Enteropancreatic malignancy associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1: risk factors and pathogenesis

Enteropancreatic malignancy is an important cause of morbidity and mortality associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1). However, the risk factors and mechanisms of the tumorigenesis of this malignancy are poorly understood.

The authors conducted a retrospective study of factors associated with the development of malignant enteropancreatic tumor in 69 patients with MEN 1 belonging to a single family.

Metastatic enteropancreatic tumor and gastrinoma were identified in 20% and 36% of patients, respectively. Compared with MEN 1 patients who did not have an immediate family history of enteropancreatic malignancy, MEN 1 patients with a first-degree relative affected by enteropancreatic malignancy had an increased risk of developing disseminated tumor (odds ratio, 3.7; P < 0.05). In addition, hypergastrinemia and advanced age were both associated with a significant increase in the risk of enteropancreatic malignancy. Elevated serum glycoprotein alpha subunit levels were associated with enterochromaffin-like cell hyperplasia, gastric carcinoid formation, and disseminated enteropancreatic tumor in hypergastrinemic patients (P < 0.05).

Disease modifier factors act in concert with the MEN 1 gene to modulate the development of enteropancreatic neoplasia. It is possible to identify MEN 1 patients at high risk for developing aggressive enteropancreatic tumors. Heritable disease modifier factor(s) affecting enteropancreatic malignancy appear to reside at loci distinct from that of the MEN 1 gene.