Consensus Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Management of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Guidelines from a Canadian National Expert Group

Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), also known as neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), are rare tumors derived from cells with characteristics of both nerve and endocrine cells. The clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of NENs vary significantly depending on the type, location, whether the neoplasm is hormonally functional, how aggressive it is, and whether it has metastasized to other parts of the body. This article provides an overview of specific types of NETs, clinical presentations and related syndromes, diagnosis, and approach to management of common NENs.

Comparative analysis of international guidelines on the management of advanced non-functioning well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

This review presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of international guidelines for managing advanced, non-functioning, well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (panNETs). PanNETs, which represent a significant proportion of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms, exhibit diverse clinical behaviors and prognoses based on differentiation, grading, and other molecular markers. The varying therapeutic strategies proposed by different guidelines reflect their distinct emphases and regional considerations, such as the ESMO guideline's focus on advanced disease management and the ENETS guidance paper's multidisciplinary approach. This review examines the most recent guidelines from ESMO, NCCN, ASCO, ENETS, and NANETS, analyzing the recommendations for first-line therapies and subsequent treatment pathways in different clinical scenarios. Significant variations are observed in the recommendations, particularly concerning the choice and sequence of systemic therapies, the role of tumor grading and the Ki-67 index in therapeutic decisions, and the integration of regional regulatory and clinical practices. The analysis highlights the need for a tailored approach to managing advanced NF panNETs, advocating for flexibility in applying guidelines to account for individual patient circumstances and the evolving evidence base. This work underscores the complexities of managing this patient population and the critical role of a multidisciplinary team in optimizing treatment outcomes.

Contemporary Approaches to the Surgical Management of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

The incidence of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) is on the rise primarily due to the increasing use of cross-sectional imaging. Most of these incidentally detected lesions are non-functional PNETs with a small proportion of lesions being hormone-secreting, functional neoplasms. With recent advances in surgical approaches and systemic therapies, the management of PNETs have undergone a paradigm shift towards a more individualized approach. In this manuscript, we review the histologic classification and diagnostic approaches to both functional and non-functional PNETs. Additionally, we detail multidisciplinary approaches and surgical considerations tailored to the tumor's biology, location, and functionality based on recent evidence. We also discuss the complexities of metastatic disease, exploring liver-directed therapies and the evolving landscape of minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Combined deletion of MEN1, ATRX and PTEN triggers development of high-grade pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors in mice

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) are a heterogeneous group of tumors that exhibit an unpredictable and broad spectrum of clinical presentations and biological aggressiveness. Surgical resection is still the only curative therapeutic option for localized PanNET, but the majority of patients are diagnosed at an advanced and metastatic stage with limited therapeutic options. Key factors limiting the development of new therapeutics are the extensive heterogeneity of PanNETs and the lack of appropriate clinically relevant models. In that context, genomic sequencing of human PanNETs revealed recurrent mutations and structural alterations in several tumor suppressors. Here, we demonstrated that combined loss of MEN1, ATRX, and PTEN, tumor suppressors commonly mutated in human PanNETs, triggers the development of high-grade pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors in mice. Histopathological evaluation and gene expression analyses of the developed tumors confirm the presence of PanNET hallmarks and significant overlap in gene expression patterns found in human disease. Thus, we postulate that the presented novel genetically defined mouse model is the first clinically relevant immunocompetent high-grade PanNET mouse model.

Decreasing utilization of surgical interventions amongst patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor with liver metastases

BACKGROUND

Since 2013, North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (NANETS) consensus-guidelines have endorsed consideration of surgical intervention for pancreatic- neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) with liver metastases.

METHODS

Patients with non-functional PNET with liver only metastases from 2010 to 2019 were identified from the National Cancer Database.

RESULTS

34.7% underwent surgical intervention (13% PNET resection, 2.1% surgical management of liver metastases (SMLM), 19.5% PNET resection ​+ ​SMLM). In multivariable analysis, government insurance, year of diagnosis>2013, increasing primary tumor size were associated with lower rate of surgical intervention. Receiving treatment at an academic center (OR 3.59, 95%CI 1.81-7.11; P ​< ​0.001) or integrated cancer network (OR 3.21, 95%CI 1.57-6.54; P ​= ​0.001) was associated with a higher rate of surgical intervention. The overall rate of surgical intervention decreased from 45.7% in 2010 to 23.0% in 2019.

CONCLUSION

Despite guideline recommendations and the suggested survival benefits, only one-third of patients underwent surgical intervention, potentially influenced by the rising utilization of systemic therapy in the past decade.

What Is the Role of Lymph Node Resections in Small Islet Tumors?

Well-differentiated nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are often indolent neoplasms without lymph node (LN) metastasis at diagnosis. Patients with PNETs that are functional or >2 cm should have surgical resection as per the standard of care. However, in appropriately selected patients with NF PNETs <2 cm who are at low risk of LN metastasis, the extent of surgery and lymphadenectomy could be limited.

Role of Advanced Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in the Comprehensive Management of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), also called neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), are relatively uncommon, heterogenous tumors primarily originating in the gastrointestinal tract. With the improvement in technology and increasing use of cross-sectional imaging and endoscopy, they are being discovered with increasing frequency. Although traditionally considered indolent tumors with good prognoses, some NENs exhibit aggressive behavior. Timely diagnosis, risk stratification, and management can often be a challenge. In general, small NENs without local invasion or lymphovascular involvement can often be managed using minimally invasive advanced endoscopic techniques, while larger lesions and those with evidence of lymphovascular invasion require surgery, systemic therapy, or a combination thereof. Ideal management requires a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the stage and grade of the tumor. With the recent advancements, a therapeutic advanced endoscopist can play a pivotal role in diagnosing, staging, and managing this rare condition. High-definition white light imaging and digital image enhancing technologies like narrow band imaging (NBI) in the newer endoscopes have improved the diagnostic accuracy of traditional endoscopy. The refinement of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) over the past decade has revolutionized the role of endoscopy in diagnosing and managing various pathologies, including NENs. In addition to EUS-directed diagnostic biopsies, it also offers the ability to precisely assess the depth of invasion and lymphovascular involvement and thus stage NENs accurately. EUS-directed locoregional ablative therapies are increasingly recognized as highly effective, minimally invasive treatment modalities for NENs, particularly pancreatic NENs. Advanced endoscopic resection techniques like endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), endoscopic submucosal resection (EMR), and endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) have been increasingly used over the past decade with excellent results in achieving curative resection of various early-stage gastrointestinal luminal lesions including NENs. In this article, we aim to delineate NENs of the different segments of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (esophagus, gastric, pancreatic, and small and large intestine) and their management with emphasis on the endoscopic management of these tumors.

Development and validation of a survival prediction model and risk stratification for pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms

PURPOSE

We explored risk variables associated with cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PNENs) and created a network dynamic nomogram model to predict patient survival time.

METHODS

A total of 7750 patients with PNENs were included in this analysis, including 134 with functional PNENs and 7616 with nonfunctional PNENs. Clinical feature and prognosis differences between functional and nonfunctional PNENs were compared. Independent prognostic factors affecting CSS were analyzed by univariate and multifactorial Cox regression. Nomogram and web-based prognosis prediction of PNENs were developed and validated by C indices, decision curve analysis, and calibration plots.

RESULTS

Patients with functional PNENs were younger at diagnosis than those with nonfunctional PNENs. Functional PNENs had better prognoses than nonfunctional PNENs (5-year survival rates: 78.55% and 71.10%, respectively). Univariate and multifactorial Cox regression analyses showed that tumor infiltration (T), nodal metastasis (N), metastasis (M), tumor site, differentiation grade, age, marital status, and surgical treatment were independent prognostic risk factors for CSS, which were included in the prognostic nomogram and web-based prognosis calculator. The calibration plots and decision curve analysis showed that the nomogram had excellent prediction and clinical practical ability. The C indices for CSS in the training and validation cohorts were 0.848 (95% CI 0.838-0.8578) and 0.823 (95% CI 0.807-0.839), respectively. We scored all patients according to the nomogram and divided patients into three different risk groups. The prognosis of the low-risk population was significantly better than those of the middle- and high-risk populations based on Kaplan-Meier survival curve.

CONCLUSION

We analyzed the clinical features of PNENs and developed a convenient and web dynamic nomogram to predict CSS.

Efficacy and predictive factors of endoscopic ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation in benign solid pancreatic tumors

BACKGROUNDS AND OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation (EUS-EA) has recently been introduced for the management of solid pancreatic tumors, including pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) and solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs). The study aims to evaluate the efficacy and predictive factors for response of EUS-EA in solid pancreatic tumors.

METHODS

Between October 2015 and July 2021, 72 patients who underwent EUS-EA for solid pancreatic tumors were included. The study outcomes were to evaluate the efficacy of EUS-EA with complete remission (CR) and objective response, and their predictive factors.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 47 patients were diagnosed with PNETs and 25 with SPTs. Eight cases reached CR and 48 reached objective response. When compared with SPTs, PNETs showed similar duration to reach CR (median not reached; p = 0.319), but shorter duration to reach objective response (PNETs: median 20.6 months, 95%CI 10.26-30.88; SPTs: median 47.7 months, 95%CI 18.14-77.20; p = 0.018). Ethanol dosage > 0.35 ml/cm³ shortened the duration to reach CR (median not reached; p = 0.026) and objective response (median 42.5 months, 95%CI 25.34-59.66 vs. 19.6 months, 95%CI 10.17-29.09; p = 0.006). CR had no significant predictive factors, but PNETs showed significant predictive factors for objective response (HR 3.34, 95%CI 1.07-10.43; p = 0.038). Twenty-seven patients experienced adverse events, and there were two severe cases.

CONCLUSION

EUS-EA for pancreatic solid lesions seems feasible as a local treatment for patients who refuse or are unfit for surgery. Additionally, PNETs seem to be the better candidate for EUS-EA.

Surgical Management of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are relatively uncommon malignancies, characterized as either functional or nonfunctional secondary to their secretion of biologically active hormones. A wide range of clinical behavior can be seen, with the primary prognostic indicator being tumor grade as defined by the Ki67 proliferation index and mitotic index. Surgery is the primary treatment modality for PNETs. While functional PNETs should undergo resection for symptom control as well as potential curative intent, nonfunctional PNETs are increasingly managed nonoperatively. There is increasing data to suggest small, nonfunctional PNETs (less than 2 cm) are appropriate follow with nonoperative active surveillance. Evidence supports surgical management of metastatic disease if possible, and occasionally even surgical management of the primary tumor in the setting of widespread metastases. In this review, we highlight the evolving surgical management of local and metastatic PNETs.

Insights into Epigenetic Changes Related to Genetic Variants and Cells-of-Origin of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: An Algorithm for Practical Workup

Simple Summary

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are composite entities due to their heterogeneity illustrated in clinical behavior, mutational pattern, and site of origin. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors display a low mutation burden with frequently epigenetic alterations, such as histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, or DNA methylation status. Using the epigenomic data of the pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors converged to the identification of molecularly distinct subgroups. Furthermore, epigenetic signatures could be used as biomarkers due to their link to cell lineages and genetic driver mutations. We integrated the current knowledge on genetic and epigenetic alterations involved in endocrine lineage associated with these neoplasms to present a pathway-based overview. In this review, we suggest a simplified algorithm on how to manage pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors from a practical perspective based on pathologist ’analysis.

Abstract

Current knowledge on the molecular landscape of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) has advanced significantly. Still, the cellular origin of PanNETs is uncertain and the associated mechanisms remain largely unknown. DAXX/ATRX and MEN1 are the three most frequently altered genes that drive PanNETs. They are recognized as a link between genetics and epigenetics. Moreover, the acknowledged impact on DNA methylation by somatic mutations in MEN1 is a valid hallmark of epigenetic mechanism. DAXX/ATRX and MEN1 can be studied at the immunohistochemical level as a reliable surrogate for sequencing. DAXX/ATRX mutations promote alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) activation, determined by specific fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. ALT phenotype is considered a significant predictor of worse prognosis and a marker of pancreatic origin. Additionally, ARX/PDX1 expression is linked to important epigenomic alterations and can be used as lineage associated immunohistochemical marker. Herein, ARX/PDX1 association with DAXX/ATRX/MEN1 and ALT can be studied through pathological assessment, as these biomarkers may provide important clues to the mechanism underlying disease pathogenesis. In this review, we present an overview of a new approach to tumor stratification based on genetic and epigenetic characteristics as well as cellular origin, with prognostic consequences.

Fate of Surgical Patients with Small Nonfunctioning Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: An International Study Using Multi-Institutional Registries

Simple Summary

No consensus has been reached regarding whether nonmetastatic nonfunctioning neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas (NF-pNETs) ≤ 2 cm should be resected or observed. In this retrospective international multicenter study, 483 patients who underwent resection for NF-pNETs ≤ 2 cm in 18 institutions from 2000 to 2017 were enrolled and their medical records were reviewed. Tumor size > 1.5 cm, Ki-67 index ≥ 3%, and nodal metastasis were independent adverse prognostic factors for survival after multivariable analysis. NF-pNET patients with tumors ≤ 1.5 cm can be observed if the preoperative Ki-67 index is under 3%, and if nodal metastasis is not suspected in preoperative radiologic studies. These findings support the clinical use to make decisions about small NF-pNETs.

Abstract

Several treatment guidelines for sporadic, nonmetastatic nonfunctioning neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas (NF-pNETs) have recommended resection, however, tumors ≤ 2 cm do not necessarily need surgery. This study aims to establish a surgical treatment plan for NF-pNETs ≤ 2 cm. From 2000 to 2017, 483 patients who underwent resection for NF-pNETs ≤ 2 cm in 18 institutions from Korea and China were enrolled and their medical records were reviewed. The median age was 56 (range 16–80) years. The 10-year overall survival rate (10Y-OS) and recurrence-free survival rate (10Y-RFS) were 89.8 and 93.1%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, tumor size (>1.5 cm; HR 4.28, 95% CI 1.80–10.18, p = 0.001) and nodal metastasis (HR 3.32, 95% CI 1.29–8.50, p = 0.013) were independent adverse prognostic factors for OS. Perineural invasion (HR 4.36, 95% CI 1.48–12.87, p = 0.008) and high Ki-67 index (≥3%; HR 9.06, 95% CI 3.01–27.30, p < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for poor RFS. NF-pNETs ≤ 2 cm showed unfavorable prognosis after resection when the tumor was larger than 1.5 cm, Ki-67 index ≥ 3%, or nodal metastasis was present. NF-pNET patients with tumors ≤ 1.5 cm can be observed if the preoperative Ki-67 index is under 3%, and if nodal metastasis is not suspected in preoperative radiologic studies. These findings support the clinical use to make decisions about small NF-pNETs.

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.

Management and outcomes of patients for non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: a multi-institutional analysis

BACKGROUND

To analysed the short- and long-term outcomes of patients who underwent surgical resection for non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NF-PNETs) to gain insights into treatment approaches for this rare and heterogeneous entity.

METHODS

All patients who underwent surgical resection for NF-PNETs at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, from 2009 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The data of patients was including perioperative management, pathologic analysis and follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 119 cases with histologically or cytologically confirmed NF-PNETs, The mean age of the patients was 52, and 56.3% were female. Twenty-three patients received post-operative adjuvant therapy, and five of nine (55.6%) patients with distant metastasis showed recurrence 14(60.9%) G2/G3 patients without distant metastasis received post-operative therapy with octreotide. Of these 14 patients, 3 (21.4%) revealed recurrence. Univariate analysis indicated that symptoms (P = 0.03), tumour size >4 cm (P = 0.029), ENETS stages III-IV (P < 0.001), positive lymph nodes (P < 0.001), vascular/perineural invasion (P < 0.001), and pathology grade G2 were associated with significantly higher risks of recurrence; age, gender, surgery type, and tumour location were not. Multivariate analysis revealed that positive lymph nodes (P < 0.001), vascular/peripheral invasion (P < 0.001), and pathology grade G3 (P = 0.03) are significant prognostic factors of tumour recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Positive lymph nodes, vascular/peripheral invasion and pathology grade G3 were related to recurrence of NF-PNETs. Lymph node resection is recommend when FNA biopsy indicates pathology grade G3 for patients with NF-PNETs.

Survival Benefit of Primary Tumor Resection Among Elderly Patients with Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

BACKGROUND

Pancreatectomy is the main curative therapeutic option for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs). Given the indolent behavior of pNETs and the relatively limited lifetime of elderly patients, the impact of primary site surgery (PSS) of pNETs on long-term outcomes among older patients has been a topic of debate.

METHODS

Patients aged 70 or older with pNETs were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and the End Results (SEER) database from 1998 to 2016. Propensity score matching was used to compare overall (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of patients who did versus did not undergo PSS.

RESULTS

Among 2,319 elderly patients with pNETs, 942 patients (40.6%) underwent PSS, while 1,377 (59.4%) did not undergo PSS (non-PSS: NPSS). After propensity score matching (n = 433 in each group), PSS group had improved survival compared with the NPSS group (5-year OS: 53.4% vs. 37.3%; 5-year CSS: 77.2% vs. 58.1%, both p < 0.001). In contrast, subgroup analysis of individuals aged ≥ 80 revealed no difference in 5-year CSS (PSS: 69.2% vs. NPSS: 67.4%, p = 0.27). A subgroup analysis among patients who had small (≤ 2 cm) non-functional (NF) pNETs noted comparable long-term outcomes among patients who underwent PSS versus NPSS patients (5-year OS: 73.1% vs. 66.5%, p = 0.19; 5-year CSS: 98.5% vs. 95.2%, p = 0.14).

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 2 in 5 elderly patients with pNETs underwent PSS. While PSS was generally associated with prolonged OS and CSS among older patients, PSS was not associated with improved CSS among a subset of patients aged 80 or older, as well as among patients age ≥ 70 years with NF-pNET less than 2 cm.

Nomogram for predicting survival of patients with metastatic nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: A SEER based study

More attention has been placed on nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors due to the increase in its incidence in recent years. Whether tumor resection at the primary site of metastatic NFpNET is effective remains controversial. Moreover, clinicians need a more precise prognostic tool to estimate the survival of these patients.Patients with metastatic NFpNET were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Significant prognostic factors were identified using a multivariate Cox regression model and included in the nomogram. Coarsened exact matching analysis was used to balance the clinical variables between the non-surgical and surgical groups in our study.A total of 1464 patients with metastatic nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NFpNETs) were included in our cohort. Multivariate analysis identified age, sex, tumor size, differentiated grade, lymph node metastases, resection of primary tumors, and marital status as independent predictors of metastatic NFpNET. The nomogram showed excellent accuracy in predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival, with a C-index of 0.812. The calibration curve revealed good consistency between the predicted and actual survival.Coarsened exact matching analysis using SEER data indicated the survival advantages of resection of primary tumors. Our study is the first to build a nomogram model for patients with metastatic NFpNETs. This predictive tool can help clinicians identify high-risk patients and more accurately assess patient survival times.

Advanced Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Which Systemic Treatment Should I Start With?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (panNENs) often present as advanced disease and there is little data to guide treatment sequencing in the advance disease setting. Therefore, we aim to provide a comprehensive summary of the current evidence supporting the use of systemic treatment for patients with diagnosis of advanced and metastatic panNENs, as well as to provide strategies for treatment selection and address challenges for treatment selection and sequencing of therapy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Substantial advances have been made and many clinical trials have been performed over the past two decades expanding therapeutic options available for patients with advanced panNETs. Available systemic treatments for patients with well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors include somatostatin receptors ligands (SRLs), traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens, peptide receptor radiotherapy (PRRT), and biologically targeted therapies, whereas patients with poorly differentiated neurodocrine carcinomas have more limited treatment options. Despite these advances, no clear guidelines exist to support the best sequence of treatments, not only the first-line, but also subsequent lines of therapy in patients with panNENs. Advances in molecular research and discovery of biomarkers for response allowing a more personalized approach to the multimodality therapy of panNENs are still limited. Understanding the impact of previous therapies on subsequent treatment efficacy and toxicity is also an ongoing research question. In the absence of definite predictive markers and paucity of comparative randomized trials, along with the heterogeneity of this patient population, systemic therapy selection in advanced non-resectable disease should be patient centered and often require evaluation within a multidisciplinary setting. The specific clinical context of the patient, with assessment of individual patient clinical and pathological features, somatostatin receptors imaging, and goals of treatment must all be considered when deciding on systemic therapy in the patient. Additional research is needed to address the gap in knowledge regarding optimal sequencing and timing of therapies and to provide individual care.

Insights of Outcome after Resection of Small Nonfunctioning Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Tumors

Background

The incidence of small nonfunctioning neuroendocrine pancreatic tumors (NF-PNETs) has been increasing systematically in the last few decades. Surgical resection was once considered the treatment of choice but has been questioned in the direction of a more conservative approach for selected patients. Our aim was to analyze the outcome of surgical resection of small (≤3cm) NF-PNETs.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 14 patients with sporadic NF-PNETs who underwent pancreatic resection. Data were collected from patients' medical records.

Results

Of the 14 patients included, 35.71% were men, and the average age was 52.36 ± 20.36 years. Comorbidities were present in 92.86% of the cases. The incidence of postoperative complications was 42.86%, the 30-day mortality was zero, and the length of follow-up was 3.31 ± 3.0 years. The results of pathological evaluations revealed WHO grade I in 42.86% of cases, II in 21.43%, and neuroendocrine carcinoma in 35.71%. The median tumor size was 1.85cm (range, 0.5–3cm), and 2 cases had synchronous metastasis. The median TNM stage was IIa (range, I–IV). The disease-free and patient survival rates were 87.5% and 100% at 3 years and 43.75% and 75% at 10 years, respectively. The tumor pathological grade was significantly higher in head tumors than body-tail tumors, but there were no differences with respect to tumor size and TNM staging.

Conclusion

A surgical approach to treat small sporadic NF-PNETs is safe with low mortality and high patient survival. Based on these data, small pancreatic head tumors can be more aggressive, suggesting that surgical resection is still the best option to treat small nonfunctioning PNETS. Thus, conservative treatment should be indicated very cautiously for only cases with absolute contraindications for surgery.

Liver metastases

Liver metastases are commonly detected in a range of malignancies including colorectal cancer (CRC), pancreatic cancer, melanoma, lung cancer and breast cancer, although CRC is the most common primary cancer that metastasizes to the liver. Interactions between tumour cells and the tumour microenvironment play an important part in the engraftment, survival and progression of the metastases. Various cells including liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, parenchymal hepatocytes, dendritic cells, resident natural killer cells as well as other immune cells such as monocytes, macrophages and neutrophils are implicated in promoting and sustaining metastases in the liver. Four key phases (microvascular, pre-angiogenic, angiogenic and growth phases) have been identified in the process of liver metastasis. Imaging modalities such as ultrasonography, CT, MRI and PET scans are typically used for the diagnosis of liver metastases. Surgical resection remains the main potentially curative treatment among patients with resectable liver metastases. The role of liver transplantation in the management of liver metastasis remains controversial. Systemic therapies, newer biologic agents (for example, bevacizumab and cetuximab) and immunotherapeutic agents have revolutionized the treatment options for liver metastases. Moving forward, incorporation of genetic tests can provide more accurate information to guide clinical decision-making and predict prognosis among patients with liver metastases.

Systematic appraisal of guidelines for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer

This review aimed at assessing current guidelines' methodological quality systematically for pancreatic cancer's diagnosis and to reveal the heterogeneity of the recommendations among the evaluated guidelines. A systematic search was conducted to find the latest guidelines for pancreatic cancer's diagnosis. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) tool was used to assess the qualified guidelines' feature. We extracted the main recommendations for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer from the guidelines and performed a heterogeneity evaluation. The highest-level evidence that supported these recommendations was further extracted and analysed. Nine guidelines for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer were included in this study. Four of the guidelines had an overall score of more than 60% and thus are recommended for clinical use. Further analysis of the heterogeneity of the main recommendations for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in the guidelines revealed that the recommendations vary greatly among the different guidelines. The main reasons for the great differences include the neglect of symptoms and signs, great differences in the items involved in recommendations for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, inconsistent recommendations for some indicators (carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and ERCP), the unreasonable citation of evidence, and the failure of some recommendations to provide evidence supporting the recommendations. For most recommendations, there was a low level of evidence and a dearth of high-quality study evidence. Recommendations for pancreatic cancer diagnosis have been significantly inconsistent over the past five years. The quality of the guidelines for diagnosing pancreatic cancer also varies. The improvement by the guideline creators of the factors that contribute to the differences mentioned above will be a shortcut to update the guidelines for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Risk Factors for Recurrence in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor and Size as a Surrogate in Determining the Treatment Strategy: A Korean Nationwide Study

INTRODUCTION

The prognostic factors of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) are unclear, and the treatment guidelines are insufficient. This study aimed to suggest a treatment algorithm for PNET based on risk factors for recurrence in a large cohort.

METHODS

Data of 918 patients who underwent curative intent surgery for PNET were collected from 14 tertiary centers. Risk factors for recurrence and survival analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 86.5%. Risk factors for recurrence included margin status (R1, hazard ratio [HR] 2.438; R2, HR 3.721), 2010 WHO grade (G2, HR 3.864; G3, HR 7.352), and N category (N1, HR 2.273). A size of 2 cm was significant in the univariate analysis (HR 8.511) but not in the multivariate analysis (p = 0.407). Tumor size was not a risk factor for recurrence, but strongly reflected 2010 WHO grade and lymph node (LN) status. Tumors ≤2 cm had lower 2010 WHO grade, less LN metastasis (p < 0.001), and significantly longer 5-year DFS (77.9 vs. 98.2%, p < 0.001) than tumors >2 cm. The clinicopathologic features of tumors <1 and 1-2 cm were similar. However, the LN metastasis rate was 10.3% in 1-2-cm sized tumors and recurrence occurred in 3.0%. Tumors <1 cm in size did not have any LN metastasis or recurrence.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Radical surgery is needed in suspected LN metastasis or G3 PNET or tumors >2 cm. Surveillance for <1-cm PNETs should be sufficient. Tumors sized 1-2 cm require limited surgery with LN resection, but should be converted to radical surgery in cases of doubtful margins or LN metastasis.

Chromogranin A: A Valuable Serum Diagnostic Marker for Non-Insulinoma Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Pancreas in a Chinese Population

Background

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (P-NETs) are uncommon neoplasms, with few studies to date assessing serum biomarkers for the diagnosis of P-NETs. This study assessed the ability of serum chromogranin A (CgA) concentrations to distinguish P-NETs from other pancreatic lesions in a Chinese population and to determine the histological grades of P-NETs.

Material/Methods

This prospective study enrolled 165 patients, including 73 with proven P-NETs, 60 with malignant tumors of the pancreas, and 32 with benign lesions of the pancreas. Serum CgA concentrations were measured by ELISA.

Results

Serum CgA concentrations were significantly higher in patients with P-NET than in patients with other pancreatic malignancies and benign lesions (P<0.001), but did not differ significantly in the latter 2 groups (P=0.827). Serum CgA concentrations were significantly higher in patients with non-insulinoma P-NETs than in the other groups (P<0.001), but did not differ significantly in patients with insulinoma and patients with non-P-NETs (P=0.668). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves revealed that a serum CgA concentration of 77.8 ng/ml could distinguish patients with non-insulinoma P-NETs from patients with non-P-NETs, with a sensitivity of 96.7%, a specificity of 76.1%, and an area under the ROC curve of 0.897. In patients with P-NETs, multifactor analysis showed that the non-insulinoma subtype and the presence of liver metastases were associated with elevated serum CgA (both p<0.001).

Conclusions

Serum CgA concentration may be a valuable diagnostic biomarker for non-insulinoma P-NETs. Elevated serum CgA is likely associated with liver metastases.

The Landmark Series: Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) comprise a heterogeneous group of neoplasms arising from pancreatic islet cells that remain relatively rare but are increasing in incidence worldwide. While significant advances have been made in recent years with regard to systemic therapies for patients with advanced disease, surgical resection remains the standard of care for most patients with localized tumors. Although formal pancreatectomy with regional lymphadenectomy is the standard approach for most PNETs, pancreas-preserving approaches without formal lymphadenectomy are acceptable for smaller tumors at low risk for lymph node metastases. Furthermore, observation of small, asymptomatic, low-grade PNETs is a safe, initial strategy and is generally recommended for tumors < 1 cm in size. In this Landmark Series review, we highlight the critical studies that have defined the surgical management of PNETs.

Neuroendocrine liver metastases: a contemporary review of treatment strategies

Well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are globally increasing in prevalence and the liver is the most common site of metastasis. Neuroendocrine liver metastases (NELM) are heterogeneous in clinical presentation and prognosis. Fortunately, recent advances in diagnostic techniques and therapeutic strategies have improved the multidisciplinary management of this challenging condition. When feasible, surgical resection of NELM offers the best long-term outcomes. General indications for hepatic resection include performance status acceptable for major liver surgery, grade 1 or 2 tumors, absence of extrahepatic disease, adequate size and function of future liver remnant, and feasibility of resecting >90% of metastases. Adjunct therapies including concomitant liver ablation are generally safe when used appropriately and may expand the number of patients eligible for surgery. Among patients with synchronous resectable NELM, resection of the primary either in a staged or combined fashion is recommended. For patients who are not surgical candidates, liver-directed therapies such as transarterial embolization, chemoembolization, and radioembolization can provide locoregional control and improve symptoms of carcinoid syndrome. Multiple systemic therapy options also exist for patients with advanced or progressive disease. Ongoing research efforts are needed to identify novel biomarkers that will define the optimal indications for and sequencing of treatments to be delivered in a personalized fashion.

Sequence of therapy and survival in patients with advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours

Background

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (pnets) often present as advanced disease. The optimal sequence of therapy is unknown.

Methods

Sequential patients with advanced pnets referred to BC Cancer between 2000 and 2013 who received 1 or more treatment modalities were reviewed, and treatment patterns, progression-free survival (pfs), and overall survival (os) were characterized. Systemic treatments included chemotherapy, small-molecule therapy, and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy.

Results

In 66 cases of advanced pnets, median patient age was 61.2 years (25%-75% interquartile range: 50.8-66.2 years), and men constituted 47% of the group. First-line therapies were surgery (36%), chemotherapy (33%), and somatostatin analogues (32%). Compared with first-line systemic therapy, surgery in the first line was associated with increased pfs and os (20.6 months vs. 6.3 months and 100.3 months vs. 30.5 months respectively, p < 0.05). In 42 patients (64%) who received more than 1 line of therapy, no difference in os or pfs between second-line therapies was observed.

Conclusions

Our results confirm the primary role of surgery for advanced pnets. New systemic treatments will further increase options.

Surgical management of pancreatic neuroendocrine liver metastases

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that vary in their clinical presentation, behavior and prognosis. The most common site of metastasis is the liver. Surgical resection of neuroendocrine liver metastases (NELM) is thought to afford the best long-term outcomes when feasible. Initial preoperative workup should include surveillance for carcinoid syndrome, screening for evidence of liver insufficiency, and performance of imaging specific to neuroendocrine tumors such as a somatostatin receptor positron emission tomography scan. Standard surgical principles apply to hepatic surgery for NELM, namely prioritizing low central venous pressure anesthesia, minimizing blood loss, knowledge of liver anatomy, generous use of intraoperative ultrasound, as well as safe parenchymal transection techniques and practices to avoid bile leakage. Knowledge of established prognostic factors may assist with patient selection, which is important for optimizing short- and long-term outcomes of hepatic resection. Adjunct therapies such as concomitant liver ablation are used frequently and are generally safe when used appropriately. For patients with synchronous resectable NELM, resection of the primary either in a staged or combined fashion is recommended. Primary tumor resection in the setting of unresectable metastatic disease is more controversial, however generally recommended if morbidity is acceptable. For patients who are not surgical candidates, due to either patient performance status or burden of liver disease, several liver-directed therapies such as transarterial embolization, chemoembolization, and radioembolization are available to assist with locoregional control, extend progression-free survival (PFS), and improve symptoms of carcinoid syndrome. Multiple systemic therapy options exist for patients with metastatic PNET which are often prioritized for those patients with advanced or progressive disease. A systematic approach in a multi-disciplinary setting is likely to result in the best long-term outcomes for patients with pancreatic NELM. Ongoing research is needed to determine the optimal patient selection for hepatic surgery as well as the ideal treatment sequencing for those patients with NELM.

Pancreas Solid Tumors

Solid tumors of the pancreas encompass a variety of diagnoses with treatments ranging from observation to major abdominal surgery. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma remains one of the most common and most lethal of these differential of diagnoses and requires a multimodality approach through a multidisciplinary team of specialists. This article reviews the classification, clinical presentation, and workup in differentiating solid tumors of the pancreas and serves as an additional tool for general surgeons faced with such a clinical finding, from a surgical oncology perspective.

Robotic enucleation of a pancreatic uncinate neuroendocrine tumor - a unique parenchyma-saving strategy for uncinate tumors

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) comprise up to 10% of all pancreatic solid tumors. There has been much interest in recent years with regards to the role of limited resection and enucleation procedures for this entity. There is no clear guideline today on the optimal type choice of surgery for this condition, with even fewer reporting on the use of a robotic approach for pancreatic uncinate lesions. We describe a case report of a 54-year-old lady who underwent successful robotic enucleation of pancreatic uncinate neuroendocrine tumor. This patient's recovery was complicated by pancreatitis and a peripancreatic collection, both of which resolved without surgical re-intervention. A literature review was performed with regards to current guidelines on management of PNETs, comparisons between demolitive and parenchymal-preserving procedures, and recent developments in the laparoscopic and robotic approaches for this condition. There is no clear guideline on the optimal type and approach (open vs. laparoscopic vs. robotic) to the surgical management of PNET. We document in this case report a novel approach of robotic enucleation of pancreatic uncinate process NET, that could be considered as an alternative to open/laparoscopic demolitive procedures for small uncinate tumors.

Resection of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: defining patterns and time course of recurrence

BACKGROUND

To define recurrence patterns and time course, as well as risk factors associated with recurrence following curative resection of pNETs.

METHOD

Patients who underwent curative-intent resection for pNET between 1997 and 2016 were identified from the US Neuroendocrine Tumor Study Group. Data on baseline and tumor-specific characteristics, overall survival (OS), timing and first-site of recurrence, predictors and recurrence management were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 1020 patients, 154 (15.1%) patients developed recurrence. Among patients who experienced recurrence, 76 (49.4%) had liver-only recurrence, while 35 (22.7%) had pancreas-only recurrence. The proportion of liver-only recurrence increased from 54.3% within one-year after surgery to 61.5% from four-to-six years after surgery; whereas the proportion of pancreas-only recurrence decreased from 26.1% to 7.7% over these time periods. While liver-only recurrence was associated with tumor characteristics, pancreas-only recurrence was only associated with surgical margin status. Patients undergoing curative resection of recurrence had comparable OS with patients who had no recurrence (median OS, pancreas-only recurrence, 133.9 months; liver-only recurrence, not attained; no recurrence, 143.0 months, p = 0.499) CONCLUSIONS: Different recurrence patterns and timing course, as well as risk factors suggest biological heterogeneity of pNET recurrence. A personalized approach to postoperative surveillance and treatment of recurrence disease should be considered.

Lymphovascular Invasion Predicts Lymph Node Involvement in Small Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

INTRODUCTION

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (p-NETS) are increasing in incidence, and prognostic factors continue to evolve. The benefit of lymphadenectomy for p-NETS ≤2 cm remains unclear. We sought to determine the significance of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) for small p-NETS.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with p-NETS ≤2 cm and with ≥1 evaluated lymph node (LN), years 2004-2015. Demographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of LN positivity.

RESULTS

Among 2,499 patients identified, tumor location was delineated as the head (26%), body (18%), tail (38%), or unspecified (18%); 74% were well-differentiated versus 10% moderate, 2% poor, and 14% unknown. LVI occurred in 11%. A median of 9 LNs were evaluated; overall positivity was 18%. Mean survival was significantly longer in node-negative patients (115 vs. 95 months, log-rank p < 0.0001). LVI was the strongest predictor of node involvement (OR 10.4, p < 0.0001) when controlling for tumor size, grade, and location. Subset analysis of patients with known LVI status, grade, location, and mitoses found that LVI was more likely in the setting of moderate-to-high tumor grade, 1-2 cm size, pancreatic head location, and high mitotic rate. Among patients with ≥2 of these 4 factors, 25% were node-positive.

CONCLUSIONS

Presence of LVI was the strongest predictor of node positivity. LVI on endoscopic biopsy should prompt resection and regional LN dissection to fully stage patients with small p-NETS. Patients with other high-risk factors should also be considered for resection and regional lymphadenectomy.

The North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society Consensus Paper on the Surgical Management of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

This manuscript is the result of the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society consensus conference on the surgical management of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors from July 19 to 20, 2018. The group reviewed a series of questions of specific interest to surgeons taking care of patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and for each, the available literature was reviewed. What follows are these reviews for each question followed by recommendations of the panel.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration vs fine-needle biopsy for the diagnosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Background and study aims  Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) as a method of obtaining preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) has been reported in several series. Fine-needle biopsies (FNB) are increasingly employed to obtain core specimens during EUS. However, the differences in efficacy between these sampling methods in the diagnosis of PanNETs still needs to be defined. Patients and methods  Over a 13-year period, all patients who underwent EUS-guided tissue sampling of suspicious pancreatic lesions with clinical, endoscopic and pathologic details were entered into an electronic database. Lesions underwent EUS-FNA or FNB sampling, or a combination of the two. The accuracy and safety of different EUS-guided sampling methods for confirmed PanNETs were investigated. Results  A total of 91 patients (M/F: 42/49, median age: 57 years), who underwent 102 EUS procedures had a final diagnosis of PanNET. Both EUS-guided sampling modalities were used in 28 procedures, EUS-FNA alone was used in 61 cases, while EUS-FNB alone in 13 cases. Diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA and EUS-FNB alone, including the inadequate specimens, was 77.5 % (95 %CI: 68.9 - 86.2 %) and 85.4 % (95 %CI: 74.6 - 96.2 %), respectively. The combination of both sampling modalities established the diagnosis in 96.4 % of cases (27/28) (95 %CI: 89.6 - 100 %), significantly superior to EUS-FNA alone ( P  = 0.023). Diagnostic sensitivity among the adequate samples for EUS-FNA, EUS-FNB and for the combination of the two methods was 88.4 % (95 %CI: 80.9 - 96.0 %), 94.3 % (95 %CI: 86.6 - 100 %) and 100 % (95 %CI: 100 - 100 %). There was one reported complication, a post-FNA bleeding, treated conservatively. Conclusions  EUS-FNB improves diagnostic sensitivity and confers additional information to cytological assessment of PanNETs.

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide-Secreting Tumors: A Review

Vasoactive intestinal peptide-secreting tumors (VIPomas) are a group of rare neuroendocrine tumors, which cause a typical syndrome of watery diarrhea. Most of these tumors are found in the pancreas and are usually detected at a later stage. Although curative resection is not possible in most of these tumors, both symptom and tumor control can be achieved by a multidimensional approach, to enable a long survival of most patients. There are no clear-cut guidelines for the management of VIPomas because of the rarity of this neoplasm and lack of prospective data. In this review, we discuss the available evidence on the clinical features and management of these rare tumors.

Evaluation and Management of Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Pancreas

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are a diverse group of neoplasms with a generally favorable prognosis. Although they exhibit indolent growth, metastases are seen in roughly 60% of patients. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors may produce a wide variety of hormones, which are associated with dramatic symptoms, but the majority are nonfunctional. The diagnosis and treatment of these tumors is a multidisciplinary effort, and management guidelines continue to evolve. This review provides a concise summary of the presentation, diagnosis, surgical management, and systemic treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

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.

Differentiation of atypical non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using CT based radiomics

PURPOSE

To develop and validate an effective model to differentiate NF-pNET from PDAC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between July 2014 and December 2017, 147 patients (80 patients with PDAC and 67 patients with atypical NF-pNET) with pathology results and enhanced CT were consecutively enrolled and chronologically divided into primary and validation cohorts. Three models were built to differentiate atypical NF-pNET from PDAC, including a model based on radiomic signature alone, one based on clinicoradiological features alone and one that integrated the two. The diagnostic performance of the three models was estimated and compared with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) in the validation cohort. A nomogram was used to represent the model with the best performance, and the associated calibration was also assessed.

RESULTS

In the validation cohort, the AUC for differential diagnosis was 0.884 with the integrated model, which was significantly improved over that of the model based on clinicoradiological features (AUC = 0.775, p value = 0.004) and was comparable to that of the model based on the radiomic signature (AUC = 0.873, p value = 0.512). The nomogram representing the integrated model achieved good discrimination performances in both the primary and validation cohorts, with C-indices of 0.960 and 0.884, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The integrated model outperformed the model based on clinicoradiological features alone and was comparable to the model based on the radiomic signature alone with respect to the differential diagnosis of atypical NF-pNET and PDAC. The nomogram achieved an optimal preoperative, noninvasive differential diagnosis between atypical pNET and PDAC, which can better inform therapeutic choice in clinical practice.

Management of asymptomatic, well-differentiated PNETs: results of the Delphi consensus process of the Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association

BACKGROUND

Variation in the management of PNETs exist due to the limited high-level evidence to guide clinical practice. The aim of this work is to generate consensus guidelines with a Delphi process for managing PNETs.

METHODS

A panel of experts reviewed the surgical literature and scored a set of clinical case statements using a web-based survey to identify areas of agreement and disagreement. Results of the survey were discussed after each round of review. This cycle was repeated until no further likelihood of reaching consensus existed.

RESULTS

Twenty-two case statements related to surgical indications, preoperative biopsy, extent of resection, type of surgery, and tumor location were scored. Using a pre-defined definition of consensus, the panel achieved consensus on the following: i) resection is not recommended for <1 cm lesions; ii) resection is recommended for lesions greater than 2 cm; iii) lymph node dissection is recommended for radiographically-suspicious nodes with splenectomy for distal lesions; iv) tumor enucleation and central pancreatectomy are acceptable when technically feasible. No consensus was reached regarding issues of preoperative biopsy or 1-2 cm tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a structured, validated system for identifying consensus, an expert panel identified areas of agreement regarding critical management decisions for patients with PNET. Issues without consensus warrant additional clinical investigation.

Novel Mutations in Serbian MEN1 Patients: Genotype-phenotype Correlation

Background

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant cancer syndrome characterized by the occurrence of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), pituitary adenoma (PA) and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (pNET). Whether the underlying mutations in MEN1 gene predict clinical presentation of affected heterozygotes or not, is still a matter of a debate.

Methods

Clinical and genetic analysis of 90 consecutive MEN1 patients was performed in a retrospective, single – center study.

Results

MEN1 mutation was found in 67 (74.4%) patients belonging to 31 different families. Twenty nine different heteozygous mutations were found, including 6 novel point mutations (W220G, 941delG, 1088del7, 1184insA, 1473del10, 1602del17) and one large deletion of exon 8. Truncating mutations predicted development of pNETs (OR=5.8, 95% CI 1.7 – 19.7%) and PHPT (OR=4.3, 95% CI 1.5 – 12.4%).

Conclusions

Large number of novel mutations among MEN1 patients confirmed previously reported data. PNETs and PHPT were more frequent in patients with truncating mutations.

The impact of surgery in metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: a competing risk analysis

Aim The role of surgery in the treatment of metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) was controversial. The objectives of this study were to illustrate the impact of surgery in improving the prognosis of patients with metastatic PNETs and build nomograms to predict overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) based on a large population-based cohort. Methods Patients diagnosed with metastatic PNETs between 2004 and 2015 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were retrospectively collected. Nomograms for estimating OS and CSS were established based on Cox regression model and Fine and Grey's model. The precision of the nomograms was evaluated and compared using concordance index (C-index) and the area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). Results The study cohort included 1966 patients with metastatic PNETs. It was shown that the surgery provided survival benefit for all groups of patients with metastatic PNETs. In the whole study cohort, 1-, 2- and 3-year OS and CSS were 51.5, 37.1 and 29.4% and 53.0, 38.9 and 31.1%, respectively. The established nomograms were well calibrated, and had good discriminative ability, with C-indexes of 0.773 for OS prediction and 0.774 for CSS prediction. Conclusions Patients with metastatic PNETs could benefit from surgery when the surgery tolerance was acceptable. The established nomograms could stratify patients who were categorized as tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) IV stage into groups with diverse prognoses, showing better discrimination and calibration of the established nomograms, compared with 8th TNM stage system in predicting OS and CSS for patients with metastatic PNETs.

Robotic enucleations of pancreatic benign or low-grade malignant tumors: preliminary results and comparison with robotic demolitive resections

BACKGROUND

The incidental detection of benign to low-grade malignant small pancreatic neoplasms increased in the last decades. The surgical management of these patients is still under debate. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of robotic enucleations and to compare the outcomes with non-parenchymal sparing robotic resections.

METHODS

The study included a total of 25 patients. Nine of them underwent a robotic enucleation (EN Group) and 16 patients received a robotic demolitive resection (DR Group). Perioperative and medium-term outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Patients' baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups except for presence of symptoms and tumor size, due to the inclusion criteria. Operative time was significantly shorter and postoperative results were better for EN group, including a significant shorter hospitalization (5 vs. 8 days, p = 0.027), reduced pancreatic leaks (22% vs. 50%, p = 0.287) and a better preservation of glandular function (100% vs. 62.5%, p = 0.066). Mortality rate was zero in both groups, with all patients free from disease at a median follow-up of 18 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The risks of under/overtreatment remain still unavoidable for benign to low-grade malignant small pancreatic neoplasms. Simple enucleation should be performed whenever oncological appropriate, to achieve the best postoperative outcomes. The adoption of robotic technique might widen the indications for parenchymal sparing, minimally invasive surgery.

Histopathologic challenges: The second OPINION issue

Classification and definition criteria for rare cancer is still an open issue in clinical practice due to several factors, which include the limited available molecular data to better defining specific tumor groups or "families" of interest. An important issue related to the proper management of these entities is the correct diagnosis and subtyping of a given entity. The high complexity associated with the histopathologic diagnosis and eventual molecular analysis may suggest the use of a histopathologic second opinion from a specialized pathologist. Diagnostic inaccuracies and difference between primary diagnosis and second opinion are expected at the population level: however, the magnitude of this difference is remarkably high and calls for implementation of second opinion in routine practice outside reference centers.

Current Chemotherapy Use in Neuroendocrine Tumors

The role of chemotherapy in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) has evolved with the development of other effective systemic therapies. At the same time, the evolving classification of NETs by grade has allowed for prognostic stratification. Chemotherapy is not routinely used for grade 1 to 2 NETs, but capecitabine (CAPTEM) or streptozocin-based regimens may be used, particularly for pancreatic NETs. In contrast, poorly differentiated grade 3 NETs are usually treated with platinum doublet chemotherapy. There is no consensus for the treatment of well-differentiated G3 NETs, but platinum doublets or CAPTEM are reasonable options.

Current Management of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: From Demolitive Surgery to Observation

Incidental diagnosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) greatly increased in the last years. In particular, more frequent diagnosis of small PanNETs leads to many challenging clinical decisions. These tumors are mostly indolent, although a percentage (up to 39%) may reveal an aggressive behaviour despite the small size. Therefore, there is still no unanimity about the best management of tumor smaller than 2 cm. The risks of under/overtreatment should be carefully evaluated with the patient and balanced with the potential morbidities related to surgery. The importance of the Ki-67 index as a prognostic factor is still debated as well. Whenever technically feasible, parenchyma-sparing surgeries lead to the best chance of organ preservation. Lymphadenectomy seems to be another important prognostic issue and, according to recent findings, should be performed in noninsulinoma patients. In the case of enucleation of the lesion, a lymph nodal sampling should always be considered. The relatively recent introduction of minimally invasive techniques (robotic) is a valuable option to deal with these tumors. The current management of PanNETs is analysed throughout the many available published guidelines and evidences with the aim of helping clinicians in the difficult decision-making process.

Development and Validation of a Nomogram for Predicting Overall Survival in Pancreatic NeuroendocrineTumors

BACKGROUND: The objective of current study was to develop and validate a nomogram to predict overall survival in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs). METHODS: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was queried for patients with PNETs between 2004 and 2015. Patients were randomly separated into the training set and the validation set. Cox regression model was used in training set to obtain independent prognostic factors to develop a nomogram for predicting overall survival (OS). The discrimination and calibration plots were used to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the nomogram. RESULTS: A total of 3142 patients with PNETs were collected from the SEER database. Sex, age, marital status, primary site, TNM stage, tumor grade, and therapy were associated with OS in the multivariate models. A nomogram was constructed based on these variables. The nomogram for predicting OS displayed better discrimination power than the Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) stage systems 7th edition in the training set and validation set. The calibration curve indicated that the nomogram was able to accurately predict 3- and 5-year OS. CONCLUSIONS: The nomogram which could predict 3- and 5-year OS were established in this study. Our nomogram showed a good performance, suggesting that it could be served as an effective tool for prognostic evaluation of patients with PNETs.

Everolimus in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors: efficacy, side-effects, resistance, and factors affecting its place in the treatment sequence

INTRODUCTION

Since the initial approval of everolimus in 2011, there have been a number of important changes in therapeutic/diagnostic modalities as well as classification/staging systems of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), which can significantly impact the use of everolimus in patients with advanced NETs. Areas covered: The efficacy of everolimus monotherapy and combination therapy demonstrated in clinical studies involving patients with advanced NETs are reviewed. Several factors affecting everolimus use are described including: the development and routine use of NET classification/staging systems; widespread use of molecular imaging modalities; side effects; drug resistance; and the availability of other treatment options. Furthermore, the current position of everolimus in the treatment approach is discussed, taking into account the recommendations from the recent guidelines. Expert opinion: Although everolimus demonstrated its high efficacy and tolerability in the RADIANT trials and other clinical studies, there still remain a number of controversies related to everolimus treatment in the management of NETs. The synergistic anti-growth effect of other agents in combination with everolimus or its effect on overall survival have not been established. The appropriate order of the use of everolimus in the treatment of advanced NETs still remains unclear, which needs to be defined in further studies and will be addressed in the new guidelines.

Cost-effectiveness of everolimus for the treatment of advanced neuroendocrine tumours of gastrointestinal or lung origin in Canada

BACKGROUND

In 2016, everolimus was approved by Health Canada for the treatment of unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic, well-differentiated, non-functional, neuroendocrine tumours (NET) of gastrointestinal (GI) or lung origin in adult patients with progressive disease. This analysis evaluated the cost-effectiveness of everolimus in this setting from a Canadian societal perspective.

METHODS

A partitioned survival model was developed to compare the cost per life-year (LY) gained and cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained of everolimus plus best supportive care (BSC) versus BSC alone in patients with advanced or metastatic NET of GI or lung origin. Model health states included stable disease, disease progression, and death. Efficacy inputs were based on the RADIANT-4 trial and utilities were mapped from quality-of-life data retrieved from RADIANT-4. Resource utilization inputs were derived from a Canadian physician survey, while cost inputs were obtained from official reimbursement lists from Ontario and other published sources. Costs and efficacy outcomes were discounted 5% annually over a 10-year time horizon, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the robustness of the base case results.

RESULTS

Everolimus had an incremental gain of 0.616 QALYs (0.823 LYs) and CA$89,795 resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of CA$145,670 per QALY gained (CA$109,166 per LY gained). The probability of cost-effectiveness was 52.1% at a willingness to pay (WTP) threshold of CA$150,000 per QALY.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of the probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicate that everolimus has a 52.1% probability of being cost-effective at a WTP threshold of CA$150,000 per QALY gained in Canada.