Unmet Medical Needs in Pulmonary Neuroendocrine (Carcinoid) Neoplasms

Neuroendocrinology. 2019;108(1):7-17. doi: 10.1159/000493980. Epub 2018 Sep 24.

Abstract

Pulmonary carcinoids (PCs) display the common features of all well-differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) and are classified as low- and intermediate-grade malignant tumours (i.e., typical and atypical carcinoid, respectively). There is a paucity of randomised studies dedicated to advanced PCs and management principles are drawn from the larger gastroenteropancreatic NEN experience. There is growing evidence that NEN anatomic subgroups have different biology and different responses to treatment and, therefore, should be investigated as separate entities in clinical trials. In this review, we discuss the existing evidence and limitations of tumour classification, diagnostics and staging, prognostication, and treatment in the setting of PC, with focus on unmet medical needs and directions for the future.

Keywords: Bronchial carcinoid tumours; NET; Neuroendocrine neoplasms; Pulmonary carcinoids.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomedical Research / trends*
  • Carcinoid Tumor* / classification
  • Carcinoid Tumor* / diagnosis
  • Carcinoid Tumor* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms* / classification
  • Lung Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Lung Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors* / classification
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors* / diagnosis
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors* / drug therapy
  • Prognosis