Update in the management of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Abstract

Neuroendocrine neoplasms are a diverse group of neoplasms that can occur in various areas throughout the body. Well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) most often arise in the gastrointestinal tract, termed gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). Although GEP-NETs are still uncommon, their incidence and prevalence have been steadily increasing over the past decades. The primary treatment for GEP-NETs is surgery, which offers the best chance for a cure. However, because GEP-NETs are often slow-growing and do not cause symptoms until they have spread widely, curative surgery is not always an option. Significant advances have been made in systemic and locoregional treatment options in recent years, including peptide-receptor radionuclide therapy with α and β emitters, somatostatin analogs, chemotherapy, and targeted molecular therapies.

Keywords: delayed diagnosis; gastrointestinal neoplasms; molecularly targeted therapy; neuroendocrine carcinoma; neuroendocrine tumors; pancreatic neoplasms; stomach neoplasms.