[Chemotherapy for GI and pancreatic NETs]

Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. 2013 Jul;40(7):838-42.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

Neuroendocrine tumors(NETs)describe a heterogeneous group of tumors with a wide range of morphologic, functional, and behavioral characteristics. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors(pNET)are a subset of NETs which are increasing in incidence and prevalence. These tumors are generally slow growing and behave in an indolent fashion. However, when these tumors spread they can be life threatening and difficult to treat with current modalities. Recently, the basic treatment for pNET was changed with the approval of two targeted agents, sunitinib and everolimus. Clinical trials conducting various combinations of somatostatin analogues, mTOR inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and cytotoxic agents are ongoing under-evaluation, and a multitargeted approach to therapy will translate into improved patient outcomes.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Neoplasm Grading
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / drug therapy*
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / genetics
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / pathology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*