Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

J Vet Med Sci 2019 Apr 17. Epub 2019 Apr 17.

College of Veterinary Medicine and BK 21 Plus Project Team, Chonnam National University.

In an 8-year-old Labrador Retriever with progressive anorexia, constipation, and depression, CT revealed intussusception of the cecum into the ascending colon and a small cecal mass showing strong enhancement on arterial phase. The ileocecocolic junction was surgically resected and histologically diagnosed as cecocolic intussusception with carcinoid tumor. The carcinoid tumor worked as a lead point of intussusception in this case. Read More

Int J Surg Case Rep 2019 Apr 4;58:1-5. Epub 2019 Apr 4.

Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Hokkaido Cancer Center, Sapporo, Japan.

Introduction: Hepatic sclerosing hemangiomas are rare tumors whose appearance on imaging is similar to that of malignant tumors. The resulting difficulties in preoperative diagnosis frequently lead to surgical resection in order to accurately identify the tumor.

Case Presentation: A 68-year-old man was diagnosed with multiple gastric carcinoid tumors (T1N1M0, pStage IIIB) after total gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection. Read More

Oncol Lett 2019 May 19;17(5):4126-4132. Epub 2018 Nov 19.

Department of Cardiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Carcinoid heart disease (CHD) is a rare complication of neuroendocrine tumors, most commonly involving the tricuspid and pulmonary valves. The mitral and aortic valves can also be affected, albeit rarely, in certain circumstances such as the presence of a patent foramen ovale. Transthoracic echocardiogram is generally considered the key imaging modality, but cardiac magnetic resonance can add valuable information, particularly in the assessment of pulmonary valve function or multivalvular disease. Read More

BMC Cancer 2019 Mar 28;19(1):274. Epub 2019 Mar 28.

Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 633 North Saint Clair St.19th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.

Background: There is limited information on changes over time in carcinoid syndrome (CS) symptoms and quality of life (QoL). This study assessed change in CS symptoms and QoL in patients treated with somatostatin analogs (SSAs) using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-29 instruments.

Methods: Patients ≥18 years old with CS symptoms and treated with SSA or non-SSA agents in the United States were recruited through a patient advocacy group to complete a two-part, anonymous online survey. Read More

Oncologist 2019 Mar 15. Epub 2019 Mar 15.

Medical Oncology Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.

In this article, we propose, based on a clinical case, the potential antitumor effect related to the inhibition of serotonin in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Currently, the only drug that exists for the symptomatic treatment of carcinoid syndrome refractory to somatostatin analogues is telotristat, based on its pivotal study, the TELESTAR trial. Based on the existing preclinical rationale, it seems that the inhibition of serotonin may have an antitumoral role in NETs. Read More

Surg Oncol Clin N Am 2019 04 24;28(2):273-283. Epub 2018 Dec 24.

Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, H3680, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. Electronic address:

Small bowel malignancies are extremely rare. Surgical resection is often the mainstay of treatment with the extent of the operation depending on the type of tumor. Whereas neuroendocrine tumors and adenocarcinoma require lymph node resection, gastrointestinal stromal tumors do not typically metastasize to regional nodes and therefore need resection only. Read More

Clin Adv Hematol Oncol 2018 Sep;16 Suppl 17(9):1-16

Center for Carcinoid and Neuroendocrine Tumors, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York.

Dig Dis Sci 2019 Feb 20. Epub 2019 Feb 20.

Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Parenteral Nutrition, Department of Veterans Affairs, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (691/111C), 11301 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90073, USA.

Background: Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors (NLRs) are a group of cytoplasmic sensors that survey danger signals released by invading pathogens or damaged tissue. Mutations in the NLRP subfamily affect pro-inflammatory mediators and cause nonspecific systemic symptoms.

Aims: We sought to identify a potential genetic etiology of an inflammatory syndrome in a patient that presented with an atypical multisystem illness with carcinoid syndrome as well as atopic and autoimmune features. Read More

Oncotarget 2019 Jan 1;10(1):17-29. Epub 2019 Jan 1.

Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.

Background: Neuroendocrine carcinomas of the prostate (NEPCs) are rare tumors with poor prognosis. While platinum and etoposide-based chemotherapy regimens (PE) are commonly applied in first-line for advanced disease, evidence for second-line therapy and beyond is very limited.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of all patients with NEPCs including mixed differentiation with adenocarcinoma component and well differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs, carcinoids) at two high-volume oncological centers between 12/2000 and 11/2017. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2019 Jan 29;12(1). Epub 2019 Jan 29.

Department of Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, West Virginia University Hospitals, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA.

We present a case of a healthy 59-year-old woman who presented for a capsule endoscopy to evaluate melaena and iron deficiency anaemia. She had previously underwent an oesophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy at an outside institution which were unremarkable. Capsule endoscopy showed an ulcerated, bleeding lesion likely in the duodenum. Read More

Am J Surg 2018 Dec 28. Epub 2018 Dec 28.

Digestive Disease Institute, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA. Electronic address:

Background: Gastric carcinoids are rare neuroendocrine tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. They are typically managed according to their etiology. However, there is little known about the impact of surgical strategy on the long-term outcomes of these patients. Read More

Oncologist 2019 Jan 16. Epub 2019 Jan 16.

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., The Woodlands, Texas, USA

Background: Patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and carcinoid syndrome experience considerable morbidity and mortality; carcinoid syndrome may be associated with shorter survival. Carcinoid syndrome is linked to tumoral secretion of serotonin and other bioactive substances. The subsequent debilitating diarrhea and urgency to defecate pose significant health risks. Read More

Case Rep Urol 2018 3;2018:3614387. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

University of Balamand, Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, Department of Urology, Beirut 1100 2807, Lebanon.

Carcinoid tumors usually arise in the gastrointestinal tract. Immunocytohistochemical and radiologic studies are important in detecting the primary tumor site. Primary carcinoid tumors of the testis are particularly rare with a high malignant potential warranting long-term follow-up. Read More

J Minim Access Surg 2019 Jan 4. Epub 2019 Jan 4.

Department of General Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, London, England.

A Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is a congenital abnormality of the gastrointestinal tract which is estimated to be present in 2% of the population. Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are rare, soft-tissue tumours which represent 0.1%-3% of all gastrointestinal tumours. Read More

Vnitr Lek Fall 2018;64(10):966-969

Primary malignant tumors of small bowel constitute only about 1-2% of all gastrointestinal neoplasms. Although neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are relatively rare, they still represent the second most common malignancy of the small bowel (after adenocarcinoma). Clinical manifestations include abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, diarrhea, weight loss and bleeding. Read More

Expert Opin Drug Saf 2019 Jan 24;18(1):1-10. Epub 2018 Dec 24.

a Gastrointestinal Oncology Program and Experimental therapeutics, Division of Hematology/Oncology , Tufts Medical Center - Tufts University School of Medicine , Boston , MA , USA.

Introduction: Lanreotide autogel is a synthetic somatostatin analogue which has been FDA and EMA approved for unresectable, well to moderately differentiated, locally advanced or metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. Its action is mediated by its affinity to somatostatin receptors, especially sst2 and sst5 receptors. Its longer half-life offers the convenience of 4-week dosing over the need for frequent injections of short-acting somatostatin analogues. Read More

Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018 Dec 20. Epub 2018 Dec 20.

Department of Gastroenterology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York. Electronic address:

Background & Aims: Although multiple studies have reported an increasing incidence of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) over the past decades, there are limited national data on recent trends. Using a population-based registry, we evaluated GEP-NET incidence trends in the United States population from 1975 through 2012, based on age, calendar year at diagnosis, and year of birth.

Methods: GEP-NET cases from 1975 through 2012 were identified from the most recent version of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry using histologic and site codes. Read More

Cancers (Basel) 2018 Dec 12;10(12). Epub 2018 Dec 12.

Division of Hematology & Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, University at Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a group of malignancies that originated from neuroendocrine cells, with the most common sites being lungs and the gastrointestinal tract. Lung NETs comprise 25% of all lung malignancies. Small cell lung cancer is the most common form of lung NETs, and other rare forms include well-differentiated typical carcinoids (TCs) and poorly differentiated atypical carcinoids (ACs). Read More

Indian J Surg Oncol 2018 Dec 7;9(4):613-617. Epub 2018 Aug 7.

Parvarish Nursing Home, Andheri, Mumbai, Maharashtra India.

Cancers of the appendix are rare. Most of them are found accidentally on appendectomies performed for appendicitis. When reviewed, majority of the tumors were carcinoid, adenoma, and lymphoma. Read More

Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2019 Feb 8;83(2):375-385. Epub 2018 Dec 8.

Endocrinology, DiMI and CEBR, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.

Purpose: Octreotide SC depot is a novel, ready-to-use formulation administered via a thin needle. In a phase 1 study in healthy volunteers, this formulation provided higher bioavailability of octreotide with faster onset and stronger suppression of IGF-1 in healthy volunteers versus long-acting intramuscular (IM) octreotide. This phase 2 study evaluated the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of octreotide SC depot in patients with acromegaly and functioning NETs, previously treated with octreotide IM. Read More

Dig Dis Sci 2018 Dec 5. Epub 2018 Dec 5.

Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Wearn 244, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.

Background And Aims: Most carcinoid tumors of the gastrointestinal tract are located in the small bowel (SB). Epidemiological studies of these tumors have been limited by small sample sizes. Our aim was to evaluate the epidemiology of SB carcinoids (SBCs) using a large database. Read More

Zhonghua Wei Chang Wai Ke Za Zhi 2018 Nov;21(11):1223-1229

Department of Radiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.

Both malignant tumors derived from gastrointestinal tract and metastasis from peritoneal spread, hematogenous dissemination and lymph node can lead to acute abdomen. Such acute abdomen patients have poor prognosis, high mortality, and complex clinical manifestations. It is difficult to make a correct diagnosis in clinical practice. Read More

Clin Ther 2018 Dec 24;40(12):2006-2020.e2. Epub 2018 Nov 24.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.

Purpose: Patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors and carcinoid syndrome (CS) may experience chronic, recurring symptoms despite somatostatin analogue therapy. Little is known about the relationship between bowel movement (BM) frequency, patient-reported symptoms and health-related quality of life (QoL). Data from the TELESTAR study were used in exploratory, post hoc analyses to understand the relationship between durable reductions in BM frequency, symptom relief, and health-related QoL. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2018 Nov;97(47):e13390

Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.

To evaluate association of carcinoid syndrome (CS) symptom burden and somatostatin analog (SSA) duration with quality of life (QoL) using Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-29) instruments.Adults who received treatment for CS symptoms in the US were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional online survey (July-October, 2016). Demographic, clinical, and QoL questions (FACT-G, 29 CS-related supplemental questions, PROMIS-29) were included. Read More

Klin Onkol 2018 ;31(3):167-177

Background: Tumors arising from neuroendocrine cells are defined as epithelial neoplasms with predominantly neuroendocrine differentiation. They comprise a distinct group of tumors with a characteristic histological structure and functional properties that develop at various sites, particularly the gastrointestinal system (67%) and lungs (25%). Although such tumors are usually slow-growing and indolent, almost all have malignant potential and most can produce active hormones. Read More

JOP 2018 Sep 18;19(5). Epub 2018 Sep 18.

The Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston MA, USA.

Background: Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are neoplasms commonly found within the gastrointestinal tract that originate from endocrine cells. These are slow progressive tumors and often metastasize to other elements of the gastrointestinal tract including the liver. Consequently, these tumors release hormones including serotonin and/or histamine that are responsible for the symptoms including intermittent flushing and diarrhea. Read More

Surgery 2019 Mar 28;165(3):657-663. Epub 2018 Oct 28.

Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH. Electronic address:

Background: The incidence, clinical characteristics, and long-term outcomes of patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendrocrine tumors and carcinoid syndrome undergoing operative resection have not been well characterized.

Methods: Patients undergoing resection of primary or metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendrocrine tumors between 2000 and 2016 were identified from an 8-institution collaborative database. Clinicopathologic and postoperative characteristics as well as overall survival and disease-free survival were compared among patients with and without carcinoid syndrome. Read More

Surgery 2019 Mar 23;165(3):644-651. Epub 2018 Oct 23.

Rush University Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Chicago IL. Electronic address:

Background: Patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors often present with stage IV disease. Primary tumor resection in these patients remains controversial. Herein, we studied the impact of primary tumor removal, identified variables associated with prolonged survival for each neuroendocrine tumor subtype, and determined factors that influence surgeons to perform primary tumor resection. Read More

J BUON 2018 Jul-Aug;23(4):867-871

Department of Surgical Oncology, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia.

Background: Carcinoid tumors are rare tumors most commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. They represent the most common malignancies of the appendix. As a distinct entity from both adenocarcinomas and carcinoids, Goblet cell carcinoid (GCC) was initially described in the literature in 1969. Read More

Pathol Oncol Res 2018 Oct 25. Epub 2018 Oct 25.

Department of Urology, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware St. SE MMC 394, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.

Carcinoid tumors, a slow-growing NET, most commonly arise in the gastrointestinal tract (73.7%), followed by the bronchopulmonary system (25.1%), and least commonly in the genitourinary system (<1%). Read More

Pan Afr Med J 2018 31;30:92. Epub 2018 May 31.

Pôle d'Anesthésie-Réanimation, Hôpital Militaire d'Instruction Mohamed V, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Université Mohamed V, Rabat, Maroc.

Cardiac arrest in the operating room is a life-threatening event with multiple causes. We report the case of a 53-year old female patient with no particular past medical history scheduled for surgery to manage small intestine cancer. Twenty minutes after anesthetic induction the patient had asystole rapidly reversible after resuscitation measures. Read More

CA Cancer J Clin 2018 11 8;68(6):471-487. Epub 2018 Oct 8.

Associate Professor, Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida.

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are heterogeneous malignancies arising from the diffuse neuroendocrine system. They frequently originate in the gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) tract and the bronchopulmonary tree, and their incidence has steadily increased in the last 3 decades. Fundamental biologic and genomic differences underlie the clinical heterogeneity of NETs, and distinct molecular features characterize NETs of different grades and different primary sites. Read More

Endocrine 2018 Oct 2. Epub 2018 Oct 2.

1st Department of Propaupedic Internal Medicine, Endocrine Oncology Unit, Laiko Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.

Objective: Our aim was to assess the prevalence of endocrine paraneoplastic syndromes (EPNS) in neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) and estimate its impact on patient outcomes.

Design: This is a retrospective analysis of 834 patients with NENs (611 gastrointestinal, 166 thoracic, 57 of unknown and various other primary origin). We included 719 consecutive NEN patients treated at EKPA-Laiko Hospital, Athens, Greece and 115 patients with lung carcinoid (LC) treated at Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden. Read More

Int J Surg Case Rep 2018 4;51:275-276. Epub 2018 Sep 4.

Clinical Oncology, University Hospital Interzonal General San Martín of La Plata, Buenos, Argentina.

Introduction: Although carcinoid tumours are a rare gastrointestinal neoplasm with an incidence rate of 1-2.5 cases per 100 000 inhabitants, they are the most common neuroendocrine tumour of the stomach.

Presentation Of Case: A 70-year-old-man consulted for epigastric pain and dyspepsia symptoms. Read More

Case Rep Gastroenterol 2018 May-Aug;12(2):396-401. Epub 2018 Aug 21.

Digestive Disease Associates, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, USA.

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a diverse group of tumors arising throughout the body with a common origin from neuroendocrine cells. Well-differentiated NENs, also known as neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), are generally indolent and are often found incidentally, while poorly differentiated tumors are more aggressive. Carcinoid tumors are NETs arising from the gastrointestinal tract and less commonly from the lungs, thymus, and kidneys. Read More

Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2018 Sep 4;31(5):301-308. Epub 2018 Sep 4.

Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon.

Neuroendocrine tumors, or carcinoid tumors, of both the midgut and hindgut are quite rare, but their incidence is increasing. Surgery is the treatment of choice in patients who can tolerate an operation and have operable disease. Options for the treatment of metastatic disease include cytoreductive surgery, somatostatin analogues, interferon α, local liver therapies (hepatic arterial embolization, ablation), chemotherapy, Peptide-Receptor Radionucleotide Radiotherapy, angiogenesis inhibitors, and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors. Read More

J Thorac Dis 2018 Jul;10(7):3928-3939

Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy.

Background: Broncho-pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors (bpNETs) are rare malignancies and there is no consensus on therapeutical management of metastatic disease and follow-up after radical resection.

Methods: Clinical records of patients with a cytological or histological diagnosis of bpNETs and distant metastases (metachronous or synchronous), evaluated at the European Institute of Oncology between 1997 and 2014, were retrospectively analyzed. Data on patient demographics, pathology, imaging exams, surgical and non-surgical treatments were collected. Read More

Curr Probl Diagn Radiol 2018 Jul 29. Epub 2018 Jul 29.

Department of Radiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA.

A broad spectrum of pathology affects the rectum, anus, and perineum and understanding of its relevant anatomy is important in accurate reporting, particularly in rectal cancer. In this pictorial essay, correlative imaging, endoscopic, pathologic, and operative images are presented to illustrate normal anorectal anatomy and neoplastic conditions that affect the anus and rectum. A particular case-based focus is given to rectal adenocarcinoma with pelvic MR and surgical histopathology. Read More

Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol 2018 Apr-Jun;25(2):81-90

Ocular Oncology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate patients with uveal metastasis based on primary tumor site.

Methods: Retrospective analysis from Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA, for uveal metastasis clinical features and outcomes based on the primary tumor site.

Results: There were 2214 uveal metastases diagnosed in 1111 consecutive patients. Read More

Khirurgiia (Mosk) 2018(8):81-84

City Clinical Hospital #52, Moscow, Russia.

Oncologist 2019 Jan 13;24(1):54-61. Epub 2018 Aug 13.

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA.

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) most commonly arise in the gastroenteropancreatic system and lungs. The incidence of NEN is increasing globally, with improved diagnostic techniques identifying patients with early-stage disease. The number of approved therapies for the treatment of advanced disease has grown substantially in the past decade. Read More

Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 2018 09 11;47(3):645-660. Epub 2018 Jul 11.

1st Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, Athens 11527, Greece. Electronic address:

Gastric carcinoids, formally named gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), are derived from enterochromaffin-like cells of the stomach and are increasingly diagnosed. A majority are designated as type I (related to autoimmune gastritis) and type II (related to gastrinoma) neoplasms that develop secondary to gastrin hypersecretion. Types I and II gastric carcinoids are mostly small-sized (1-2 cm), multiple, low-malignancy potential lesions mainly confined to the gastric mucosa/submucosa. Read More

Drugs Today (Barc) 2018 Jul;54(7):423-432

College of Medicine and Oncology, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.

Telotristat ethyl (Xermelo), developed by Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, is an oral tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor blocking peripheral conversion of tryptophan to serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]). It was approved by the U.S. Read More

United European Gastroenterol J 2018 Jun 16;6(5):739-747. Epub 2018 Jan 16.

Division of Colorectal Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA.

Background: Meckel's diverticulum is present in about 2% of the population. The literature reports 3.2% incidence of tumors within Meckel's diverticulum; the tumors are predominantly benign. Read More

Int J Endocrinol 2018 2;2018:8126087. Epub 2018 Jul 2.

Endocrinological Oncology, Service of Endocrinology, A.O. San Camillo-Forlanini, Rome, Italy.

. Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are characterized by having behavior and prognosis that depend upon tumor histology, primary site, staging, and proliferative index. The symptoms associated with carcinoid syndrome and vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors are treated with octreotide acetate. Read More

Diagn Cytopathol 2018 Sep 25;46(9):730-738. Epub 2018 Jul 25.

Department of Pathology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.

Plexiform fibromyxoma (PF) is a recently-described and rare mesenchymal neoplasm of the gastric wall. A few small case series reports of this spindle cell entity exist in the surgical pathology literature, but to our knowledge no prior endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology examples have been reported. In clinical practice, mural gastrointestinal (GI) lesions are often initially evaluated by endoscopic ultrasound guided (EUS) fine needle aspiration (FNA). Read More

Neuroendocrinology 2018 10;107(3):237-245. Epub 2018 Jul 10.

Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, European Institute of Oncology, IEO, Milan,

Background: In a phase III study, sunitinib led to a significant increase in progression-free survival (PFS) versus placebo in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (panNETs). This study was a post-marketing commitment to support the phase III data.

Methods: In this ongoing, open-label, phase IV trial (NCT01525550), patients with progressive, advanced unresectable/metastatic, well-differentiated panNETs received continuous sunitinib 37. Read More

Drugs 2018 Jun;78(9):941-950

Springer, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand.

Telotristat ethyl (Xermelo), a first-in-class peripheral tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) inhibitor, is approved to treat carcinoid syndrome diarrhoea in combination with somatostatin analogue (SSA) therapy in adults inadequately controlled by SSA therapy alone. Some neuroendocrine tumours secrete serotonin (5-HT) into the blood, resulting in frequent bowel movements (BMs) and other symptoms. Telotristat ethyl inhibits TPH, thereby reducing the production of 5-HT and improving carcinoid syndrome diarrhoea. Read More

Ann Surg Oncol 2018 Aug 18;25(8):2391-2399. Epub 2018 Jun 18.

Division of Medical Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Background: Goblet cell carcinoids (GCCs) of the appendix are rare mucinous neoplasms, for which optimal therapy is poorly described. We examined prognostic clinical and treatment factors in a population-based cohort.

Methods: Patients diagnosed with GCC from 1984 to 2014 were identified from the British Columbia Cancer Agency and the Vancouver Lower Mainland Pathology Archive. Read More

Curr Oncol 2018 Jun 13;25(Suppl 1):S86-S93. Epub 2018 Jun 13.

Medical Oncology, BC Cancer-Vancouver Centre, BC.

Background: Neuroendocrine tumours (nets) are classified by site of origin, with lung being the second most common primary site after the gastrointestinal tract. Lung nets are rare and heterogeneous, with varied pathologic and clinical features. Typical and atypical carcinoid tumours are low-grade lung nets which, compared with the more common high-grade nets, are associated with a more favourable prognosis. Read More