1
|
Eren OC, Bagci P, Balci S, Ohike N, Saka B, Sokmensuer C, Leblebici CB, Xue Y, Reid MD, Krasinskas AM, Kooby D, Maithel SK, Sarmiento J, Cheng JD, Taskin OC, Kapran Y, Tarcan ZC, Luchini C, Scarpa A, Basturk O, Adsay NV. Subgrading of G2 Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors as 2A (Ki67 3% to < 10%) Versus 2B (10% to ≤ 20%) Identifies Behaviorally Distinct Subsets in Keeping with the Evolving Management Protocols. Ann Surg Oncol 2024:10.1245/s10434-024-15632-y. [PMID: 38955993 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-024-15632-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Grade 1/2 PanNETs are mostly managed similarly, typically without any adjunct treatment with the belief that their overall metastasis rate is low. In oncology literature, Ki67-index of 10% is increasingly being used as the cutoff in stratifying patients to different protocols, although there are no systematic pathology-based studies supporting this approach. METHODS Ki67-index was correlated with clinicopathologic parameters in 190 resected PanNETs. A validation cohort (n = 145) was separately analyzed. RESULTS In initial cohort, maximally selected rank statistics method revealed 12% to be the discriminatory cutoff (close to 10% rule of thumb). G2b cases had liver/distant metastasis rate of almost threefold higher than that of G2a and showed significantly higher frequency of all histopathologic signs of aggressiveness (tumor size, perineural/vascular invasion, infiltrative growth pattern, lymph node metastasis). In validation cohort, these figures were as striking. When all cases were analyzed together, compared with G1, the G2b category had nine times higher liver/distant metastasis rate (6.1 vs. 58.5%; p < 0.001) and three times higher lymph node metastasis rate (20.5 vs. 65.1%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS G2b PanNETs act very similar to G3, supporting management protocols that regard them as potential therapy candidates. Concerning local management, metastatic behavior in G2b cases indicate they may not be as amenable for conservative approaches, such as watchful waiting or enucleation. This substaging should be considered into diagnostic guidelines, and clinical trials need to be devised to determine the more appropriate management protocols for G2b (10% to ≤ 20%) group, which shows liver/distant metastasis in more than half of the cases, which at minimum warrants closer follow-up.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ozgur Can Eren
- Department of Pathology, Koç University, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Pelin Bagci
- Department of Pathology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Serdar Balci
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sisli Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Nobuyuki Ohike
- Department of Pathology, St. Marianna University, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Burcu Saka
- Department of Pathology, Koç University, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Cenk Sokmensuer
- Department of Pathology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | | | - Yue Xue
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | | | | | - David Kooby
- Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Juan Sarmiento
- Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Orhun Cig Taskin
- Department of Pathology, Koç University, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Yersu Kapran
- Department of Pathology, Koç University, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Zeynep Cagla Tarcan
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Claudio Luchini
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology and ARC-Net Research Centre, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology and ARC-Net Research Centre, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Olca Basturk
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - N Volkan Adsay
- Department of Pathology, Koç University, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Uccella S. Molecular Classification of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Are We Ready for That? Endocr Pathol 2024; 35:91-106. [PMID: 38470548 PMCID: PMC11176254 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-024-09807-2] [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] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
In the last two decades, the increasing availability of technologies for molecular analyses has allowed an insight in the genomic alterations of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. This knowledge has confirmed, supported, and informed the pathological classification of NEN, clarifying the differences between neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC) and neuroendocrine tumors (NET) and helping to define the G3 NET category. At the same time, the identification genomic alterations, in terms of gene mutation, structural abnormalities, and epigenetic changes differentially involved in the pathogenesis of NEC and NET has identified potential molecular targets for precision therapy. This review critically recapitulates the available molecular features of digestive NEC and NET, highlighting their correlates with pathological aspects and clinical characteristics of these neoplasms and revising their role as predictive biomarkers for targeted therapy. In this context, the feasibility and applicability of a molecular classification of gastrointestinal and pancreatic NEN will be explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Uccella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.
- Pathology Service IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sicilia Pozo MDLN, López-Bermejo García F, Ruiz Disotuar N, Alarcón Molero L, Poblete García VM. Neuroendocrine Tumor Presented With Axillary Mass: A Case Report. Clin Nucl Med 2024; 49:e230-e232. [PMID: 38350081 DOI: 10.1097/rlu.0000000000005075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT A 79-year-old man presented with a palpable left axillary mass and ultrasonography findings of conglomerate lymph nodes. The initial clinical suspicion was a lymphoproliferative disorder, but histopathological results revealed a grade 3 neuroendocrine tumor. The mass showed somatostatin receptor overexpression in 99m Tc-HYNIC-TOC scintigraphy and high uptake in 18 F-FDG PET/CT. Bilateral hypermetabolic adrenal nodes suggestive of metastases were also detected. The patient was treated with chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and PET/CT scan showed a partial metabolic response after 4 cycles. According to this case, neuroendocrine tumor should be considered in the differential diagnosis of axillary masses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Niletys Ruiz Disotuar
- From the Department of Nuclear Medicine, University General Hospital of Ciudad Real, Ciudad Real
| | - Lorena Alarcón Molero
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Hospital General de Valdepeñas, Valdepeñas, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Arrivi G, Verrico M, Roberto M, Barchiesi G, Faggiano A, Marchetti P, Mazzuca F, Tomao S. Capecitabine and Temozolomide (CAPTEM) in Advanced Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NENs): A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis. Cancer Manag Res 2022; 14:3507-3523. [PMID: 36575665 PMCID: PMC9790144 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s372776] [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: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Retrospective studies and single center experiences suggest a role of capecitabine combined with temozolomide (CAPTEM) in neuroendocrine tumors (NENs). Methods We performed a systematic review to assess the efficacy and safety of CAPTEM in patients affected with NENs, with the aim to better clarify the role of this regimen in the therapeutic algorithm of NENs. Results A total of 42 articles and 1818 patients were included in our review. The overall disease control rate was 77% (range 43.5%-100%). The median progression free survival ranged from 4 to 38.5 months, while the median overall survival ranged from 8 to 103 months. Safety analysis showed an occurrence of G3-G4 toxicities in 16.4% of the entire population. The most common toxicities were hematological (27.2%), gastrointestinal (8.3%,) and cutaneous (3.2%). Conclusion This systematic review demonstrated that CAPTEM was an effective and relatively safe treatment for patients with advanced well-moderate differentiated NENs of gastroenteropancreatic, lung and unknown origin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Arrivi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Oncology Unit, Sant’ Andrea University Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Verrico
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Medical Oncology Unit A, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Roberto
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Medical Oncology Unit A, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Barchiesi
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Medical Oncology Unit A, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antongiulio Faggiano
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Endocrinology Unit, Sant ‘Andrea University Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Marchetti
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Oncology Unit, Sant’ Andrea University Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata (IDI-IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Mazzuca
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Oncology Unit, Sant’ Andrea University Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Silverio Tomao
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Medical Oncology Unit A, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Modica R, Liccardi A, Minotta R, Cannavale G, Benevento E, Colao A. Therapeutic strategies for patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms: current perspectives. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2022; 17:389-403. [PMID: 35822906 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2022.2099840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a heterogeneous group of malignancies mainly arising in the gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) and bronchopulmonary systems, with steadily increasing incidence. The therapeutic landscape has widened and the therapeutic strategy should be based on new sequences and combinations, still debated. AREAS COVERED Herein, we provide an overview of current approved pharmacological treatments in patients with NENs, with the aim to summarize evidence of efficacy of the main different options in GEP and pulmonary NENs, principally focusing on somatostatin analogs (SSAs), targeted therapy with everolimus and sunitinib, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) and chemotherapy. We discuss biological rationale and toxicities, including current indications according to differentiation and placement in the therapeutic algorithm, clinical trials, and combinations. Furthermore, we recommend areas for further research. EXPERT OPINION Therapeutic management of patients with NENs represents a challenge for clinicians and the identification of effective sequences and combinations is of utmost importance. Major efforts should be directed to early identify and overcome resistance and to limit toxicity. The progress in the therapeutic management of NENs grows faster and the choice of the best approach should be based on randomized clinical trials, as well as on long-term, real-world data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Modica
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Liccardi
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Minotta
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cannavale
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Elio Benevento
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
- UNESCO Chair, Education for Health and Sustainable Development, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bartolomei M, Berruti A, Falconi M, Fazio N, Ferone D, Lastoria S, Pappagallo G, Seregni E, Versari A. Clinical Management of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms in Clinical Practice: A Formal Consensus Exercise. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102501. [PMID: 35626105 PMCID: PMC9140035 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Well-structured international guidelines are currently available regarding the management of patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). However, in relation to the multiplicity of treatments and the relative rarity and heterogeneity of NENs, there are many controversial issues in which clinical evidence is insufficient and for which expert opinion can be of help. A group of experts selected 14 relevant topics and formulated relative statements concerning controversial issues in several areas on diagnosis, prognosis, therapeutic strategies, and patient follow-up. Specific statements have also been formulated regarding patient management on radioligand therapy (RLT), as well as in the presence of co-morbidities or bone metastases. All the statements were drafted, discussed, modified, and then approved. The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) method was used to obtain consensus. The results of this paper can facilitate the clinical approach of patients with NENs in daily practice in areas where there is scarcity or absence of clinical evidence. Abstract Many treatment approaches are now available for neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). While several societies have issued guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of NENs, there are still areas of controversy for which there is limited guidance. Expert opinion can thus be of support where firm recommendations are lacking. A group of experts met to formulate 14 statements relative to diagnosis and treatment of NENs and presented herein. The nominal group and estimate-talk-estimate techniques were used. The statements covered a broad range of topics from tools for diagnosis to follow-up, evaluation of response, treatment efficacy, therapeutic sequence, and watchful waiting. Initial prognostic characterization should be based on clinical information as well as histopathological analysis and morphological and functional imaging. It is also crucial to optimize RLT for patients with a NEN starting from accurate characterization of the patient and disease. Follow-up should be patient/tumor tailored with a shared plan about timing and type of imaging procedures to use to avoid safety issues. It is also stressed that patient-reported outcomes should receive greater attention, and that a multidisciplinary approach should be mandatory. Due to the clinical heterogeneity and relative lack of definitive evidence for NENs, personalization of diagnostic–therapeutic work-up is crucial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirco Bartolomei
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Presidio Ospedaliero Arcispedale Sant’Anna di Cona, 44124 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Alfredo Berruti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Medical Oncology, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Massimo Falconi
- Pancreas Surgical Unit, ENETS Center of Excellence, San Raffaele Hospital IRCCS, Vita Salute University, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Nicola Fazio
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncologya and Neuroendocrine Tumors, European Institute of Oncology, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Diego Ferone
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Secondo Lastoria
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Pappagallo
- School of Clinical Methodology IRCCS “Sacred Heart–Don Calabria” Hospital; 37024 Negrar di Valpolicella, Italy;
| | - Ettore Seregni
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20132 Milano, Italy;
| | - Annibale Versari
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, 42100 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Survival According to Therapy Regimen for Small Intestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11092358. [PMID: 35566487 PMCID: PMC9104547 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11092358] [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: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Scarce data exist for therapy regimens other than somatostatin analogues (SSA) and peptide receptor radiotherapy (PRRT) for siNET. We analyzed real world data for differences in survival according to therapy. Patients and methods: Analysis of 145 patients, diagnosed between 1993 and 2018 at a single institution, divided in treatment groups. Group (gr.) 0: no treatment (n = 10), gr 1: TACE and/or PRRT (n = 26), gr. 2: SSA (n = 32), gr. 3: SSA/PRRT (n = 8), gr. 4: chemotherapy (n = 8), gr. 5: not metastasized (at diagnosis), surgery only (n = 53), gr. 6 = metastasized (at diagnosis), surgery only (n = 10). Results: 45.5% female, median age 60 years (range, 27–84). A total of 125/145 patients with a resection of the primary tumor. For all patients, 1-year OS (%) was 93.8 (95%-CI: 90–98), 3-year OS = 84.3 (CI: 78–90) and 5-year OS = 77.5 (CI: 70–85). For analysis of survival according to therapy, only stage IV patients (baseline) that received treatment were included. Compared with reference gr. 2 (SSA only), HR for OS was 1.49 (p = 0.47) for gr. 1, 0.72 (p = 0.69) for gr. 3, 2.34 (p = 0.19) for gr. 4. The 5 y OS rate of patients whose primary tumor was resected (n = 125) was 73.1%, and without PTR was 33.3% (HR: 4.31; p = 0.003). Individual patients are represented in swimmer plots. Conclusions: For stage IV patients in this analysis (limited by low patient numbers in co. 3/4), multimodal treatment did not significantly improve survival over SSA treatment alone. A resection of primary tumor significantly improves survival.
Collapse
|
8
|
Lee L, Ramos-Alvarez I, Jensen RT. Predictive Factors for Resistant Disease with Medical/Radiologic/Liver-Directed Anti-Tumor Treatments in Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Recent Advances and Controversies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051250. [PMID: 35267558 PMCID: PMC8909561 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumor resistance, both primary and acquired, is leading to increased complexity in the nonsurgical treatment of patients with advanced panNENs, which would be greatly helped by reliable prognostic/predictive factors. The importance in identifying resistance is being contributed to by the increased array of possible treatments available for treating resistant advanced disease; the variable clinical course as well as response to any given treatment approach of patients within one staging or grading system, the advances in imaging which are providing increasing promising results/parameters that correlate with grading/outcome/resistance, the increased understanding of the molecular pathogenesis providing promising prognostic markers, all of which can contribute to selecting the best treatment to overcome resistance disease. Several factors have been identified that have prognostic/predictive value for identifying development resistant disease and affecting overall survival (OS)/PFS with various nonsurgical treatments of patients with advanced panNENs. Prognostic factors identified for patients with advanced panNENs for both OS/PFSs include various clinically-related factors (clinical, laboratory/biological markers, imaging, treatment-related factors), pathological factors (histological, classification, grading) and molecular factors. Particularly important prognostic factors for the different treatment modalities studies are the recent grading systems. Most prognostic factors for each treatment modality for OS/PFS are not specific for a given treatment option. These advances have generated several controversies and new unanswered questions, particularly those related to their possible role in predicting the possible sequence of different anti-tumor treatments in patients with different presentations. Each of these areas is reviewed in this paper. Abstract Purpose: Recent advances in the diagnosis, management and nonsurgical treatment of patients with advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (panNENs) have led to an emerging need for sensitive and useful prognostic factors for predicting responses/survival. Areas covered: The predictive value of a number of reported prognostic factors including clinically-related factors (clinical/laboratory/imaging/treatment-related factors), pathological factors (histological/classification/grading), and molecular factors, on therapeutic outcomes of anti-tumor medical therapies with molecular targeting agents (everolimus/sunitinib/somatostatin analogues), chemotherapy, radiological therapy with peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, or liver-directed therapies (embolization/chemoembolization/radio-embolization (SIRTs)) are reviewed. Recent findings in each of these areas, as well as remaining controversies and uncertainties, are discussed in detail, particularly from the viewpoint of treatment sequencing. Conclusions: The recent increase in the number of available therapeutic agents for the nonsurgical treatment of patients with advanced panNENs have raised the importance of prognostic factors predictive for therapeutic outcomes of each treatment option. The establishment of sensitive and useful prognostic markers will have a significant impact on optimal treatment selection, as well as in tailoring the therapeutic sequence, and for maximizing the survival benefit of each individual patient. In the paper, the progress in this area, as well as the controversies/uncertainties, are reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingaku Lee
- Digestive Diseases Branch, NIDDK, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-1804, USA; (L.L.); (I.R.-A.)
- National Kyushu Cancer Center, Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatology, Fukuoka 811-1395, Japan
| | - Irene Ramos-Alvarez
- Digestive Diseases Branch, NIDDK, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-1804, USA; (L.L.); (I.R.-A.)
| | - Robert T. Jensen
- Digestive Diseases Branch, NIDDK, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-1804, USA; (L.L.); (I.R.-A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-301-496-4201
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Merola E, Michielan A, Rozzanigo U, Erini M, Sferrazza S, Marcucci S, Sartori C, Trentin C, de Pretis G, Chierichetti F. Therapeutic strategies for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: State-of-the-art and future perspectives. World J Gastrointest Surg 2022; 14:78-106. [PMID: 35317548 PMCID: PMC8908345 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v14.i2.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) have always been considered rare tumors, their incidence has risen over the past few decades. They represent a highly heterogeneous group of neoplasms with several prognostic factors, including disease stage, proliferative index (Ki67), and tumor differentiation. Most of these neoplasms express somatostatin receptors on the cell surface, a feature that has important implications in terms of prognosis, diagnosis, and therapy. Although International Guidelines propose algorithms aimed at guiding therapeutic strategies, GEP-NEN patients are still very different from one another, and the need for personalized treatment continues to increase. Radical surgery is always the best option when feasible; however, up to 80% of cases are metastatic upon diagnosis. Regarding medical treatments, as GEP-NENs are characterized by relatively long overall survival, multiple therapy lines are adopted during the lifetime of these patients, but the optimum sequence to be followed has never been clearly defined. Furthermore, although new molecular markers aimed at predicting the response to therapy, as well as prognostic scores, are currently being studied, their application is still far from being part of daily clinical practice. As they represent a complex disease, with therapeutic protocols that are not completely standardized, GEP-NENs require a multidisciplinary approach. This review will provide an overview of the available therapeutic options for GEP-NENs and attempts to clarify the possible approaches for the management of these patients and to discuss future perspectives in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elettra Merola
- Department of Gastroenterology, Santa Chiara Hospital, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento 38122, Italy
| | - Andrea Michielan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Santa Chiara Hospital, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento 38122, Italy
| | - Umberto Rozzanigo
- Department of Radiology, Santa Chiara Hospital, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento 38122, Italy
| | - Marco Erini
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Santa Chiara Hospital, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento 38122, Italy
| | - Sandro Sferrazza
- Department of Gastroenterology, Santa Chiara Hospital, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento 38122, Italy
| | - Stefano Marcucci
- Department of Surgery, Santa Chiara Hospital, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento 38122, Italy
| | - Chiara Sartori
- Department of Pathology, Santa Chiara Hospital, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento 38122, Italy
| | - Chiara Trentin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Santa Chiara Hospital, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento 38122, Italy
| | - Giovanni de Pretis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Santa Chiara Hospital, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento 38122, Italy
| | - Franca Chierichetti
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Santa Chiara Hospital, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento 38122, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Laffi A, Colandrea M, Buonsanti G, Frassoni S, Bagnardi V, Spada F, Pisa E, Barberis M, Rubino M, Grana CM, Ceci F, Fazio N. A Retrospective Analysis of the Correlation between Functional Imaging and Clinical Outcomes in Grade 3 Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs G3). Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:2401. [PMID: 34943637 PMCID: PMC8700454 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11122401] [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: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Grade 3 (G3) neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a novel category among digestive neuroendocrine neoplasms, characterized by Ki-67 >20% and a well-differentiated morphology, presenting high intra-tumor heterogeneity. We aimed to explore the role of dual-tracer PET imaging (68Gallium (Ga)-DOTATOC and 18Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)) as overall survival (OS) predictor in NET G3 patients. We performed a retrospective analysis in NET G3 patients treated at our institution between 2003 and 2021. Accordingly, 30 NET G3 patients were analyzed. 68Ga-DOTA-TOC and 18F-FDG uptake were assessed by tumor/non-tumor (T-nonT) ratio. We reported a slightly better OS for patients with ≥75% concordance between 68Ga-DOTA-TOC and 18F-FDG PET/CT (p = 0.42). Among patients with discordant functional imaging, we reported a better 5-y OS rate for patients with a prevalent 68Ga-DOTATOC vs. 18F-FDG PET/CT (p = 0.016). In positive 18F-FDG PET/CT cases, we reported a better OS for <4 vs. ≥4 T/non-T ratio (p = 0.021). Among upfront-NET G3 patients with concordant exams, 5-y OS rate was 83.3% (95% CI: 27.3-97.5). Among patients with discordant exams, 5-y OS rate was 81.3% (52.5-93.5), 100% for those with prevalent receptor expression, and 50% (11.1-80.4) for those with prevalent 18F-FDG uptake. Our findings suggest that dual-tracer PET/CT can be considered as a predictor of patient outcome, able to stratify NET G3 patients with poorer prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Laffi
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (F.S.); (M.R.); (N.F.)
| | - Marzia Colandrea
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (G.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Buonsanti
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (G.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Samuele Frassoni
- Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (S.F.); (V.B.)
| | - Vincenzo Bagnardi
- Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (S.F.); (V.B.)
| | - Francesca Spada
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (F.S.); (M.R.); (N.F.)
| | - Eleonora Pisa
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (E.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Massimo Barberis
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (E.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Manila Rubino
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (F.S.); (M.R.); (N.F.)
| | - Chiara Maria Grana
- Unit of Radiometabolic Therapy, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy;
| | - Francesco Ceci
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (G.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Nicola Fazio
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (F.S.); (M.R.); (N.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Frey S, Mirallié E, Le Bras M, Regenet N. What Are the Place and Modalities of Surgical Management for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms? A Narrative Review. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5954. [PMID: 34885063 PMCID: PMC8656750 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Frey
- Université de Nantes, Quai de Tourville, 44000 Nantes, France; (S.F.); (E.M.)
- L’institut du Thorax, Université de Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, CHU de Nantes, 44000 Nantes, France
- Chirurgie Cancérologique, Digestive et Endocrinienne, Institut des Maladies de l’Appareil Digestif, CHU de Nantes, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Eric Mirallié
- Université de Nantes, Quai de Tourville, 44000 Nantes, France; (S.F.); (E.M.)
- Chirurgie Cancérologique, Digestive et Endocrinienne, Institut des Maladies de l’Appareil Digestif, CHU de Nantes, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Maëlle Le Bras
- Endocrinologie, Diabétologie et Nutrition, L’institut du Thorax, CHU Nantes, 44000 Nantes, France;
| | - Nicolas Regenet
- Chirurgie Cancérologique, Digestive et Endocrinienne, Institut des Maladies de l’Appareil Digestif, CHU de Nantes, 44000 Nantes, France
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Shi M, Fan Z, Xu J, Yang J, Li Y, Gao C, Su P, Wang X, Zhan H. Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms G3: Novel insights and unmet needs. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188637. [PMID: 34678439 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
According to the 2019 WHO pathology grading system, high-grade gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) can be divided into well differentiated neuroendocrine tumors G3 (NETs G3) and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). GEP-NETs G3 and GEP-NECs present significant differences in driver genes and disease origin. NETs G3 and NECs have been confirmed to be two distinct diseases with different genetic backgrounds, however, this issue remains controversial. The prognosis of NETs G3 is significantly better than that of NECs. The differential diagnosis of GEP-NETs G3 and GEP-NECs should be combined with the patient's medical history, tumor histopathology, Ki-67 index, DAXX/ATRX, TP53 and Rb expression as well as other immunohistochemical indicators. In addition, the treatment strategies of these two subgroups are very different. Here, we summarize recent findings focused on the genomics, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and other aspects of high-grade GEP-NENs (G3). This review may help further our understanding of the carcinogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of GEP-NENs G3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Shi
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Zhiyao Fan
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Jianwei Xu
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yongzheng Li
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Changhao Gao
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Peng Su
- Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Hanxiang Zhan
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Combination Therapies with PRRT. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14101005. [PMID: 34681229 PMCID: PMC8538931 DOI: 10.3390/ph14101005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is a successful targeted radionuclide therapy in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). However, complete responses remain elusive. Combined treatments anticipate synergistic effects and thus better responses by combining ionizing radiation with other anti-tumor treatments. Furthermore, multimodal therapies often have a balanced toxicity profile. To date, few studies have evaluated the effect of combination therapies with PRRT, some of them phase I/II trials. This review will focus on several clinically tested, tailored approaches to improving the effects of PRRT. The aim is to help clinicians in the treatment planning of NETs to choose the most effective and safe treatment for each patient in the sense of personalized medicine. Current promising combination partners of PRRT are somatostatin analogues (SSAs), chemotherapy, molecular targeted treatment, liver radioembolization, and dual radionuclide PRRT (Lutetium-177-PRRT combined with Yttrium-90-PRRT).
Collapse
|
14
|
Neuroendocrine Carcinomas of the Digestive Tract: What Is New? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153766. [PMID: 34359666 PMCID: PMC8345167 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC) are rare tumors with a rising incidence. They show poorly differentiated morphology with a high proliferation rate (Ki-67 index). They frequently arise in the lung (small and large-cell lung cancer) but rarely from the gastrointestinal tract. Due to their rarity, very little is known about digestive NEC and few studies have been conducted. Therefore, most of therapeutic recommendations are issued from work on small-cell lung cancers (SCLC). Recent improvement in pathology and imaging has allowed for better detection and classification of high-grade NEN. The 2019 World Health Organization (WHO) classification has described a new entity of well-differentiated grade 3 neuroendocrine tumors (NET G-3), with better prognosis, that should be managed separately from NEC. NEC are aggressive neoplasms often diagnosed at a metastatic state. In the localized setting, surgery can be performed in selected patients followed by adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is also an option for NEC of the lung, rectum, and esophagus. In metastatic NEC, chemotherapy is administered with a classic combination of platinum salts and etoposide in the first-line setting. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) has shown positive results in high-grade NEN populations and immunotherapy trials are still ongoing. Available therapies have improved the overall survival of NEC but there is still an urgent need for improvement. This narrative review sums up the current data on digestive NEC while exploring future directions for their management.
Collapse
|
15
|
Pellat A, Cottereau AS, Palmieri LJ, Soyer P, Marchese U, Brezault C, Coriat R. Digestive Well-Differentiated Grade 3 Neuroendocrine Tumors: Current Management and Future Directions. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2448. [PMID: 34070035 PMCID: PMC8158108 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Digestive well-differentiated grade 3 neuroendocrine tumors (NET G-3) have been clearly defined since the 2017 World Health Organization classification. They are still a rare category lacking specific data and standardized management. Their distinction from other types of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) not only lies in morphology but also in genotype, aggressiveness, functional imaging uptake, and treatment response. Most of the available data comes from pancreatic series, which is the most frequent tumor site for this entity. In the non-metastatic setting, surgical resection is recommended, irrespective of grade and tumor site. For metastatic NET G-3, chemotherapy is the main first-line treatment with temozolomide-based regimen showing more efficacy than platinum-based regimen, especially when Ki-67 index <55%. Targeted therapies, such as sunitinib and everolimus, have also shown some positive therapeutic efficacy in small samples of patients. Functional imaging plays a key role for detection but also treatment selection. In the second or further-line setting, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy has shown promising response rates in high-grade NEN. Finally, immunotherapy is currently investigated as a new therapeutic approach with trials still ongoing. More data will come with future work now focusing on this specific subgroup. The aim of this review is to summarize the current data on digestive NET G-3 and explore future directions for their management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pellat
- Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, 27 rue du Faubourg Saint Jacques, Université de Paris, 75014 Paris, France; (L.-J.P.); (C.B.); (R.C.)
| | - Anne Ségolène Cottereau
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, 27 rue du Faubourg Saint Jacques, Université de Paris, 75014 Paris, France;
| | - Lola-Jade Palmieri
- Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, 27 rue du Faubourg Saint Jacques, Université de Paris, 75014 Paris, France; (L.-J.P.); (C.B.); (R.C.)
| | - Philippe Soyer
- Department of Radiology, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, 27 rue du Faubourg Saint Jacques, Université de Paris, 75014 Paris, France;
| | - Ugo Marchese
- Department of Surgery, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, 27 rue du Faubourg Saint Jacques, Université de Paris, 75014 Paris, France;
| | - Catherine Brezault
- Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, 27 rue du Faubourg Saint Jacques, Université de Paris, 75014 Paris, France; (L.-J.P.); (C.B.); (R.C.)
| | - Romain Coriat
- Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, 27 rue du Faubourg Saint Jacques, Université de Paris, 75014 Paris, France; (L.-J.P.); (C.B.); (R.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lania A, Ferraù F, Rubino M, Modica R, Colao A, Faggiano A. Neoadjuvant Therapy for Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Recent Progresses and Future Approaches. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:651438. [PMID: 34381421 PMCID: PMC8350565 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.651438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a heterogeneous group of tumors, their treatment being challenging and requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Though the only curative treatment is surgery, up to 50% of patients are diagnosed with metastatic disease. In the last years, neoadjuvant chemo(radio)therapy has become part of the standard of care in the treatment of different cancer types. However, evidence of its efficacy and safety in NEN patients has not yet been confirmed in the literature. The aim of the present review is to perform an extensive review of the scientific evidence for neoadjuvant therapy in patients with gastroenteropancreatic and thoracic NENs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Lania
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Andrology Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center—IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy
- *Correspondence: Andrea Lania,
| | - Francesco Ferraù
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood ‘G. Barresi’, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Endocrine Unit, University Hospital G. Martino, Messina, Italy
| | - Manila Rubino
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, European Institute of Oncology, IEO, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Modica
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, “Federico II” University of Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, “Federico II” University of Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Antongiulio Faggiano
- Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza”, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Medical Physiopathology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Calabrò D, Argalia G, Ambrosini V. Role of PET/CT and Therapy Management of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:E1059. [PMID: 33297381 PMCID: PMC7762240 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10121059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (panNENs) are heterogeneous neoplasms with neuroendocrine differentiation that show peculiar clinical and histomorphological features, with variable prognosis. In recent years, advances in knowledge regarding the pathophysiology and heterogeneous clinical presentation, as well as the availability of different diagnostic procedures for panNEN diagnosis and novel therapeutic options for patient clinical management, has led to the recognition of the need for an active multidisciplinary discussion for optimal patient care. Molecular imaging with positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has become indispensable for the management of panNENs. Several PET radiopharmaceuticals can be used to characterize either panNEN receptor expression or metabolism. The aim of this review is to offer an overview of all the currently used radiopharmaceuticals and of the new upcoming tracers for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (panNETs), and their clinical impact on therapy management. [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-peptide PET/CT (SSA-PET/CT) has high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy and is recommended for the staging and restaging of any non-insulinoma well-differentiated panNEN cases to carry out detection of unknown primary tumor sites or early relapse and for evaluation of in vivo somatostatin receptors expression (SRE) to select patient candidates for peptide receptor radiometabolic treatment (PRRT) with 90Y or 177Lu and/or cold analogs. SSA-PET/CT also has a strong impact on clinical management, leading to a change in treatment in approximately a third of the cases. Its role for treatment response assessment is still under debate due to the lack of standardized criteria, even though some semiquantitative parameters seem to be able to predict response. [18F]FDG PET/CT generally shows low sensitivity in small growing and well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NET; G1 and G2), while it is of utmost importance in the evaluation and management of high-grade NENs and also provides important prognostic information. When positive, [18F]FDG PET/CT impacts therapeutical management, indicating the need for a more aggressive treatment regime. Although FDG positivity does not exclude the patient from PRRT, several studies have demonstrated that it is certainly useful to predict response, even in this setting. The role of [18F]FDOPA for the study of panNET is limited by physiological uptake in the pancreas and is therefore not recommended. Moreover, it provides no information on SRE that has crucial clinical management relevance. Early acquisition of the abdomen and premedication with carbidopa may be useful to increase the accuracy, but further studies are needed to clarify its utility. GLP-1R agonists, such as exendin-4, are particularly useful for benign insulinoma detection, but their accuracy decreases in the case of malignant insulinomas. Being a whole-body imaging technique, exendin-PET/CT gives important preoperative information on tumor size and localization, which is fundamental for surgical planning as resection (enucleation of the lesion or partial pancreatic resection) is the only curative treatment. New upcoming tracers are under study, such as promising SSTR antagonists, which show a favorable biodistribution and higher tumor-to-background ratio that increases tumor detection, especially in the liver. [68Ga]pentixafor, an in vivo marker of CXCR4 expression associated with the behavior of more aggressive tumors, seems to only play a limited role in detecting well-differentiated NET since there is an inverse expression of SSTR2 and CXCR4 in G1 to G3 NETs with an elevation in CXCR4 and a decrease in SSTR2 expression with increasing grade. Other tracers, such as [68Ga]Ga-PSMA, [68Ga]Ga-DATA-TOC, [18F]SiTATE, and [18F]AlF-OC, are also under investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diletta Calabrò
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.A.); (V.A.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, DIMES University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Argalia
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.A.); (V.A.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, DIMES University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Ambrosini
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.A.); (V.A.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, DIMES University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|