Biliary Stone Disease in Patients with Neuroendocrine Tumors Treated with Somatostatin Analogs: A Multicenter Study

An update on the safety of lanreotide autogel for the treatment of patients with neuroendocrine tumors

INTRODUCTION

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a rare group of tumors originating from neuroendocrine cells in various organs. They include neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs), which differ in biological behavior and prognosis. NETs are usually well-differentiated and slow-growing, while NECs are poorly differentiated and more aggressive. Management of NETs often involves somatostatin analogs like octreotide and lanreotide to control tumor growth and alleviate symptoms, especially in well-differentiated NETs. Lanreotide is used to control tumor growth, and both lanreotide and octreotide alleviate symptoms. Treatment approaches may vary depending on the specific type and grade of the neuroendocrine neoplasm.

AREAS COVERED

This review provides an update on the safety of lanreotide autogel in treating patients with NETs, through a comprehensive review of clinical trials, post-marketing surveillance, real-world evidence, and its safety profile. Specific adverse events, side effects, and potential risks associated with lanreotide autogel are discussed, along with risk mitigation strategies and recommendations for patient monitoring.

EXPERT OPINION

The findings highlight the overall safety of lanreotide autogel in managing NETs, focusing on its efficacy in controlling hormone secretion, tumor progression, and symptom management. New safety concerns and precautions are also addressed to help healthcare providers make informed decisions when prescribing lanreotide autogel.

Gastrointestinal side effects of somatostatin analogs in neuroendocrine tumors: a focused review

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a group of well-differentiated heterogeneous neoplasms characterized by slow progression and distinct clinical and biological behavior. In the majority of patients with NET, first-line treatment is represented by somatostatin analogs (SSAs) that, despite being drugs with high tolerability (even at high doses) and providing to carcinoid symptoms control and anti-proliferative effects, may present some side effects, with potential impact on quality of life and nutritional status. The most frequent side effects are represented by gastrointestinal events in particular alterations in bowel habits (diarrhea and constipation), abdominal pain, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and cholelithiasis. Considering the relative rarity of NETs, literature about frequency and standard clinical management of adverse events SSA-related is still lacking and heterogeneous. The aim of this review is to arm gastroenterologists and other physicians treating NET patients with essential knowledge on the side effects of SSAs. By identifying and managing these adverse events early, healthcare professionals can offer optimal care, avert foreseeable complications, and ensure the best outcomes for patients. Without such early recognition, there is a risk of diminishing the patient's quality of life and their ability to sustain treatment over time.

Gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms

Gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms (gNENs) display peculiar site-specific features among all NENs. Their incidence and prevalence have been rising in the past few decades. gNENs comprise gastric neuroendocrine carcinomas (gNECs) and gastric neuroendocrine tumours (gNETs), the latter further classified into three types. Type I anatype II gNETs are gastrin-dependent and develop in chronic atrophic gastritis and as part of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome within a multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome (MEN1), respectively. Type III or sporadic gNETs develop in the absence of hypergastrinaemia and in the context of a near-normal or inflamed gastric mucosa. gNECs can also develop in the context of variable atrophic, relatively normal or inflamed gastric mucosa. Each gNEN type has different clinical characteristics and requires a different multidisciplinary approach in expert dedicated centres. Type I gNETs are managed mainly by endoscopy or surgery, whereas the treatment of type II gNETs largely depends on the management of the concomitant MEN1. Type III gNETs may require both locoregional approaches and systemic treatments; NECs are often metastatic and therefore require systemic treatment. Specific data regarding the systemic treatment of gNENs are lacking and are derived from the treatment of intestinal NETs and NECs. An enhanced understanding of molecular and clinical pathophysiology is needed to improve the management and outcomes of patients' gNETs.

The Role of Receptor-Ligand Interaction in Somatostatin Signaling Pathways: Implications for Neuroendocrine Tumors

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) arise from neuroendocrine cells and manifest in diverse organs. Key players in their regulation are somatostatin and its receptors (SSTR1-SSTR5). Understanding receptor-ligand interactions and signaling pathways is vital for elucidating their role in tumor development and therapeutic potential. This review highlights SSTR characteristics, localization, and expression in tissues, impacting physiological functions. Mechanisms of somatostatin and synthetic analogue binding to SSTRs, their selectivity, and their affinity were analyzed. Upon activation, somatostatin initiates intricate intracellular signaling, involving cAMP, PLC, and MAP kinases and influencing growth, differentiation, survival, and hormone secretion in NETs. This review explores SSTR expression in different tumor types, examining receptor activation effects on cancer cells. SSTRs' significance as therapeutic targets is discussed. Additionally, somatostatin and analogues' role in hormone secretion regulation, tumor growth, and survival is emphasized, presenting relevant therapeutic examples. In conclusion, this review advances the knowledge of receptor-ligand interactions and signaling pathways in somatostatin receptors, with potential for improved neuroendocrine tumor treatments.

Position statement on the diagnosis and management of acromegaly: The French National Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol (NDTP)

Acromegaly is a rare disease with prevalence of approximately 60 cases per million, slight female predominance and peak onset in adults in the fourth decade. Clinical diagnosis is often delayed by several years due to the slowly progressive onset of symptoms. There are multiple clinical criteria that define acromegaly: dysmorphic syndrome of insidious onset, symptoms related to the pituitary tumor (headaches, visual disorders), general signs (sweating, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint pain, etc.), complications of the disease (musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pneumological, dental, metabolic comorbidities, thyroid nodules, colonic polyps, etc.) or sometimes clinical signs of associated prolactin hypersecretion (erectile dysfunction in men or cycle disorder in women) or concomitant mass-induced hypopituitarism (fatigue and other symptoms related to pituitary hormone deficiencies). Biological confirmation is based initially on elevated IGF-I and lack of GH suppression on oral glucose tolerance test or an elevated mean GH on repeated measurements. In confirmed cases, imaging by pituitary MRI identifies the causal tumor, to best determine management. In a minority of cases, acromegaly can be linked to a genetic predisposition, especially when it occurs at a young age or in a familial context. The first-line treatment is most often surgical removal of the somatotroph pituitary tumor, either immediately or after transient medical treatment. Medical treatments are most often proposed in patients not controlled by surgical removal. Conformal or stereotactic radiotherapy may be discussed on a case-by-case basis, especially in case of drug inefficacy or poor tolerance. Acromegaly should be managed by a multidisciplinary team, preferably within an expert center such as a reference or skill center for rare pituitary diseases.

Early Definitive Diagnosis and Management of Incidental Neuroendocrine Tumors Found on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are tumors that originate from neuroendocrine cells and can be found throughout the body but are most commonly seen in the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and lungs. There is an increase in the diagnosis of NETs due to advances in diagnostic modalities. Although mucosal tumors are easily visualized on upper GI endoscopic imaging, neuroendocrine tumors are often missed due to their deep mucosal origin with normal overlying mucosa. We first present the case of a 46-year-old woman with anemia and epigastric discomfort who was found to have an incidental submucosal mass in the duodenal bulb on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), which on endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with a fine needle biopsy (FNB) showed a neuroendocrine tumor. Imaging with CT, however, failed to detect the presence of the mass in the duodenum. Furthermore, a DOTATATE scan showed only a nonspecific signal near the liver. The patient then underwent an EGD-guided, laparoscopic, robot-assisted transduodenal resection of the tumor, together with the removal of enlarged peritumoral lymph nodes. Pathology showed a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor of the duodenal bulb with metastasis to one lymph node, which was confirmed via immunohistochemistry staining. The second case is of a 51-year-old female who presented with occasional constipation and rectal pain and was found to have a rectal polypoid lesion on her colonoscopy, jumbo biopsies of which revealed a NET. An EUS done for staging and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) revealed a grade 1 well-differentiated NET on pathology, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry staining. These cases stress the need for timely, definitive diagnosis and intervention. Here, we discuss the clinical features and investigations of neuroendocrine tumors for early diagnosis and management.

Evaluating the Presence of a Stage IV Low-Grade Well-Differentiated Neuroendocrine Tumor of the Ileocecum: A Case Report with Evaluation of Staging Protocol of Neuroendocrine Tumors and Treatment Options Based on Current Available Evidence

Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are rare neoplasms that can originate throughout the human body. An initial treatment option includes upfront surgical resection of the primary tumor (pT) if the tumor can be localized. Current systemic therapy options following resection of the pT or with evidence of metastatic disease include somatostatin analogs, evorlimus, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and interferon alpha among other less common therapy options. We present a case of a patient with a NET that originated in the ileocecal region. The patient underwent upfront surgical resection with a right hemicolectomy due to the location of the tumor. The pT was notable for extensive invasion into the visceral peritoneum and metastasis to nearby lymph nodes. However, despite being diagnosed as a stage IV NET, the Ki67 index was less than 1%, categorizing it as a low-grade well-differentiated tumor. Following resection of the tumor, there was no evidence of metastasis to the liver on the follow-up magnetic resonance imaging and recurrent somatostatin receptor overexpressing neoplasm on the Gallium-68 DOTATE PET/CT scan. Due to the juxtaposition of the low grade of the tumor and the high staging, several different treatment options were discussed with the main distinction being whether to base these options off of the stage or the grade of the tumor in the case. Low-grade well-differentiated NET have a good prognosis. On the other hand, stage IV NET and tumors that have metastasized to nearby lymph nodes and organs have an increased likelihood to reoccur and worse outcomes. Recommendations for NET based on current evidence have a lack of clarity in terms of when to undergo observation versus systemic therapy.

Surgical aspects of small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors

Small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a heterogeneous group of epithelial tumors with a predominant neuroendocrine differentiation. Although NETs are usually considered rare neoplasms, small intestinal NETs are the most common primary malignancy of the small bowel, with an increasing prevalence worldwide during the course of the past few decades. The indolent nature of these tumors often leads to a delayed diagnosis, resulting in over one-third of patients presenting with synchronous metastases. Primary tumor resection remains the only curative option for this type of tumor. In this review article, the various surgical aspects for the excision of small intestinal NETs are discussed.

Chemotherapy in Well Differentiated Neuroendocrine Tumors (NET) G1, G2, and G3: A Narrative Review

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare neoplasms with a wide spectrum of clinical behavior, from the long survival of well-differentiated NETs to the dismal prognosis of high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs), being G3 NETs a recently recognized intermediate entity. While the role of chemotherapy is well established in NECs, data on NETs mostly derives from small studies, experts' opinions, and extrapolating results from small-cell lung cancer studies. This narrative review aims to summarize available evidence about the use of chemotherapy in the setting of G1-2 NETs and G3 NETs. We performed literature research in PubMed Library for all articles published up to September 2022 about the efficacy of chemotherapy in NETs. Treatment regimens with STZ-5FU, CAPTEM, and anti-metabolite-based treatment are the most active and tolerated in gastroenteropancreatic NETs (GEP-NETs) G1-G2, while platinum-based regimens (FOLFOX/XELOX) and TEM/CAPTEM showed the best activity in thoracic NETs. Solid evidence about chemotherapy efficacy in G3 NETs is still lacking. Literature data support the use of chemotherapy in low-intermediate grade NETs after the failure of other therapies or if tumor shrinkage is needed. Studies assessing G3 NETs independently from NECs are needed to better understand the role of chemotherapy in this setting.

Resistance of neuroendocrine tumours to somatostatin analogs

INTRODUCTION

A common feature shared by most neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) is the expression on their surface of somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) that are essential for their pathophysiological regulation, diagnosis, and management. The first-generation synthetic somatostatin analogs (SSAs), octreotide and lanreotide, constitute the cornerstone of treatment for growth hormone secreting pituitary adenomas and functioning, progressive functioning, and non-functioning gastro-entero-pancreatic (GEP-NETs). SSAs exert their mechanism of action through binding to the SSTRs; however, their therapeutic response is frequently attenuated or diminished by the development of resistance. The phenomenon of resistance is complex implicating the presence of additional epigenetic and genetic mechanisms.

AREAS COVERED

We aim to analyze the molecular, genetic, and epigenetic mechanisms of resistance to SSA treatment. We also summarize recent clinical data related to the development of resistance on conventional and non-conventional modes of administration of the first-generation SSAs and the second-generation SSA pasireotide. We explore mechanisms used to counteract the resistance to SSAs using higher doses or more frequent mode of administration of SSAs and/or combination treatments.

EXPERT OPINION

There is considerable heterogeneity in the development of resistance to SSAs that is tumor-specific necessitating the delineation of the underlying pathophysiological processes to further expand their therapeutic applications.

Lipid Metabolism and Homeostasis in Patients with Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: From Risk Factor to Potential Therapeutic Target

Lipid metabolism is known to be involved in tumorigenesis and disease progression in many common cancer types, including colon, lung, breast and prostate, through modifications of lipid synthesis, storage and catabolism. Furthermore, lipid alterations may arise as a consequence of cancer treatment and may have a role in treatment resistance. Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a heterogeneous group of malignancies with increasing incidence, whose mechanisms of cancer initiation and progression are far from being fully understood. Alterations of lipid metabolism may be common across various cancer types, but data about NENs are scattered and heterogeneous. Herein, we provide an overview of the relevant literature on lipid metabolism and alterations in NENs. The available evidence both in basic and clinical research about lipid metabolism in NENs, including therapeutic effects on lipid homeostasis, are summarized. Additionally, the potential of targeting the lipid profile in NEN therapy is also discussed, and areas for further research are proposed.

The Antiproliferative Activity of High-Dose Somatostatin Analogs in Gastro-Entero-Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The antiproliferative activity of a high dose of somatostatin analogs (HD-SSA) in treating gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) remains under debate. Methods: A systematic review and proportion meta-analysis were made. The primary endpoint was the efficacy measured as incidence density ratio (IDR) at one year. The secondary endpoints were the disease control rate (DCR) and severe adverse events (SAEs). The heterogeneity (I2), when high (>50%), was interpreted by performing a univariate metaregression analysis, analyzing as covariates: type and design of the study, location (Europe or USA), sample size, grading according to 2017 WHO, the metastatic disease rate, previous therapy including surgery, and quality of the study. Results: A total of 11 studies with 783 patients were included. The IDR was 62 new progressions of 100 patients treated with HD-SSA every one year. The heterogeneity was high. The study’s year, type and design, primary tumor, grading, previous treatments, and quality of the studies did not influence the IDR. The IDR was significantly higher in USA centers and studies with more than 50 patients. The IDR was lower when a high rate of metastatic patients was present in the studies. The DCR was 45%. The heterogeneity was high. The DCR was lower in USA studies and in prospective trials. Conclusion: Given the limited efficacy of HD-SSA in preventing the disease progression in unresectable GEP-NENs after failure of standard dose SSA, the use of this therapeutic approach is advisable in selected cases when other antiproliferative treatments are not feasible.

Therapeutic strategies for patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms: current perspectives

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.

Updated Principles of Surgical Management of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours (pNETs): What Every Surgeon Needs to Know

Simple Summary

In this narrative review, we update the surgical management of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (pNETs) and highlight key elements in view of the recent literature. These tumours are rare and suffer from a lack of data and randomized controlled trials. The pNETs management is difficult due to their heterogeneity and the risks associated with pancreatic surgery. Innovative managements such as “watch and wait” strategies, parenchymal sparing surgery and minimally invasive approach are emerging. The correct use of all these therapeutic options requires a good selection of patients but also a constant update of knowledge.

Abstract

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (pNETs) represent 1 to 2% of all pancreatic neoplasm with an increasing incidence. They have a varied clinical, biological and radiological presentation, depending on whether they are sporadic or genetic in origin, whether they are functional or non-functional, and whether there is a single or multiple lesions. These pNETs are often diagnosed at an advanced stage with locoregional lymph nodes invasion or distant metastases. In most cases, the gold standard curative treatment is surgical resection of the pancreatic tumour, but the postoperative complications and functional consequences are not negligible. Thus, these patients should be managed in specialised high-volume centres with multidisciplinary discussion involving surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and pathologists. Innovative managements such as “watch and wait” strategies, parenchymal sparing surgery and minimally invasive approach are emerging. The correct use of all these therapeutic options requires a good selection of patients but also a constant update of knowledge. The aim of this work is to update the surgical management of pNETs and to highlight key elements in view of the recent literature.

Prophylactic cholecystectomy is not mandatory in patients candidate to the resection for small intestine neuroendocrine neoplasms: a propensity score-matched and cost-minimization analysis

To evaluate two competitive strategies in patients undergoing resection of Small-intestine neuroendocrine neoplasms (Si-NEN): prophylactic cholecystectomy (PC) versus On-demand delayed (OC) cholecystectomy. None comparative studies are available. This is a retrospective study based on 247 Si-NENs candidates for the primary tumor resection. Patients were divided into two arms: PC and OC. Propensity score matching was performed, reporting the d value. The primary outcome was the rehospitalization rate for any cause. The secondary endpoints were: the rehospitalization rate for biliary stone disease (BSD), the mean number of rehospitalization (any cause and BSD), the complication rate (all and severe). A P value < 0.05 was considered significant, and the number needed to treat (NNT) < 10 was considered clinically relevant. Before matching, 52 (21.1%) were in the PC arm and 195 (78.9%) in the OC group. The two arms have a sub-optimal balance for age (d = 0.575), symptoms (d = 0.661), ENETS TNM stage (d = 0.661). After matching, we included 52 patients in PC and 104 in OC one. The two groups are well balanced (all d values < 0.5). The rehospitalization rate was similar in the two groups (36% vs 31; P = 0.594; NNT = 21). The rehospitalization rate for BSD was lower in the PC arm than OC one (0% vs 7%) without statistical significance (P = 0.096) and relevance (NNT = 15). The mean number of readmission (any cause and BSD) and the complication rate (all and severe) were similar. PC was not mandatory in patients having Si-NEN and candidates to the resection of primary tumors.

Carcinoid Syndrome and Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia Associated with Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Critical Review on Clinical and Pharmacological Management

The carcinoid syndrome (CS) and hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (HH) represent two of the most common clinical syndromes associated with neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). The former is mainly related to the serotonin secretion by a small bowel NEN, whereas the latter depends on an insulin hypersecretion by a pancreatic insulinoma. Both syndromes/conditions can affect prognosis and quality of life of patients with NENs. They are often diagnosed late when patients become strongly symptomatic. Therefore, their early detection and management are a critical step in the clinical management of NEN patients. A dedicated and experienced multidisciplinary team with appropriate therapeutic strategies is needed and should be encouraged to optimize clinical outcomes. This review aims to critically analyze clinical features, evidence and treatment options of CS and HH and therefore to improve their management.

Association between somatostatin analogues and diabetes mellitus in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor patients: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare analysis of 5235 patients

BACKGROUND

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) are increasingly common malignancies and tend to have favorable long-term prognoses. Somatostatin analogues (SSA) are a first-line treatment for many NETs. Short-term experiments suggest an association between SSAs and hyperglycemia. However, it is unknown whether there is a relationship between SSAs and clinically significant hyperglycemia causing development of diabetes mellitus (DM), a chronic condition with significant morbidity and mortality.

AIM

In this study, we aimed to compare risk of developing DM in patients treated with SSA vs no SSA treatment.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and linked Medicare claims (1991-2016), we identified patients age 65+ with no prior DM diagnosis and a GEP-NET in the stomach, small intestine, appendix, colon, rectum, or pancreas. We used χ² tests to compare SSA-treated and SSA-untreated patients and multivariable Cox regression to assess risk factors for developing DM. Among 8464 GEP-NET patients, 5235 patients had no prior DM and were included for analysis. Of these, 784 (15%) patients received SSAs. In multivariable analysis, the hazard ratio of developing DM with SSA treatment was 1.19, which was not statistically significant (95% CI 0.95-1.49). Significant risk factors for DM included black race, Hispanic ethnicity, prior pancreatic surgery, prior chemotherapy, tumor size >2 cm, pancreas tumors, and higher Charlson scores.

CONCLUSION

DM was very common in GEP-NET patients, affecting 53% of our cohort. Despite prior studies suggesting an association between SSAs and hyperglycemia, our analysis found similar risk of DM in SSA-treated and SSA-untreated GEP-NET patients. Further studies are needed to better understand this relationship. As NET patients have increasingly prolonged survival, it is crucial to identify chronic conditions such as DM that these patients may be at elevated risk for.

Octreotide long-acting release (LAR) in combination with other therapies for treatment of neuroendocrine neoplasia: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

In the last decades, the incidence of neuroendocrine neoplasia (NEN) increased from 1 to 5 new diagnoses/100,000 persons/year. The synthetic somatostatin analogues (SSAs) represent the first-choice treatment for both functionally active and inactive gastro-enteric-pancreatic NEN. This systematic review examines the role of octreotide long-acting release (LAR) in combination with other therapies for NEN management.

METHODS

Primary outcomes were the disease control rate and the progression free survival (PFS), defined as the time between treatment initiation and progression of disease. Secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and safety.

RESULTS

This systematic review identified 13 studies, concerning the use of octreotide LAR in association with other therapies in advanced NENs and included 1,206 patients. Patients were treated with octreotide LAR in combination with other drugs, mainly with everolimus (404 patients, 35%), but even with Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy, bevacizumab, interferon or fluoride-derivatives. Disease control was observed in 85% cases with SSAs in combination with other therapies; PFS ranged from 15 to 16.4 months and OS from 25 to 61.9 months. SSAs are very well tolerated drugs, with few side effects which are usually mild, not requiring drug withdrawn.

CONCLUSIONS

The review summarizes the effectiveness and available safety data on octreotide LAR in combination with other therapies in patients with NEN and may provide suggestions to address the therapeutic strategy. Further comparative head-to-head studies are needed to understand which is the best combination treatment for patients with progressive NEN after failure of first-line therapy.

Treatment of acute cholecystitis in high-risk surgical patients. Systematic review of the literature according to the levels of evidence

Acute cholecystitis (AC) is the most common biliary stone disease complication. While there is consensus regarding cholecystectomy for AC, gallbladder drainage is indicated in elderly or high-risk surgical patients. We systematically reviewed available evidence in the field of EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) for AC in high-risk surgical patients. The studies were classified according to their level of evidence (LE) according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine classification. Literature search retrieved 175 manuscripts; most of them were expert opinions (LE V, no. 53) or caseseries (LE IV, no. 29). There was no meta-analysis of RCT (LE Ia), while two randomized controlled trials (LE Ib) demonstrated that EUS-GBD was superior to percutaneous trans-hepatic-GBD (PT-GBD) regarding longterm outcomes (adverse events, recurrent cholecystitis, and reintervention). Several meta-analyses of cohort studies (LE IIa, no. 11) were designed to compare the three available drainage strategies (endoscopic, echoendoscopic and percutaneous) and to assess the pooled risk of adverse events. Comparison between surgery and EUS-GBD was done in a single retrospective study with a propensity score analysis (LE III). The outcomes of conversion from PT-GBD to EUS-GBD were covered by few retrospective studies (LE III). Several manuscripts (no. 69) were published on EUS-GBD as a rescue strategy in case of malignant biliary obstruction. The levels of evidence of EUS-GBD in the literature have evolved from initial descriptive studies to recent randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis of cohort studies. While several articles addressed the comparison among different techniques for GBD, in our opinion some topics and questions have not been adequately investigated. are still debated.

EUS-guided gallbladder drainage in high-risk surgical patients with acute cholecystitis-procedure outcomes and evaluation of mortality predictors

Background

Recent evidences suggest that gallbladder drainage is the treatment of choice in elderly or high-risk surgical patients with acute cholecystitis (AC). Despite better outcomes compared to other approaches, endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) is burdened by high mortality. The aim of the study was to evaluate predictive factors for mortality in high-risk surgical patients who underwent EUS-GBD for AC.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database was performed. Electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents were used; all recorded variables were evaluated as potential predictive factors for mortality.

Results

Thirty-four patients underwent EUS for suspected AC and 25 (44% male, age 78) were finally included. Technical, clinical success rate and adverse events rate were 92%, 88%, and 16%, respectively. 30-day and 1-year mortality were 12% and 32%. On univariate analysis, age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (OR 20.8[4–68.2]), acute kidney injury (AKI) (OR 21.4[2.6–52.1]) and clinical success (OR 8.9[1.2–11.6]) were related to 30-day mortality. On multivariate analysis, CCI and AKI were independently related to long-term mortality. Kaplan–Meier curves showed an increased long-term mortality in patients with CCI > 6 (hazard ratio 7.6[1.7–34.6]) and AKI (hazard ratio 11.3[1.4–91.5]).

Conclusions

Severe comorbidities and AKI were independent predictive factors confirming of long-term mortality after EUS-GBD. Outcomes of EUS-GBD appear more influenced by patients’ conditions rather than by procedure success.

Supplementary Information

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00464-021-08318-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Occurrence of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors treated with somatostatin analogs

BACKGROUND

Although exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) has been described in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasia (NEN) treated with somatostatin analogs (SSAs), its role in the therapeutic management of these patients is not well established.

AIM

To determine the frequency of EPI in patients with NEN long-term treated with SSAs.

METHODS

This is a prospective single-center study evaluating 35 patients treated with SSAs for >12 months due to unresectable/advanced nonpancreatic well-differentiated NEN. Clinical evaluation, biochemical parameters, and fecal elastases 1 (FE-1) were assessed to diagnose EPI.

RESULTS

A total of 7 patients (20%) had EPI, given the presence of abdominal symptoms and a median FE-1 value of 180 mcg/g stool (150-198). No patient had severe EPI, defined as FE-1 < 100 mcg/g stool. Elevated glycated Hb levels were a significant predictor for developing EPI (OR 4.81, p = 0.01). No significant difference in terms of duration of SSA treatment was observed between patients with or without EPI diagnosed (84 months and 72 months, respectively; p = 0.950).

CONCLUSIONS

Mild-moderate EPI is a relatively common condition in patients receiving long-term treatment with SSAs. Specific clinical and biochemical evaluations, including FE-1, should be planned in these patients to diagnose this relevant condition early, which may deteriorate quality of life and cause malnutrition.