From biology to clinical experience: evolution in the knowledge of neuroendocrine tumours
Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) represent a group of neoplasias characterized by significant histopathological and biological heterogeneity. Diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumours relies upon histological examination augmented by newer techniques, such as pet-dotatoc scan. Surgery represents the only cur...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Frontiers Media S.A.
2011-12-01
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| Series: | Oncology Reviews |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.oncologyreviews.org/index.php/or/article/view/81 |
| Summary: | Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) represent a group of neoplasias characterized by significant histopathological and biological heterogeneity. Diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumours relies upon histological examination augmented by newer techniques, such as pet-dotatoc scan. Surgery represents the only curative therapeutic approach. In advanced unresectable disease, medical treatment is the best choice. Somatostatin analogues allow adequate control of the carcinoid syndrome with a low effect on tumour cell growth. Chemotherapy has a good activity only in poor prognosis patients. According to the clinical course of the disease, a multimodal approach could be evaluated in selected cases. New target therapy including multikinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibody and m-tor inhibitors is now under clinical investigation for the treatment of advanced NETs. Preliminary results demonstrated a good activity in terms of disease control rate and tumour shrinkage. |
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| ISSN: | 1970-5557 1970-5565 |