Lung Neuroendocrine Tumors Research Articles

Immunohistochemical expression of ephrin receptors in neuroendocrine neoplasms: a case-series of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms and a systematic review of the literature.

Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular (EPH) receptors are the largest known family of tyrosine kinases receptors (TKR) in humans, implicated in cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, tumor angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. The aim of the present study is to assess the expression of EPHs in neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). Immunohistochemical staining of specimens of 30 patients with gastroenteropancreatic and lung NENs was performed for EPH-A1, EPH-A2, EPH-A4, EPH-A5 protein expression, in addition to ki-67 multiplication index and programmed death-ligand 1. Additionally, we performed a systematic review of the available literature in three different databases reporting on the expression of EPH in all neuroendocrine neoplasms. Positive expression was seen in 16/19 (84%) specimens for EPH-A1, 15/23 (65%) for EPH-A2, 21/24 (88%) for EPH-A4, 24/26 (92%) for EPH-A5. EPH-A1 was expressed in 9/9 pancreatic, 3/4 small intestine, but not in one lung NEN, EPH-A2 in 5/10 pancreatic, 3/4 small intestine and lung, and in one of each of gastric, appendix, colorectal, and cervical NENs, respectively. EPH-A4 showed positive expression in 9/11 pancreatic, 4/4 small intestine, 3/3 lung specimens and EPH-A5 in 10/11, 4/4 and 4/4, respectively. Data retrieved from the systematic review of the literature in combination with the data from the present study are suggestive of a frequent EPH expression in pituitary, thyroid, lung and gastroenteropancreatic NENs, yet, with varying expressions of the single receptor subtypes. EPHs may have a role in NEN tumorigenesis, prognosis as well as a role in the evolving molecular-targeted therapies.

P1.03G.01 Lurbinectedin Synergizes with Selinexor by Inhibiting DNA Damage Repair and Enhancing Immune Cell Infiltration in Neuroendocrine Lung Tumors

P1.03G.01 Lurbinectedin Synergizes with Selinexor by Inhibiting DNA Damage Repair and Enhancing Immune Cell Infiltration in Neuroendocrine Lung Tumors

8411 Ectopic ACTH-dependent Cyclical Cushing’s Syndrome- the Art of Hide-and-seek

Abstract Disclosure: H. Mon: None. A. Kapoor: None. S. Qureshi: None. M. Martineau: None. K. Meeran: None. Case report: A 72-years-old lady was admitted with hypokalaemia, hyperglycaemia with metabolic alkalosis with background hypertension, type2 diabetes, osteoporosis and right-sided breast cancer treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy 3years ago. She was previously seen in Endocrinology Clinic for similar episode and deemed not having Cushing’s or Conn’s syndrome on workup. During this admission, although there was no obvious Cushingoid appearance, there was refractory hypokalaemia. On further exploration, there were previous admissions with similar episodes in UK and in her home country, within the same year, a few months apart. Therefore, endocrinology workup was conducted for suspected cyclical Cushing’s syndrome. It demonstrated raised 24-hour urinary free cortisol of 5643 nmol/24hour (reference range 0-164 nmol/24hours), unsuppressed low dose dexamethasone suppression test with cortisol level of 800 nmol/L and increased ACTH level of 429 ng/L. MRI (pituitary) showed no pituitary lesion with probable empty sella and CSF filled. However, CT (thorax) showed enlarging lesion (previously from 1cm to 1.6cm) in the left lower lobe, concerning lung metastasis or primary lung malignancy. PET scan showed left lower lobe nodule having low-grade activity with likelihood of indolent malignancy and appearances of physiologic adrenal hyperplasia. Management: Given persistently high cortisol levels during admission with ongoing hyperglycaemia and refractory hypokalaemia, metyrapone was started and titrated accordingly. Her clinical condition including potassium and cortisol levels effectively responded to metyrapone. Gallium scan was booked for detail localization with ongoing lung MDT (multidisciplinary team meeting) and neuroendocrine tumour MDT.However, after starting metyrapone, she had type 1 respiratory failure, not responding to initial antibiotics. After excluding other possible respiratory aetiologies, empirical treatment for Pneumocystosis pneumonia (PCP) was initiated, after which blood test for Beta-D-glucan was found out to be significantly raised, supporting the presumptive diagnosis. Conclusion: Our case highlighted the following interesting points 1. diagnostic challenges, due to the fluctuating nature of cyclical Cushing’s syndrome, presenting with recurrent hypokalaemia. 2. the interesting nature of likely ACTH-dependent cyclical Cushing’s syndrome, progressing into florid Cushing’s syndrome, with efficacy to metyrapone 3. rare and compelling combination of 3 conditions of Cyclical Cushing’s syndrome, being ectopic ACTH-dependent and complicated by Pneumocystosis pneumonia (PCP). Presentation: 6/1/2024

Enhancer landscape of lung neuroendocrine tumors reveals regulatory and developmental signatures with potential theranostic implications

Well-differentiated low-grade lung neuroendocrine tumors (lung carcinoids or LNETs) are histopathologically classified as typical and atypical LNETs, but each subtype is still heterogeneous at both the molecular level and its clinical manifestation. Here, we report genome-wide profiles of primary LNETs' cis-regulatory elements by H3K27ac ChIP-seq with matching RNA-seq profiles. Analysis of these regulatory landscapes revealed three regulatory subtypes, independent of the typical/atypical classification. We identified unique differentiation signals that delineate each subtype. The "proneuronal" subtype emerges under the influence of ASCL1, SOX4, and TCF4 transcription factors, embodying a pronounced proneuronal signature. The "luminal-like" subtype is characterized by gain of acetylation at markers of luminal cells and GATA2 activation and loss of LRP5 and OTP. The "HNF+" subtype is characterized by a robust enhancer landscape driven by HNF1A, HNF4A, and FOXA3, with notable acetylation and expression of FGF signaling genes, especially FGFR3 and FGFR4, pivotal components of the FGF pathway. Our findings not only deepen the understanding of LNETs' regulatory and developmental diversity but also spotlight the HNF+ subtype's reliance on FGFR signaling. We demonstrate that targeting this pathway with FGF inhibitors curtails tumor growth both in vitro and in xenograft models, unveiling a potential vulnerability and paving the way for targeted therapies. Overall, our work provides an important resource for studying LNETs to reveal regulatory networks, differentiation signals, and therapeutically relevant dependencies.

7168 Papillary thyroid carcinoma co-existing with intrathyroidal metastasis from lung neuroendocrine tumor

7168 Papillary thyroid carcinoma co-existing with intrathyroidal metastasis from lung neuroendocrine tumor

The rare case of synchronous bilateral breast metastasis from a lung neuroendocrine tumor (small cell lung carcinoma): a case report and literature review

BackgroundBreast metastasis from small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SNEC) is very rare. In the present report, we describe a case of a female patient who was initially diagnosed with triple negative primary bilateral breast cancer, but during systemic examination, the diagnosis was bilateral breast metastasis from SNEC.Case presentationA 62-year-old woman with no history of smoking presented to the Department of General Medicine with left-sided chest pain, and computed tomography revealed masses in both breasts and left pleural thickening that was further confirmed by mammography and ultrasound of the breasts. A needle biopsy was performed, and triple negative primary bilateral breast cancer was diagnosed. Because progastrin-releasing peptide (ProGRP) 37,300 pg/ml (normal range, 0–81.0 pg/ml) and neuron-specific enolase 35.0 ng/ml (normal range, 0–16.3 ng/ml) levels were elevated, thoracoscopic biopsy was performed, and SNEC was diagnosed. Pathological examinations showed that the bilateral breast masses were also positive for immunohistochemical staining of chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and CD56, leading to a diagnosis of bilateral breast metastasis of neuroendocrine tumor.ConclusionAlthough very rare, the possibility of breast metastasis should be considered when malignancy is suspected in other organs.

Metabolomic Profiling of Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Neoplasms.

Pulmonary neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) account for 20% of malignant lung tumors. Their management is challenging due to their diverse clinical features and aggressive nature. Currently, metabolomics offers a range of potential cancer biomarkers for diagnosis, monitoring tumor progression, and assessing therapeutic response. However, a specific metabolomic profile for early diagnosis of lung NENs has yet to be identified. This study aims to identify specific metabolomic profiles that can serve as biomarkers for early diagnosis of lung NENs. We measured 153 metabolites using liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in the plasma of 120 NEN patients and compared them with those of 71 healthy individuals. Additionally, we compared these profiles with those of 466 patients with non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) to ensure clinical relevance. We identified 21 metabolites with consistently altered plasma concentrations in NENs. Compared to healthy controls, 18 metabolites were specific to carcinoid tumors, 5 to small-cell lung carcinomas (SCLCs), and 10 to large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNECs). These findings revealed alterations in various metabolic pathways, such as fatty acid biosynthesis and beta-oxidation, the Warburg effect, and the citric acid cycle. Our study identified biomarker metabolites in the plasma of patients with each subtype of lung NENs and demonstrated significant alterations in several metabolic pathways. These metabolomic profiles could potentially serve as biomarkers for early diagnosis and better management of lung NENs.

Personalised PET imaging in oncology: an umbrella review of meta-analyses to guide the appropriate radiopharmaceutical choice and indication.

For several years, oncological positron emission tomography (PET) has developed beyond 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]FDG). This umbrella review of meta-analyses aims to provide up-to-date, comprehensive, high-level evidence to support appropriate referral for a specific radiopharmaceutical PET/computed tomography (CT) or PET/magnetic resonance (MR) in the diagnosis and staging of solid cancers other than brain malignancies. We performed a systematic literature search on the PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for meta-analyses assessing the accuracy of PET/CT and/or PET/MRI with [18F]FDG, somatostatin- receptor-targeting 68Ga-DOTA-peptides, 18F-labelled dihydroxyphenylalanine ([18F]DOPA), prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted radioligands, and fibroblast activation protein inhibitors (FAPI) in the diagnosis/disease characterisation and staging of solid cancers other than brain tumours. The literature search yielded 449 scientific articles. After screening titles and abstracts and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected 173 meta-analyses to assess the strength of evidence. One article was selected from references. Sixty-four meta-analyses were finally considered. The current evidence corroborates the role of [18F]FDG as the main player in molecular imaging; PSMA tracers are useful in staging and re-staging prostate cancer; somatostatin-targeting peptides (e.g. [68Ga]Ga- DOTA-TOC and -TATE) or [18F]DOPA are valuable in neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). FAPI has emerged in gastric cancer assessment. According to search and selection criteria, no satisfactory meta-analysis was selected for the diagnosis/detection of oesophageal cancer, the diagnosis/detection and N staging of small cell lung cancer and hepatic cell carcinoma, the diagnosis/detection and M staging of melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma, cervical, vulvar and penis cancers, the N and M staging of lung and gastroenteropancreatic NET, testicular cancer, and chondrosarcoma, and the M staging of differentiated thyroid, bladder and anal cancers. The comprehensive high-level evidence synthesised in the present umbrella review serves as a guiding compass for clinicians and imagers, aiding them in navigating the increasingly intricate seascape of PET examinations.

1169P Clustering of patients with lung neuroendocrine neoplasms using machine learning and its association with survival: A population based study from the U.S. SEER database

1169P Clustering of patients with lung neuroendocrine neoplasms using machine learning and its association with survival: A population based study from the U.S. SEER database

Low to intermediate grade lung neuroendocrine tumours. A single centre real world experience

IntroductionLung neuroendocrine tumours (LNETs) are a rare heterogenous group of tumours whose incidence has been increasing. We investigated the diagnosis, treatment, and survival patterns of patients with low to intermediate grade LNETs. MethodsA retrospective chart review of patients with low to intermediate grade LNETs, treated at a Canadian tertiary-level cancer centre was performed. ResultsWe identified 59 patients. Most were G1or G2 and well or moderately differentiated. Forty-seven patients presented with local or locally advanced disease, of which 57.4 % received curative intent surgery. The rest were treated with definitive radiation, radical chemoradiation with platinum and etoposide, palliative chemotherapy with doxorubicin, or supportive care. The five-year overall survival (OS) for those treated surgically was 83 % versus 44 % in the non-surgical group. Metastatic disease was seen in 24/59 patients, with a five-year OS in patients with stage IV disease of 39 %. Of those with advanced or unresectable disease (n = 32), 21 received palliative systemic treatment with up to three lines of therapy. First-line treatment was most commonly chemotherapy with platinum/etoposide combination or somatostatin analogue therapy. Second-line treatment involved chemotherapy or targeted everolimus. PRRT was used once as a first-line and once as second-line therapy. Third-line included lanreotide or chemotherapy with capecitabine/temozolomide combination. ConclusionOverall, patients with surgically resectable disease had a good five-year OS. However, inoperable or more advanced disease was associated with a poorer OS. Despite many treatment options, the sequence of treatments is poorly established. This highlights the need for further development and dissemination of evidence-based guidelines for LNET patients.

Role of Bone Metastases in Lung Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Clinical Presentation, Treatment and Impact on Prognosis.

Lung neuroendocrine neoplasms (L-NEN) are heterogeneous tumors. While bone metastases (BM) have been associated with worse prognosis in other NEN, their role in L-NEN deserves in-depth analysis. This study analyzes the clinical presentation, treatment and survival outcomes of L-NEN, focusing on patients with BM compared with patients without metastases or with metastases in other sites (OtherMtx). The clinicopathological and survival data of L-NEN admitted to the Federico II University were retrospectively evaluated. Fifty L-NEN were included. Among 27 metastatic patients (54%), 13 (26%) had BM, more commonly occurring in males than females and in primary bilateral L-NEN or L-NEN > 26 mm, with higher Ki67. Atypical carcinoid and hypovitaminosis D were associated with BM. The number of metastatic sites was higher in patients with BM than OtherMtx. Synchronous metastases were associated with shorter overall survival (OS). The median progression-free survival (PFS) and OS in patients with BM were similar to OtherMtx, but a two-times increased risk of shorter OS was detected. BM do not impact PFS or OS more than OtherMtx, but the increased risk of shorter OS in patients with BM should be considered. Periodic bone evaluation in L-NEN should be recommended.

Differentiating lung neuroendocrine neoplasms from tumor-like infection using CT in patients with ectopic ACTH syndrome

ObjectivesPulmonary neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are the most frequent cause of ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome (EAS); lung infection is common in EAS. An imaging finding of infection in EAS patients can mimic NENs. This retrospective study investigated EAS-associated pulmonary imaging indicators.MethodsForty-five pulmonary NENs and 27 tumor-like infections from 59 EAS patients (45 NEN and 14 infection patients) were included. Clinical manifestations, CT features, 18F-FDG, or 68Ga-DOTATATE-PET/CT images and pathological results were collected.ResultsHigh-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p < 0.001) and expectoration occurrence (p = 0.04) were higher, and finger oxygen saturation (p = 0.01) was lower in the infection group than the NENs group. Higher-grade NENs were underrepresented in our cohort. Pulmonary NENs were solitary primary tumors, 80% of which were peripheral tumors. Overlying vessel sign and airway involvement were more frequent in the NENs group (p < 0.001). Multifocal (p = 0.001) and peripheral (p = 0.02) lesions, cavity (p < 0.001), spiculation (p = 0.01), pleural retraction (p < 0.001), connection to pulmonary veins (p = 0.02), and distal atelectasis or inflammatory exudation (p = 0.001) were more frequent in the infection group. The median CT value increment between the non-contrast and arterial phases was significantly higher in NENs lesions (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated a moderate predictive ability at 48.3 HU of delta CT value (sensitivity, 95.0%; specificity, 54.1%).ConclusionChest CT scans are valuable for localizing and characterizing pulmonary lesions in rare EAS, thereby enabling prompt differential diagnosis and treatment.Critical relevance statementThin-slice CT images are valuable for the localization and identification of pulmonary ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome lesions, leading to prompt differential diagnosis and effective treatment.Key PointsLung tumor-like infections can mimic neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) in ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome (EAS) patients.NENs are solitary lesions, whereas infections are multiple peripheral pseudotumors each with identifying imaging findings.Typical CT signs aid in localization and creating an appropriate differential diagnosis.Graphical

PROX1 is a regulator of neuroendocrine-related gene expression in lung carcinoid.

Lung neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a diverse group of tumors characterized by neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation. Among lung NENs, lung carcinoid (LC) is a rare tumor with unique characteristics. Recent research has highlighted the importance of transcription factors (TFs) in establishing gene expression programs in lung NENs such as small cell lung carcinoma. However, the TFs that control the gene expression of LC are largely unknown. In this study, we report the expression and potential function of a TF called Prospero homeobox protein1 (PROX1) in LC. Publicly available transcriptome data suggested that PROX1 was highly expressed in LC tissues, which was confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis on a tissue microarray. Knockdown of PROX1 did not impact the cellular viability of an LC-derived cell line, NCI-H727. Meanwhile, transcriptome analysis revealed that PROX1 knockdown altered the expression of genes involved in NE differentiation. ASCL1, CHGA, CALCA, and LINC00261 were suggested as downstream genes of PROX1. These findings indicate that PROX1 may play an important role in the NE identity of LC by regulating the expression of key target genes.

Real world results of locally advanced and metastatic lung cancer patients treated with platinum doublet chemotherapy in first line: Moroccan cohort

BackgroundDoublet platin-chemotherapy was the old standard treatment for different histology types of advanced and metastatic lung cancer (LC) and is still an option for patients who are not eligible for immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, in low- and middle-income countries, chemotherapy, either in monotherapy or in combination with platinum, is still the only accessible option in public institutions. The efficacy of different platin-based chemotherapy in patients with LC who are treatment-naïve is unknown. MethodsIn this retrospective study, we selected patients with advanced and metastatic (IIIB-IVB) non-squamous non-small cell LC (NSCLC), squamous NSCLC, and lung neuroendocrine tumours (small cell LC (SCLC), large cell neuroendocrine, and atypical carcinoid) aged beyond 18 years who received first-line chemotherapy (docetaxel, gemcitabine, etoposide, paclitaxel, pemetrexed, and vinorelbine) combined with platinum between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2022. Within the population with non-squamous NSCLC, squamous NSCLC, and neuroendocrine tumours, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were the primary assessed endpoints. Hematologic safety was the secondary endpoint. ResultsOverall, 611 patients were included. In the group of patients with non-squamous NSCLC (n = 390), there was no statistical difference between subgroups of patients who received first-line platin-chemotherapy. The median PFS was 182 (95 % confidence interval [CI], 167–208) days (hazard ratio for progression: NR [Not Reached]; p = 0.37), and the median OS was 446 (95 % CI, 405–559) days (hazard ratio for death: 1.31; 95 % CI, 0.94 - 1.82; p = 0.1). In the group of patients with squamous NSCLC (n = 149), we note the absence of statistical significance between subgroups of patients who received platin-based chemotherapy. The median PFS was 195 (95 % CI, 142–238; hazard ratio for progression: 1.21, 95 % CI, 0.29–5.02; p = 0.27), while the median OS was 428 (95 % CI, 324–940) days (hazard ratio for death: 1.76; 95 % CI, 0.93 to 3.3; p = 0.32). The absence of significance has been noticed in the neuroendocrine subgroup of patients who received first etoposide-platinum, vinorelbine-platinum, or paclitaxel-platinum (n = 72). The median PFS was 216 (95 % CI, 193–277) days; hazard ratio for progression: 1.74, 95 % CI, 0.41–7.27; p = 0.69, while the median OS was 273 (95 % CI, 241–459) days (hazard ratio for death: 2.95; 95 % CI, 0.4–21.7; p = 0.51). Grade 3–4 neutropenia grade was the predominant adverse event associated with chemotherapy in almost 11 % of patients. ConclusionMoving forward, treatment strategies must be refined for patients, with an emphasis on increasing the number of patients who can benefit from emergent approaches in order to guarantee a wider, deeper, and longer-lasting outcome.

CT radiomics to differentiate neuroendocrine neoplasm from adenocarcinoma in patients with a peripheral solid pulmonary nodule: a multicenter study.

To construct and validate a computed tomography (CT) radiomics model for differentiating lung neuroendocrine neoplasm (LNEN) from lung adenocarcinoma (LADC) manifesting as a peripheral solid nodule (PSN) to aid in early clinical decision-making. A total of 445 patients with pathologically confirmed LNEN and LADC from June 2016 to July 2023 were retrospectively included from five medical centers. Those patients were split into the training set (n = 316; 158 LNEN) and external test set (n = 129; 43 LNEN), the former including the cross-validation (CV) training set and CV test set using ten-fold CV. The support vector machine (SVM) classifier was used to develop the semantic, radiomics and merged models. The diagnostic performances were evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and compared by Delong test. Preoperative neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels were collected as a clinical predictor. In the training set, the AUCs of the radiomics model (0.878 [95% CI: 0.836, 0.915]) and merged model (0.884 [95% CI: 0.844, 0.919]) significantly outperformed the semantic model (0.718 [95% CI: 0.663, 0.769], p both<.001). In the external test set, the AUCs of the radiomics model (0.787 [95% CI: 0.696, 0.871]), merged model (0.807 [95%CI: 0.720, 0.889]) and semantic model (0.729 [95% CI: 0.631, 0.811]) did not exhibit statistical differences. The radiomics model outperformed NSE in sensitivity in the training set (85.3% vs 20.0%; p <.001) and external test set (88.9% vs 40.7%; p = .002). The CT radiomics model could non-invasively, effectively and sensitively predict LNEN and LADC presenting as a PSN to assist in treatment strategy selection.

177Lu-edotreotide versus everolimus in patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors of lung or thymic origin: The phase 3 randomized LEVEL, GETNE-T2217 trial.

TPS3177 Background: Everolimus is the only approved drug for the treatment of patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of lung and thymic origin, showing a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 11 months. Retrospective data for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) have demonstrated promising activity in somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-positive lung NETs. This study aims to compare the efficacy, safety, and patient-reported outcomes of 177Lu-edotreotide versus the standard of care everolimus in patients with advanced lung and thymic NETs. Methods: The LEVEL trial is a randomized, open-label, phase 3 international trial of 177Lu-edotreotide versus everolimus in patients with progressive, advanced, and well/moderately differentiated NETs of lung (typical/atypical) or thymic origin. Patients could be treatment naïve or have progressed (PD) on somatostatin analogues or ≤2 additional systemic treatments. Prior PRRT or mTOR inhibitors are not permitted. Eligible patients are randomly assigned 3:2 to 6 cycles of 177Lu-edotreotide (7.5±0.7 GBq / cycle) or to oral everolimus 10 mg once daily until PD or unacceptable toxicity. Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans are performed every 12 weeks until PD. Blood samples are analyzed at baseline, at 1st tumor assessment, and at PD for pharmacodynamic endpoints. Archival tumor tissue samples will be analyzed for ancillary studies. The primary endpoint is PFS according to RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints include overall response rate, duration of response, overall survival, safety, and quality of life (assessed through EORTC QLQ-C30). The expected sample size is 120 patients using a two-sided group sequential Lan-DeMets with O’Brien-Fleming-like boundaries test to demonstrate statistically significant risk reduction of 46.4% (HR= 0.536) in PFS between arms (α=0.05, β=0.2). The study has received institutional review board/ethics committee approval. Recruitment started in Oct 2023. Thirteen patients are already included. Clinical trial information: NCT05918302 .

212P A phase II study of cabozantinib and temozolomide in advanced progressive gastroenteropancreatic or lung neuroendocrine tumors (NETs)

212P A phase II study of cabozantinib and temozolomide in advanced progressive gastroenteropancreatic or lung neuroendocrine tumors (NETs)

Diagnostic performance of Cu64-dotatate-PET/CT or Ga68-dotatate-PET/CT with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET/CT for neuroendocrine tumor evaluation.

e16285 Background: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) may be imaged for theranostics with somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-PET/CT like Cu64- or Ga68-dotatate-PET/CT. NETs may also be imaged with 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET/CT based on disease state and insurance coverage. FDG+ and SSTR- disease predicts poor response to Lu177-dotatate therapy, making both scans of possible value. The diagnostic performance of performing both PET/CT studies in close temporal proximity in NET patients is assessed. Methods: This NIH-funded and IRB-approved imaging trial provided FDG- and SSTR-PET/CT in NET patients with RECIST 1.1 measurable disease. A board-certified nuclear radiologist documented detection of the primary NET (if not resected), local, and distant metastatic disease. Each PET/CT pair was assessed for FDG- and SSTR-PET/CT discordant lesions, with location of discordant uptake tabulated. Results: 30 individuals completed FDG-PET/CT and SSTR-PET/CT with either Cu64-dotatate (n = 15) or Ga68-dotatate (n = 15). Studies were performed within 2.4 days average (range 1-10 days). Primary NET site was bowel (n = 15), pancreas (n = 7), lung (n = 7) and unknown (n = 1), with tumor grade 1 (n = 11), grade 1-2 (n = 1), grade 2 (n = 17) and grade 3 (n = 1). Primary NET was detected on FDG-PET/CT in 7/12 cases (58.3%) and on SSTR-PET/CT in 12/12 cases (100%), significantly higher ( p= 0.017). Primary NET was surgically resected in the remaining 18 cases. Local metastases were detected on FDG-PET/CT in 12/30 cases (40%) and on SSTR-PET/CT in 19/30 cases (63.3%), significantly higher ( p= 0.006). Distant metastases were detected on FDG-PET/CT in 19/30 cases (63.3%) and on SSTR-PET/CT in 24/30 cases (80%), trending significantly higher ( p= 0.057). Discordant detection (yes/no for any disease) of primary, local, and/or distant disease was seen in 13/30 cases (43.3%). An equal number of lesions were detected between FDG- and SSTR-PET/CT in 4/30 cases (13.3%), more lesions on FDG-PET/CT in 1/30 (3.4%), and more lesions on SSTR-PET/CT in 25/30 (83.3%). For SSTR-PET/CT, more lesions were detected in the liver (n = 16), lymph nodes (n = 15), bone (n = 6) and bowel (n = 5) than on paired FDG-PET/CT. Disease was exclusively detected on SSTR-PET/CT in 5/30 (16.7%), and in no case on FDG-PET/CT. FDG-PET/CT showed 2/30 (6.7%) cases with exclusively FDG+ liver disease, both in patients with primary lung NETs (2/7, 28.9%). Conclusions: SSTR-PET/CT showed superior detection of primary and locoregional disease, and detected more distant disease sites than FDG-PET/CT. Discordant uptake between PET/CT studies was identified in nearly half of cases, with highest discordance noted in liver and lymph nodes. Discordant FDG+ and SSTR- disease was only seen in patients with primary lung NET, which is a negative prognostic factor for Lu177-dotatate therapy, and may justify the need for having both scans in this group.

Hereditary Syndromes Associated with Pancreatic and Lung Neuroendocrine Tumors.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) and lung NETs (LNETs) represent a rare but clinically significant subgroup of neoplasms. While the majority is sporadic, approximately 17% of PanNETs and a subset of LNETs develop in the context of monogenic familial tumor syndromes, especially multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome. Other inherited syndromes associated with PanNETs include MEN4, von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). These syndromes are highly penetrant and their clinical manifestations may vary even among members of the same family. They are attributed to genetic mutations involving key molecular pathways regulating cell growth, differentiation, and angiogenesis. Pancreatic NETs in hereditary syndromes are often multiple, develop at a younger age compared to sporadic tumors, and are associated with endocrine and nonendocrine tumors derived from multiple organs. Lung NETs are not as common as PanNETs and are mostly encountered in MEN1 syndrome and include typical and atypical lung carcinoids. Early detection of PanNETs and LNETs related to inherited syndromes is crucial, and specific follow-up protocols need to be employed to optimize diagnosis and management. Genetic screening is recommended in childhood, and diagnostic screening starts often in adolescence, even in asymptomatic mutation carriers. Optimal management and therapeutic decisions should be made in the context of a multidisciplinary team in specialized centers, whereas specific biomarkers aiming to identify patients denoted to follow a more aggressive course need to be developed.

Gender Differences in Lung Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Single-Center Experience.

Gender difference may affect lung neuroendocrine tumor (L-NET) onset, progression, and outcomes as emerged in other cancers. This study aimed to analyze gender difference in L-NET to identify potential prognostic factors, to improve patient follow-up and therapeutic strategies. Patients with histologically confirmed L-NEN diagnosis referred to the ENETS CoE of the Endocrinology Unit, Federico II University of Naples, from 2013 to 2023, were retrospectively evaluated. Among 48 patients with L-NEN, 38 (79.2%) with sporadic L-NET were enrolled: 22 typical (57.9%) and 16 atypical (42.1%) carcinoids, 22 (57.9%) female and 16 (42.1%) male, mean age at diagnosis 57.3 years (range 16-84). Median follow-up was 70.5 months (range 12-305). No statistical difference resulted regarding smoking habit, BMI, primary site (left/right and central/peripheral), and histological characteristics, between cohorts. Metastasis at diagnosis was found in 20 patients (52.3%), 10 female (10%) and 10 male (10%) (p: 0.20). Progressive disease (PD) was observed in 14 (36.8%) patients, and male sex developed PD more frequently 9/14 (64.3%) than female 5 (35.7%), p: 0.05. Male sex seemed to show more frequently bone metastasis without reaching statistical difference, 7 male/10 (70%), p: 0.06. Among 9 deaths (23.7%), 7 (77.8%) were men and 7 died for PD, p &lt; 0.03. Male had a poorer prognosis than female regarding progression-free survival (PFS) (p: 0.04) and overall survival (p: 0.001), also when sub-groups of patient metastatic at diagnosis were compared (p: 0.02 and p: 0.02). This study showed a worse prognosis in male than female with L-NET, despite similar clinical features, tumor type, stage, and treatment, with regard to PFS, OS, and metastatic spread. These findings may suggest a closer follow-up in men, with potential positive impact on outcomes.