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Published on: April 17, 2019
Targeting the somatostatin receptor in pituitary and neuroendocrine tumors
Marije J Veenstra1, Wouter W de Herder, Richard A Feelders
1Erasmus Medical Center, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine , Dr. Molewaterplein 50, 3015 GE Rotterdam , The Netherlands +31 10 7034633 ; +31 10 7035430 ; l.hofland@erasmusmc.nl.
Introduction:
Neuroendocrine and pituitary tumors are uncommon tumors that develop from cells of the (neuro-)endocrine system. They can secrete hormones, leading to typical symptoms and syndromes. The cornerstone of antisecretory treatment for neuroendocrine and growth hormone-secreting pituitary tumors consists of somatostatin analogs, which target the somatostatin receptors that are expressed on the tumor cell membrane. Somatostatin analogs activate the second messenger pathways that inhibit hormone secretion and may also delay tumor growth.
Areas Covered:
Recent developments in the field of somatostatin analogs and promising new angles in neuroendocrine tumor treatment are discussed. The recently approved somatostatin analog pasireotide and promising new analogs KE108 and somatoprim are reviewed. Further, innovative developments in the field of receptor manipulation, such as epigenetic manipulation and viral somatostatin receptor subtype-2 expression vectors, are discussed, as well as oncolytic viruses specifically targeting neuroendocrine tumor cells.
Expert Opinion:
In addition to the development of novel somatostatin analogs and refining treatment with existing somatostatin analogs, alternative treatments targeting the somatostatin receptors that aim at increasing the number of somatostatin receptors should be explored as well, thereby broadening treatment perspectives and increasing options for prolonging survival.
Insights
New somatostatin analogs and receptor-targeting strategies show promise for treating neuroendocrine tumors. Research explores novel treatments to improve hormone secretion control and prolong survival for patients with these rare tumors.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Neuroendocrine and pituitary tumors arise from the neuroendocrine system and can cause hormonal imbalances.
- Current treatment relies on somatostatin analogs targeting somatostatin receptors on tumor cells to inhibit hormone secretion and slow growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in somatostatin analog therapy for neuroendocrine tumors.
- To explore innovative strategies for neuroendocrine tumor treatment, including receptor manipulation and novel agents.
Main Methods:
- Review of recently approved and investigational somatostatin analogs (pasireotide, KE108, somatoprim).
- Discussion of novel therapeutic approaches: epigenetic manipulation, viral somatostatin receptor subtype-2 expression, and oncolytic viruses.
Main Results:
- New somatostatin analogs and innovative receptor-targeting methods are emerging.
- These advancements offer potential for enhanced antisecretory effects and tumor growth inhibition.
Conclusions:
- Development of novel somatostatin analogs and refinement of existing treatments are crucial.
- Exploring alternative therapies to increase somatostatin receptor expression is recommended to broaden treatment options and improve patient survival.
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