Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 4, 2026

Human Neuroendocrine Tumor Cell Lines as a Three-Dimensional Model for the Study of Human Neuroendocrine Tumor Therapy
12:04

Human Neuroendocrine Tumor Cell Lines as a Three-Dimensional Model for the Study of Human Neuroendocrine Tumor Therapy

Published on: August 14, 2012

29.5K

Role of the tumor microenvironment in digestive neuroendocrine tumors

Thomas Cuny1,2,3, Wouter de Herder1, Anne Barlier2,3

  • 1Division Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Endocrine-Related Cancer
|October 12, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) are increasing, with many patients diagnosed with metastatic disease. The tumor microenvironment (TME) hinders treatment efficacy and promotes GEP-NETs progression.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Tumor Microenvironment Research

Background:

  • Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) incidence is rising, with approximately 50% of patients presenting with metastatic disease at diagnosis.
  • Current cytotoxic and targeted therapies show limited efficacy in metastatic GEP-NETs due to treatment resistance.
  • The tumor microenvironment (TME) is increasingly recognized as a critical factor influencing GEP-NETs progression and therapeutic resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on the tumor microenvironment (TME) in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs).
  • To discuss existing therapeutic agents targeting GEP-NETs.
  • To explore potential future therapeutic strategies targeting the TME in GEP-NETs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current research on GEP-NETs and their tumor microenvironment.
  • Analysis of existing therapeutic approaches for metastatic GEP-NETs.
  • Exploration of emerging therapeutic targets within the TME.

Main Results:

  • The TME plays a dual role in GEP-NETs, supporting tumor growth, metastasis, and treatment resistance.
  • Limited efficacy of current therapies suggests a need for novel treatment strategies.
  • The TME presents potential targets for future GEP-NETs therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the TME is crucial for improving treatment outcomes in GEP-NETs.
  • Targeting the TME offers a promising avenue for overcoming therapeutic resistance in metastatic GEP-NETs.
  • Future research should focus on developing novel therapies that modulate the GEP-NETs TME.
Keywords:
neuroendocrine tumorsmicroenvironmentangiogenesis

More Related Videos

Establishment and Characterization of Small Bowel Neuroendocrine Tumor Spheroids09:43

Establishment and Characterization of Small Bowel Neuroendocrine Tumor Spheroids

Published on: October 14, 2019

6.9K
Enrichment and Characterization of the Tumor Immune and Non-immune Microenvironments in Established Subcutaneous Murine Tumors08:32

Enrichment and Characterization of the Tumor Immune and Non-immune Microenvironments in Established Subcutaneous Murine Tumors

Published on: June 7, 2018

10.4K

Related Concept Videos

The Tumor Microenvironment02:17

The Tumor Microenvironment

Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
7.8K
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
1.9K
Tumor Progression02:07

Tumor Progression

Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
7.4K
Carbohydrate Digestion00:57

Carbohydrate Digestion

Carbohydrate digestion and metabolism break down simple and complex carbohydrates from food into saccharides (i.e., sugars) for the body to use as energy. Carbohydrate digestion starts in the mouth during mastication, or chewing. The masticated carbohydrates remain intact in the stomach. Digestion resumes in the duodenum of the small intestine, where pancreatic alpha-amylase and brush border enzymes of the microvilli convert complex carbohydrates to monosaccharides. Finally, the monosaccharides...
122.5K
What is Monogastric Digestion?01:50

What is Monogastric Digestion?

The human body contains a monogastric digestive system. In a monogastric digestive system, the stomach only contains one chamber in which it digests food. Several other animal species also have monogastric digestive systems, including pigs, horses, dogs, and birds. This chapter, however, focuses on the human digestive system.
75.3K
Lipid Digestion01:06

Lipid Digestion

Lipids are large molecules that are generally not water-soluble. Since most of the digestive enzymes in the human body are water-based, there are specific steps the body must take to break down lipids and make them available for use.
99.3K