[Neuroendocrine tumors : Classification, clinical presentation and imaging]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nuclear Medicine
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a diverse group of neoplasms originating from various organs.
• NETs frequently manifest with distinct clinical syndromes caused by hormone hypersecretion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for neuroendocrine tumors.
• To emphasize the role of molecular-genetic work-up and advanced imaging in NET management.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing hormone diagnostics and molecular-genetic analysis for NET diagnosis.
• Employing morphological imaging (ultrasound, endoscopy, CT, MRI) and functional imaging (PET-CT, SPECT/CT) for NET visualization.
• Leveraging somatostatin analogs, both native and radionuclide-coupled, for NET treatment.

Main Results:

• Molecular-genetic work-up complements hormone diagnostics in NET evaluation.
• Functional imaging techniques like Ga-68-DOTATATE-PET-CT and F-18-DOPA-PET/CT are crucial for NET imaging.
• Somatostatin analogs represent effective therapeutic agents for various NETs.

Conclusions:

• Imaging requirements for NETs are dictated by clinical presentation, laboratory results, tumor stage, and tumor syndromes.
• Personalized systemic treatment modalities are essential for effective NET management.