Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Cutoff Value of Phase Angle by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis at Admission as a Prognostic Factor in Patients with Acute Heart Failure
05:16

Cutoff Value of Phase Angle by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis at Admission as a Prognostic Factor in Patients with Acute Heart Failure

Published on: June 10, 2025

550

Molecular prognostic factors in small-intestinal neuroendocrine tumours

K G Samsom1, L M van Veenendaal2, G D Valk3

  • 1Department of Pathology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Endocrine Connections
|June 13, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Small-intestinal neuroendocrine tumours (SI-NETs) are genetically quiet. Epigenetic alterations, not genetic mutations, are more common and may offer better therapeutic targets for these rare tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Small-intestinal neuroendocrine tumours (SI-NETs) are rare and heterogeneous.
  • Understanding the molecular basis of SI-NET tumorigenesis is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review prognostic and predictive molecular factors in SI-NETs.
  • To identify key genetic and epigenetic alterations associated with SI-NET outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted a PubMed literature search for (epi)genetic prognostic factors in SI-NETs (2000-2019).
  • Evaluated 20 reviews and 35 original studies from 1522 initial articles.

Main Results:

  • SI-NETs exhibit distinct genetic profiles compared to pancreatic NETs, with loss of heterozygosity at chromosome 18 being frequent.
  • Significant associations between specific genomic aberrations (e.g., chromosome 18 LOH, chromosome 4, 5, 7, 14, 20p gains) and poorer survival were identified.
  • Epigenetic alterations are more prevalent than genetic mutations in SI-NETs and show promise as therapeutic targets.

Conclusions:

  • SI-NETs are characterized by a low mutational burden.
  • Currently, no specific biomarkers are readily applicable for clinical decision-making in SI-NETs.
  • Further large-scale international studies are needed to translate molecular findings into precision oncology for this heterogeneous disease.
Keywords:
carcinoidepigeneticsgeneticsneuroendocrine tumoursprognosissmall intestinalsurvival

More Related Videos

Human Neuroendocrine Tumor Cell Lines as a Three-Dimensional Model for the Study of Human Neuroendocrine Tumor Therapy12:04

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
Electrochemotherapy of Tumours03:57

Electrochemotherapy of Tumours

Published on: December 15, 2008

25.1K

Related Concept Videos

Molecular Factors Affecting Cell Division01:27

Molecular Factors Affecting Cell Division

Several external and internal factors influence the initiation and inhibition of cell division. For instance, the death of nearby cells or the release of human growth hormone (hGH) promotes cell division. In contrast, lack of hGH or crowding of cells can inhibit cell division.
Several proteins function as internal regulators to ensure each cell cycle stage is completed faithfully before proceeding to the next. Regulator molecules may act directly or influence the activity or production of other...
3.9K
Anatomy of the Intestines01:23

Anatomy of the Intestines

Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
87.1K
Transcription Factors02:16

Transcription Factors

Tissue-specific transcription factors contribute to diverse cellular functions in mammals. For example, the gene for beta globin, a major component of hemoglobin, is present in all cells of the body. However, it is only expressed in red blood cells because the transcription factors that can bind to the promoter sequences of the beta globin gene are only expressed in these cells. Tissue-specific transcription factors also ensure that mutations in these factors may impair only the function of...
82.3K
Molecular Models02:00

Molecular Models

Physical models representing molecular architectures of chemical compounds play essential roles in understanding chemistry. The use of molecular models makes it easier to visualize the structures and shapes of atoms and molecules.
43.6K
Molecular Orbital Theory II03:51

Molecular Orbital Theory II

Molecular Orbital Energy Diagrams
27.0K
Molecular and Ionic Solids02:54

Molecular and Ionic Solids

Crystalline solids are divided into four types: molecular, ionic, metallic, and covalent network based on the type of constituent units and their interparticle interactions.
Molecular Solids
Molecular crystalline solids, such as ice, sucrose (table sugar), and iodine, are solids that are composed of neutral molecules as their constituent units. These molecules are held together by weak intermolecular forces such as London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, or hydrogen bonds, which...
20.0K