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Published on: November 5, 2020
Biomarkers in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Maria Serafeim Theochari1, Konstantinos N Syrigos, Muhammad Wasif Saif
1Oncology Unit, Third Department of Medicine, Sotiria General Hospital. Athens, Greece. mtheochari@gmail.com.
Abstract:
The aim of biomarkers is to identify patients most likely to benefit from a therapeutic strategy. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are rare neoplasms that arise in the endocrine tissues of the pancreas. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors represent 3% of primary pancreatic neoplasms and their incidence has risen. The SMAD4 gene is located on chromosome 18q and someday the SMAD4 gene status may be useful for prognostic stratification and therapeutic decision. The cells respond to environmental signals by modulating the expressions of genes contained within the nucleus, when genes are activated are transcribed to generate messenger RNA (mRNA). The examination of multiple expressed genes and proteins provides more useful information for prognostication of individual tumors. Here we summarize and discuss findings presented at the 2014 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium. Anna Karpathakis et al. (Abstract #212) reported data about the role of DNA methylation in gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors. Christina Lynn Roland et al. (Abstract #250) looked the impact Of SMAD4 on oncologic outcomes. Bong Kynn Kang et al. (Abstract #251) investigated prognostic biomarker using microRNA array technology.
Insights
Biomarkers help identify patients benefiting from treatments for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Research explores DNA methylation, SMAD4 gene status, and microRNA for improved prognostication and therapeutic decisions.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are rare, with rising incidence.
- Biomarkers are crucial for personalized therapeutic strategies in oncology.
- Understanding tumor biology aids in prognostication and treatment selection.
Framework:
- The study discusses findings on biomarkers for gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors.
- Focus areas include DNA methylation, SMAD4 gene status, and microRNA expression.
- These biomarkers offer potential for prognostic stratification and therapeutic decisions.
Implementation:
- Anna Karpathakis et al. investigated DNA methylation in gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors.
- Christina Lynn Roland et al. analyzed the impact of SMAD4 on oncologic outcomes.
- Bong Kynn Kang et al. utilized microRNA array technology for prognostic biomarker discovery.
Implications:
- Identifying predictive biomarkers can optimize treatment selection for PNET patients.
- SMAD4 gene status may become a key factor in prognostic stratification.
- MicroRNA profiling offers a novel approach for tumor prognostication.
