Endocrine Abstracts

Chemotherapy has historically been the ‘work horse’ of medical oncology. An improved understanding of the biological behavious of neuroendocrine neoplasms has led to decision-making based on pathological characterisation of neuroendocrine neoplasms in to well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) vs poorly-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). Platinum/etoposide has an established role in high-grade NECs with high responses, although these are often...

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are a heterogeneous, uncommon tumours for whom there have been few practice-changing clinical studies. Sub-groups of patients may be defined by site of origin, histological sub-type, mitotic activity and evidence of disease progression.Chemotherapy is active in patients with advanced pancreatic NETs; however, benefits are modest and associated with significant (albeit manageable) toxicity. Additional treatment options are sp...

Introduction: Platinum-etoposide chemotherapy is a globally established chemotherapy combination for EP-G3-NEC. However, there are many different schedules for such chemotherapy, and the preferred one for EP-G3-NEC has not been established.Methods: An international survey was created, and completed by colleagues with an expertise in the field of neuroendocrine neoplasms. The aim was to explore which schedules of platinum-etoposide chemotherapy are used a...

Background: Liver embolisation is one of the treatment options available for patients diagnosed with neuro-endocrine neoplasms (NEN), especially in the presence of carcinoid syndrome. It is still uncertain whether the benefits of the various types of embolisation treatments truly outweigh the complications in NENs. This systematic review assesses the available data relating to liver embolisation in patients with NENs.Methods: Eligible studies (identified...

Background: 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) (a metabolite of serotonin) is used as a marker for patients with serotonin-secreting neuroendocrine tumours. Currently, most laboratories measure 24 h 5-HIAA excretion in urine samples. Urine collections are cumbersome for the patient and impact on their daily activities; they are consequently often poorly performed, leading to over- or under-collection of urine and inaccurate 5-HIAA excretion results. Furthermore, large volume...

Introduction: Chromogranin-A (CgA) is a 49 kDa protein of the granin/secretogranin family originating from dense-core secretory granules within cells of the diffuse endocrine system. CgA is currently the best available diagnostic biomarker for neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) with recent clinical guidelines advocating the measurement of CgA as part of the baseline biochemical profile in patients presenting with symptoms suspicious of a gastroenteropancreatic NET.<p class="abs...

Background: Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are rare malignancies; over 60% of primary lesions arise in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. Despite several practice-changing clinical trials, uncertainty persists around the most efficacious treatment sequence in patients with advanced well-differentiated gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) NETs, particularly in relation to peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). This study aimed to investigate the progression-free survival (P...

Background: Hepatic arterial embolisation (HAE) is a recommended treatment option for patients with neuro-endocrine neoplasms (NENs) and liver metastasis. We aimed to describe outcomes after HAE for NENs at a single United Kingdom centre and investigate the influence of tumour characteristics.Methods: Retrospective analysis of sequential patients with NENs undergoing HAE at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust between 2004 and 2018. Primary end points were ...

Background: New nuclear medicine imaging techniques have improved diagnosis, staging and treatment planning for BC. 68Ga-DOTA PET is preferable to standard somatostatin receptor scintigraphy where available (ENETS guidelines); however, its role in the management of BC remains unclear.Methods: All consecutive patients diagnosed with BC from two ENETS Centres of Excellence were identified retrospectively; patients with high grade tumours or lack...

Background: In patients with advanced GEPNETs, psychological symptoms may result due to potential disturbances in biogenic amines, particularly serotonin. This study compared HRQoL, anxiety, depression, and impulsivity in patients with and without carcinoid syndrome (CS) and correlated with serum 5-HIAA.Methods: Consecutive patients with advanced GEPNETs (with liver metastases) receiving treatment, with and without CS completed (single time-point) HRQoL ...