Advances in the Pharmacology of Neuroendocrine Tumors

A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Cancer Biology and Oncology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 2430

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: health endocrinology cancer endocrinology; human studies

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Neuroendocrine tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas are a heterogenous group of tumors with growing incidence and prevalence but still challenging to diagnose, follow up, and treat. Due to their potential to secrete various hormones, growth factors, and vasoactive substances, which add to the versatility of clinical presentation, they are attractive to experts of different specialties, including gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, oncologists, cardiologists, surgeons, pathologists, specialists in nuclear medicine just being some of the mentioned. Great advances have been made in the field of pharmacology and treatment options following the PROMID study, which led the way into the treatment of nonfunctional advanced neuroendocrine tumors. Since then, different agents and protocols have been introduced, which not only improved quality of life but also life expectancy. Moreover, efforts have been put into recognizing early tumor markers influencing prognosis and outcomes, as well as an understanding of molecular pathways driving tumor development which serve as potential treatment targets tailored to personalized patient needs. In this Special Issue, we would like to invite all with expertise in the treatment of patients with different types and stages of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors to share their research on the topic and add additional knowledge to aid disease treatment.

Dr. Maja Cigrovski Berković
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
  • gastrointestinal endocrine tumors
  • treatment
  • systemic therapy
  • somatostatin
  • interferon-alpha
  • molecular-targeted agents
  • tumor apoptosis
  • symptom control

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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18 pages, 1020 KiB  
Systematic Review
Liver Transplantation for the Cure of Neuroendocrine Liver Metastasis: A Systematic Review with Particular Attention to the Risk Factors of Death and Recurrence
by Quirino Lai, Alessandro Coppola, Anna Mrzljak and Maja Cigrovski Berkovic
Biomedicines 2024, 12(11), 2419; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12112419 - 22 Oct 2024
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) are heterogeneous entities. Despite considerable advancement in the field, almost 50% of patients have metastatic disease, when liver transplantation (LT) is one of the possible treatments offering a cure in well-selected patients. Methods: The present study aims to systematically [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) are heterogeneous entities. Despite considerable advancement in the field, almost 50% of patients have metastatic disease, when liver transplantation (LT) is one of the possible treatments offering a cure in well-selected patients. Methods: The present study aims to systematically review all the literature from 2000 onwards on using LT for patients with NEN-LM, with particular attention to the risk factors of death and recurrence. Results: LT offers 5-year OS ranging from 52 to 74% and 5-year TFS rates ranging from 39 to 62%, with even better results published from 2009 onwards. The main risk factors for patient deaths are related to unfavorable primary tumor pathology, higher liver involvement, and simultaneous LT and primary resection. Similarly, recurrence is higher related to poor tumor grade and differentiation, and in the case of an older recipient age. Conclusions: Applying uniform criteria and a more in-depth understanding of the relevant prognostic factors contribute to a better selection of candidates for curative LT due to NEN metastases. LT for unresectable or liver-restricted NENs has a relevant place in the treatment algorithm and has achieved excellent results in recent decades, but more international efforts are needed to further improve outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Pharmacology of Neuroendocrine Tumors)
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21 pages, 4996 KiB  
Systematic Review
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Management of Primary Orbital Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs): Systematic Literature Review and Clinical Case Presentation
by Giulia Arrivi, Monia Specchia, Emanuela Pilozzi, Maria Rinzivillo, Damiano Caruso, Curzio Santangeli, Daniela Prosperi, Anna Maria Ascolese, Francesco Panzuto and Federica Mazzuca
Biomedicines 2024, 12(2), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12020379 - 6 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1347
Abstract
Background: The ocular involvement of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) is uncommon and mainly represented by metastases from gastrointestinal and lung neuroendocrine tumors. Primary orbital NENs are even less common and their diagnostic and therapeutic management is a challenge. Methods: A systematic review of the [...] Read more.
Background: The ocular involvement of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) is uncommon and mainly represented by metastases from gastrointestinal and lung neuroendocrine tumors. Primary orbital NENs are even less common and their diagnostic and therapeutic management is a challenge. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted from 1966 to September 2023 on PubMed to identify articles on orbital NENs and to summarize their clinical–pathological features, diagnosis and therapeutic management. Furthermore, we presented a case of a locally advanced retro-orbital primary neuroendocrine tumor that was referred to the certified Center of Excellence of Sant’Andrea Hospital, La Sapienza University of Rome, Italy. Results: The final analysis included 63 records on orbital NENs and 11 records focused on primary orbital NENs. The localization was mostly unilateral and in the right orbit; proptosis or exophthalmos represented the initial symptoms. The diagnostic work-up and therapeutic management was discussed and a diagnostic algorithm for the suspicion of primary orbital NENs was proposed. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary approach is required for the management of primary orbital NENs, emphasizing the importance of early referral to dedicated centers for prompt differential diagnosis, tailored treatment, and an improved quality of life and survival. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Pharmacology of Neuroendocrine Tumors)
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