Title:Therapeutic Challenges in Neuroendocrine Tumors
Volume: 17
Issue: 7
Author(s): Ioannis Legakis*, Muhammad Wasif Saif and Kostantinos Syrigos
Affiliation:
- Oncology Unit, 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Sotiria General Hospital, Athens School of Medicine, Athens,Greece
Keywords:
Neuroendocrine tumors, biomarkers, somatostatin analogs, angiogenesis inhibitors, cytotoxic chemotherapy, radionuclide therapy,
liver-targeted therapies.
Abstract: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a diverse set of tumors, being genetically varied. NETs can be
presented with a distinct clinical picture, due to the production of various hormones, or being silent. Based on
community health clinical statistics, the frequency numbers and reported occurrence of NETs are increasing.
Although the therapeutic options for NETs have expanded in recent years, clinical diagnosis is possible only
when metastases are present, requiring chronic complicated medical management. A positive development is
that the recent evolution of molecularly-targeted therapy in oncology promotes the evolution of innovative tools
for the management of these tumors. A diverse assortment of medical specialists is needed to improve outcomes
and orchestrate the therapeutic care plan for NET patients.