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- Klimstra, David S., et al.
(författare)
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Pathology reporting of neuroendocrine tumors : application of the Delphic consensus process to the development of a minimum pathology data set
- 2010
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Ingår i: American Journal of Surgical Pathology. - 0147-5185 .- 1532-0979. ; 34:3, s. 300-313
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Epithelial neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) have been the subject of much debate regarding their optimal classification. Although multiple systems of nomenclature, grading, and staging have been proposed, none has achieved universal acceptance. To help define the underlying common features of these classification systems and to identify the minimal pathology data that should be reported to ensure consistent clinical management and reproducibility of data from therapeutic trials, a multidisciplinary team of physicians interested in NETs was assembled. At a group meeting, the participants discussed a series of "yes" or "no" questions related to the pathology of NETs and the minimal data to be included in the reports. After discussion, anonymous votes were taken, using the Delphic principle that 80% agreement on a vote of either yes or no would define a consensus. Questions that failed to achieve a consensus were rephrased once or twice and discussed, and additional votes were taken. Of 108 questions, 91 were answerable either yes or no by more than 80% of the participants. There was agreement about the importance of proliferation rate for tumor grading, the landmarks to use for staging, the prognostic factors assessable by routine histology that should be reported, the potential for tumors to progress biologically with metastasis, and the current status of advanced immunohistochemical and molecular testing for treatment-related biomarkers. The lack of utility of a variety of immunohistochemical stains and pathologic findings was also agreed upon. A consensus could not be reached for the remaining 17 questions, which included both minor points related to extent of disease assessment and some major areas such as terminology, routine immunohistochemical staining for general neuroendocrine markers, use of Ki67 staining to assess proliferation, and the relationship of tumor grade to degree of differentiation. On the basis of the results of the Delphic voting, a minimum pathology data set was developed. Although there remains disagreement among experts about the specific classification system that should be used, there is agreement about the fundamental pathology data that should be reported. Examination of the areas of disagreement reveals significant opportunities for collaborative study to resolve unanswered questions.
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| 2. |
- Modlin, Irvin M., et al.
(författare)
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Chromogranin A : Biological Function and Clinical Utility in Neuro Endocrine Tumor Disease
- 2010
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Ingår i: Annals of Surgical Oncology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1068-9265 .- 1534-4681. ; 17:9, s. 2427-2443
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a form of cancer that differ from other neoplasia in that they synthesize, store, and secrete peptides, e.g., chromogranin A (CgA) and amines. A critical issue is late diagnosis due to failure to identify symptoms or to establish the biochemical diagnosis. We review here the utility of CgA measurement in NETs and describe its biological role and the clinical value of its measurement. METHODS: Literature review and analysis of the utility of plasma/serum CgA measurements in NETs and other diseases. RESULTS: CgA is a member of the chromogranin family; its transcription and peptide processing are well characterized, but its precise function remains unknown. Levels are detectable in the circulation but vary substantially (~25%) depending on which assay is used. Serum and plasma measurements are concordant. CgA is elevated in ~90% of gut NETs and correlates with tumor burden and recurrence. Highest values are noted in ileal NETs and gastrointestinal NETs associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. Both functioning and nonfunctioning pancreatic NETs have elevated values. CgA is more frequently elevated in well-differentiated tumors compared to poorly differentiated NETs. Effective treatment is often associated with decrease in CgA levels. Proton pump inhibitors falsely increase CgA, but levels normalize with therapy cessation. CONCLUSIONS: CgA is currently the best available biomarker for the diagnosis of NETs. It is critical to establish diagnosis and has some utility in predicting disease recurrence, outcome, and efficacy of therapy. Measurement of plasma CgA is mandatory for the effective diagnosis and management of NET disease.
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| 3. |
- Modlin, Irvin M, et al.
(författare)
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Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumours : current diagnosis and management.
- 2010
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Ingår i: Medical Journal of Australia. - 0025-729X .- 1326-5377. ; 193:1, s. 46-52
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are increasing in both incidence and prevalence and, as a group, are more prevalent than either gastric, pancreatic, oesophageal or hepatobiliary adenocarcinomas, or any two of these cancers combined. Clinical awareness of the protean and intermittent symptoms of NETs (eg, sweating, flushing, diarrhoea, and bronchospasm) is critical for timely diagnosis; however, the classical carcinoid syndrome is relatively uncommon. The most useful diagnostic test for gastrointestinal NETs is measurement of plasma chromogranin A (CgA) levels. Disease extent is assessed by both anatomical imaging, and nuclear imaging with radiolabelled somatostatin analogues. Pathological evaluation comprises tumour-node-metastasis classification, a minimum pathological dataset, CgA and synaptophysin immunostaining, as well as mitotic count or Ki-67 index (a marker of cell proliferation) to define grading. Resection of the primary lesion and as much metastatic disease as possible increases the efficacy of medical therapy. Other management strategies include hepatic embolisation and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. Patients with tumours expressing somatostatin receptors should be treated with somatostatin analogues. Depending on the tumour grade, other effective agents include cytotoxics, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and antiangiogenics. The overarching requirement for best management of patients with NETs is to ensure that they have ready access to experienced multidisciplinary clinician groups located within centres of appropriate subspecialty expertise.
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