Tumores Neuroendocrinos: un desafío transversal / Update on neuroendocrine tumors

Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) encompass a wide variety of tumors arising from neuroendocrine cells, which produce bioactive substances. The incidence of NETs increased significantly lately, becoming one of the most common tumors of the digestive tract. Their clinical presentation is as diverse as their capacity for hormone production. Carcinoid syndrome is the most common hormonal syndrome produced by NETs and is characterized by diarrhea, flushing and cardiac valvular lesions. New research brought multiple changes in the classification of these neoplasms and a new understanding about their diagnosis and treatment, promoting a multidisciplinary approach. Somatostatin analogues, radiation, biological, and cytotoxic drugs have improved the prognosis of these patients, which entails a great challenge for healthcare providers.

Advances in immunotherapy for neuroendocrine neoplasms / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) is a rare and heterogeneous tumor. Different pathologic morphology, differentiation, grade and clinical stages of the tumors had various treatment and prognosis. Patients with recurrent or metastatic NEN have limited treatment options and poor prognosis. In recent years, PD-1 pathway blockade has become integral components of disease management for many cancers. Immunotherapy is being explored in NEN. Studies have shown that the efficacy of immune monotherapy in NEN is limited, and it can be considered for selected patients. Biomarkers for predicting efficacy of immunotherapy include PD-L1 expression, TMB-H, MSI-H/dMMR, etc. Combined regimens of anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, and immune checkpoint inhibitor combined with anti-angiogenic drugs or chemotherapy are promising in patients with NEN, and it is worthwhile to further explore of the responding populations.

Interpretation of updated international guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of gastroenter-opancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms / 中华胃肠外科杂志

The incidence of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) is continuously increasing with gastrointestinal tract and pancreas being the most common primary sites. Currently, the guidelines proposed by European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS), National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (NANETS) are being widely applied. Among these, ENETS and NANETS guidelines were proposed in 2017 while ESMO and NCCN recently updated their guidelines for gastroenteropancreatic NEN in 2020 and 2021, respectively. This article interprets the diagnosis and treatment of gastroenteropancreatic NEN based on the newly updated ESMO and NCCN guidelines. The diagnosis of gastroenteropancreatic NEN depends on histological assessment including morphological evaluation, grading and immunohistochemistry results. Combination of different imaging methods can help determine tumor staging and risk assessment. Decision-making of treatment and follow-up strategies is based on primary tumor site, tumor classification, tumor grade, tumor type, functional status etc.

Tumor neuroendocrino y terapia con lutecio / Neuroendocrine tumor and lutetium therapy / Tumor neuroendócrino e terapia com lutecio

Resumen: Introducción: los tumores neuroendocrinos gastroenteropancreáticos (GEP-NET) son un grupo diversos de tumores de origen en las células neuroendocrinas, la mayoría son esporádicos. Se clasifican según origen, secreción hormonal y diferenciación celular. El tratamiento con péptidos radiomarcados o Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) con lutecio 177-DOTATATE fue aprobado por la FDA en el 2018, ya que ha mostrado buenos resultados en tumores avanzados comparado con otras terapias. Presentamos un caso de una paciente con tumor neuroendocrino pancreático con secundarismo hepático tratada con este fármaco. Caso clínico: paciente de sexo femenino de 65 años, portadora de un tumor neuroendocrino pancreático con secundarismo hepático diagnosticado por biopsia y con expresión de receptores de somatostatina. Por su extensión lesional se indica tratamiento médico con análogos de somatostatina que son mal tolerados, tras lo cual se plantea quimioterapia (QT), con progresión tumoral bajo tratamiento. Dada la mala evolución se inicia tratamiento con PRRT como es lutecio 177-DOTATATE. Se observó que los ciclos con lutecio 177-DOTATATE lograron una disminución mínima del tamaño y de la captación tumoral a nivel pancreático, las metástasis hepáticas no presentaron cambios, y la paciente persistió clínicamente estable. Conclusión: El tratamiento con lutecio 177-DOTATATE en una paciente con un tumor neuroendocrino no funcionante con metástasis, irresecable quirúrgicamente, produjo una respuesta aceptable para un tratamiento paliativo, ya que no se produjo progresión tumoral. La paciente persiste clínicamente estable, asintomática, con un seguimiento a 8 años. El tratamiento con lutecio 177-DOTATATE es una opción efectiva con efectos adversos limitados en tumores GEP-NET irresecables o con metástasis.

Summary: Introduction: gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NET) are a group of several tumors originated in neuroendocrine cells, most of which are sporadic. These tumors are classified according to hormone secretion and cell differentiation. Treatment with radiomarked peptides or Peptide Receptor Radio- nuclide Therapy (PRRT) with lutetium 177-DOTATATE was approved by the FDA in 2018, since it has evidenced good results in advanced tumors compared to other therapies. The study presents the case of a patient with a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor with secondary hepa tic disease who was treated with this drug. Clinical case: 65-year-old female patient carrier of a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor with secondary hepatic disease who was diagnosed with a biopsy and presented somatostatin receptor (SSTR) expression. Given the extension of the lesion, medical treatment is indicated with somatostatin analogues that are poorly tolerated. Consequently, chemotherapy is indicated, with low performance tumor progression. Given the poor outcome, PRRT treatment as lutetium 177-DOTATATE is initiated. Cycles with lutetium 177-DOTATATE were observed to cause a minimum reduction in size and tumor uptake in the liver. Liver metastases evidenced no change and the patient remained clinically stable. Conclusion: lutetium 177-DOTATATE therapy in a patient with a metastatic nonfunctioning neuroendocrine tumor, that could not be surgically resected produced an acceptable response for palliative treatment, since the tumor failed to progress. The patient continues to be clinically stable, asymptomatic, after 8 years of follow-up. Lutetium 177-DOTATATE therapy constitutes an effective option with limited side effects in unresectable GEP-NET tumors, or in the presence of metas tases.

Resumo: Introdução: os tumores neuroendócrinos gastroenteropancreáticos (GEP-NET) são um grupo diverso de tumores de origem em células neuroendócrinas, a maioria das quais esporádicos. São classificados de acordo com a origem, secreção hormonal e diferenciação celular. O tratamento com peptídeos radiomarcados ou terapia com radionuclídeos com receptor de peptídeos (PRRT) com 177 Lutecio-Dotatate foi aprovado pela FDA em 2018, pois mostrou bons resultados em tumores avançados em comparação com outras terapias. Apresentamos o caso de um paciente com tumor neuroendócrino pancreático com secundarismo hepático tratado com esse medicamento. Caso clínico: paciente do sexo feminino, 65 anos, portadora de tumor neuroendócrino pancreático com doença hepática secundária diagnosticada por biópsia e com expressão de receptores de somatostatina. Devido à extensão da lesão, o tratamento clínico é indicado com análogos da somatostatina que são pouco tolerados, após o que se considera a quimioterapia (TC), com progressão do tumor em tratamento. Dada a má evolução, foi iniciado tratamento com PRRT, como o 177 Lutecio-Dotatate. Observou-se que os ciclos com 177 Lutecio-Dotatate obtiveram diminuição mínima no tamanho e captação do tumor em nível pancreático, as metástases hepáticas não apresentaram alterações e o paciente manteve-se clinicamente estável. Conclusão: o tratamento com 177Lutecio-Dotatate em um paciente com tumor neuroendócrino não funcionante com metástases, não ressecável cirurgicamente, produziu uma resposta aceitável para o tratamento paliativo, uma vez que não ocorreu progressão do tumor. O paciente permanece clinicamente estável, assintomático, com seguimento de 8 anos. O tratamento com 177Lu-Dotatate é uma opção eficaz com efeitos adversos limitados em tumores GEP-NET não ressecáveis ou metastáticos.

Chinese expert consensus on lung and thymus neuroendocrine neoplasms / 中华肿瘤杂志

Lung and thymus neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are rare tumors. According to the fifth edition of the World Health Organization classification of thoracic tumors published in 2021, lung and thymus NENs include typical carcinoids, atypical carcinoids, large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas, and small cell carcinomas. Although the incidence of lung and thymus NENs has gradually increased in recent years, there is a lack of randomized controlled clinical study results to guide clinical practice. The treatment of early-stage lung and thymus NENs is complete surgical resection, and the treatment methods for unresectable advanced diseases include different medical treatments, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, and local therapy. To improve the standardization of diagnosis and treatment of lung and thymus NENs in China, the Expert Committee of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms, Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology developed the expert consensus after multidisciplinary expert discussions based on existing clinical study evidences and guidelines from different neuroendocrine tumor societies. The contents of the consensus cover the epidemiology, diagnosis, pathological classification, staging, treatment and follow-up of lung and thymus NENs (except small cell lung cancer).

Experiencia en Tumores Neuroendocrinos del Tracto Gastrointestinal / Experience in Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Antecedentes: Los TNE-GEP son raros y se originan en el sistema endocrino localizado en el tubo gastrointestinal (carcinoides) y en el páncreas (tumores insulares) con una gran variedad de presentaciones clínicas. Diseño: Cooperativo, Retrospectivo y protocolizado Material y Métodos: Entre enero del 2005 y diciembre del 2018, un trabajo cooperativo, con el Servicio de Guardia Central del HNC, Servicio de Cirugía General "Pablo Luis Mirizzi" del HNC y Clínica Privada Caraffa, se intervinieron quirúrgicamente 24 pacientes con TNEGEP. Del total, 14 pertenecían al sexo femenino (58.3 %) y los 10 restantes al masculino (41.6 %), con un rango etario entre 20 y 82 años de edad con un promedio de 55.3 años. Resultados: La localizaciones fueron 4 de estómago (16.6 %), 14 en intestino (58.3 %) y finalmente 6 en la cabeza del páncreas (25 %). En relación al estómago en los 4 pacientes se llevó a cabo una gastrectomía total y la anatomía patológica en tres demostró carcinoma neuroendocrino de bajo grado y el cuarto de alto grado, falleciendo esta última. Las lesiones de intestino 5 de apéndice menores de 1 cm. La anatomía patológica fue apendicitis aguda más, un Carcinoma neuroendocrino de bajo grado. En región ileocecal, en cuatro se realizó hemicolectomía derecha. En tres eran carcinoma de bajo grado que viven y cuarto de alto grado con mtts hepáticas que falleció. En tres de íleon todos fueron oclusivos, llevándose a cabo resecciones intestinales, en dos carcinomas de bajo grado y ultimo de moderado grado con metástasis (mtts) hepáticas que vive. Los tumores de colon fueron, uno ascendente con mtts hepáticas y se realizó colectomía derecha más resecciones hepáticas, siendo la anatomía patológica un carcinoma de alto grado y otro un colon descendente de bajo grado. Las 6 lesiones de páncreas, 3 fueron no funcionantes y otras tres funcionantes. A todos se les practico DPC. Conclusiones: Los TNE-GEP son una patología rara cuya frecuencia es de aparición constante. Con la mejora de los métodos de imágenes, nos encontramos ante un aumento de la presunción preoperatoria y ante sus mejores posibilidades oncológicas, una patología que todo cirujano debe conocer y pensar.

Background: Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT)- are rare and are originated in the endocrine system located in the gastrointestinal tract (carcinoids) and in the pancreas (islet cell tumors) with a variety of clinical presentations. Design: Cooperative, retrospective. Method: Between January 2005 and December 2018, a cooperative work in the Central Guard Service of the HNC, General Surgery Service "Pablo Luis Mirizzi" of the HNC and Caraffa Private Clinic, 24 patients with NET-GIT underwent surgical treatment. Of the total, 14 were females (58.3%) and the remaining 10 (41.6%) were men aged 20 to 82 years, with an average of 55.3 years. Results: The locations were 4 in the stomach (16.6%), 14 in the intestine (58.3%) and finally, 6 in the head of the pancreas (25%). In relation to the stomach, in 4 patients total gastrectomies were performed, and the pathological anatomy in three demonstrated a low-grade of neuroendocrine carcinoma and in the fourth a high degree; the latter. 5 patients died with a clinical presentation of acute appendicitis. The pathological anatomy was further acute appendicitis, a low-grade of neuroendocrine carcinoma.In the ileum-cecal region,and four of it underwent a right colectomy. In three there was a low-grade living and fourth high-grade carcinoma with liver mtts who died. In three of the ileum all were occlusive, carrying out intestinal resections, in two low- and last-grade moderate-grade carcinomas with living liver metastasis (mtts).. The colonic tumors were, one ascending with hepatic mtts and right colectomy more liver resections, with pathological anatomy being a high-grade carcinoma and another a low-grade in the descending colon. From the 6 pancreatic lesions, 3 were non-functioning and three functioning. All patients were operated of CPD. Conclusion: NET-GIT is a rare pathology but whose frequency is in constantly rise With improved imaging methods, we are faced with an increase in preoperative presumption and in the face of its best oncological possibilities, a pathology that every surgeon must know and think about.

Tumor neuroendocrino Tipo 1: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Localized neuroendocrine tumor of the stomach: a case report and literature review

Resumen Introducción: Los tumores neuroendocrinos (TNE), son tumores compuestos por células productoras de péptidos y aminas. Los TNE gástricos, representan el 1% de todas las neoplasias, sin embargo su incidencia ha ido en aumento. Son generalmente asintomáticos y no funcionantes. El tratamiento es generalmente la resección local. Caso Clínico: paciente de 48 años con sospecha de cáncer gástrico; su estudio demuestra un TNE gástrico bien diferenciado tipo 1. Se realiza etapificación y se define en comité oncológico la vigilancia endoscópica. El hallazgo de un TNE, en el estudio de cáncer gástrico, es un hallazgo poco frecuente. Debido al aumento progresivo en la realización de endoscopías digestivas altas, secundario a la alta prevalencia de cáncer gástrico en nuestro país, se espera que aumenten hallazgos como un TNE. Es por esto que realizamos una revisión de la literatura y planteamos algunas conclusiones al respecto.

Introduction: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are composed of cells that produce peptides and amines. Gastric NETs represent 1% of all neoplasms; however their incidence has been increasing. They are usually asymptomatic and non-functioning. The treatment is usually local resection. Case Report: We present the case of a 48-year-old patient who was suspected of gastric cancer; her study shows a well-differentiated type 1 gastric NET. Staging is performed and endoscopic surveillance is defined in the oncology board. The finding of a NET, in the study of gastric cancer, is a rare finding. Due to the progressive increase in the performance of upper gastrointestinal endoscopies, secondary to the high prevalence of gastric cancer in our country, it is expected to increase findings as a NET. That is why we conducted a review of the literature and made some conclusions about it.

Neuroendocrine tumor in a child with common variable immunodeficiency / Tumor neuroendócrino em criança com imunodeficiência comum variável

ABSTRACT Objective: To report a case of a child with primary immunodeficiency who at eight years developed digestive symptoms, culminating with the diagnosis of a neuroendocrine tumor at ten years of age. Case description: One-year-old boy began to present recurrent pneumonias in different pulmonary lobes. At four years of age, an immunological investigation showed a decrease in IgG and IgA serum levels. After the exclusion of other causes of hypogammaglobinemia, he was diagnosed with a Common Variable Immunodeficiency and started to receive monthly replacement of human immunoglobulin. The patient evolved well, but at 8 years of age began with epigastrium pain and, at 10 years, chronic persistent diarrhea and weight loss. After investigation, a neuroendocrine tumor was diagnosed, which had a rapid progressive evolution to death. Comments: Medical literature has highlighted the presence of gastric tumors in adults with Common Variable Immunodeficiency, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and the investigation of digestive neoplasms. Up to now there is no description of neuroendocrine tumor in pediatric patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency. We believe that the hypothesis of digestive neoplasm is important in children with Common Variable Immunodeficiency and with clinical manifestations similar to the case described here in the attempt to improve the prognosis for pediatric patients.

RESUMO Objetivo: Relatar um caso de criança portadora de imunodeficiência primária que, aos oito anos, desenvolveu sintomas digestivos, culminando com o diagnóstico de tumor neuroendócrino aos dez anos de idade. Descrição do caso: Menino, com um ano de idade, começou a apresentar pneumonias de repetição em diferentes lobos pulmonares. Aos quatro anos, a investigação imunológica mostrou diminuição dos níveis séricos de IgG e IgA. Após exclusão de outras causas de hipogamaglobulinemia, teve diagnóstico de imunodeficiência comum variável, passando a receber reposição mensal de imunoglobulina humana. Evoluiu bem, porém, aos oito anos, começou com epigastralgia e, aos dez anos, diarreia crônica persistente e perda de peso. O quadro culminou com o diagnóstico de tumor neuroendócrino intestinal, de rápida progressão, com óbito do paciente. Comentários: A literatura tem chamado a atenção para tumores gástricos em adultos com imunodeficiência comum variável, alertando para a importância do diagnóstico precoce e da pesquisa de neoplasias digestivas. Até o momento, não há descrição de tumor neuroendócrino em pacientes pediátricos portadores de imunodeficiência comum variável. Acredita-se ser importante a hipótese de neoplasia digestiva diante de crianças com imunodeficiência comum variável e com manifestações clínicas semelhantes ao caso descrito, na tentativa de melhorar o prognóstico para pacientes pediátricos.

Tumores neuroendocrinos: Experiencia interdisciplinaria del hospital privado de comunidad / Neuroendocrine tumors: Interdisciplinary experience of the Private Community Hospital

Resumen Los tumores neuroendocrinos (TNE) constituyen un grupo heterogéneo de neoplasias poco frecuentes con un aumento sostenido de la incidencia en los últimos años. Se originan en las células neuroendocrinas, los más frecuentes son los del sistema gastrointestinal y la mayoría son esporádicos, aunque pueden ser parte de síndromes hereditarios. El manejo de esta patología es interdisciplinario y el endocrinólogo tiene un rol activo en estos grupos. Evaluamos retrospectivamente pacientes con diagnóstico de TNE en un periodo de 18 años (01/01/2000 al 31/12/2017). Ciento cinco pacientes presentaron TNE, la edad promedio al momento del diagnóstico fue de 57,6 años y predominó el sexo femenino (64%). Predominaron los de origen gastroenteropancreático (TNEGEP) bien diferenciados y de bajo grado, el 39% se presentó con metástasis al momento del diagnóstico, el 11% de ellos fueron funcionantes (gastrinoma e insulinomas), el 17% presento síndrome carcinoide, el 94% de ellos recibió algún tipo de tratamiento y el 29% recibió análogos de somatostatina (ASS). No hubo diferencia en la cantidad de casos entre el carcinoma medular de tiroides (dos de ellos con NEM-2) y los broncopulmonares donde predominó el carcinoide típico. Los TNE tímicos fueron de gran tamaño y uno de ellos como parte de NEM -1. Los feocromocitomas fueron esporádicos, unilaterales y curaron con la cirugía y los de origenovárico fueron menos frecuentes. Conclusiones: La incidencia de los TNE está en aumento en todo el mundo, se presentan alrededor de la sexta década, sin predominancia de género y la mayoría son esporádicos. Nuestra casuística tiene la limitación de ser un trabajo retrospectivo que incluye casi dos décadas y donde la clasificación de los TNE ha sufrido grandes cambios. Sin embargo, no existe en la literatura argentina una serie con mayor número de casos reportados por una única institución, de una patología poco frecuente y constituye un significativo aporte a la epidemiología de estos tumores en nuestro país.

Abstract One hundred and five patients were diagnosed with NETs. The mean age of presentation was 57.6 years (R: 18/86). Patients were predominantly female (64%), with an increase in presentation of 50% in recent years. Well differentiated, low-grade GEPNETs were predominant. Metastases at the time of diagnosis were seen in 39% of patients. In 11% of them, tumors were functional (gastrinoma and insulinomas). Carcinoid syndrome was present 17% of the patients and 29% received somatostatin analogues (AS). There were no differences presentation between medullary thyroid carcinoma (two of them were part of a MEN-2 syndrome) and those of bronchopulmonary localization, where the typical carcinoid predominated. Thymic NETs were frequently large at diagnosis and in one patient, the tumor was part of a MEN-1 syndrome. Pheochromocytomas were sporadic, unilateral and were cured with surgery. The ovarian were the least common in our series.

Carcinoid syndrome: update on the pathophysiology and treatment

Approximately 30-40% of patients with well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors present with carcinoid syndrome, which is a paraneoplastic syndrome associated with the secretion of several humoral factors. Carcinoid syndrome significantly and negatively affects patients' quality of life; increases costs compared with the costs of nonfunctioning neuroendocrine tumors; and results in changes in patients' lifestyle, such as diet, work, physical activity and social life. For several decades, patients with neuroendocrine tumors and carcinoid syndrome have been treated with somatostatin analogues as the first-line treatment. While these agents provide significant relief from carcinoid syndrome symptoms, there is inevitable clinical progression, and new therapeutic interventions are needed. More than 40 substances have been identified as being potentially related to carcinoid syndrome; however, their individual contributions in triggering different carcinoid symptoms or complications, such as carcinoid heart disease, remain unclear. These substances include serotonin (5-HT), which appears to be the primary marker associated with the syndrome, as well as histamine, kallikrein, prostaglandins, and tachykinins. Given the complexity involving the origin, diagnosis and management of patients with carcinoid syndrome, we have undertaken a comprehensive review to update information about the pathophysiology, diagnostic tools and treatment sequence of this syndrome, which currently comprises a multidisciplinary approach.

Gastric neuroendocrine tumor: review and update / Tumor neuroendócrino gástrico: revisão e atualização

ABSTRACT Introduction: The frequency of gastric neuroendocrine tumors is increasing. Reasons are the popularization of endoscopy and its technical refinements. Despite this, they are still poorly understood and have complex management. Aim: Update the knowledge on gastric neuroendocrine tumor and expose the future perspectives on the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Method: Literature review using the following databases: Medline/PubMed, Cochrane Library and SciELO. Search terms were: gastric carcinoid, gastric neuroendocrine tumor, treatment. From the selected articles, 38 were included in this review. Results: Gastric neuroendocrine tumors are classified in four clinical types. Correct identification of the clinical type and histological grade is fundamental, since treatment varies accordingly and defines survival. Conclusion: Gastric neuroendocrine tumors comprise different subtypes with distinct management and prognosis. Correct identification allows for a tailored therapy. Further studies will clarify the diseases biology and improve its treatment.

RESUMO Introdução: A frequência de tumores neuroendócrinos gástricos está aumentando. As razões são a popularização da endoscopia e seus refinamentos técnicos. Apesar disso, os gástricos ainda são pouco compreendidos e têm manejo complexo. Objetivo: Atualizar os conhecimentos nos tumores neuroendócrinos gástricos e expor as perspectivas futuras no diagnóstico e tratamento. Método: Revisão da literatura utilizando as seguintes bases de dados: Medline/PubMed, Cochrane Library e SciELO. Os descritores da busca foram: carcinóide gástrico, tumor neuroendócrino gástrico, tratamento. Dos artigos selecionados, 38 foram incluídos nesta revisão. Resultados: Tumores neuroendócrinos gástricos são classificados em quatro tipos clínicos. A identificação correta do tipo clínico e grau histológico é fundamental, pois a conduta é variável e define a sobrevida. Conclusão: Tumor neuroendócrino gástrico possui diferentes subtipos com tratamento e prognóstico distintos. A identificação correta destes e seu entendimento permite o tratamento individualizado. Estudos futuros ajudarão a esclarecer a biologia desta doença e melhorar o tratamento.

Primary neuroendocrine neoplasm of the esophagus – Report of 14 cases from a single institute and review of the literature / Neoplasia neuroendócrina primária de esôfago - Relato de 14 casos e revisão de literatura

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Most prevalent esophageal neoplasm is squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Other tumors are uncommon and poorly studied. Primary neuroendocrine esophageal neoplasm is a rare carcinoma and most of its therapy management is based on lung neuroendocrine studies. Neuroendocrine tumors can be clustered in the following subtypes: high grade (small cell carcinoma or large cell carcinoma) and low grade (carcinoids). OBJECTIVE The present study aims to assess clinical and pathological neuroendocrine esophageal tumors in a single oncologic center. METHODS A retrospective analysis of patients and review of the literatures was performed. RESULTS Fourteen patients were identified as neuroendocrine tumors, 11 male and 3 female patients. Mean age was 67.3 years old. Ten patients were classified as small cell, 3 as large cell and 1 as carcinoid. Four patients presented squamous cell carcinoma simultaneously and 1 also presented adenocarcinoma. Main sites of metastasis were liver, peritoneum, lung and bones. Most patients died before 2 years of follow-up. Patient with longer survival died at 35 months after diagnosis. CONCLUSION Neuroendocrine esophageal tumors are rare; affect mainly men in their sixties or seventies. High grade tumors can be mixed to other subtypes neoplasms, such as adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Most of these patients have poor overall survival rates.

RESUMO CONTEXTO As neoplasias esofágicas mais prevalentes são o adenocarcinoma e o carcinoma espinocelular. Outros subtipos histológicos são incomuns e pouco estudados. Neoplasia neuroendócrina esofágica é uma patologia rara e seu manejo atualmente se baseia nos conhecimentos prévios de tumores neuroendócrinos de pulmão. Tumores neuroendócrinos podem ser divididos nas seguintes formas: alto grau (pequenas células ou grandes célula) e baixo grau (carcinoides). OBJETIVO Avaliar clínica e patologicamente os tumores de esôfago em um centro oncológico referenciado. MÉTODOS Foi realizada análise retrospectiva e revisão da literatura de neoplasias neuroendócrinas de esôfago. RESULTADOS Foram identificados 14 pacientes com tumores neuroendócrino, sendo 11 homens, 3 mulheres. Idade média foi de 67,3 anos de idade. Desses pacientes, 10 foram classificados como pequenas células, 3 como grandes células e 1 como carcinoide. Foram encontrados quatro casos de tumor misto neuroendócrino e carcinoma espinocelular, e um caso de tumor misto adenoneuroendócrino. Principal sítio de metástases foi fígado, peritônio, pulmão e ossos. A maioria dos pacientes foi a óbito em até 2 anos de seguimento. Paciente com sobrevida mais longa foi a óbito após 35 meses do diagnóstico. CONCLUSÃO Neoplasias neuroendócrinas de esôfago são raras, afetam principalmente o sexo masculino na 7ª ou 8ª década de vida. A maioria dos pacientes com tumores de alto grau tem sobrevida curta.

Tumor neuroendocrino ileal con síndrome carcinoide, patología de difícil diagnóstico y pronóstico variable / Ileal neuroendocrine tumor with carcinoid syndrome, neoplasia of difficult diagnosis and variable prognosis

Los tumores neuroendocrinos (TNE) presentan dificultad en el diagnóstico por sus síntomas inespecíficos y el manejo es un reto. Se presenta el caso de un varón de 78 años de edad, con dolor crónico en hemiabdomen superior. Ingresó a emergencia con obstrucción intestinal y síntomas de síndrome carcinoide (SC). En cirugía se resecó tumor ileal con resultado anatomopatológico de tumor neuroendocrino, cromogranina positivo, índice proliferativo ki 67 de 2 a 3 por ciento. El paciente continuó con síntomas de SC, altos niveles de 5-HIA, metástasis hepáticas en RMN. Se inició octreotide con adecuada respuesta clínica. La experiencia con el presente caso indica estar alerta con los síntomas de TNE funcionantes, debido al aumento en su incidencia. Es de utilidad solicitar marcadores inmunohistoquimicos. La identificación de un TNE con índice de mitosis y proliferación bajo indica buen pronóstico...

The neuroendocrine tumor (NET) is of difficult diagnosis due to nonspecific symptoms; management is also a challenge. We present the case of a 78 year-old male who suffered of chronic upper abdominal pain and was admitted to emergency with intestinal obstruction and symptoms of carcinoid syndrome (CS). At surgery an ileal tumor was resected with pathology report of NET positive for chromogranin A and ki 67 proliferative index of 2-3 per cent. The patient continued with CS symptoms and presented high levels of 5-HIAA and liver metastases by MRI. Octreotide was started with good outcome. Experience with this case indicates to be alert at symptoms of functioning NET, due to an increase in its incidence. It is useful to request immunohistochemical markers. Identification of NET with low grade mitosis and proliferation signal good prognosis...

Síndrome de Cushing ACTH Dependiente, secreción ectópica: desarrollo de un caso / ACTH Dependent Cushing Syndrome due to ectopic secretion: report of a case

Se presenta el caso de un paciente varón de 32 años, derivado a nuestro servicio para evaluación de cuadro de 8 meses de evolución caracterizado por edema y rubicundez facial, obesidad central, edema en miembros inferiores e hipertensión arterial, compatible con síndrome de Cushing clínico. Aportaba estudios previos con cortisol séríco 29,8 y 33 µg/dl (determinaciones realizadas con un mes de diferencia), ACTH 72,8 pg/ml, cortisol salival 2,1 µg/dl, cortisol libre urinario (CLU) 993,4 µg/24 hs. Los estudios imagenológicos (ecografía doppler renal, TAC de abdomen y pelvis c/contraste oral y e.v., TAC de cráneo s/contraste y RMI de cráneo c/contraste e.v.) no aportaron datos relevantes. Se confirmó bioquímicamente el síndrome de Cushing dependiente de ACTH: cortisol sérico (8 hs) 34,8 µg/dl, ACTH (8 hs) 72 pg/ml, cortisol libre urinario 828 µg/24 hs. El test de Nugent no mostró freno. El test de Liddle (8 mg oral dexametasona 23 hs) produjo un descenso del cortisol plasmático de solo 21%. La función tiroidea, las gonadotrofinas y la prolactina séricas eran normales. La radiografía de tórax mostró mediastino ensanchado e imagen nodular parahiliar basal derecha; esto se confirmó por TAC. La formación nodular medía 20 x 13mm, era de bordes lisos y aspecto inespecífico. Se exploró quirúrgicamente esta lesión, con diagnóstico intraoperatorio de población linfoide de pequeño tamaño. Se realizó nodulectomía por toracotomía con la sospecha de lesión linfoproliferativa. El diagnóstico anatomopatológico definitivo: tumor neuroendócrino bien diferenciado ...

The case of a male patient aged 32, referred to our service for evaluation of 8-month history of facial redness and edema,central obesity, lower limb edema and arterial hypertension consistent with clinical Cushing syndrome is presented. He hadprevious studies showing serum cortisol 29.8 and 33 mg/dl (determinations performed one month apart), ACTH 72.8 pg/ml, salivary cortisol 2.1 µg/dl, urinary free cortisol (UFC) 993.4 µg/24 h. Imaging studies (renal ultrasound doppler, CTof the abdomen and pelvis with oral and iv contrast, skull CT without contrast and skull RMI with iv contrast) did notprovide relevant data. Serum cortisol (8 hours) 34.8 µg/dl, ACTH (8 h) 72 pg/ml, urinary free cortisol 828 µg/24 h: anACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome was biochemically confirmed. Nugent’s test was negative. Overnight Liddle’s test (8mg oral dexamethasone 23 h) resulted in a modest decrease (21%) in plasma cortisol. Thyroid function, serum gonadotropinsand prolactin were normal. The chest radiograph showed widened mediastinum and a right basal parahilar nodularimage; this was confirmed by CT. The nodule measured 20 x 13 mm, it had smooth edges and nonspecific appearance. Thislesion was explored surgically, with intraoperative diagnosis of small lymphoid population. Lumpectomy was performed bythoracotomy The final pathological diagnosis was well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumo...

Tumores neuroendocrinos del páncreas / Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are infrequent and slow-growing neoplasms. They are classified basedon their clinical presentation as functioning and nonfunctioning tumors. The most common functionaltumors are the insulinoma and gastrinoma. They can be sporadic or be part of hereditary forms as MEN-1.The diagnosis is based on the detection of the specific clinical syndrome in association of high levels of the substance secreted by the tumor and conventional imaging studies or others such as stimulation tests, somatostatin receptor scintigraphy and endoscopic ultrasound. In general, these tumors have a better prognosis than the pancreatic adenocarcinoma and they can show metastasis to the liver and infrequently, in bones. The treatment can be managed medically diminishing the inappropriate secretion of the substances by the tumor using, for example, the somatostatin analogs. Surgery should be always considered, especially in case of insulinomas, small non-functioning tumors, and small gastrinomas that can be managed with surgery enucleation. More advanced resective surgery, such as Whipple resection, are not routinely recommended and they should be limited to selected patients. In advanced tumors, there are other treatment alternatives, for example, hepatic resection, radiofrequency, chemotherapy and new agents such as sunitinib and everolimus.

Los tumores neuroendocrinos pancreáticos son infrecuentes y de crecimiento lento. Se clasifican en tumores funcionantes o no funcionantes (TNEP-NF), de acuerdo a la presentación clínica. Los tumores funcionantes más frecuentes son los insulinomas y los gastrinomas. Pueden ocurrir en forma esporádica o asociados a síndromes hereditarios como la NEM- 1, entre otros. El diagnóstico se basa en la detección del síndrome clínico específico asociado a la demostración de niveles elevados de la sustancia secretada y exámenes imagenológicos convencionales u otros más específicos como de estimulación, cintigrafía de receptores de somatostatina y endosonografía. En general, tienen mejor pronóstico que los adenocarcinomas pancreáticos y pueden dar metástasis hepáticas y con menor frecuencia, óseas. El tratamiento puede ser médico disminuyendo la secreción inapropiada de las sustancias producidas por el tumor como los análogos de somatostatina. La cirugía siempre debe ser considerada, especialmente en caso de insulinomas, pequeños TNEP-NF, y gastrinomas pequeños, que pueden ser tratados con enucleación quirúrgica. Las cirugías resectivas más avanzadas, como la operación de Whipple no están recomendadas en forma rutinaria y sólo deben ser utilizadas en pacientes seleccionados. En casos de tumores avanzados, existen alternativas de tratamiento, como la resección hepática, radiofrecuencia, quimioterapia, y terapia con nuevos agentes en estudio como el sunitinib y everolimus.

Neuroendocrine tumors: a registry of 1000 patients / Tumores neuroendócrinos: registro de 1000 pacientes

Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) can originate diffusely in most organs, with varying clinical presentations. The relative rarity of these tumors, previously referred to as carcinoids, encouraged several centers worldwide to study NET. Since 2003, a similar group was established in , the GETNE - Grupo de Estudo de Tumores Neuroendocrinos (Neuroendocrine Tumors Study Group) that included 32 centers, from all regions of Brasil. A patient database was initiated, collecting information about NET, regardless of the site of origin. OBJECTIVES: The present study shows initial results of 1000 patients included. METHODS: Descriptive statistical analyses, as well as overall survival rates for different groups of NET patients registered by GETNE. RESULTS: Most patients presented with thoracic NET (71.6 percent), while 20.2 percent had gastro-entero-pancreatic tumors. Median follow-up of all patients included was 33.7 months (range 1-141 months). At the time of the analysis, 29.3 percent of the patients were still alive (of these, 45.7 percent were alive with no evidence of disease). CONCLUSION: This is the largest database of NET in, and further accrual of new patients, as well as individual study results are expected in the near future.

Os tumores neuroendócrinos (TNE) podem se originar da maioria dos órgãos com apresentação clínica variável. A relativa raridade destes tumores, previamente classificados como carcinóides, levou vários centros no mundo a realizar estudos específicos dos TNE. A partir de 2003, um grupo similar foi criado no , GETNE- Grupo de Estudo de Tumores Neuroendocrinos, que incluiu 32 centros médicos de várias regiões do Brasil. Um arquivo de pacientes foi criado, registrando informações individuais sobre TNE, independente do órgão de origem. OBJETIVOS: O presente estudo apresenta os resultados dos primeiros 1000 pacientes incluídos. MÉTODOS: Análise estatística descritiva, assim como análises de sobrevida global dos pacientes registrados no GETNE. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos pacientes foi admitida com TNE torácicos (71,6 por cento), enquanto 20,2 por cento tiveram TNE gastro-entero-pacnreáticos. O seguimento mediano foi de 33,7 meses (variando entre 1-141 meses). Ao término desta análise, 29,3 por cento dos pacientes ainda estavam vivos (destes, 45,7 por cento vivos sem evidência de doença). CONCLUSÃO: Este representa o maior arquivo de TNE no , e a inclusão de novos pacientes, assim como estudos específicos, são esperados no futuro próximo.

Tumores neuroendocrinos: una revisión sobre los aspectos clínicos, diagnóstico y tratamiento / Neuroendocrine tumors: a review of the clinical aspects, diagnosis and treatment

El estudio de los tumores neuroendocrinos ha sido objeto de interés por la ciencia médica. Se han desarrollado diversos métodos para su diagnóstico, tratamiento y pronóstico, cada uno con sus ventajas e inconvenientes. Los resultados publicados son experiencias de otros países, que sería de mucha utilidad aplicar en el nuestro, para aproximarse a la prevalencia real de estos tumores en nuestro medio y tener un tratamiento adecuado de los pacientes afectados con esta enfermedad. El objetivo de este trabajo es brindar una panorámica de las tendencias actuales acerca de los aspectos clínicos, diagnóstico y tratamiento de los tumores neuroendocrinos, que sirva como herramienta de trabajo para la práctica médica y para la actividad docente de los médicos relacionados con el tema(AU)

The study of neuroendocrine tumors has been object of interests by medical science. Different methods have been developed for their diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, each of them with its advantages and inconveniences. The published results are based on the experience of other countries, and it would be very useful to apply them in our country to get closer to the real incidence of these tumors in our environment and to have an adequate treatment of the patients affected with this disease. The objective of this paper is to offer a view of the current trends as regards the clinical aspects, the diagnosis and treatment of the neuroendocrine tumors that serves as a working tool for medical practice and for the teaching activity of the physicians related to this topic(AU)

Carcinome neuro-endocrine sur oesophage de braaett rapport d'un cas

The neuroendocrine tumours of the oesophagus are exceptional. They are a spectrum of heterogeneous tumours often not clearly defined in the literature. We report a case of moderately differentiated neuroendocrine tumour of the oesophagus arising from barrett's mucosa in 51- year- old man treated surgically and who was free of disease 28 months after excision. We discuss about this case, the classification, the histogenesis and therapeutic approaches of these tumours