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Clinicopathological Features of Gastroesophageal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

  • Stomach and Duodenum (J Pisegna and J Benhammou, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Gastroesophageal neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a rare entity. Recent 2019 WHO classifications reflect our understanding of tumor biology, namely, that distinct molecular characteristics underline tumor behavior and prognosis. Here, we reviewed the evidence for linking molecular findings with the clinicopathological features and treatment of gastroesophageal NENs.

Recent Findings

Degree of differentiation and Ki-67 proliferation index are required for accurate classification of neuroendocrine tumors and carcinomas but not sufficient to distinguish between the two entities. Resection remains the mainstay treatment for early-stage gastroesophageal neuroendocrine tumors. Additional perioperative therapy may benefit mitotically active tumors. There is a role for somatostatin analogues, especially in the setting of metastatic and symptomatic disease. New radiolabeled somatostatin analogues, immunotherapy, and embolization offer multimodality treatments for distant metastases.

Summary

We need to understand the specific underlying biology of the various subtypes of gastroesophageal NENs to provide tailored treatment.

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Author notes

  1. Mengyuan Liu and Elizabeta C. Popa contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Division of Endocrine & Minimally Invasive Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA

    Mengyuan Liu, Brendan M. Finnerty, Thomas J. Fahey III & Rasa Zarnegar

  2. Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA

    Elizabeta C. Popa

  3. Department of Surgery, Division of Endocrine and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 East 68th Street, K-836, New York, NY, 10065, USA

    Rasa Zarnegar

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  1. Mengyuan Liu
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Liu, M., Popa, E.C., Finnerty, B.M. et al. Clinicopathological Features of Gastroesophageal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 22, 50 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-020-00788-w

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