Small Intestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors Research Articles

The Value of Repeat 5-HIAA Measurements as a Predictor of Carcinoid Heart Disease: A Prospective 5-Year Follow-Up Study in Patients with Small Intestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors

The Value of Repeat 5-HIAA Measurements as a Predictor of Carcinoid Heart Disease: A Prospective 5-Year Follow-Up Study in Patients with Small Intestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors

Is there a role for post-operative functional imaging in small intestinal neuroendocrine tumours resected with curative intent?

Is there a role for post-operative functional imaging in small intestinal neuroendocrine tumours resected with curative intent?

High Prevalence of Sarcopenia in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours (GEP-NETs), but No Association with the Risk of Surgical Complications.

Background: Sarcopenia is a muscle disease that occur across a lifetime. It is commonly described in the aging population but can occur earlier in life in patients with cancer. Previous studies demonstrated sarcopenia is highly prevalent in patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NETs). In solid organ cancers, such as colorectal or pancreatic cancer, the presence of sarcopenia is associated with surgical complications. It is unknown if sarcopenia in patients with GEP-NETs is a risk factor for surgical complications. Methods: A multicentre retrospective study was performed in patients with a recently diagnosed GEP-NET and surgery to the primary tumour. CT scans were analysed for body composition analyses to assess for the presence of sarcopenia. Data regarding surgical procedures and complications were collected. Any major surgical complication was considered as Clavien-Dindo score ≥ 3. Results: This study included 180 patients, with 83 being male (46%) with a median age of 62 years (IQR 54-69). Most patients (n = 138, 77%) had a small intestinal NET, while 36 patients (20%) had pancreatic NETs. Sarcopenia was present in 109 patients (61%). In 43 patients (24%), surgical complications were recorded, and 21 complications (49%) were considered as major. Any type of surgical complication was not statistically different between patients without sarcopenia (n = 17, 24%) and with sarcopenia (n = 26, 24%)-a p-value of 0.36. This was the same for major complications; between patients without sarcopenia (n = 5, 24%) and with sarcopenia (n = 16, 76%)-a p-value of 0.18. Conclusions: Sarcopenia is highly prevalent in patients with a recently diagnosed GEP-NET, but this is not associated with major surgical complications. Future studies should include pathophysiological mechanisms that could be used to identify the causes of sarcopenia, its effect on quality of life and other oncological outcomes.

Multifaceted modeling of small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors

Small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors, siNETs, are a group of rare cancers that arise from neuroendocrine cells in the lining of the jejunum and ileum, which are either classified as tumors, siNETs, or carcinomas, siNECs. Current treatment strategies for low grade tumors include surgical resection, peptide radionucleotide receptor therapy, and somatostatin analogues, while high grade and recurrent tumors may receive cytotoxic chemotherapy. These limited treatment options are linked to the lack of representative models that can both reflect the biology of the tumor and are amenable to mid-to-high throughput experimentation. Cell line generation is challenging considering the indolent nature of primary lesions, although some attempts have been successful using a variety of methods and include the primary P-STS line and those derived from metastatic lesions including GOT1, CNDT2.5 and HC45. Patient-derived modeling, including organoids and xenografting, have allowed for multicellular and three-dimensional representations of the original tumor. These specific models allow for multicellular populations derived from the tumor, providing better tumor representation for use in drug screening and in vitro assays. Currently, there are limited, although increasing, published models of siNETs implanted as xenografts in mice and zebrafish. As these cellular and animal models provide insights on siNET biology, theragnostic modeling has provided key information on the clinical progression and treatment of this disease. Significant strides toward more representative models have been made throughout the last decade. In this review, details of these attempts as well as future directions and strategies for more robust models will be addressed.

Long-term experience with octreotide and lanreotide for the treatment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

The somatostatin analogs (SSA) octreotide and lanreotide are a mainstay in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors (NET). The two pivotal trials differed considerably in terms of patient characteristics and are not directly comparable. Further comparative data are lacking. This retrospective chart review study included patients with gastroenteropancreatic NET grade 1 or 2 who were treated with octreotide LAR or lanreotide autogel. The main aim was to compare the two SSA based on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) from treatment start. In total, 129 patients were analyzed, 60% (n = 77) had a small intestinal NET and 31% (n = 40) a pancreatic NET. Histologically, 34% (n = 44) had NET G1, 55% (n = 71) a NET G2, and 11% (n = 14) a NET G1/G2 unclassified. Lanreotide was used in 90 patients (70%) and octreotide in 39 patients (30%). Overall, the median PFS was 32.2months (95%CI 23.0-42.9months). No PFS difference (p = 0.8) was observed between lanreotide (29.8months, 95%CI 18.7-48.5months) and octreotide (36.0months, 95%CI 23.2-68.2months). Median OS from treatment start was calculated at 93.5months (95%CI 71.1-132.9months). Again, the median OS following lanreotide (113.4months, 95%CI 62.3-NA months) or after octreotide (90.3months, 95%CI 71.1-NA months) did not differ significantly (p > 0.9). Our long-term experience with octreotide and lanreotide in NET did not reveal differences in antitumor effectiveness. This is consistent with previous reports and might suggest that both SSA can be used interchangeably if needed.

Incidence, survival, and prognostic nomogram of patients with small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors: A SEER population-based study.

Small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors (SI-NETs) are a group of rare and significantly heterogeneous tumors with limited research currently available. This study aimed to investigate the incidence, survival, and prognostic factors of SI-NETs. We selected data from the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) database between 2000 and 2019 and evaluated the incidence trend of SI-NETs during this period. We utilized the Kaplan-Meier method to examine the association between clinical variables and survival rates. Based on the multivariable Cox regression analysis results, we developed a nomogram to predict the 1-, 2-, and 3-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) of SI-NETs patients. We evaluated the consistency, accuracy, and clinical utility of the nomogram by drawing calibration curves, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) curves. The incidence of SI-NETs showed an upward trend in recent years. Age, grade, T stage, M stage, and primary tumor surgery were independent risk factors for CSS in SI-NETs patients. The nomogram model based on these risk factors showed high accuracy and clinical benefit. SI-NETs are rare tumors with an increasing incidence rate. The nomogram model is expected to be an effective tool for personalized prognosis prediction in SI-NETs patients, which may benefit clinical decision-making.

Experiences and Fundamental Care Needs in Patients With Small Intestinal Neuroendocrine Tumours-An Interview Study in a Surgical Context.

The study aimed to describe patients' fundamental care needs and their experiences of nursing care, throughout surgical treatment of small intestinal neuroendocrine tumours. A qualitative descriptive study was performed. Patients' interviews (n = 19) were conducted in Sweden from May 2021 to January 2022 and analysed using directed qualitative content analysis guided by the Fundamentals of Care framework. The results are presented in three descriptive categories chronologically throughout the care chain. In the preoperative phase of care, the category was 'Feeling safe but lonely and frightened, and struggling with existential thoughts'; experiences in the postoperative phase of care resulted in the category 'Feeling cared for but suffering from physical symptoms and feelings of loneliness'; and the category in the discharge phase was 'Lacking self-care information and feeling worried about the future'. There were deficiencies in the delivery of fundamental care for patients with a rare tumour diagnosis throughout surgical treatment. Nursing care is mostly task focused and fragmented, and there is a lack of psychosocial and relational care across the care chain. Registered nurses and nursing managers need to take responsibility for their leadership in nursing care to fulfil patients' fundamental care needs. The Fundamentals of Care framework could be used for work improvements to include all aspects of nursing care. High-quality nursing care is needed throughout the care chain, including self-care after discharge, for patients with this rare tumour diagnosis. A higher awareness of patients' experiences and the importance of psychosocial support is warranted. Registered nurses and nursing managers must revise and improve routines to support patients' psychosocial needs. Registered nurses need to take responsibility for their leadership in nursing care to fulfil patients' fundamental care needs. What problem did the study address? This study highlights patients' fundamental care needs and experiences of nursing care throughout surgical treatment of small intestinal neuroendocrine tumours. What were the main findings? There are deficiencies in fulfilling patients' fundamental care needs across the care chain and in all dimensions of the Fundamental of Care framework throughout surgical treatment of small intestinal neuroendocrine tumours. Patients struggled with loneliness and existential thoughts, as well as worries about the future. Patients experienced a lack of information about plans for the day, self-care, and follow-ups. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? For clinicians to develop an understanding of, and improve, fundamental care needs for patients with small intestinal neuroendocrine tumours in a surgical context. For registered nurses to understand the importance of their leadership and nursing responsibility to fulfil fundamental care needs. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ): a 32-item checklist for interviews and focus groups. The patients shared their experiences during the interviews, which has contributed to a deeper knowledge and understanding of the phenomena under study.

ThP2.12 - Evaluation of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery of small intestine neuroendocrine tumors as an alternative surgical treatment for open surgery

Abstract Aims Small intestinal neuroendocrine tumor (SI-NETs) is the most common malignancy of the small bowel. Curative treatment is exclusively operative and explorative laparotomy is still considered to be the standard procedure. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to assess the outcome of minimally invasive surgery in patients with SI-NETs, at our endocrine surgery unit in 2019, compared to the open approach. Methods Patients who underwent surgery for SI-NETs between 2013 and 2023 were included. Descriptive variables such as operative time, length of hospital stay, use of analgesia and radiciality were compared primarily between groups of patients operated before and after 2019 and secondarily between open and hand-port assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS). Results Of 97 patients with SI-NET included in the study, 58 (59.8 %) had an open and 39 (40.2 %) minimal invasive surgery. While difference in the operative time, 121 min (91.3-150.3) vs 108 min (83-141), the length of hospital stay, 6 days (4-7) vs 5 days (4-8) and surgical radicality in patients with stage II-III, 79.3% vs 85%, (p-value 0.313) was not significant, 86.2% of patients with explorative laparotomy required epidural analgesia compared to 23.1% with HALS (p-value = <0.001). Conclusion Hand-port assisted laparoscopic surgery of SI-NETs was assessed to be a feasible approach without compromising radical resection and enhancing postoperative recovery with lower amount of required analgesia postoperatively.

Emergency surgery influences oncological outcome in small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors.

Patients with small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors (siNETs) frequently present emergently due to bowel ischemia or bowel obstruction. The influence of emergency surgery on the prognosis of siNET remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between type of presentation (emergency/elective) and oncological outcome. Clinicopathological data of patients who underwent bowel resection and were treated due to siNET at the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany were analyzed retrospectively. A total of 165 patients underwent bowel resection for siNET. Of these, 22.4% (n = 37) were emergency and 77.6% (n = 128) were elective procedures. A preoperative known diagnosis was less common in patients with emergency surgery (48.6% vs 85.2%; p < 0.001) and complete resections of all tumor manifestations were performed less often (32.4% vs 50.8%; p = 0.049), while more completion operations had to be performed (24.3% vs 11.1%; p = 0.049). Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of emergently operated patients were reduced (5-year OS: 85.2% vs 89.5% (p = 0.023); 5-year PFS: 26.7% versus 52.5% (p = 0.018)). In addition, emergency surgery was negatively associated with OS after multivariable regression analysis. Emergency surgery in siNET patients is associated with adverse oncological outcomes including shorter OS and PFS. Prevention of emergency conditions should be emphasized in advanced disease.

1158P A novel nomogram for predicting overall survival of small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors treated with PRRT

1158P A novel nomogram for predicting overall survival of small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors treated with PRRT

1149MO Carcinoid heart disease in patients with advanced small-intestinal neuroendocrine tumours and carcinoid syndrome: A retrospective experience of two centers of excellence

1149MO Carcinoid heart disease in patients with advanced small-intestinal neuroendocrine tumours and carcinoid syndrome: A retrospective experience of two centers of excellence

PCSK2 can be Useful in a Panel Approach to Distinguish Foregut and Midgut Neuroendocrine Tumors.

A number of immunohistochemical stains have been examined for utility in establishing the site of origin for metastatic well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). In the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, distinguishing metastatic duodenal NETs from jejunoileal and other GI NETs is important for clinical work-up, prognosis, and therapy. A recent study indicated that prohormone convertase 2 (PCSK2 or PC2) had broad expression in small intestine and appendiceal NETs. Because the study did not include duodenal NETs, we examined PCSK2 expression in duodenal and other GI NETs. GI NETs (n = 69) and 13 corresponding lymph node metastases from stomach, duodenum, pancreas, ileum, appendix, and rectum were evaluated for the expression of PCSK2, along with ISL1, NKX2.2, CDX2, SATB2, and PAX8. Expression of each stain was evaluated using the H-score system, and differences in expression by site were evaluated by the chi square test. PCSK2 was expressed at similar frequency in duodenal (50%), pancreatic (59%), and ileal NETs (40%). PCSK2 was infrequently expressed in stomach (0%), appendiceal (8%), and rectal (25%) NETs. However, incorporating PCSK2 into a panel including ISL1, NKX2.2, CDX2, and SATB2 allowed development of an algorithm which had 87% sensitivity and 93% specificity for classification of ileal NETs; and 68% sensitivity and 98% specificity for pancreaticoduodenal NETs. In contrast to previous findings, PCSK2 does not show specificity for any particular GI site. An algorithmic approach incorporating the expression of PCSK2 with that of ISL1, NKX2.2, CDX2, and SATB2 is useful in discriminating pancreatic, duodenal, ileal, appendiceal, and rectal NETs.

The Clinical Utility of the NETest in Patients with Small Intestinal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (Si-NENs): A "Real-Life" Study.

Current biomarkers do not adequately predict the behaviour of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). This study assessed the NETest, a multianalyte blood biomarker, in patients with small intestinal NENs (Si-NENs). We studied two patient groups: Group 1: metastatic Si-NENs (n = 102) and Group 2: post-operatively disease-free according to 68Ga-DOTATATE PET (n = 16). NETest scores were ≤20% (normal), 21-40% (low), 41-79% (intermediate), or ≥80% (high). Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazards model. In Group 1, the median NETest score was 40% (IQR: 33.3-46.7%). The NETest value (HR: 1.032, 95% CI: 1.003-1.062, p = 0.033) and high-risk NETest category (HR: 10.5, 95% CI: 1.35-81.7, p = 0.025) were independent predictors of PFS, along with presence of lung metastases, CgA levels > 10 × ULN, and tumour growth rate (TGR). Independent predictors of OS were the NETest value (HR: 1.035, 95% CI: 1.005-1.066, p = 0.024) and high-risk NETest category (HR: 15.2, 95% CI: 1.52-151, p = 0.02), along with presence of lung metastases and CgA levels > 10 × ULN. In Group 2, ROC analysis identified an AUC of 0.909 (95% CI: 0.75-0.100) for prediction of local or metastatic recurrence. Blood NETest scores were associated with PFS and OS in patients with metastatic Si-NENs, along with TGR, CgA > 10 × ULN, and presence of lung metastases.

Identifying patients with undiagnosed small intestinal neuroendocrine tumours in primary care using statistical and machine learning: model development and validation study

BackgroundNeuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are increasing in incidence, often diagnosed at advanced stages, and individuals may experience years of diagnostic delay, particularly when arising from the small intestine (SI). Clinical prediction models could present novel opportunities for case finding in primary care.MethodsAn open cohort of adults (18+ years) contributing data to the Optimum Patient Care Research Database between 1st Jan 2000 and 30th March 2023 was identified. This database collects de-identified data from general practices in the UK. Model development approaches comprised logistic regression, penalised regression, and XGBoost. Performance (discrimination and calibration) was assessed using internal-external cross-validation. Decision analysis curves compared clinical utility.ResultsOf 11.7 million individuals, 382 had recorded SI NET diagnoses (0.003%). The XGBoost model had the highest AUC (0.869, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.841–0.898) but was mildly miscalibrated (slope 1.165, 95% CI: 1.088–1.243; calibration-in-the-large 0.010, 95% CI: −0.164 to 0.185). Clinical utility was similar across all models.DiscussionMultivariable prediction models may have clinical utility in identifying individuals with undiagnosed SI NETs using information in their primary care records. Further evaluation including external validation and health economics modelling may identify cost-effective strategies for case finding for this uncommon tumour.

ASO Visual Abstract: Value of Surgical Cytoreduction in Patients with Small Intestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors Metastatic to the Liver and Peritoneum.

ASO Visual Abstract: Value of Surgical Cytoreduction in Patients with Small Intestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors Metastatic to the Liver and Peritoneum.

Local resection of small intestine neuroendocrine neoplasms (SI-NEN) : Current principles

Neuroendocrine tumors of the small bowel (small intestine neuroendocrine neoplasms, SI-NEN) are the most frequent tumors of the small intestine and approximately 30-40% are still surgically treatable with curative intent at the time of diagnosis. Certain surgical principles must be followed for optimal oncological outcomes and good postoperative quality of life. Based on international guidelines and own experiences, the locoregional surgical treatment of SI-NENs is presented. Locoregional SI-NENs should always be resected if technically feasible, as only this approach can achieve a long-term cure and even small primary tumors (< 10 mm) often already show lymphatic metastasis. The resectability of SI-NENs and their difficulty depend on the extent of lymphatic metastasis, which should be assessed based on preoperative imaging of the extent around the superior mesenteric artery. Currently, the surgical gold standard for SI-NENs is open surgery with bidigital palpation of the entire small intestine followed by primary tumor resection via small bowel segment resection, right hemicolectomy or ileocecal resection and vessel-sparing, and therefore organ-preserving lymphadenectomy (≥ 8lymph nodes). The guidelines consider that laparoscopic or robotic approaches are justified only for early stages of SI-NENs. Guideline-compliant surgical treatment of locoregional SI-NEN enables recurrence-free long-term survival with good quality of life.

Safety and efficacy of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy in neuroendocrine tumors: A single center experience.

Peptide receptor radionucleotide therapy (PRRT) with 177Lu-dotatate is widely used for the treatment of patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). We analyzed data from 104 patients with NETs treated with 177Lu -dotatate at a US academic center between December 2017 and October 2020 to better understand patterns of long-term efficacy, safety, and toxicity in the real-world setting. 177Lu-dotatate (200 mCi) was administered every eight weeks for four doses. The most common sites of primary disease were small intestine NETs (n = 49, 47%), pancreatic NETs (n = 32, 31%), and lung NETs (n = 7, 7%). Twenty-seven percent had Ki-67 <3%, 49% had Ki-67 between 3-20%, and 13.5% had Ki-67 >20%. The cohort had been pretreated with a median of two prior lines of treatment. Forty percent had received prior liver-directed treatment. Seventy-four percent of patients completed all four doses of treatment. The objective response rate was 18%. The median time-to-treatment failure/death was significantly longer for small-bowel NETs when compared to pancreatic NETs (37.3 months vs. 13.2 months, p = 0.001). In a multivariate model, Ki-67, primary site, and liver tumor burden ≥50% were found to independently predict time-to-treatment failure/death. Around 40% of patients experienced adverse events of ≥grade 3 severity. Treatment-related adverse events leading to discontinuation of therapy happened in 10% of patients. Preexisting mesenteric/peritoneal disease was present in 33 patients; seven of these patients developed bowel-related toxicities including two grade 5 events. We also report two cases of delayed-onset minimal change nephrotic syndrome, which occurred 14 and 27 months after the last dose of PRRT. Lastly, we describe six patients who developed rapid tumor progression in the liver leading to terminal liver failure within 7.3 months from the start of PRRT, and identify potential risk factors associated with this occurrence, which will need further study.

ASO Author Reflections: Radio-Guided Surgery in Small Intestine Neuroendocrine Tumors: New Probe, New Perspectives?

ASO Author Reflections: Radio-Guided Surgery in Small Intestine Neuroendocrine Tumors: New Probe, New Perspectives?

The value of cumulative serum 5-HIAA exposure in diagnostics of carcinoid heart disease: A prospective follow up in patients with small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors

The value of cumulative serum 5-HIAA exposure in diagnostics of carcinoid heart disease: A prospective follow up in patients with small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors

Increment in KI-67 proliferation indices over time is associated with worse survival outcomes in small-intestinal neuroendocrine tumours

Increment in KI-67 proliferation indices over time is associated with worse survival outcomes in small-intestinal neuroendocrine tumours