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Updated: May 11, 2026
Establishment and Characterization of Small Bowel Neuroendocrine Tumor Spheroids
Published on: October 14, 2019
Colon and rectum neuroendocrine tumors: experience of the National Cancer Institute in Brazil
Daniel Cesar1, Renato Morato Zanatto, Marcus Vinícius Motta Valadão da Silva
1Department of Abdominopelvic Surgery, Cancer National Institute - INCA, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. danielcesar@live.com
Background:
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare, comprising nearly 0.49% of all malignancies. The majority occurs in the gastrointestinal tract.
Aim:
To analyze the demographic factors, clinicopathologic features, treatment employed, prognostic factors and the oncologic results related to colorectal NETs.
Methods:
Between the period from 1996 to 2010 174 patients were treated. From these, 34 were localized in the colon and rectum. Demographic factors, stage, therapeutics and its results were analyzed. All patients were followed for more than three years with image exams, urinary 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIIA), serum chromogranin A and prostatic acid phosphatase.
Results:
The median age was 54,4 years (22-76), the majority was female (64,7%). Out of the 12 patients with colon NETs, one (8.3%) patient was classified as Stage IA; one (8.3%) as Stage IB; three (25%) as Stage IIIB and seven (58.4%) as Stage IV. Out of the 22 patients with rectum NETs, six (27.3%) were classified as Stage IA; four (18.2%) as IB; three (13.6 %) as IIIA; one (4.5%) as IIIB and eight (36.4%) as IV. Of rectal NETs, nine (41%) were treated with endoscopic resection, six (27.2%) underwent conventional surgical treatment and six (27.2%) were treated with chemotherapy. Eleven patients with colon NETs (91.6%) were surgically treated, seven of them with palliative surgery, one (8.4%) was treated with endoscopic resection and no patient was submitted to chemotherapy. After an average follow-up of 55 months, 19 (55%) patients were alive. Analyzing the overall survival was obtained an average overall survival of 29 months in Stage IA, 62 months in IB, 12 months in IIIA, 31 months in IIIB and 39 months in IV.
Conclusion:
The treatment of colon and rectal NETs is complex, because it depends of the individuality of each patient. With adequate management, the prognosis can be favorable with long survival, but it is related to the tumor differentiation degree, efficacy of the chosen treatment and to the patient adhesion to the follow-up after treatment.
Insights
This study analyzed colorectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), finding that individualized treatment and patient follow-up are crucial for favorable prognoses. Effective management of these rare gastrointestinal malignancies can lead to long-term survival.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare malignancies, accounting for approximately 0.49% of all cancers.
- The majority of NETs occur within the gastrointestinal tract, with a significant proportion affecting the colon and rectum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the demographic characteristics, clinicopathologic features, and treatment strategies for colorectal NETs.
- To evaluate prognostic factors and oncologic outcomes in patients with colon and rectal NETs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 174 patients treated between 1996 and 2010, focusing on 34 with colorectal NETs.
- Data collected included demographic factors, tumor stage, therapeutic interventions, and patient follow-up (average 55 months) using imaging, urinary 5-HIIA, and serum chromogranin A.
Main Results:
- The median age of patients was 54.4 years, with a female predominance (64.7%).
- Colorectal NETs presented with varied stages, with Stage IV being common in both colon (58.4%) and rectum (36.4%).
- Survival rates varied significantly by stage, with an overall 55% survival rate at an average follow-up of 55 months.
Conclusions:
- Treatment for colon and rectal NETs requires a personalized approach based on individual patient factors.
- Favorable prognosis and long-term survival are achievable with appropriate management, considering tumor differentiation, treatment efficacy, and patient adherence to follow-up.
