1
|
Massironi S, Franchina M, Ippolito D, Elisei F, Falco O, Maino C, Pagni F, Elvevi A, Guerra L, Invernizzi P. Improvements and future perspective in diagnostic tools for neuroendocrine neoplasms. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2024; 19:349-366. [PMID: 38836602 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2024.2363537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) represent a complex group of tumors arising from neuroendocrine cells, characterized by heterogeneous behavior and challenging diagnostics. Despite advancements in medical technology, NENs present a major challenge in early detection, often leading to delayed diagnosis and variable outcomes. This review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of current diagnostic methods as well as the evolving and future directions of diagnostic strategies for NENs. AREA COVERED The review extensively covers the evolution of diagnostic tools for NENs, from traditional imaging and biochemical tests to advanced genomic profiling and next-generation sequencing. The emerging role of technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and liquid biopsies could improve diagnostic precision, as could the integration of imaging modalities such as positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) hybrids and innovative radiotracers. EXPERT OPINION Despite progress, there is still a significant gap in the early diagnosis of NENs. Bridging this diagnostic gap and integrating advanced technologies and precision medicine are crucial to improving patient outcomes. However, challenges such as low clinical awareness, limited possibility of noninvasive diagnostic tools and funding limitations for rare diseases like NENs are acknowledged.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Massironi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Marianna Franchina
- Division of Gastroenterology, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Davide Ippolito
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Federica Elisei
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Olga Falco
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Cesare Maino
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Fabio Pagni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Division of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Alessandra Elvevi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Luca Guerra
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bilreiro C, Andrade L, Santiago I, Marques RM, Matos C. Imaging of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma - An update for all stages of patient management. Eur J Radiol Open 2024; 12:100553. [PMID: 38357385 PMCID: PMC10864763 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejro.2024.100553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a common and lethal cancer. From diagnosis to disease staging, response to neoadjuvant therapy assessment and patient surveillance after resection, imaging plays a central role, guiding the multidisciplinary team in decision-planning. Review aims and findings This review discusses the most up-to-date imaging recommendations, typical and atypical findings, and issues related to each step of patient management. Example cases for each relevant condition are presented, and a structured report for disease staging is suggested. Conclusion Despite current issues in PDAC imaging at different stages of patient management, the radiologist is essential in the multidisciplinary team, as the conveyor of relevant imaging findings crucial for patient care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Bilreiro
- Radiology Department, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
- Nova Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luísa Andrade
- Radiology Department, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Santiago
- Radiology Department, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rui Mateus Marques
- Nova Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal
- Radiology Department, Hospital de S. José, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Celso Matos
- Radiology Department, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) has illuminated a clear path towards an evolving health-care system replete with enhanced precision and computing capabilities. Medical imaging analysis can be strengthened by machine learning as the multidimensional data generated by imaging naturally lends itself to hierarchical classification. In this Review, we describe the role of machine intelligence in image-based endocrine cancer diagnostics. We first provide a brief overview of AI and consider its intuitive incorporation into the clinical workflow. We then discuss how AI can be applied for the characterization of adrenal, pancreatic, pituitary and thyroid masses in order to support clinicians in their diagnostic interpretations. This Review also puts forth a number of key evaluation criteria for machine learning in medicine that physicians can use in their appraisals of these algorithms. We identify mitigation strategies to address ongoing challenges around data availability and model interpretability in the context of endocrine cancer diagnosis. Finally, we delve into frontiers in systems integration for AI, discussing automated pipelines and evolving computing platforms that leverage distributed, decentralized and quantum techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ihab R Kamel
- Department of Imaging & Imaging Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Harrison X Bai
- Department of Imaging & Imaging Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ghidini M, Vuozzo M, Galassi B, Mapelli P, Ceccarossi V, Caccamo L, Picchio M, Dondossola D. The Role of Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) for Staging and Disease Response Assessment in Localized and Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4155. [PMID: 34439307 PMCID: PMC8394552 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic Cancer (PC) has a poor prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of only 9%. Even after radical surgical procedures, PC patients have poor survival rates, with a high chance of relapse (70-80%). Imaging is involved in all aspects of the clinical management of PC, including detection and characterization of primary tumors and their resectability, assessment of vascular, perineural and lymphatic invasion and detection of distant metastases. The role of Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) in detecting PC is still controversial, with the international guidelines not recommending its routine use. However, in resectable PC, PET/CT may play a role in assessing PC stage and grade and potential resectability after neoadjuvant treatment. Quantitative image analysis (radiomics) and new PET/CT radiotracers account for future developments in metabolic imaging and may further improve the relevance of this technique in several aspects of PC. In the present review, the current state of the art and future directions of PET/CT in resectable PC are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Ghidini
- Operative Unit of Oncology, Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Marta Vuozzo
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany;
- University Medical Center, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Barbara Galassi
- Operative Unit of Oncology, Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Paola Mapelli
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (P.M.); (M.P.)
- Nuclear Medicine Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Virginia Ceccarossi
- Dipartimento di Chirurgia Generale e dei Trapianti di Fegato, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (L.C.); (D.D.)
- Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medico-Chirurgica e dei Trapianti, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Lucio Caccamo
- Dipartimento di Chirurgia Generale e dei Trapianti di Fegato, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (L.C.); (D.D.)
| | - Maria Picchio
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (P.M.); (M.P.)
- Nuclear Medicine Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Dondossola
- Dipartimento di Chirurgia Generale e dei Trapianti di Fegato, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (L.C.); (D.D.)
- Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medico-Chirurgica e dei Trapianti, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
|