A neuroendocrine biomarker revolution from monoanalyte to multianalyte biomarkers in non-functioning gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2024 Nov:203:104460. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104460. Epub 2024 Aug 15.

Abstract

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) arise from neuroendocrine cells in a wide variety of organs. One of the most affected disease sites is the gastrointestinal system, which originates the gastro-entero-pancreatic NENs (GEP-NENs), a heterogenous group of malignancies that are rapidly increasing in incidence. These tumors can be functioning, with secretory activity leading to identifiable clinical syndromes, or non-functioning, with no secretory activity but with local symptoms of tumor growth and metastasis. A limitation in biomarkers is a crucial unmet need in non-secretory NEN management, as clinical decision-making is made more difficult by obstacles in tumor classification, prognostic evaluation, assessment of treatment response and surveillance. The objective of this review is to present existing and novel biomarkers for NENs that can function as prognostic factors and monitor disease progression or regression longitudinally, with a special emphasis on innovative research into novel multianalyte biomarkers.

Keywords: Biomarkers; Liver transplant; Neuroendocrine tumors; Oncology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor* / analysis
  • Biomarkers, Tumor* / metabolism
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Intestinal Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Intestinal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors* / diagnosis
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors* / metabolism
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors* / pathology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Prognosis
  • Stomach Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Stomach Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Stomach Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor

Supplementary concepts

  • Gastro-enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor