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[Neuroendocrine tumors: the age of targeted therapies]

Jaume Capdevila1, Guillem Argilés, Nuria Mulet-Margalef

  • 1Departamento de Oncología Médica, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, España. jacapdevila@vhebron.net

Endocrinologia Y Nutricion : Organo De La Sociedad Espanola De Endocrinologia Y Nutricion
|May 9, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) are common advanced gastrointestinal tumors. Targeted therapies like sunitinib and everolimus now offer new treatment options for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Molecular Biology

Context:

  • Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) represent the second most common group of advanced gastrointestinal tract tumors.
  • Research in GEP-NETs has seen significant growth, highlighting its importance in oncological research.
  • Overexpression of proangiogenic proteins and key intracellular signaling pathways is noted in GEP-NETs.

Purpose:

  • To review the recent advancements in understanding the molecular pathways involved in GEP-NETs.
  • To discuss the implications of new targeted therapies for GEP-NET treatment.
  • To highlight the approval of novel agents for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Summary:

  • GEP-NETs exhibit overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors.
  • Intracellular pathways, including the epidermal growth factor (EGF) pathway, insulin-like growth factor receptor type I, and PI3K-(PTEN)-AKT-mTOR pathway, are implicated.
  • Recent Phase III studies have led to the approval of sunitinib and everolimus for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor treatment.

Impact:

  • The approval of sunitinib and everolimus marks a significant breakthrough after decades of limited therapeutic progress for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
  • These targeted agents offer new hope and improved treatment strategies for patients with advanced GEP-NETs.
  • Advances in understanding molecular pathways are paving the way for more personalized GEP-NET therapies.

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