Gastro-entero-pancreatic (GEP)
neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare neoplasms, although their
prevalence has increased substantially over the past three decades. Moreover, there has been an increased clinical recognition and characterization of those neoplasms. They show extremely variable biological behavior and clinical course. Most NETs have endocrine function and secrete
peptides and neuroamines that cause distinct clinical syndromes, including carcinoid syndrome; however, many are clinically silent until late presentation with mass effects. Investigation and
management should be individualized for every patient, taking under consideration the likely explanation of the
tumor and general
health of the patient.
Management strategies include surgery for cure or palliation, and a spread of other cytoreductive techniques, and medical treatment including chemotherapy, and biotherapy to regulate symptoms thanks to
hormone release and
tumor growth, with somatostatin analogues (SSAs) and alpha-interferon. New biological agents and somatostatin-tagged radionuclides are under investigation. Advances within the therapy and development of centers of excellence which coordinate multicenter studies, are needed to enhance diagnosis, treatment and thus survival of patients with GEP NETs.
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the
gastro-entero-pancreatic (GEP) system are rare and originate from the diffused system , located within the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract (carcinoids) and within the pancreas (insular tumors), with extremely varying clinical pictures. GEP NETs represent about 2% of all the GI tumors, but their
prevalence has increased substantially over the past three decades, only partially as a consequence of increased awareness and improved diagnostic techniques. the foremost recent estimates suggest a worldwide clinical incidence of two .5-5 cases/100 000 per annum , with an autoptical incidence 2-5 times above the clinical one, and a small predominance in females.
Relevant Topics in Medical Sciences
