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The biological characterization of neuroendocrine tumors: The role of neuroendocrine markers

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Abstract

Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) may originate in different organs, from cells embriologically different but expressing common phenotypic characteristics, such as: the immuno-re-activity for markers of neuroendocrine differentiation (defined as “pan-neuroendocrine”), the capacity to secrete specific or aspecific peptide and hormones and the expression of some receptors, that are at the basis of the current diagnostic and therapeutical approach, peculiar to these tumors. NET have been conventionally distinguished in functioning, when associated with a recognized clinical endocrine syndrome, and non-functioning. However, this terminology may be misleading, since the great majority of NET may secrete neuroendocrine peptides, which can be employed as clinical markers for both diagnosis and follow-up. On the other hand, tissue immuno-reactivity for specific hormones does not always reflect secretory activity of the tumor cells. Finally, receptors and genetic markers are acquiring a relevant role in the characterization of NET, both improving knowledge of biology and physiopathology of NET, as well as in developing specific strategies to establish an early diagnosis and targeted therapies, to adopt prophylactic strategies in familial forms, and to identify more efficacious targets for therapy in the future.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrine Sciences, Università of Perugia, Via E. Dal Pozzo, 06126, Perugia, Italy

    P. Ferolla MD, PhD, G. Scarpelli, F. Santeusanio & G. Angeletti

  2. Department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology, “Federico II” University of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy

    A. Faggiano MD, F. Milone, G. Lombardi & A. Colao

  3. Department Biomorphological and Functional Sciences, “Federico II” University of Naples, Naples

    G. Mansueto & M. L. Del Basso De Caro

  4. Department of Endocrine-Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia

    N. Avenia

  5. Institute of Pathology, University of Perugia, Perugia

    M. G. Cantelmi & P. Giovenali

  6. Department of Surgery, “Federico II” University of Naples, Naples, Italy

    S. Masone

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  1. P. Ferolla MD, PhD
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  2. A. Faggiano MD
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  3. G. Mansueto
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  8. F. Milone
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  9. G. Scarpelli
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Correspondence to P. Ferolla MD, PhD.

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Both authors contributed equally to the paper.

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Ferolla, P., Faggiano, A., Mansueto, G. et al. The biological characterization of neuroendocrine tumors: The role of neuroendocrine markers. J Endocrinol Invest 31, 277–286 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03345602

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