Mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms in gastroenteropancreatic tract

Mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms(MiNENs)are a hetero-geneous group of malignant neoplasms that can settle in the gastroenteropan-creatic tract.They are composed of a neuroendocrine(NE)and a non-NE compo-nent in at least 30%of each tumour.The non-NE component can include different histological combinations of glandular,squamous,mucinous and sarcomatoid phenotypes,and one or both of the components can be low-or high grade malignant.Recent changes in the nomenclature of these neoplasms might lead to great deal of confusion,and the lack of specific clinical trials is the main reason why their management is difficult.The review aims to clarify the definition of MiNEN and analyze available evidence about their diagnosis and treatment options according to their location and extension through careful analysis of the available data.It would be important to reach a general consensus on their diagnosis in order to construct a classification that remains stable over time and facilitates the design of clinical trials that,due to their low incidence,will require long recruitment periods.

Clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: a multicenter study in South China

Background: Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms(GEP-NENs) are a heterogeneous group of rare tumors. Many issues in terms of epidemiologic features, pathogenesis, and treatment of GEP-NENs are still under discussion. Our study aimed to analyze the clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis of Chinese patients with GEP-NENs.Methods: Complete clinicopathologic data and survival information of 1183 patients with GEP-NENs treated between 2005 and 2015 were collected from five medical centers in Guangdong Province, China. Patient survival was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and analyzed using the log-rank test; prognostic factors were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model.Results: The most common tumor location was the rectum(37.4%), followed by the pancreas(28.1%), stomach(20.7%), small intestine(7.2%), appendix(3.4%), and colon(3.3%). After initial definitive diagnosis, 1016(85.9%) patients underwent surgery. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival(OS) rates for the entire cohort were 87.9%, 78.5%, and 72.8%, respectively. The 3-year OS rates of patients with G1, G2, and G3 tumors were 93.1%, 82.7%, and 43.1%, respectively(P < 0.001). The 3-year OS rates of patients with stage I, II, III, and IV tumors were 96.0%, 87.3%, 64.0%, and 46.8%, respectively(P < 0.001). Patients with distant metastasis who underwent palliative surgery had a longer survival than those who did not(P = 0.003). Similar survival benefits of palliative surgery were observed in patients with neuroendocrine tumor(P y, M category, and sur= 0.031) or neuroendocrine carcinoma(P gery were found to be independent prog= 0.046). In multivariate analysis, age, grade, N categornostic factors.Conclusions: Patients with GEP-NENs who are women, younger than 50 years old, have smaller tumor size, have lower tumor grade, have lower T/N/M category, and who undergo surgery can have potentially longer survival time. Our data showed that surgery can improve the prognosis of GEP-NEN patients with distant metastasis. However, randomized controlled trials need to be conducted to establish the optimal criteria for selecting patients to undergo surgery.

Clinicopathological features and survival analysis of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: a retrospective study in a single center of China

Objective： To investigate the clinicopathological features, survival and prognostic factors for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms（GEP-NENs） in a Chinese population.Methods： We investigated 154 consecutive patients（88 males, 66 females; median age 56 years, age range 9-86 years） diagnosed with GEP-NENs between 2001 and 2013 at The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University. Demographic, clinical and pathological variables and survival data were retrieved.Results： The pancreas was the most common site of involvement（63/154, 40.9%）. Tumor size varied from 0.3 to 16.0 cm（median, 1.2 cm）. The patients were followed up for a median period of 22 months（range, 1-157 months）. The estimated 3- and 5-year overall survival（OS） rates for all patients were 84.0% and 81.9%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that larger tumor size, lymphatic metastases and distant metastases were significant predictors for poor survival outcome.Conclusions： Our data provide further information on the clinicopathological features of GEP-NENs in China. Additionally, we identified tumor size, lymphatic metastases and distant metastases as independent prognostic factors for long-term survival.

New insights in diagnosis and treatment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms(GEP-NENs)are rare epithelial neoplasms derived from pluripotent endocrine cells along the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas.GEP-NENs are classified into well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas.Despite overlapping morphological features,GEP-NENs vary in molecular biology,epigenetic,clinical behavior,treatment response,and prognosis features and remain an unmet clinical challenge.In this review,we introduce recent updates on the histopathologic classification,including the tumor grading and staging system,molecular genetics,and systemic evaluation of the diagnosis and treatment of GEP-NENs at different anatomic sites,together with some insights into the diagnosis of challenging and unusual cases.We also discuss the application of novel therapeutic approaches for GEP-NENs,including peptide receptor radionuclide therapy,targeted therapy,and immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors.These findings will help improve patient care with precise diagnosis and individualized treatment of patients with GEP-NENs.

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms:A clinical snapshot

Our understanding about the epidemiological aspects,pathogenesis,molecular diagnosis,and targeted therapies of neuroendocrine neoplasms(NENs)have drastically advanced in the past decade.Gastroenteropancreatic(GEP)NENs originate from the enteroendocrine cells of the embryonic gut which share common endocrine and neural differentiation factors.Most NENs are welldifferentiated,and slow growing.Specific neuroendocrine biomarkers that are used in the diagnosis of functional NENs include insulin,glucagon,vasoactive intestinal polypeptide,gastrin,somatostatin,adrenocorticotropin,growth hormone releasing hormone,parathyroid hormone-related peptide,serotonin,histamine,and 5-hydroxy indole acetic acid(5-HIAA).Biomarkers such as pancreatic polypeptide,human chorionic gonadotrophin subunits,neurotensin,ghrelin,and calcitonin are used in the diagnosis of non-functional NENs.5-HIAA levels correlate with tumour burden,prognosis and development of carcinoid heart disease and mesenteric fibrosis,however several diseases,medications and edible products can falsely elevate the 5-HIAA levels.Organ-specific transcription factors are useful in the differential diagnosis of metastasis from an unknown primary of well-differentiated NENs.Emerging novel biomarkers include circulating tumour cells,circulating tumour DNA,circulating micro-RNAs,and neuroendocrine neoplasms test(NETest)(simultaneous measurement of 51 neuroendocrine-specific marker genes in the peripheral blood).NETest has high sensitivity(85%-98%)and specificity(93%-97%)for the detection of gastrointestinal NENs,and is useful for monitoring treatment response,recurrence,and prognosis.In terms of management,surgery,radiofrequency ablation,symptom control with medications,chemotherapy and molecular targeted therapies are all considered as options.Surgery is the mainstay of treatment,but depends on factors including age of the individual,location,stage,grade,functional status,and the heredity of the tumour(sporadic vs inherited).Medical management is helpful to alleviate the symptoms,manage inoperable lesions,suppress postoperative tumour growth,and manage recurrences.Several molecular-targeted therapies are considered second line to somatostatin analogues.This review is a clinical update on the pathophysiological aspects,diagnostic algorithm,and management of GEP NENs.

Current updates and future directions in diagnosis and management of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms are a heterogenous group of rare neoplasms that are increasingly being discovered,often incidentally,throughout the gastrointestinal tract with varying degrees of activity and malignant potential.Confusing nomenclature has added to the complexity of managing these lesions.The term carcinoid tumor and embryonic classification have been replaced with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm,which includes gastrointestinal neuroendocrine and pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms.A comprehensive multidisciplinary approach is important for clinicians to diagnose,stage and manage these lesions.While histological diagnosis is the gold standard,recent advancements in endoscopy,conventional imaging,functional imaging,and serum biomarkers complement histology for tailoring specific treatment options.In light of developing technology,our review sets out to characterize diagnostic and therapeutic advancements for managing gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors,including innovations in radiolabeled peptide imaging,circulating biomarkers,and endoscopic treatment approaches adapted to different locations throughout the gastrointestinal system.

Utility of CT in differentiating liver metastases of well-differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms from poorly-differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasms

Objective： To determine the capability of dynamic enhanced computed tomography（CT） to differentiate liver metastases（LMs） of well-differentiated from poorly-differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms（GEP-NENs）.Methods： Patients with LMs of GEP-NENs who underwent dynamic enhanced CT examination in Peking University Cancer Hospital from January 2009 to October 2015 were included and data were retrospectively analyzed. We assessed the qualitative and quantitative CT features to identify the significant differentiating CT features of LMs of poorly-differentiated GEP-NENs from those of well-differentiated GEP-NENs using univariate analysis and a multivariate logistic regression model.Results： The study included 22 patients with LMs of well-differentiated GEP-NENs and 32 patients with LMs of poorly-differentiated GEP-NENs. Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the LMs of well-and poorly-differentiated GEP-NENs in terms of feeding arteries（36.4% vs. 75.0%, χ2=8.061,P=0.005）, intratumoral neovascularity（18.2% vs. 59.4%, χ2=9.047, P=0.003）, lymphadenopathy（27.3% vs. 81.2%,χ2=15.733, P〈0.001）, tumor-to-aortic ratio in the hepatic arterial and portal venous phase（T-A/AP： 0.297±0.080 vs.0.251±0.059, t=2.437, P=0.018; T-A/PVP： 0.639±0.138 vs. 0.529±0.117, t=3.163, P=0.003） and tumor-to-liver ratio in the hepatic arterial phase（T-L/AP： 1.108±0.267 vs. 0.907±0.240, t=2.882, P=0.006）. The LMs of poorlydifferentiated GEP-NENs showed more feeding arteries, more intratumoral neovascularity, more lymphadenopathy and a lower tumor-to-aortic ratio. Multivariate analysis suggested that intratumoral neovascularity [P=0.015, OR=0.108, 95% confidence interval（95% CI）, 0.018–0.646], lymphadenopathy（P=0.001,OR=0.055, 95% CI, 0.009–0.323） and T-A/PVP（P=0.004, OR=5.3 E–5, 95% CI, 0.000–0.044） were independent factors for differentiating LMs of poorly-differentiated from well-differentiated GEP-NENs.Conclusions： Dynamic enhanced CT features（intratumoral neovascularity, lymphadenopathy and T-A/PVP）are useful in the pathological classification of LMs of GEP-NENs.

Therapeutic strategies for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: State-of-the-art and future perspectives

Although gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms(GEP-NENs)have always been considered rare tumors,their incidence has risen over the past few decades.They represent a highly heterogeneous group of neoplasms with several prognostic factors,including disease stage,proliferative index(Ki67),and tumor differentiation.Most of these neoplasms express somatostatin receptors on the cell surface,a feature that has important implications in terms of prognosis,diagnosis,and therapy.Although International Guidelines propose algorithms aimed at guiding therapeutic strategies,GEP-NEN patients are still very different from one another,and the need for personalized treatment continues to increase.Radical surgery is always the best option when feasible;however,up to 80%of cases are metastatic upon diagnosis.Regarding medical treatments,as GEP-NENs are characterized by relatively long overall survival,multiple therapy lines are adopted during the lifetime of these patients,but the optimum sequence to be followed has never been clearly defined.Furthermore,although new molecular markers aimed at predicting the response to therapy,as well as prognostic scores,are currently being studied,their application is still far from being part of daily clinical practice.As they represent a complex disease,with therapeutic protocols that are not completely standardized,GEP-NENs require a multidisciplinary approach.This review will provide an overview of the available therapeutic options for GEP-NENs and attempts to clarify the possible approaches for the management of these patients and to discuss future perspectives in this field.

Role of surgical treatments in high-grade or advanced gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms

Over the last 40 years,the incidence and prevalence of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms(GEP-NENs)have continued to increase.Compared to other epithelial neoplasms in the same organ,GEP-NENs exhibit indolent biological behavior,resulting in more chances to undergo surgery.However,the role of surgery in high-grade or advanced GEP-NENs is still controversial.Surgery is associated with survival improvement of well-differentiated highgrade GEP-NENs,whereas poorly differentiated GEP-NENs that may benefit from resection require careful selection based on Ki67 and other tissue biomarkers.Additionally,surgery also plays an important role in locally advanced and metastatic disease.For locally advanced GEP-NENs,isolated major vascular involvement is no longer an absolute contraindication.In the setting of metastatic GEP-NENs,radical intended surgery is recommended for patients with low-grade and resectable metastases.For unresectable metastatic disease,a variety of surgical approaches,including cytoreduction of liver metastasis,liver transplantation,and surgery after neoadjuvant treatment,show survival benefits.Primary tumor resection in GEP-NENs with unresectable metastatic disease is associated with symptom control,prolonged survival,and improved sensitivity toward systemic therapies.Although there is no established neoadjuvant or adjuvant strategy,increasing attention has been given to this emerging research area.Some studies have reported that neoadjuvant therapy effectively reduces tumor burden,improves the effectiveness of subsequent surgery,and decreases surgical complications.

Current status of surgical management of patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms

Neuroendocrine neoplasms(NENs)of the gastroenteropancreatic system are rare and heterogeneous tumours,yet with increasing prevalence.The most frequent primary sites are the small intestine,rectum,pancreas,and stomach.For a localized disease,surgical resection with local lymph nodes is usually curative with good overall and disease free survival.More complex situation is the treatment of locally advanced lesions,liver metastases,and,surprisingly,small asymptomatic tumours of the rectum and pancreas.In this review,we focus on the current role of surgical management of gastroenteropancreatic NENs.We present surgical approach for the most frequent primary sites.We highlight the role of endoscopic surgery and the watch-and-wait strategy for selected cases.As liver metastases pose an important clinical challenge,we present current indications and contraindications for liver resection and a role of liver transplantation for metastatic NENs.

Neuroendocrine neoplasms of liver-A 5-year retrospective clinico-pathological study applying World Health Organization 2010 classification

AIM To study the clinicopathological characteristics of neuroendocrine neoplasms(NEN) on liver samples and apply World Health Organization(WHO) 2010 grading of gastroenteropancreatic(GEP) NEN.METHODS Clinicopathological features of 79 cases of NEN of the liver diagnosed between January 2011 to December 2015 were analyzed. WHO 2010 classification of GEP NEN was applied and the tumors were graded as G1, G2 or G3. Two more categories, D1/2(discordant 1/2) and D2/3(discordant 2/3) were also applied. The D1/2 grade tumors had a mitotic count of G1 and Ki-67 index of G2. The D2/3 tumors had a mitotic count of G2 and Ki-67 index of G3. The follow up details which were available till the end of the study period(December 2015) were collected.RESULTS Of the 79 tumors, 16 each were G1 and G2, and 18 were G3 tumors. Of the remaining 29 tumors, 13 were assigned to D1/2 and 16 were D2/3 grade. Male preponderance was noted in all tumors except for G2 neoplasms, which showed a slight female predilection. The median age at presentation was 47 years(range 10-82 years). The most common presentation was abdominal pain(81%). Pancreas(49%) was the most common site of primary followed by gastrointestinal tract(24.4%) and lungs(18%). Radiologically, 87% of the patients had multiple liver lesions. Histopathologically, necrosis was seen in only D2/3 and G3 tumors. Microvascular invasion was seen in all grades. Metastasis occurred in all grades of primary NEN and the grades of the metastatic tumors and their corresponding primary tumors were similar in 67% of the cases. Of the 79 patients, 36 had at least one follow up visit with a median duration of follow up of 8.5 mo(range: 1-50 mo). This study did not show any impact of the grade of tumor on the short term clinical outcome of these patients.CONCLUSION Liver biopsy is an important tool for clinicopathological characterization and grading of NEN, especially when the primary is not identified. Eighty-seven percent of the patients had multifocal liver lesions irrespective of the WHO grade, indicating a higher stage of disease at presentation. Follow up duration was inadequate to derive any meaningful conclusion on long term outcome in our study patients.

Clinicopathological characterization of gastroenteropancreatic neu-roendocrine neoplasms： a retrospective study of 48 cases

Objective Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms(GEP-NENs) constitute a rare and heterogeneous group of tumors with varied biology and still constitute a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for physicians of all specialties. In the present study, we aimed to review and study the clinicopathological characteristics of GEP-NENs applying the World Health Organization(WHO) 2010 grading criterion.Methods A total of 48 patients were enrolled in the study. The study included patients diagnosed with GEP-NENs who were treated and followed up at our Hospital from January 2013 to December 2017. Data regarding clinicopathological features of the patients were retrospectively evaluated. The expression of neuroendocrine markers was measured using the immunohistochemical Ultra Sensitive^(TM) S-P method of staining in 48 cases of primary GEP-NENs; and serum levels of neuron-specific enolase, carbohydrate an-tigen 19-9, and carcinoembryonic antigen in 36 GEP-NEN patients were measured using the electrochemiluminescence method.Results The median age at presentation was 59.3(range 48–82) years, and 39 cases(81.3%) were seen between the 5 th and 6 th decades. There was a male predilection(male: female=3:1). In 79.2% cases(38/48), tumors were hormonally nonfunctional. The most common presentation was abdominal pain, and the most frequent primary site of the tumor was the rectum, followed by the stomach(n = 15, 31.3%), colon(n = 5, 10.4%), and so on. Of the 48 tumors, 16(33.3%) were G1, 6(12.5%) cases were G2, 16(33.3%) were neuroendocrine carcinoma(NEC), and 10(20.8%) were mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma(MANEC). According to the AJCC/UICC classification, 45.8%(n = 22) were diagnosed at low stage(stage I or II) while 54.2%(n = 26) were diagnosed at high stage(stage III or IV)(the majority of NEC, G3, and MANEC). A male preponderance was noted for all tumors except for G2 neoplasms, which showed no gender predilection. Thirty-nine patients underwent endoscopic biopsy. The lesions in 18.8%(n = 9) of the patients were indentified only radiologically. After the surgical procedures, 36 had at least one follow-up visit with a median follow-up duration of 5 months; the mean follow-up period was 28 ± 16 months. The oneyear and three-year survival rates were 72.2%(26/36) and 61.1%(22/36), respectively. This study did not find an effect of grade 3(G3) of tumor on the short-term clinical outcome of these patients. In the survival analysis, NEN G3, higher stage(stage III or IV) according to the AJCC/UICC classification(P < 0.05), and metastases at diagnosis(P < 0.05) were associated with poorer prognosis.Conclusion Most GEP-NENs are nonfunctional and nonspecific in presentation. The most frequent primary site of the tumor was the rectum and the commonest ages at diagnosis were the 5 th and 6 th decades. Endoscopic biopsy is the main diagnostic and histological grading method for GEP-NEN. In the survival analysis, NEN G3, a higher stage according to the AJCC/UICC classification, and metastases at diagnosis are associated with poorer prognosis.

Is there still a role for the hepatic locoregional treatment of metastatic neuroendocrine tumors in the era of systemic targeted therapies?

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms(GEP-NENs) frequently present with distant metastases at the time of diagnosis and the liver is the most frequent site of spreading. The early identification of metastatic disease represents a major prognostic factor for GEP-NENs patients. Radical surgical resection, which is feasible for a minority of patients, is considered the only curative option, while the best management for patients with unresectable liver metastases is still being debated. In the last few years, a number of locoregional and systemic treatments has become available for GEP-NEN patients metastatic to the liver. However, to date only a few prospective studies have compared those therapies and the optimal management option is based on clinical judgement. Additionally, locoregional treatments appear feasible and safe for disease control for patients with limited liver involvement and effective in symptoms control for patients with diffuse liver metastases. Considering the lack of randomized controlled trials comparing the locoregional treatments of liver metastatic NEN patients, clinical judgment remains key to set the most appropriate therapeutic pathway. Prospective data may ultimately lead to more personalized and optimized treatments. The present review analyzes all the locoregional therapy modalities(i.e., surgery, ablative treatments and transarterial approach) and aims to provide clinicians with a useful algorithm to best treat GEP-NEN patients metastatic to the liver.

Managing end-stage carcinoid heart disease:A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms(GEP-NENs)are rare tumors,often diagnosed in an advanced stage when curative treatment is impossible and grueling symptoms related to vasoactive substance release by tumor cells affect patients’quality of life.Cardiovascular complications of GEP-NENs,primarily tricuspid and pulmonary valve disease,and right-sided heart failure,are the leading cause of death,even compared to metastatic disease.CASE SUMMARY We present a case of a 35-year-old patient with progressive dyspnea,back pain,polyneuropathic leg pain,and nocturnal diarrhea lasting for a decade before the diagnosis of neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary with extensive liver metastases.During the initial presentation,serum biomarkers were not evaluated,and the patient received five cycles of doxorubicin,which he did not tolerate well,so he refused further therapy and was lost to follow-up.After 10 years,he presented to the emergency room with signs and symptoms of right-sided heart failure.Panneuroendocrine markers,serum chromogranin A,and urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were extremely elevated(900 ng/mL and 2178µmol/L),and transabdominal ultrasound confirmed hepatic metastases.Computed tomo-graphy(CT)showed liver metastases up to 6 cm in diameter and metastases in mesenteric lymph nodes and pelvis.Furthermore,an Octreoscan showed lesions in the heart,thoracic spine,duodenum,and ascendent colon.A standard trans-thoracic echocardiogram confirmed findings of carcinoid heart disease.The patient was not a candidate for valve replacement.He started octreotide acetate treatment,and the dose escalated to 80 mg IM monthly.Although biochemical CONCLUSION Carcinoid heart disease occurs with carcinoid syndrome related to advanced neuroendocrine tumors,usually with liver metastases,which manifests as right-sided heart valve dysfunction leading to right-sided heart failure.Carcinoid heart disease and tumor burden are major prognostic factors of poor survival.Therefore,they must be actively sought by available biochemical markers and imaging techniques.Moreover,imaging techniques aiding tumor detection and staging,somatostatin receptor positron emission tomography/CT,and CT or magnetic resonance imaging,should be performed at the time of diagnosis and in 3-to 6-mo intervals to determine tumor growth rate and assess the possibility of locoregional therapy and/or palliative surgery.Valve replacement at the onset of symptoms or right ventricular dysfunction may be considered,while any delay can worsen right-sided ventricular failure.

胃肠胰神经内分泌肿瘤诊疗进展

神经内分泌肿瘤(neuroendocrine neoplasm,NEN)的发病率和患病率近年来迅速增长,其中以原发于胃肠道和胰腺的NEN最常见。2022年,美国国家综合癌症网络(National Comprehensive Cancer Network,NCCN)NEN指南及中国胃肠胰NEN专家共识进行了更新。本文主要参照比对2022年NCCN指南及2022版中国胃肠胰NEN专家共识对NEN的诊疗新进展进行评述。

免疫检查点抑制剂治疗胃肠胰神经内分泌肿瘤的进展

靶向免疫检查点的免疫治疗发展迅速,近年来在胃肠胰神经内分泌肿瘤(gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm,GEP-NEN)中初步探索,但能否带来临床获益尚无定论。本文系统梳理免疫检查点抑制剂(immune checkpoint inhibitor,ICI)单药或双药联合治疗GEP-NEN的临床试验现状及疗效。结果表明,ICI在GEP-NEN中仍未取得突破性进展,治疗复发或转移性GEP-NEN有一定的抗肿瘤活性和安全性,但总体客观缓解率(objective response rate,ORR)较低。ORR与肿瘤分化程度呈负相关,分化差的胃肠胰神经内分泌癌可能更易获得临床缓解。双药与单药相比,疾病控制率更高,但不良反应更严重。鉴于错配修复基因缺陷和微卫星高度不稳定极为罕见,肿瘤突变负荷高(≥10 muts/Mb)的病人能从ICI免疫治疗中改善生存。未来期望进一步探索ICI与化疗、放疗、抗血管生成药物等在GEP-NEN的联合应用,有可能提高其抗肿瘤疗效,起到“1+1>2”的效果。临床应根据病理分化分级、免疫标志物、病情进展程度、病人身体状态等综合评估ICI免疫治疗的获益人群。

胃肠胰神经内分泌肿瘤的影像表现及其病理特征

目的探讨胃肠胰神经内分泌肿瘤(GEP-NENs)的影像表现及其病理特征。方法回顾性分析48例经病理证实为GEP-NENs患者的影像及临床资料,其中33例胃肠道NENs患者均接受CT检查;15例胰腺NENs患者中,9例只接受CT检查,4例只接受MR检查,2例同时接受CT及MR检查。分析其影像学表现及病理特征。结果48例GEP-NENs患者中,15例(15/48,31.25%)位于胰腺,其次为胃部12例(12/48,25.00%)和直肠11例(11/48,22.92%),其他部位较少见。G1级12例(12/48,25.00%),G2级11例(11/48,22.92%),G3级20例(20/48,41.67%),混合腺NENs有5例(5/48,10.42%)。突触素阳性46例(46/48,95.83%),嗜铬粒蛋白A阳性36例(36/48,75.00%)。胰腺NENs主要位于胰头及体尾部,大小、形状、生长方式不一,可有囊变坏死及钙化;CT平扫呈等或低密度;MR平扫T1WI为等(低)信号,T2WI为等(高)信号,增强后强化方式多样。33例胃肠NENs CT平扫可见管壁增厚或局部软组织结节、肿块影;增强扫描12例(12/33,36.36%)呈均匀中度强化,11例(11/33,33.33%)呈不均匀且不规则强化。结论胰腺、胃、直肠是GEP-NENs的好发部位,其临床症状及影像表现均不具特异性。

胃肠胰腺神经内分泌肿瘤治疗共识(NCCN、ENETs、NANETs)解读

胃肠胰腺神经内分泌肿瘤(GEP-NEN)是一类罕见肿瘤,对其研究相对较少,目前暂无公认的治疗共识,欧洲采用欧洲神经内分泌肿瘤协会(ENETs)共识,美国采用北美神经内分泌肿瘤协会(NANETs)共识以及美国国立综合癌症网络(NCCN)指南的神经内分泌肿瘤版。本文结合ENETs共识(2009版)、NANETs共识(2010版)、NCCN指南(2010第二版),以及分子靶向治疗的新进展,对GEP-NEN的治疗进行全方位的回顾。

RECIST 1.1与Choi标准在舒尼替尼治疗胃肠胰神经内分泌肿瘤早期疗效评估的比较

目的比较实体瘤疗效评价标准(response evaluation criteria in solid tumors version 1.1,RECIST 1.1)和Choi标准评估舒尼替尼对晚期胃肠胰神经内分泌肿瘤(gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms,GEP-NENs)的早期疗效。方法18例使用舒尼替尼治疗的晚期GEP-NENs患者。所有患者治疗前后均行CT检查。测量治疗前及治疗后2~3个月肿瘤大小及密度变化并根据两种评价标准分别评估肿瘤的早期应答。记录肿瘤进展时间(TTP)并用Kaplan Meier法比较各组间的TTP。结果 18例患者中,使用RECIST 1.1标准评价早期疗效时,4例(22%)为部分缓解(PR),9例(50%)为疾病稳定(SD),和5例(28%)出现疾病进展(PD),PR、SD和PD组的中位TTP分别为16.6、10.8和2.3个月。根据Choi标准,8例(44%)为PR,4例(22%)为SD,6例(33%)为PD,PR、SD和PD组的中位TTP分别为未达到10.8和2.3个月。根据RECIST 1.1标准,PR和PD组、SD和PD组的TTP有显著差异(分别为P=0.007和P<0.001),但PR和SD组的TTP差异不具有统计学意义(P=0.131)。根据Choi标准,PR组的TTP较SD组和PD组长,且差异具有统计学意义(P=0.026和P<0.001),SD组的TTP显著长于PD组(P=0.006)。结论评估舒尼替尼对GEP-NENs的早期疗效时,使用Choi标准能够较RECIST 1.1标准识别出更多的缓解病例,且Choi标准的分组TTP具有统计学差异,较RECIST 1.1标准得到更为客观的评效结果。

胃肠胰神经内分泌肿瘤病理诊断的规范和进展

神经内分泌肿瘤(neuroendocrine neoplasm,NEN)是一组起源于肽能神经元和神经内分泌细胞的异质性肿瘤。2010年第4版《世界卫生组织(World Health Organization,WHO)消化系统肿瘤分类》对NEN的命名、分类和分级进行修订和统一,纠正以往NEN诊断名称使用的混乱、规范NEN的病理分类和分级,增加NEN诊断的互认性,为NEN的临床治疗、预后判断提供必要的病理学信息。病理医师在常规病理诊断报告时应当按照一定的步骤要求,结合免疫组织化学染色结果进行准确的诊断、分类和分级,并提供临床分期必需的病理参数。近年来,有关NEN的临床和基础研究结果,使学者们对2010年第四版《WHO消化系统肿瘤分类》的部分内容和分级标准有了新的认识,提出了新观点,一些数据有待于进一步的大样本探讨证实。