R0) was reached in the 84.6% of cases. In total, 57.7% of patients had a recurrence, 66.7% of which were intra- and 33.3% extra-hepatic. The OS of patients that underwent hepatic resections and OLT was 44.9% [95% confidence interval (CI95), 26.0-77.7%] and 50% (CI95, 12.5-100.0%) at 5 years, respectively. Although the data regarding the survival of patients receiving surgery for hepatic metastases from NETs are encouraging, randomized clinical trials are necessary to more adequately evaluate the effect of surgery on survival of this group of patients.

Outcomes of Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Are Combined Procedures Justified?

Efficacy and outcomes of resection for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) are well established; specific data on outcomes for pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), either alone or with combined procedures, are limited. A retrospective review of PDs for pNET (1998-2014) at our institution was conducted. Patients were categorized into standard PD (SPD) alone or combined PD (CPD) defined as patients undergoing concurrent vascular reconstruction or additional organ resection for curative intent. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed. PD for pNET was performed for 95 patients. Tumors were functional in 11 patients (9 %). Twenty-six patients (28 %) underwent CPD. The 30/90-day mortality was 1.1/5.3 % respectively and similar between SPD and CPD (p = 0.61/p = 0.24). Five-year overall survival after PD for pNET was 85.1/71.9 % and similar between SPD/CPD groups (p = 0.17). Recurrence-free and overall survival for low-grade tumors was 74.7/93.9 % at 5 years compared to only 14.8/49.7 % for high-grade tumors (p < 0.001) and not predicted by extent of resection (SPD/CPD, respectively). PD with or without concurrent resection provides an acceptable, perioperative and long-term oncologic, outcome for pNET. CPD is justified treatment modality, particularly for patients with low-grade tumors. The need for combinatorial procedures during PD is not contraindication alone for otherwise resectable patients with pNET.

Predictive prognostic value of local and distant recurrence of F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors with reference to World Health Organization classifications (2004, 2010). Case series study

BACKGROUND

F-flurodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) have been claimed to be an important prognostic tool in different malignancies. However, its predictive prognostic value on pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) is still under investigation.

AIM

We study the prognostic impact of FDG-PET scan in neuroendocrine pancreatic tumors.

METHODOLOGY

Between 2007 and 2012, 26 patients with no metastastatic histologically confirmed PNETs (mean age: 57 years) were examined with FDG-PET. We studied its captation in relation with the well established hystopathological prognostic markers assessed in the tumoral resected specimen according to the WHO 2004 and ENETS/WHO 2010 classification.

RESULTS

FDG-PET captation was positive in 17 cases (65.4%). The median follow-up period was 34.4 months and recurrences occurred in 4 cases (15.4%). We found a significant correlation between this captation and Ki 67 index (p = 0.032), mitotic index (p = 0.002), tumor grade (p = 0.017) and tumor size (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

FDG-PET provides a good prognostic value for PNETs. Present results must be further validated with larger sample studies.

Multidisciplinary management of nonfunctional neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are a rare and diverse group of tumors; nonfunctional (NF) PNETs account for the majority of cases. Most patients with NF-PNETs have metastatic disease at the time of presentation. A variety of treatment modalities exist, including medical, liver directed, and surgical treatments. Aggressive surgical management is associated with prolonged survival, however available data are limited by selection bias and the frequent combination of PNETs with carcinoid tumors. Although few patients with metastatic disease will be cured, application of currently available therapies in a multidisciplinary setting can lead to excellent outcomes with prolonged patient survival.

PTCH 1 staining of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) samples from patients with and without multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN-1) syndrome reveals a potential therapeutic target

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are rare, indolent tumors that may occur sporadically or develop in association with well-recognized hereditary syndromes, particularly multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1). We previously demonstrated that the hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway was aberrantly up-regulated in a mouse model that phenocopies the human MEN-1 syndrome, Men1l/l;RipCre, and that inhibition of this pathway suppresses MEN-1 tumor cell proliferation. We hypothesized that the HH signaling pathway is similarly upregulated in human PNETs. We performed immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for PTCH1 in human fresh and archival PNET specimens to examine whether human sporadic and MEN-1-associated PNETs revealed similar abnormalities as in our mouse model and correlated the results with clinical and demographic factors of the study cohort. PTCH1 staining was positive in 12 of 22 PNET patients (55%). Four of 5 MEN-1 patients stained for PTCH1 (p = 0.32 as compared with sporadic disease patients). Nine of 16 patients with metastatic disease stained for PTCH1 as compared with zero of 3 with localized disease only (p = 0.21). No demographic or clinical features appeared to be predictive of PTCH 1 positivity and PTCH 1 positivity per se was not predictive of clinical outcome. PTCH1, a marker of HH pathway up regulation, is detectable in both primary and metastatic tumors in more than 50% of PNET patients. Although no clinical or demographic factors predict PTCH1 positivity and PTCH1 positivity does not predict clinical outcome, the frequency of expression alone indicates that perturbation of this pathway with agents such as Vismodegib, an inhibitor of Smoothened (SMO), should be examined in future clinical trials.

Liver-directed surgery of neuroendocrine metastases: What is the optimal strategy?

INTRODUCTION

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) frequently metastasize to the liver. Operative debulking offers symptomatic relief and improved survival; however, the frequent presence of multifocal, bilobar disease and high recurrence rates introduces doubt regarding their optimal management. Parenchyma-sparing debulking (PSD) procedures (ablation, enucleation, wedge resections) may offer similar survival improvements as resection while minimizing morbidity and preserving functional liver tissue.

METHODS

Clinicopathologic variables from 228 patients with small bowel or pancreatic NETs managed operatively at one institution were collected. Liver-directed surgery was carried out when substantial debulking was deemed feasible. Survival was assessed by use of the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

A total of 108 patients with pancreatic NET or small bowel NET underwent liver-directed surgery with primarily PSD procedures. Nearly two-thirds of patients achieved 70% cytoreduction and 84% had concurrent resection of their primary. The median number of lesions treated was 6 (range, 1-36). There were no 30-day operative mortalities. The 30-day major complication rate was 13.0%. Patients who achieved 70% cytoreduction enjoyed improved progression free (median 3.2 years) and overall survival (median not reached).

CONCLUSION

PSD procedures are safe and can achieve significant cytoreduction, which is associated with improved survival. Lowering the debulking target threshold to 70% may benefit NET patients by increasing eligibility for cytoreduction.

Eastern Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference 2014

The annual Eastern Canadian Colorectal Cancer Consensus Conference was held in Montreal, Quebec, 23-25 October 2014. Expert radiation, medical, and surgical oncologists and pathologists involved in the management of patients with gastrointestinal malignancies participated in presentations and discussions resulting in consensus statements on such hot topics as management of neuroendocrine tumours, advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer, and metastatic colorectal cancer.

Meta-analysis of Liver Resection Versus Nonsurgical Treatments for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors with Liver Metastases

PURPOSE

Studies have reported limited evidence of the benefits and harms of various regimens, such as liver resection and medical therapy, for the treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) with liver metastases. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of liver resection versus nonsurgical treatments in patients with pNET.

METHODS

Relevant studies published in English were retrieved from the computerized databases Medline, Embase, and Cochrane. A meta-analysis was performed to investigate the differences in the efficacy of liver resection and nonsurgical treatments based on the evaluation of 30-day mortality, symptom relief rate, median survival time, and 2-, 3-, or 5-year survival using a random-effects model. Studies were independently reviewed by two investigators. Data from eligible studies were extracted, and the meta-analysis was performed using the comprehensive meta-analysis program version 2.

RESULTS

A total of seven studies were included in the analysis. The results demonstrated that liver resection was significantly associated with a higher rate of symptom relief, longer median survival time, higher 2- or 3-year survival rates, as well as a higher 5-year survival rate. There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality among patients with pNETs who were treated by liver resection and nonsurgical therapy or survival between functional and nonfunctional pNETs. No publication bias was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver resection has a favorable prognostic outcome in terms of higher postoperative symptom relief rates and longer survival rates. Further randomized, controlled trials with longer follow-up periods are required to confirm the advantages of liver resection for pNETs.

Perspectives on surgical management of neuroendocrine liver metastases

Abstract: 

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) commonly metastasize to the liver. Different treatments are available for the management of metastatic NETs. Both primary tumor and metastases can significantly affect the patients’ quality of life and overall survival (OS). Surgical resection is the only chance for cure and should be considered for every patient. For operable patients, current evidence suggests that liver resection is a safe and effective treatment for neuroendocrine liver metastases. High rates of recurrence are reported following resection of neuroendocrine liver metastases. There is no evidence to support incomplete (R2) resection (debulking) surgery to improve OS or quality of life. When surgery is performed for NETs, other conservative adjuvant treatments should also be considered to prolong symptom-free, disease-free and OS.

Clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and economic burden in patients treated for neuroendocrine tumors in the United States: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To assess patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and healthcare resource utilization (HRU)/costs of individuals treated for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) in the US.

METHODS

Using a US administrative claims database, this study identified commercially-insured adults newly diagnosed with carcinoid tumors (ICD-9-CM: 209.xx) or pancreatic islet cell tumors (ICD-9-CM: 157.4 and 211.7) between July 1, 2007 and December 31, 2010 (date of first observed diagnosis denoted the index date). Patients were required to have 6-month pre-index and 12-month post-index continuous enrollment, and treatment by medical and/or surgical therapy during the 12-month follow-up. Descriptive analyses were performed to assess demographic/clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, HRU, and total healthcare cost in two mutually exclusive cohorts, medical and surgical therapy.

RESULTS

This study included 625 individuals with NETs treated with medical therapy (mean age: 54.2 years; 53.4% female) and 831 treated with surgical therapy (mean age: 51.3 years; 52.6% female). Among the medical therapy cohort, carcinoid syndrome (72.3%), liver metastasis (62.6%), and diarrhea (28.3%) were the most prevalent symptoms/co-morbidities in the 12-month post-index period; 92.3% received octreotide long-acting release, 35.8% had hospitalization admissions, and 37.9% had emergency room visits. The total monthly healthcare cost increased from $5629.7 in the pre-index period to $9093.3 in the post-index period. Among the surgical therapy cohort, carcinoid syndrome (40.3%), nausea and/or vomiting (28.5%), and liver metastasis (24.3%) were the most prevalent symptoms/comorbidities in the 12-month post-index period; 31.4% received surgical resection or removal of large intestine, 94.7% had hospitalization admissions, and 45.5% had emergency room visits. The total monthly healthcare cost increased from $2547.9 in the pre-index period to $8810.4 in the post-index period.

CONCLUSION

Substantial clinical and economic burden exists among individuals with NET treated with medical or surgical therapies. Future research should investigate this treated sub-population considering a longer follow-up due to slow disease progression.