[Drug therapy of advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor]

Duodecim; Laaketieteellinen Aikakauskirja
|May 19, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Limited randomized data exist for advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Recent studies are complicated by patient crossover, small groups, and heterogeneity, hindering treatment application. Somatostatin analogues remain the primary supportive therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology
  • Gastroenterology

Context:

  • Advanced neuroendocrine cancer of pancreatic origin presents therapeutic challenges.
  • Existing drug therapies lack robust randomized study data.
  • Recent randomized trials are confounded by patient crossover and methodological limitations.

Purpose:

  • To review current drug therapies for advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer.
  • To highlight limitations in existing research data.
  • To discuss supportive care options.

Summary:

  • Few randomized studies provide clear guidance for advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
  • Methodological issues in recent trials obscure treatment effects.
  • Somatostatin analogue therapy is the main supportive option for hormonally active tumors.

Impact:

  • Informs clinical decision-making for advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer.
  • Identifies critical gaps in evidence for systemic therapies.
  • Emphasizes the role of somatostatin analogues in supportive care.

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care01:29

Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care

The management of chronic pancreatitis is multifaceted, involving a comprehensive approach that includes thorough assessment, diagnostic testing, and a variety of management strategies.
Assessment:
466
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists01:28

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists

Neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors are distributed across the GI tract, vagal afferents, and key CNS regions including the central vomiting center and chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) Chemotherapy agents stimulate enterochromaffin cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to release large amounts of substance P (SP). SP is a neuropeptide released by specific sensory nerves in response to many different stressors, including those in the GI mucosa affected by chemotherapy.  SP binds and activates...
726
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
9.1K