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Richter S, Steenblock C, Fischer A, Lemm S, Ziegler CG, Bechmann N, Nölting S, Pietzsch J, Ullrich M. Improving susceptibility of neuroendocrine tumors to radionuclide therapies: personalized approaches towards complementary treatments. Theranostics 2024; 14:17-32. [PMID: 38164150 PMCID: PMC10750207 DOI: 10.7150/thno.87345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Radionuclide therapies are an important tool for the management of patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). Especially [131I]MIBG and [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE are routinely used for the treatment of a subset of NENs, including pheochromocytomas, paragangliomas and gastroenteropancreatic tumors. Some patients suffering from other forms of NENs, such as medullary thyroid carcinoma or neuroblastoma, were shown to respond to radionuclide therapy; however, no general recommendations exist. Although [131I]MIBG and [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE can delay disease progression and improve quality of life, complete remissions are achieved rarely. Hence, better individually tailored combination regimes are required. This review summarizes currently applied radionuclide therapies in the context of NENs and informs about recent advances in the development of theranostic agents that might enable targeting subgroups of NENs that previously did not respond to [131I]MIBG or [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE. Moreover, molecular pathways involved in NEN tumorigenesis and progression that mediate features of radioresistance and are particularly related to the stemness of cancer cells are discussed. Pharmacological inhibition of such pathways might result in radiosensitization or general complementary antitumor effects in patients with certain genetic, transcriptomic, or metabolic characteristics. Finally, we provide an overview of approved targeted agents that might be beneficial in combination with radionuclide therapies in the context of a personalized molecular profiling approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Richter
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Charlotte Steenblock
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Alessa Fischer
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ), and University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sandy Lemm
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, School of Science, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian G. Ziegler
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- University Hospital Würzburg, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Bechmann
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Svenja Nölting
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ), and University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jens Pietzsch
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, School of Science, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Ullrich
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
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Borghesani M, Gervaso L, Cella CA, Benini L, Ciardiello D, Algeri L, Ferrero A, Valenza C, Guidi L, Zampino MG, Spada F, Fazio N. Promising targetable biomarkers in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2023; 18:387-398. [PMID: 37743651 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2023.2248239] [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: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the treatment scenario of PanNETs-targeted therapies are desired but limited, as rarity and heterogeneity on PanNETs pose limitations to their development. AREAS COVERED We performed a literature review searching for promising druggable biomarkers and potential treatments to be implemented in the next future. We focused on treatments which have already reached clinical experimentation, although in early phases. Six targets were identified, namely Hsp90, HIFa, HDACs, CDKs, uPAR, and DDR. Even though biological rational is strong, so far reported efficacy outcomes are quite disappointing. The reason of that should be searched in the patients' heterogeneity, lack of biomarker selection, poor knowledge of interfering mechanisms as well as difficulties in patients accrual. Moreover, different ways to assess treatment efficacy should be considered, other than response rate, in light of the more indolent nature of NETs. EXPERT OPINION Development of targeted treatments in PanNETs is still an uncovered area, far behind other more frequent cancers. Rarity of NETs led to accrual of unselected populations, possibly jeopardizing the drug efficacy. Better patients' selection, both in terms of topography, grading and biomarkers is crucial and will help understanding which role targeted therapies can really play in these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Borghesani
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - L Gervaso
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
- Molecular Medicine Program, University of Pavia, Pavia, Lombardia, IT, Italy
| | - C A Cella
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - L Benini
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - D Ciardiello
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - L Algeri
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - A Ferrero
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - C Valenza
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - L Guidi
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - M G Zampino
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - F Spada
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - N Fazio
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
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Klomp MJ, Refardt J, van Koetsveld PM, Campana C, Dalm SU, Dogan F, van Velthuysen MLF, Feelders RA, de Herder WW, Hofland J, Hofland LJ. Epigenetic regulation of SST 2 expression in small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1184436. [PMID: 37223009 PMCID: PMC10200989 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1184436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Somatostatin receptor type 2 (SST2) expression is critical for the diagnosis and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors and is associated with improved patient survival. Recent data suggest that epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation and histone modifications play an important role in regulating SST2 expression and tumorigenesis of NETs. However, there are limited data on the association between epigenetic marks and SST2 expression in small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors (SI-NETs). Methods Tissue samples from 16 patients diagnosed with SI-NETs and undergoing surgical resection of the primary tumor at Erasmus MC Rotterdam were analysed for SST2 expression levels and epigenetic marks surrounding the SST2 promoter region, i.e. DNA methylation and histone modifications H3K27me3 and H3K9ac. As a control, 13 normal SI-tissue samples were included. Results The SI-NET samples had high SST2 protein and mRNA expression levels; a median (IQR) of 80% (70-95) SST2-positive cells and 8.2 times elevated SST2 mRNA expression level compared to normal SI-tissue (p=0.0042). In comparison to normal SI-tissue, DNA methylation levels and H3K27me3 levels were significantly lower at five out of the eight targeted CpG positions and at two out of the three examined locations within the SST2 gene promoter region of the SI-NET samples, respectively. No differences in the level of activating histone mark H3K9ac were observed between matched samples. While no correlation was found between histone modification marks and SST2 expression, SST2 mRNA expression levels correlated negatively with DNA methylation within the SST2 promoter region in both normal SI-tissue and SI-NETs (p=0.006 and p=0.04, respectively). Conclusion SI-NETs have lower SST2 promoter methylation levels and lower H3K27me3 methylation levels compared to normal SI-tissue. Moreover, in contrast to the absence of a correlation with SST2 protein expression levels, significant negative correlations were found between SST2 mRNA expression level and the mean level of DNA methylation within the SST2 promoter region in both normal SI-tissue and SI-NET tissue. These results indicate that DNA methylation might be involved in regulating SST2 expression. However, the role of histone modifications in SI-NETs remains elusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J. Klomp
- ENETS Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center (MC) Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- ENETS Center of Excellence, Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Julie Refardt
- ENETS Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center (MC) Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- ENETS Center of Excellence, Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter M. van Koetsveld
- ENETS Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center (MC) Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Claudia Campana
- ENETS Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center (MC) Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Simone U. Dalm
- ENETS Center of Excellence, Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Fadime Dogan
- ENETS Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center (MC) Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Richard A. Feelders
- ENETS Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center (MC) Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Wouter W. de Herder
- ENETS Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center (MC) Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Johannes Hofland
- ENETS Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center (MC) Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Leo J. Hofland
- ENETS Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center (MC) Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Ullrich M, Richter S, Liers J, Drukewitz S, Friedemann M, Kotzerke J, Ziegler CG, Nölting S, Kopka K, Pietzsch J. Epigenetic drugs in somatostatin type 2 receptor radionuclide theranostics and radiation transcriptomics in mouse pheochromocytoma models. Theranostics 2023; 13:278-294. [PMID: 36593963 PMCID: PMC9800739 DOI: 10.7150/thno.77918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PCCs/PGLs) are catecholamine-producing tumors. In inoperable and metastatic cases, somatostatin type 2 receptor (SSTR2) expression allows for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE. Insufficient receptor levels, however, limit treatment efficacy. This study evaluates whether the epigenetic drugs valproic acid (VPA) and 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (DAC) modulate SSTR2 levels and sensitivity to [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE in two mouse PCC models (MPC and MTT). Methods: Drug-effects on Sstr2/SSTR2 were investigated in terms of promoter methylation, mRNA and protein levels, and radiotracer binding. Radiotracer uptake was measured in subcutaneous allografts in mice using PET and SPECT imaging. Tumor growth and gene expression (RNAseq) were characterized after drug treatments. Results: DAC alone and in combination with VPA increased SSTR2 levels along with radiotracer uptake in vitro in MPC (high-SSTR2) and MTT cells (low-SSTR2). MTT but not MPC allografts responded to DAC and VPA combination with significantly elevated radiotracer uptake, although activity concentrations remained far below those in MPC tumors. In both models, combination of DAC, VPA and [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE was associated with additive effects on tumor growth delay and specific transcriptional responses in gene sets involved in cancer and treatment resistance. Effects of epigenetic drugs were unrelated to CpG island methylation of the Sstr2 promoter. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that SSTR2 induction in mouse pheochromocytoma models has some therapeutic benefit that occurs via yet unknown mechanisms. Transcriptional changes in tumor allografts associated with epigenetic treatment and [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE provide first insights into genetic responses of PCCs/PGLs, potentially useful for developing additional strategies to prevent tumor recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Ullrich
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Dresden, Germany.,✉ Corresponding author: Dr. Martin Ullrich, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany. Phone: +49-351-2604046, Fax: +49-351-26012622, E-mail:
| | - Susan Richter
- University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the Technische Universität Dresden, Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Dresden, Germany
| | - Josephine Liers
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Dresden, Germany.,University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the Technische Universität Dresden, Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stephan Drukewitz
- National Center for Tumor Diseases/University Cancer Center Dresden, Core Unit for Molecular Tumor Diagnostics, Dresden, Germany.,University of Leipzig Medical Center, Institute of Human Genetics, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Markus Friedemann
- University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the Technische Universität Dresden, Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jörg Kotzerke
- University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the Technische Universität Dresden, Klinik und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian G. Ziegler
- University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the Technische Universität Dresden, Department of Medicine III, Dresden, Germany
| | - Svenja Nölting
- University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, Zurich, Switzerland.,University Hospital, LMU Munich, Department of Medicine IV, Munich, Germany
| | - Klaus Kopka
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Dresden, Germany.,Technische Universität Dresden, School of Science, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Dresden, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, University Cancer Center (UCC), Dresden, Germany
| | - Jens Pietzsch
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Dresden, Germany.,Technische Universität Dresden, School of Science, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Dresden, Germany
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5
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McClellan K, Chen EY, Kardosh A, Lopez CD, Del Rivero J, Mallak N, Rocha FG, Koethe Y, Pommier R, Mittra E, Pegna GJ. Therapy Resistant Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4769. [PMID: 36230691 PMCID: PMC9563314 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194769] [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: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) are a heterogenous group of malignancies originating from neuroendocrine cells of the gastrointestinal tract, the incidence of which has been increasing for several decades. While there has been significant progress in the development of therapeutic options for patients with advanced or metastatic disease, these remain limited both in quantity and durability of benefit. This review examines the latest research elucidating the mechanisms of both up-front resistance and the eventual development of resistance to the primary systemic therapeutic options including somatostatin analogues, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy with lutetium Lu 177 dotatate, everolimus, sunitinib, and temozolomide-based chemotherapy. Further, potential strategies for overcoming these mechanisms of resistance are reviewed in addition to a comprehensive review of ongoing and planned clinical trials addressing this important challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen McClellan
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Emerson Y. Chen
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Adel Kardosh
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Charles D. Lopez
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Jaydira Del Rivero
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nadine Mallak
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Flavio G. Rocha
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Yilun Koethe
- Dotter Department of Interventional Radiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Rodney Pommier
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Erik Mittra
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Guillaume J. Pegna
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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Refardt J, Klomp MJ, van Koetsveld PM, Dogan F, Konijnenberg M, Brabander T, Feelders RA, de Herder WW, Hofland LJ, Hofland J. Effect of epigenetic treatment on SST 2 expression in neuroendocrine tumour patients. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e957. [PMID: 35866246 PMCID: PMC9304941 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Refardt
- ENETS Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,ENETS Center of Excellence, Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria J Klomp
- ENETS Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,ENETS Center of Excellence, Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter M van Koetsveld
- ENETS Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fadime Dogan
- ENETS Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Konijnenberg
- ENETS Center of Excellence, Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tessa Brabander
- ENETS Center of Excellence, Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard A Feelders
- ENETS Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter W de Herder
- ENETS Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leo J Hofland
- ENETS Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes Hofland
- ENETS Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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