Current concepts in the diagnosis and management of type 1 gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms

Abstract

The vast majority of gastrin-related gastrointestinal neuroendocrine neoplasms (GI-NENs) develop in the context of chronic atrophic gastritis (type 1), a condition closely related to autoimmune thyroid diseases. These neoplasms are defined as gastric NENs type 1 (GNEN1) and have recently been shown to constitute the commonest GI-NENs in a prospective study. GNEN1s are usually multiple and follow a relative indolent course, raising questions regarding the extent that such patients should be investigated and the appropriate therapeutic interventions needed. Recently, a number of consensus statements and guidelines have been published from various societies dealing with the diagnosis and management of GI-NENs. Endocrinologists are among the many different medical specialties involved in GNEN1s diagnosis and management. However, despite recent advances, few randomized trials are available, and thus existing evidence remains relatively weak compared to other malignancies. The purpose of this review is to provide recent evidence along with currently employed modalities addressing the diagnosis, management, long-term follow-up and potential comorbidities of GNEN1s.