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New targeted agents in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Marta Benavent1, Maria Jose de Miguel, Rocio Garcia-Carbonero

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS) [HUVR, CSIC, Universidad de Sevilla], Av. Manuel Siurot, s/n, 41013, Sevilla, Spain.

Targeted Oncology
|May 16, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Neuroendocrine tumors are aggressive and often fatal. New targeted therapies like sunitinib and everolimus show promise in slowing progression for advanced gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) are rare but increasing neoplasms.
  • Advanced NECs beyond surgical resectability are often fatal.
  • Current treatments like somatostatin analogs and chemotherapy have limited efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review available data on novel targeted therapies for advanced NECs.
  • To discuss the role of angiogenesis and mTOR inhibitors in NEC treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recently published randomized trials.
  • Analysis of data on sunitinib and everolimus efficacy.
  • Discussion of angiogenesis and mTOR pathways in NECs.

Main Results:

  • Sunitinib and everolimus demonstrated positive impact on disease progression.
  • These agents offer new therapeutic options for advanced NECs.
  • Angiogenesis and mTOR inhibition are key targets.

Conclusions:

  • Targeted therapies represent a significant advancement in NEC treatment.
  • Sunitinib and everolimus offer hope for improved outcomes.
  • Further research into these pathways is warranted.

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