Management of Duodenal Neuroendocrine Tumors: Surgical versus Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

Management of duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (DNETs) is not standardized, with smaller lesions (< 1-2 cm) generally treated by endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and larger DNETs by surgical resection (SR). This study reviewed how patients were selected for treatment and compared outcomes.

Patients with DNETs undergoing resection were identified through institutional databases, and clinicopathologic data recorded. χ² and Wilcoxon tests compared variables. Survival was determined by Kaplan-Meier, and Cox regression tested association with survival.

Among 104 patients, 64 underwent EMR and 40 had SR. Patients selected for SR had larger tumor size, younger age, and higher T, N, and M stage. There was no difference in progression-free (PFS) or overall survival (OS) between SR and EMR. In 1-2 cm DNETs, there was no difference in PFS between SR and EMR [median not reached (NR), P = 0.1]; however, longer OS was seen in SR (median NR versus 112 months, P = 0.03). In 1-2 cm DNETs, SR patients were more likely to be node-positive and younger. After adjustment for age, resection method did not correlate with survival. Comparison of surgically resected DNETs versus jejunoileal NETs revealed longer PFS (median NR versus 73 months, P < 0.001) and OS (median NR versus 119 months, P = 0.004) DISCUSSION: In 1-2 cm DNETs, there was no difference in survival between EMR and SR after adjustment for age. Recurrences could be salvaged, suggesting that EMR is a reasonable strategy. Compared with jejunoileal NETs, DNETs treated by SR had improved PFS and OS.