Treatment landscape of advanced high-grade neuroendocrine neoplasms

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pathology
• Genetics

Background:

• Grade 3 neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN G3) are high-grade malignancies with Ki-67 index >20%.
• NEN G3 encompass both well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NET G3) and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC).
• Phenotypic, genomic, and prognostic differences exist between NET G3 and NEC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize the current understanding of NEN G3.
• To differentiate between NET G3 and NEC based on their distinct characteristics.
• To describe the clinical implications of these distinctions for patient management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current research on NEN G3.
• Analysis of genomic alterations differentiating NET G3 and NEC.
• Synthesis of radiological and prognostic data for both entities.

Main Results:

• NET G3 and NEC exhibit distinct underlying genomic alterations.
• These molecular differences lead to significant variations in radiological presentation and patient prognosis.
• Current clinical trials are increasingly treating NET G3 and NEC as separate disease entities.

Conclusions:

• Distinguishing between NET G3 and NEC is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Understanding the molecular basis of NEN G3 subtypes informs personalized therapeutic strategies.
• Further research and clinical trials focusing on these distinct entities will refine optimal management approaches.