Current Status of Neuroendocrine Tumors with a Special Focus on Diagnosis and Novel Treatments

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Cancer Therapy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2022) | Viewed by 35948

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
2. Department of Endocrine Tumors and Sarcomas, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
Interests: neuroendocrine tumors; bronchial carcinoids; peptide receptor radionuclide therapy
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Neuroendocrine tumors are an increasing group of tumors. A majority are malignant, with local or distant metastases at diagnosis. Tumors are divided according to their proliferative rate into grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 (G1, G2, and G3, respectively). Most tumors are G1 and G2, and hence slow-growing and patients suffering from such tumors may live for several years. Some tumors, however, are highly proliferative, and patients affected by them have a short survival and poor prognosis. Most G1 and G2 tumors, and some G3 tumors, express somatostatin receptors and may be detected by somatostatin receptor imaging. Diagnostic sensitivity has improved with the introduction of 68Gallium-DOTATOC PET CT. Somatostatin analogues are the main treatment for patients with low proliferative tumors. Other treatments include chemotherapy, PRRT with 177Lutetium-DOTATATE, and targeted therapies, such as Everolimus and Sunitinib, which have led to an improvement in prognosis. The need for newer therapeutic agents is, however, urgent.

This Special Issue will address the current knowledge at the epidemiologic, diagnostic, molecular, and therapeutic level, focusing on new diagnostic and therapeutic measures.

Dr. Dan Granberg
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • neuroendocrine tumors
  • somatostatin analogues
  • PRRT
  • chemotherapy
  • 68Gallium-DOTATOC PET CT
  • targeted therapies
  • mTOR inhibitors
  • angiogenesis

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 6072 KiB  
Article
The New Radiolabeled Peptide 99mTcEDDA/HYNIC-TOC: Is It a Feasible Choice for Diagnosing Gastroenteropancreatic NETs?
by Mirela Gherghe, Alexandra Maria Lazăr, Adina Elena Stanciu, Mario-Demian Mutuleanu, Maria-Carla Sterea, Cristina Petroiu and Laurenția Nicoleta Galeș
Cancers 2022, 14(11), 2725; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14112725 - 31 May 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3305
Abstract
(1) Background: The aim of our study is to reveal the advantages and limitations of the use of 99mTcEDDA/HYNIC-TOC (Tektrotyd®, Polatom) in the diagnosis of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and to compare our results with the values obtained for 111In-pentetreotide [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The aim of our study is to reveal the advantages and limitations of the use of 99mTcEDDA/HYNIC-TOC (Tektrotyd®, Polatom) in the diagnosis of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and to compare our results with the values obtained for 111In-pentetreotide and 68Ga-DOTA-peptides, routinely used in medical practice. (2) Methods: This retrospective monocentric study included 173 patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors who underwent 99mTcEDDA/HYNIC-TOC scans as part of their clinical management. The examination protocol included a whole-body scan acquired 2 h after the radiotracer’s administration, with the SPECT/CT performed 4 h post-injection. Physiological and abnormal uptake were established by two experienced physicians and, based on the obtained results, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated. (3) Results: Our method presented a sensitivity of 90.5%, a specificity of 71.9%, and an accuracy of 84.3%, with a positive predictive value of 86.7% and a negative predictive value of 78.8%. (4) Conclusions: 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC, a receptor-based radiopharmaceutical, could represent a competitor for 68Ga-labeled peptides in the diagnosis and management of patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Our results show a lower sensitivity (90.5%) than 68Ga-DOTA-peptides, but with great specificity, accuracy, positive, and negative predictive values. Full article
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12 pages, 1809 KiB  
Article
Fate of Surgical Patients with Small Nonfunctioning Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: An International Study Using Multi-Institutional Registries
by In Woong Han, Jangho Park, Eun Young Park, So Jeong Yoon, Gang Jin, Dae Wook Hwang, Kuirong Jiang, Wooil Kwon, Xuefeng Xu, Jin Seok Heo, De-Liang Fu, Woo Jung Lee, Xueli Bai, Yoo-Seok Yoon, Yin-Mo Yang, Keun Soo Ahn, Chunhui Yuan, Hyeon Kook Lee, Bei Sun, Eun Kyu Park, Seung Eun Lee, Sunghwa Kang, Wenhui Lou and Sang-Jae Parkadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Cancers 2022, 14(4), 1038; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14041038 - 18 Feb 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2292
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 [...] Read more.
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. Full article
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15 pages, 3971 KiB  
Article
Correlation of Somatostatin Receptor 1–5 Expression, [68Ga]Ga-DOTANOC, [18F]F-FDG PET/CT and Clinical Outcome in a Prospective Cohort of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
by Susanna Majala, Tiina Vesterinen, Hanna Seppänen, Harri Mustonen, Jari Sundström, Camilla Schalin-Jäntti, Risto Gullichsen, Jukka Schildt, Jukka Kemppainen, Johanna Arola and Saila Kauhanen
Cancers 2022, 14(1), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14010162 - 29 Dec 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2013
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to correlate immunohistochemical (IHC) tissue levels of SSTR1-5 with the receptor density generated from [68Ga]Ga-DOTANOC uptake in a prospective series of NF-PNENs. Methods: Twenty-one patients with a total of thirty-five NF-PNEN-lesions and twenty-one histologically [...] Read more.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to correlate immunohistochemical (IHC) tissue levels of SSTR1-5 with the receptor density generated from [68Ga]Ga-DOTANOC uptake in a prospective series of NF-PNENs. Methods: Twenty-one patients with a total of thirty-five NF-PNEN-lesions and twenty-one histologically confirmed lymph node metastases (LN+) were included in this prospective study. Twenty patients were operated on, and one underwent endoscopic ultrasonography and core-needle biopsy. PET/CT with both [68Ga]Ga-DOTANOC and [18F]F-FDG was performed on all patients. All histological samples were re-classified and IHC-stained with monoclonal SSTR1-5 antibodies and Ki-67 and correlated with [68Ga]Ga-DOTANOC and [18F]F-FDG PET/CT. Results: Expression of SSTR1-5 was detected in 74%, 91%, 80%, 14%, and 77% of NF-PNENs. There was a concordance of SSTR2 IHC with positive/negative [68Ga]Ga-DOTANOC finding (Spearman’s rho 0.382, p = 0.043). All [68Ga]Ga-DOTANOC-avid tumors expressed SSTR2 or SSTR3 or SSTR5. Expression of SSTR5 was higher in tumors with a low Ki-67 proliferation index (PI) (−0.353, 95% CI −0.654–0.039, p = 0.038). The mean Ki-67 PI for SSTR5 positive tumors was 2.44 (SD 2.56, CI 1.0–3.0) and 6.38 (SD 7.25, CI 2.25–8.75) for negative tumors. Conclusion: SSTR2 was the only SSTR subtype to correlate with [68Ga]Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT. Our prospective study confirms SSTR2 to be of the highest impact for SST PET/CT signal. Full article
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19 pages, 4998 KiB  
Article
Gender-Specific Efficacy Revealed by Head-to-Head Comparison of Pasireotide and Octreotide in a Representative In Vivo Model of Nonfunctioning Pituitary Tumors
by Sebastian Gulde, Tobias Wiedemann, Mathias Schillmaier, Isabel Valença, Amelie Lupp, Katja Steiger, Hsi-Yu Yen, Stephen Bäuerle, Johannes Notni, Raul Luque, Herbert Schmid, Stefan Schulz, Donna P. Ankerst, Franz Schilling and Natalia S. Pellegata
Cancers 2021, 13(12), 3097; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers13123097 - 21 Jun 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3442
Abstract
Invasive nonfunctioning pituitary tumors (NFPTs) are non-resectable neoplasms associated with frequent relapse and significant comorbidities. Current treatments, including somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2)-directed somatostatin analogs (SSAs), often fail against NFPTs. Thus, identifying effective therapies is clinically relevant. As NFPTs express SSTR3 at high levels, [...] Read more.
Invasive nonfunctioning pituitary tumors (NFPTs) are non-resectable neoplasms associated with frequent relapse and significant comorbidities. Current treatments, including somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2)-directed somatostatin analogs (SSAs), often fail against NFPTs. Thus, identifying effective therapies is clinically relevant. As NFPTs express SSTR3 at high levels, pasireotide, a multireceptor-targeted SSA, might be beneficial. Here we evaluated pasireotide in the only representative model of spontaneous NFPTs (MENX rats) in vivo. Octreotide long-acting release (LAR), pasireotide LAR, or placebo, were administered to age-matched, tumor-bearing MENX rats of both sexes for 28 d or 56 d. Longitudinal high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging monitored tumor growth. While tumors in placebo-treated rats increased in volume over time, PTs in drug-treated rats displayed significant growth suppression, and occasional tumor shrinkage. Pasireotide elicited stronger growth inhibition. Radiological responses correlated with tumors’ proliferation rates. Both SSAs, but especially pasireotide, were more effective in female vs. male rats. Basal Sstr3 expression was significantly higher in the former group. It is noteworthy that female human NFPTs patients also have a trend towards higher SSTR3 expression. Altogether, our studies provide the rationale for testing pasireotide in patients with residual/recurrent NFPTs. If confirmed, the sex-related SSTR3 expression might be used as criteria to stratify NFPTs patients for treatment with pasireotide. Full article
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Review

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21 pages, 3645 KiB  
Review
Diagnosis in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: From Molecular Biology to Molecular Imaging
by Ray Manneh Kopp, Paula Espinosa-Olarte and Teresa Alonso-Gordoa
Cancers 2022, 14(10), 2514; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14102514 - 19 May 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2347
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a heterogeneous group of tumours with a diverse behaviour, biology and prognosis, whose incidence is gradually increasing. Their diagnosis is challenging and a multidisciplinary approach is often required. The combination of pathology, molecular biomarkers, and the use of novel [...] Read more.
Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a heterogeneous group of tumours with a diverse behaviour, biology and prognosis, whose incidence is gradually increasing. Their diagnosis is challenging and a multidisciplinary approach is often required. The combination of pathology, molecular biomarkers, and the use of novel imaging techniques leads to an accurate diagnosis and a better treatment approach. To determine the functionality of the tumour, somatostatin receptor expression, differentiation, and primary tumour origin are the main determining tumour-dependent factors to guide treatment, both in local and metastatic stages. Until recently, little was known about the biological behaviour of these tumours. However, in recent years, many advances have been achieved in the molecular characterization and diagnosis of NENs. The incorporation of novel radiotracer-based imaging techniques, such as 68Gallium-DOTATATE PET-CT, has significantly increased diagnostic sensitivity, while introducing the theragnosis concept, offering new treatment strategies. Here, we will review current knowledge and novelties in the diagnosis of NENs, including molecular biology, pathology, and new radiotracers. Full article
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15 pages, 8800 KiB  
Review
Metastatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms of Unknown Primary: Clues from Pathology Workup
by Carl Christofer Juhlin, Jan Zedenius and Anders Höög
Cancers 2022, 14(9), 2210; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14092210 - 28 Apr 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4619
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are diverse tumors arising in various anatomical locations and may therefore cause a variety of symptoms leading to their discovery. However, there are instances in which a NEN first presents clinically as a metastatic deposit, while the associated primary tumor [...] Read more.
Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are diverse tumors arising in various anatomical locations and may therefore cause a variety of symptoms leading to their discovery. However, there are instances in which a NEN first presents clinically as a metastatic deposit, while the associated primary tumor is not easily identified using conventional imaging techniques because of small primary tumor sizes. In this setting (which is referred to as a “NEN of unknown primary”; NEN-UP), a tissue biopsy is often procured to allow the surgical pathologist to diagnose the metastatic lesion. If indeed a metastatic NEN-UP is found, several clues can be obtained from morphological assessment and immunohistochemical staining patterns that individually or in concert may help identify the primary tumor site. Herein, histological and auxiliary analyses of value in this context are discussed in order to aid the pathologist when encountering these lesions in clinical practice. Full article
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22 pages, 2916 KiB  
Review
Pheochromocytomas and Abdominal Paragangliomas: A Practical Guidance
by Jan Calissendorff, Carl Christofer Juhlin, Irina Bancos and Henrik Falhammar
Cancers 2022, 14(4), 917; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14040917 - 12 Feb 2022
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 8013
Abstract
Pheochromocytomas and abdominal paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare tumors arising from the adrenal medulla or the sympathetic nervous system. This review presents a practical guidance for clinicians dealing with PPGLs. The incidence of PPGLs has risen. Most cases are detected via imaging and less [...] Read more.
Pheochromocytomas and abdominal paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare tumors arising from the adrenal medulla or the sympathetic nervous system. This review presents a practical guidance for clinicians dealing with PPGLs. The incidence of PPGLs has risen. Most cases are detected via imaging and less present with symptoms of catecholamine excess. Most PPGLs secrete catecholamines, with diffuse symptoms. Diagnosis is made by imaging and tests of catecholamines. Localized disease can be cured by surgery. PPGLs are the most heritable of all human tumors, and germline variants are found in approximately 30–50% of cases. Such variants can give information regarding the risk of developing recurrence or metastases as well as the risk of developing other tumors and may identify relatives at risk for disease. All PPGLs harbor malignant potential, and current histological and immunohistochemical algorithms can aid in the identification of indolent vs. aggressive tumors. While most patients with metastatic PPGL have slowly progressive disease, a proportion of patients present with an aggressive course, highlighting the need for more effective therapies in these cases. We conclude that PPGLs are rare but increasing in incidence and management should be guided by a multidisciplinary team. Full article
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18 pages, 896 KiB  
Review
Chemotherapy in Neuroendocrine Tumors
by Satya Das, Taymeyah Al-Toubah and Jonathan Strosberg
Cancers 2021, 13(19), 4872; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers13194872 - 29 Sep 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6374
Abstract
The role for cytotoxic chemotherapy in patients with well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) remains debated. Compared to patients with poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) where chemotherapy is utilized ubiquitously, chemotherapy may play a more select role in patients with certain types of NETs (e.g., [...] Read more.
The role for cytotoxic chemotherapy in patients with well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) remains debated. Compared to patients with poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) where chemotherapy is utilized ubiquitously, chemotherapy may play a more select role in patients with certain types of NETs (e.g., pancreatic tumors, higher grade tumors, and tumors possessing DNA damage repair defects). The primary types of chemotherapy that have been tested in patients with NETs include alkylating agent- and platinum agent-based combinations. Across regimens, chemotherapy appears to elicit greater antitumor activity in patients with pancreatic or grade 3 NETs. The role for chemotherapy in lower grade extra-pancreatic NETs remains undefined. Furthermore, while chemotherapy has demonstrated clinically meaningful benefit for patients in the systemic setting, its role in the adjuvant or neoadjuvant setting is as-of-yet undetermined. Finally, efforts to combine chemotherapy with targeted therapy and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy are ongoing, in hopes of improving the cytoreductive treatment options for patients with NETs. Full article
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Other

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16 pages, 2436 KiB  
Systematic Review
Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors against Advanced or Metastatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Eun-Joo Park, Hyo-Jung Park, Kyung-Won Kim, Chong-Hyun Suh, Changhoon Yoo, Young-Kwang Chae, Sree Harsha Tirumani and Nikhil H. Ramaiya
Cancers 2022, 14(3), 794; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14030794 - 4 Feb 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2495
Abstract
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the treatment efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in advanced/metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched to identify studies that provide data on treatment response and/or survival outcomes of advanced/metastatic NEN patients treated [...] Read more.
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the treatment efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in advanced/metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched to identify studies that provide data on treatment response and/or survival outcomes of advanced/metastatic NEN patients treated with ICIs. The overall response rate (ORR) was pooled using a random-effects model. Meta-regression was performed to explore factors influencing the ORR. Individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis of survival was performed using stratified Cox regression. Ten studies (464 patients) were included. The overall pooled ORR was 15.5% (95% confidence interval (CI), 9.5–24.3%), and it varied according to the primary site (thoracic, 24.7%; gastro–entero–pancreatic, 9.5%), tumor differentiation (poorly differentiated, 22.7%; well-differentiated, 10.4%), and drug regimen (combination, 25.3%; monotherapy, 10.1%). All these variables significantly influenced the ORR. Tumor differentiation was associated with both overall survival and progression-free survival (hazard ratio of poorly differentiated tumors, 4.2 (95% CI, 2.0–8.7) and 2.6 (95% CI, 1.6–4.4), respectively). Thus, the treatment efficacy of ICIs for advanced/metastatic NENs varied according to primary site, tumor differentiation, and drug regimen. Poorly differentiated NENs showed a better ORR than well-differentiated NENs but had a negative impact on survival. Full article
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