1. |
- Ambrosini, Valentina, et al.
(author)
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Consensus on molecular imaging and theranostics in neuroendocrine neoplasms
- 2021
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In: European Journal of Cancer. - : Elsevier. - 0959-8049 .- 1879-0852. ; 146, s. 56-73
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Nuclear medicine plays an increasingly important role in the management neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN). Somatostatin analogue (SSA)-based positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) have been used in clinical trials and approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) Focus 3 performed a multidisciplinary Delphi process to deliver a balanced perspective on molecular imaging and radionuclide therapy in well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). NETs form in cells that interact with the nervous system or in glands that produce hormones. These cells, called neuroendocrine cells, can be found throughout the body, but NETs are most often found in the abdomen, especially in the gastrointestinal tract. These tumours may also be found in the lungs, pancreas and adrenal glands. In addition to being rare, NETs are also complex and may be difficult to diagnose. Most NETs are non-functioning; however, a minority present with symptoms related to hypersecretion of bioactive compounds. NETs often do not cause symptoms early in the disease process. When diagnosed, substantial number of patients are already found to have metastatic disease. Several societies' guidelines address Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) management; however, many issues are still debated, due to both the difficulty in acquiring strong clinical evidence in a rare and heterogeneous disease and the different availability of diagnostic and therapeutic options across countries. EANM Focus 3 reached consensus on employing 68gallium-labelled somatostatin analogue ([68Ga]Ga-DOTA-SSA)-based PET/CT with diagnostic CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for unknown primary NET detection, metastatic NET, NET staging/restaging, suspected extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma and suspected paraganglioma. Consensus was reached on employing 18fluorine-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) PET/CT in neuroendocrine carcinoma, G3 NET and in G1-2 NET with mismatched lesions (CT-positive/[68Ga]Ga-DOTA-SSA-negative). Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) was recommended for second line treatment for gastrointestinal NET with [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-SSA uptake in all lesions, in G1/G2 NET at disease progression, and in a subset of G3 NET provided all lesions are positive at [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-SSA. PRRT rechallenge may be used for in patients with stable disease for at least 1 year after therapy completion. An international consensus is not only a prelude to a more standardised management across countries but also serves as a guide for the direction to follow when designing new research studies.
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3. |
- Anthony, Lowell B., et al.
(author)
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Long-Term Safety Experience with Telotristat Ethyl Across Five Clinical Studies in Patients with Carcinoid Syndrome
- 2019
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In: The Oncologist. - : WILEY. - 1083-7159 .- 1549-490X. ; 24:8, s. E662-E670
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and carcinoid syndrome experience considerable morbidity and mortality; carcinoid syndrome may be associated with shorter survival. Carcinoid syndrome is linked to tumoral secretion of serotonin and other bioactive substances. The subsequent debilitating diarrhea and urgency to defecate pose significant health risks. In previous studies, telotristat ethyl, a tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor, was effective and well tolerated in treating carcinoid syndrome diarrhea. We present pooled safety data from five clinical trials with telotristat ethyl in patients with carcinoid syndrome. Subjects, Materials, and Methods Adverse events reported during telotristat ethyl treatment were pooled from two phase II and three phase III clinical trials in 239 patients with carcinoid syndrome. Long-term safety of telotristat ethyl and causes of hospitalization and death were reviewed; overall survival was estimated. Results Mean (median; range) duration of exposure and follow-up was 1.3 years (1.1 years; 1 week to 5.7 years), with 309 total patient-years of exposure. Leading causes of hospitalization were gastrointestinal disorders or were related to the underlying tumor and related treatment. Survival estimates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 93%, 88%, and 77%. Nearly all deaths were due to progression or complication of the underlying disease; none were attributable to telotristat ethyl. There was one death in year 4. Conclusion Based on long-term safety data, telotristat ethyl is well tolerated and has a favorable long-term safety profile in patients with carcinoid syndrome. Implications for Practice Carcinoid syndrome can cause persistent diarrhea, even in patients treated with somatostatin analogs. Across five clinical trials in patients with carcinoid syndrome, telotristat ethyl has been well tolerated and efficacious, providing clinicians with a new approach to help control carcinoid syndrome diarrhea, in addition to somatostatin analog therapy. By reducing the stool frequency in patients with carcinoid syndrome whose diarrhea is refractory to anticholinergics, such as loperamide and atropine/diphenoxylate, and somatostatin analog dose escalation, improvement in quality of life becomes an achievable goal.
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5. |
- Anthony, Lowell, et al.
(author)
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Understanding the Patient Experience with Carcinoid Syndrome : Exit Interviews from a Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study of Telotristat Ethyl
- 2017
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In: Clinical Therapeutics. - : Elsevier. - 0149-2918 .- 1879-114X. ; 39:11, s. 2158-2168
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: Telotristat ethyl, an oral tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor, is intended to treat carcinoid syndrome by reducing serotonin production. Telotristat ethyl was evaluated in FELESTAR, a Phase HI study for patients who had carcinoid syndrome with at least 4 bowel movements (BMs) per day and who were receiving somatostatin analogue therapy. This interview sub study was conducted to provide insight into the patient experience in ILLESTAR and to help understand whether reductions in BM frequency (the primary end point) and other symptoms were clinically meaningful. Methods: Participating sites were asked to invite (before randomization) all eligible patients to telephone interviews scheduled at the end of the double-blind treatment period. Patients and interviewers were blinded to treatment. Findings: All 35 interviewed participants reported diarrhea and/or excessive BMs at baseline. Patients reported that these symptoms negatively affected emotional, social, physical, and occupational well-being. Prespecified criteria for treatment response (achieving >= 30% reduction in BM frequency for at least 50% of the days) were met by 8 of 26 patients taking telotristat ethyl and 1 of 9 patients taking placebo. All 8 patients taking telotristat ethyl described clinically meaningful reductions in BM frequency and were very satisfied with the ability of the study drug to control their carcinoidsyndrome symptoms. Overall, reports of being very satisfied were observed in 12 patients taking telotristat ethyl and 0 taking placebo. Implications: Patient interviews revealed that I ELESTAR patients, at baseline, were significantly affected by their high BM frequency. Patient reports of their clinical trial experience supported the significance of the primary end point and clinical responder analysis in TELESTAR, helping identify and understand clinically meaningful change produced by telotristat ethyl. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier HS Journals, Inc.
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6. |
- Baron, Tomasz, et al.
(author)
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Cardiac Imaging in Carcinoid Heart Disease
- 2021
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In: JACC Cardiovascular Imaging. - : American College of Cardiology. - 1936-878X .- 1876-7591. ; 14:11, s. 2240-2253
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Carcinoid disease is caused by neuroendocrine tumors, most often located in the gut, and leads in approximately 20% of cases to specific, severe heart disease, most prominently affecting right-sided valves. If cardiac disease occurs, it determines the patient's prognosis more than local growth of the tumor. Surgical treatment of carcinoid-induced valve disease has been found to improve survival in observational studies. Cardiac imaging is crucial for both diagnosis and management of carcinoid heart disease; in the past, imaging was accomplished largely by echocardiography, but more recently, imaging for carcinoid heart disease has increasingly become multimodal and warrants awareness of the particular diagnostic challenges of this disease. This paper reviews the pathophysiology and manifestations of carcinoid heart disease in light of the different imaging modalities.
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7. |
- Bodei, Lisa, et al.
(author)
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Molecular profiling of neuroendocrine tumours to predict response and toxicity to peptide receptor radionuclide therapy
- 2020
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In: The Lancet Oncology. - : Elsevier. - 1470-2045 .- 1474-5488. ; 21:9, s. E431-E443
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is a type of radiotherapy that targets peptide receptors and is typically used for neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). Some of the key challenges in its use are the prediction of efficacy and toxicity, patient selection, and response optimisation. In this Review, we assess current knowledge on the molecular profile of NETs and the strategies and tools used to predict, monitor, and assess the toxicity of PRRT. The few mutations in tumour genes that can be evaluated (eg, ATM and DAXX) are limited to pancreatic NETs and are most likely not informative. Assays that are transcriptomic or based on genes are effective in the prediction of radiotherapy response in other cancers. A blood-based assay for eight genes (the PRRT prediction quotient [PPQ]) has an overall accuracy of 95% for predicting responses to PRRT in NETs. No molecular markers exist that can predict the toxicity of PRRT. Candidate molecular targets include seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are susceptible to radiation. Transcriptomic evaluations of blood and a combination of gene expression and specific SNPs, assessed by machine learning with algorithms that are tumour-specific, might yield molecular tools to enhance the efficacy and safety of PRRT.
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8. |
- Clift, Ashley Kieran, et al.
(author)
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Neuroendocrine Neoplasms of the Small Bowel and Pancreas
- 2020
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In: Neuroendocrinology. - : S. Karger. - 0028-3835 .- 1423-0194. ; 110:6, s. 444-476
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The traditionally promulgated perspectives of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) as rare, indolent tumours are blunt and have been outdated for the last 2 decades. Clear increments in their incidence over the past decades render them increasingly clinically relevant, and at initial diagnosis many present with nodal and/or distant metastases (notably hepatic). The molecular pathogenesis of these tumours is increasingly yet incompletely understood. Those arising from the small bowel (SB) or pancreas typically occur sporadically; the latter may occur within the context of hereditary tumour predisposition syndromes. NENs can also be associated with endocrinopathy of hormonal hypersecretion. Tangible advances in the development of novel biomarkers, functional imaging modalities and therapy are especially applicable to this sub-set of tumours. The management of SB and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NET) may be challenging, and often comprises a multidisciplinary approach wherein surgical, medical, interventional radiological and radiotherapeutic modalities are implemented. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of SB and pancreatic NETs. Moreover, we provide an outlook of the future in these tumour types which will include the development of precision oncology frameworks for individualised therapy, multi-analyte predictive biomarkers, artificial intelligence-derived clinical decision support tools and elucidation of the role of the microbiome in NEN development and clinical behaviour.
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9. |
- Daskalakis, Kosmas, et al.
(author)
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Association of a Prophylactic surgical approach to Stage IV Small Intestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors with Survival.
- 2018
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In: JAMA Oncology. - : American Medical Association (AMA). - 2374-2437 .- 2374-2445. ; 4:2, s. 183-189
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Importance: Primary tumor resection and mesenteric lymph node dissection in asymptomatic patients with stage IV Small Intestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors (SI-NETs) is controversial.Objective: To determine whether locoregional surgery performed at diagnosis in asymptomatic SI-NETs patients with distant metastases affects overall survival (OS), morbidity and mortality, length of hospital stay (LOS) and re-operation rates.Design: This investigation was a cohort study of asymptomatic patients with stage IV SI-NET, diagnosed between 1985 and 2015, using the prospective Uppsala database of SI-NETs and the Swedish National Patient Register. Patients included were followed until May 2016 and divided to a first group, which underwent Prophylactic Upfront Surgery within six months from diagnosis Combined with Oncological treatment (PUSCO group) and a second group, which was either treated non-surgically or operated later (Delayed Surgery As Needed Combined with Oncological treatment [DSANCO group]).Setting: A tertiary referral center with follow-up data from the Swedish National Patient Register.Participants: We included 363 stage IV SI-NET patients without any abdominal symptoms within 6 months from diagnosis, treated either with PUSCO (n=161) or DSANCO (n=202).Exposure: PUSCO vs DSANCO.Main Outcomes and Measures: Overall survival (OS), length of hospital stay (LOS), postoperative morbidity and mortality and re-operation rates measured from baseline. Propensity score match was performed between the two groups.Results: Two isonumerical groups (n=91) occurred after propensity score matching. There was no difference between groups in OS (PUSCO median 7.9 vs DSANCO 7.6 years; [hazard ratio] HR, 0.98; [95% CI, 0.70-1.37]; log-rank P=.93) and cancer-specific survival (median 7.7 vs 7.6 years, HR, 0.99; [95%CI, 0.71-1.40]; log-rank P=.99). There was no difference in 30-day mortality (0% in both matched groups) or postoperative morbidity (2% vs 1%; P>.99), LOS (median 73 vs 76 days; P=.64), LOS due to local tumor-related symptoms (median 7 vs 11.5 days; P=.81) or incisional hernia repairs (4% in both groups; P>.99). Patients from the PUSCO group underwent more re-operative procedures (14%) compared to the DSANCO group (3%) due to intestinal obstruction (P< .001).Conclusion: Prophylactic upfront locoregional surgery confers no survival advantage in asymptomatic stage IV SI-NET patients. Delayed surgery as needed seems to be comparable in all examined outcomes, whilst offering the advantage of less re-operations for intestinal obstruction. The value of a priori locoregional surgery in the presence of distant metastases is challenged and needs to be elucidated in a randomized controlled study.
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10. |
- Daskalakis, Kosmas, et al.
(author)
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Lung Carcinoids : Long-Term Surgical Results and the Lack of Prognostic Value of Somatostatin Receptors and Other Novel Immunohistochemical Markers
- 2018
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In: Neuroendocrinology. - : S. Karger AG. - 0028-3835 .- 1423-0194. ; 107:4, s. 355-365
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background/Aims: Lung carcinoids (LCs) are often diagnosed at an early stage and surgical intervention becomes the next phase of treatment. To date, there is lack of long-term follow-up data after surgery and prognostication based on WHO classification criteria and evolving prognostic markers, particularly the expression of somatostatin receptors (SSR).Methods: We included 102 consecutive patients (72 women; age at baseline 51 ± 16 years [mean ± SD]) with LCs, who underwent thoracic surgery (n = 99) and/or laser treatment (n = 8). Hospital charts were reviewed for clinico-pathological parameters. Immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of SSR1–5 and other novel markers were studied with regard to their prognostic value.Results: Five- and 10-year overall survival (OS) was 96 and 83% respectively; relative survival (RS) was 101 and 93% respectively; and event-free survival (EFS) was 80 and 67% respectively. Independent prognostic factors for OS, RS and/or EFS were age at diagnosis, histopathological type and the presence of ipsilateral mediastinal subcarinal lymph node metastases. Macro-radicality of resective surgery and its extent were associated with increased OS and EFS. The IHC expression of SSR1–5 and other novel markers was not associated with OS or EFS.Conclusion: The long-term outcome of surgically treated patients with LCs is favourable. Age, histopathological type and ipsilateral mediastinal subcarinal lymph node status at baseline were independent prognostic factors for survival and disease recurrence or progression. The extent of surgery and operative macro-radicality also had an impact on prognosis. None of the IHC markers tested appeared to be associated with disease prognosis.
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11. |
- Dittrich, Christian, et al.
(author)
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ESMO / ASCO Recommendations for a Global Curriculum in Medical Oncology Edition 2016
- 2016
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In: ESMO Open. - : Elsevier BV. - 2059-7029. ; 1:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) are publishing a new edition of the ESMO/ ASCO Global Curriculum (GC) thanks to contribution of 64 ESMOappointed and 32 ASCO-appointed authors. First published in 2004 and updated in 2010, the GC edition 2016 answers to the need for updated recommendations for the training of physicians in medical oncology by defining the standard to be fulfilled to qualify as medical oncologists. At times of internationalisation of healthcare and increased mobility of patients and physicians, the GC aims to provide state-of-the-art cancer care to all patients wherever they live. Recent progress in the field of cancer research has indeed resulted in diagnostic and therapeutic innovations such as targeted therapies as a standard therapeutic approach or personalised cancer medicine specialised training for medical oncology trainees. Thus, several new chapters on technical contents such as molecular pathology, translational research or molecular imaging and on conceptual attitudes towards human principles like genetic counselling or survivorship have been integrated in the GC. The GC edition 2016 consists of 12 sections with 17 subsections, 44 chapters and 35 subchapters, respectively. Besides renewal in its contents, the GC underwent a principal formal change taking into consideration modern didactic principles. It is presented in a template-based format that subcategorises the detailed outcome requirements into learning objectives, awareness, knowledge and skills. Consecutive steps will be those of harmonising and implementing teaching and assessment strategies.
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12. |
- Dromain, Clarisse, et al.
(author)
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ENETS standardized (synoptic) reporting for radiological imaging in neuroendocrine tumours
- 2022
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In: Journal of neuroendocrinology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0953-8194 .- 1365-2826. ; 34:3 SI
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This expert consensus document represents an initiative by the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) to provide guidance for synoptic reporting of radiological examinations critical to the diagnosis, grading, staging and treatment of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). Template drafts for initial tumor staging and follow-up by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were established, based on existing institutional and organisational reporting templates relevant for NEN imaging, and applying the RadLex lexicon of radiological information (Radiological Society of North America), for consistency regarding the radiological terms. During the ENETS Scientific Advisory Board meeting 2018, the template drafts were subject to iterative interdisciplinary discussions among experts in imaging, surgery, gastroenterology, oncology and pathology. Members of the imaging group stated a strong preference for a combination of limited and standardised options by way of drop-down menus. Separate templates were produced for the initial work-up and for follow-up, respectively. To provide a detailed description of the radiological findings of the primary tumor and its local extension and spread, different templates were developed for bronchial, pancreatic and gastrointestinal NENs for CT and MRI, respectively. Each template was structured in 10 sections: clinical details, comparative imaging modality, acquisition technique, primary tumor findings, regional lymph node metastases, distant metastases, TNM classification, reference lesions according to RECIST 1.1, additional findings and conclusion. Two templates were developed for follow-up, for CT and MRI, respectively, and were specifically focused on assessment of therapy response. These included a qualitative response assessment, such as decrease of vascularisation and presence of necrosis, and a quantitative assessment according to RECIST 1.1 and the modified RECIST (mRECIST) for assessing tumor response following transarterial chemoembolisation.
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- Ferolla, Piero, et al.
(author)
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Efficacy and safety of long-acting pasireotide or everolimus alone or in combination in patients with advanced carcinoids of the lung and thymus (LUNA) : an open-label, multicentre, randomised, phase 2 trial
- 2017
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In: The Lancet Oncology. - 1470-2045 .- 1474-5488. ; 18:12, s. 1652-1664
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundThere are no data from prospective studies focused exclusively on patients with advanced lung and thymic carcinoids. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of long-acting pasireotide and everolimus, administered alone or in combination, in patients with advanced carcinoids of the lung or thymus.MethodsLUNA was a prospective, multicentre, randomised, open-label, phase 2 trial of adult patients (aged >18 years) with advanced (unresectable or metastatic), well differentiated carcinoid tumours of the lung or thymus, with radiological progression within 12 months before randomisation, and a WHO performance status of 0–2. At each centre, the investigator or their designee registered each patient using an interactive voice recognition system into one of the three treatment groups. The randomisation allocation sequence was generated by an external company; patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive treatment with long-acting pasireotide (60 mg intramuscularly every 28 days), everolimus (10 mg orally once daily), or both in combination, for the core 12-month treatment period. Patients were stratified by carcinoid type (typical vs atypical) and line of study treatment (first line vs others). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients progression-free at month 9, defined as the proportion of patients with overall lesion assessment at month 9 showing a complete response, partial response, or stable disease according to local Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1, assessed in the intention-to-treat population. Safety was assessed in all patients who received at least one dose of study drug and had at least one post-baseline safety assessment. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01563354. The extension phase of the study is ongoing.FindingsBetween Aug 16, 2013, and Sept 30, 2014, 124 patients were enrolled from 36 centres in nine countries: 41 were allocated to the long-acting pasireotide group, 42 to the everolimus group, and 41 to the combination group. At month 9, the proportion of patients with an overall lesion assessment of complete response, partial response, or stable disease was 16 of 41 patients (39·0%, 95% CI 24·2–55·5) in the long-acting pasireotide group, 14 of 42 patients (33·3%, 19·6–49·5) in the everolimus group, and 24 of 41 patients (58·5%, 42·1–73·7) in the combination group. The most common grade 1–2 adverse events with a suspected association with long-acting pasireotide monotherapy were diarrhoea (15 [37%] of 41), hyperglycaemia (17 [41%]), and weight loss (8 [20%]); those with a suspected association with everolimus monotherapy were stomatitis (26 [62%] of 42) and diarrhoea (16 [38%]); and those suspected to be associated with combination treatment were hyperglycaemia (27 [66%] of 41]), diarrhoea (19 [46%]), and asthenia (8 [20%]). The most common grade 3–4 adverse events with a suspected association with long-acting pasireotide monotherapy were γ-glutamyltransferase increased (four [10%] of 41 patients), diarrhoea (three [7%]), and hyperglycaemia (three [7%]); those for everolimus were hyperglycaemia (seven [17%] of 42 patients), stomatitis (four [10%]), and diarrhoea (three [7%]); those for combination treatment were hyperglycaemia (nine [22%] of 41 patients) and diarrhoea (four [10%]). 11 patients died during the core 12-month treatment phase or up to 56 days after the last study treatment exposure date: two (5%) of 41 in the long-acting pasireotide group, six (14%) of 42 in the everolimus group, and three (7%) of 41 in the combination group. No deaths were suspected to be related to long-acting pasireotide treatment. One death in the everolimus group (acute kidney injury associated with diarrhoea), and two deaths in the combination group (diarrhoea and urinary sepsis in one patient, and acute renal failure and respiratory failure in one patient) were suspected to be related to everolimus treatment. In the latter patient, acute renal failure was not suspected to be related to everolimus treatment, but respiratory failure was suspected to be related.InterpretationThe study met the primary endpoint in all three treatment groups. Safety profiles were consistent with the known safety profiles of these agents. Further studies are needed to confirm the antitumour efficacy of the combination of a somatostatin analogue with everolimus in lung and thymic carcinoids.
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15. |
- Grimaldi, Franco, et al.
(author)
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Assessment of Response to Treatment and Follow-Up in Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
- 2018
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In: Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets. - : Bentham Science. - 1871-5303 .- 2212-3873. ; 18:5, s. 419-449
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Well-established criteria for evaluating the response to treatment and the appropriate follow-up of individual patients are critical in clinical oncology. The current evidence-based data on these issues in terms of the management of gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) are unfortunately limited. This document by the Italian Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AME) on the criteria for the follow-up of GEP-NEN patients is aimed at providing comprehensive recommendations for everyday clinical practice based on both the best available evidence and the combined opinion of an interdisciplinary panel of experts. The initial risk stratification of patients with NENs should be performed according to the grading, staging and functional status of the neoplasm and the presence of an inherited syndrome. The evaluation of response to the initial treatment, and to the subsequent therapies for disease progression or recurrence, should be based on a cost-effective, risk-effective and timely use of the appropriate diagnostic resources. A multidisciplinary evaluation of the response to the treatment is strongly recommended and, at every step in the follow-up, it is mandatory to assess the disease state and the patient performance status, comorbidities, and recent clinical evolution. Local expertise, available technical resources and the patient preferences should always be evaluated while planning the individual clinical management of GEP-NENs.
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- Hudgens, Stacie, et al.
(author)
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Evaluation of meaningful change in bowel movement frequency for patients with carcinoid syndrome
- 2019
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In: Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes. - : Springer Nature. - 2509-8020. ; 3:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Carcinoid syndrome is associated with a reduced quality of life that can be attributed to symptoms such as diarrhea and fatigue as well as social and financial issues. This study was conducted to psychometrically assess meaningful change in bowel movement frequency among carcinoid syndrome patients using data from the TELESTAR clinical study. Methods: An anchor-based approach for deriving meaningful change thresholds consisted of mapping change from baseline bowel movement frequency to other patient-reported assessments of change. These included the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire - Core Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) Diarrhea Symptom responders, the EORTC Gastrointestinal NET questionnaire (GI.NET21) GI Symptom responders, and reported adequate relief at Week 12 (>= 10-point score decrease from Day 1 to Week 12). Parameters included within-group mean change from baseline to Week 12, t-tests of the change (Wilcoxon rank sum for adequate relief), and effect size. Results: There were 135 carcinoid syndrome patients with a mean baseline frequency of 5.7 bowel movements a day. A distribution-based method yielded meaningful change estimates of 0.62 bowel movements a day for overall frequency and 0.83 bowel movements a day at Week 12. Anchor-based analysis indicated a large effect size among patients who reported adequate relief at Week 12 (- 1.58; n = 18; P = 0.014), the QLQ-C30 Diarrhea domain responders (- 1.24; n = 40; P < 0.001), and the GI.NET21 GI Symptoms Domain responders (- 1.49; n = 25; P = 0.005). Exit interview data for meaningful change yielded effect size estimates of - 1.57 for overall change during the Double-blind Treatment Period and - 1.97 for change between Baseline and Week 12. Conclusions: Meaningful change derivation is critical to interpret patient outcomes for evaluating treatment efficacy. In this study, carcinoid syndrome patients experienced clinically meaningful reductions in bowel movement frequency of >= 30% over 12 weeks with telotristat ethyl treatment.
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- Hörsch, Dieter, et al.
(author)
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Long-Term Treatment with Telotristat Ethyl in Patients with Carcinoid Syndrome Symptoms : Results from the TELEPATH Study
- 2022
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In: Neuroendocrinology. - : S. Karger. - 0028-3835 .- 1423-0194. ; 112:3, s. 298-309
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Telotristat ethyl is indicated for use in combination with somatostatin analogs (SSAs) to treat carcinoid syndrome (CS) diarrhea uncontrolled by SSAs alone in adults, but long-term safety and efficacy data beyond 48 weeks are needed.Objectives: The aims of the study were to evaluate the long-term safety and tolerability of telotristat ethyl and its effect on quality of life (QOL) in patients with CS.Methods: In this phase 3, nonrandomized, multicenter, open-label, long-term extension study (TELEPATH), patients who participated in phase 2 or 3 trials of telotristat ethyl continued treatment at their present dose level (250 or 500 mg thrice daily) for 84 weeks. Safety and tolerability, the primary endpoint, were assessed by monitoring adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, AEs of special interest (AESIs; including liver-related AEs, depression, and gastrointestinal AEs), and deaths. The secondary objective was to evaluate changes in patients’ QOL using validated cancer questionnaires and a subjective global assessment of CS symptoms.Results: In 124 patients exposed to telotristat ethyl for a mean of 102.6 ± 53.2 weeks, the type and frequency of AEs were consistent with those reported in previous trials. The occurrence of AESIs was not related to dosage or duration of therapy. Most AEs were mild to moderate in severity, and no deaths were related to telotristat ethyl. QOL scores remained stable, and the majority of patients reported adequate symptom relief throughout the study.Conclusions: Safety results of TELEPATH support the long-term use of telotristat ethyl in patients with CS diarrhea. Telotristat ethyl was well-tolerated and associated with sustained improvement in QOL scores (NCT02026063).
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20. |
- Lamarca, Angela, et al.
(author)
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Advanced small-bowel well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours : An international survey of practice on 3(rd)-line treatment
- 2021
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In: World Journal of Gastroenterology. - : BAISHIDENG PUBLISHING GROUP INC. - 1007-9327 .- 2219-2840. ; 27:10, s. 976-989
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND Somatostatin analogues are an established first-line therapy for well differentiated small bowel neuroendocrine tumours (Wd-SBNETs), while and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is frequently used as a second-line therapy. Adequate treatment selection of third-line treatment remains challenging due to the limited prospective data currently available on the best therapeutic sequence. AIM To understand current practice and rationale for decision-making by physicians in the 3(rd)-line setting by building an online survey. METHODS Weighted average (WA) of likelihood of usage between responders (1 very unlikely; 4 very likely) was used to reflect the relevance of factors explored. RESULTS Replies from representatives of 28 centers were received (5/8/2020-21/9/2020); medical oncologist (53.6%), gastroenterologist (17.9%); United Kingdom (21.4%), Spain (17.9%), Italy (14.3%). Majority from European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) Centres of Excellence (57.1%), who followed ENETS guidelines (82.1%). Generally speaking, 3(rd)-line treatment for Wd-SBNETs was: everolimus (EVE) (66.7%), PRRT (18.5%), liver embolization (LE) (7.4%) and interferon-alpha (IFN) (3.7%); chemotherapy (0%); decision was based on clinical trial data (59.3%), or personal experience (22.2%). EVE was most likely used if Ki-67 < 10% (WA 3.27/4) or age < 70 years (WA 3.23/4), in the 3(rd)-line setting (WA 3.23/4); regardless of presence/absence of carcinoid syndrome (CS), rate of progression or extent of disease. Chemotherapy was mainly utilised only if rapid progression (within 6 mo) (WA 3.35/4), Ki-67 10%-20% (WA 2.77/4), negative somatostatin receptor imaging (WA 2.65/4) or high tumour burden (WA 2.77/4); temozolomide or streptozocin was used with capecitabine or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (57.7%), FOLFOX (5-FU combined with oxaliplatin) (23.1%). LE was selected if presence of CS (WA 3.24/4) or Ki-67 < 10% (WA 2.8/4), after progression to other treatments (WA 2.8/4). IFN was rarely used (WA 1.3/4). CONCLUSION Everolimus was the most frequently used therapeutic option in the third-line setting. The most important factors for decision-making included Ki-67, rate of progression, functionality and tumour burden; since this decision is based on multiple factors, it highlights the need for a multidisciplinary assessment.
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21. |
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22. |
- Malczewska, Anna, et al.
(author)
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An Assessment of Circulating Chromogranin A as a Biomarker of Bronchopulmonary Neuroendocrine Neoplasia : A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- 2020
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In: Neuroendocrinology. - : S. Karger AG. - 0028-3835 .- 1423-0194. ; 110:3-4, s. 198-216
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Management of bronchopulmonary neuroendocrine neoplasia (NEN; pulmonary carcinoids [PCs], small-cell lung cancer [SCLC], and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma) is hampered by the paucity of biomarkers. Chromogranin A (CgA), the default neuroendocrine tumor biomarker, has undergone wide assessment in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.Objectives: To evaluate CgA in lung NEN, define its clinical utility as a biomarker, assess its diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive efficacy, as well as its accuracy in the identification of disease recurrence.Methods: A systematic review of PubMed was undertaken using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. No language restrictions were applied. Overall, 33 original scientific papers and 3 case reports, which met inclusion criteria, were included in qualitative analysis, and meta-analysis thereafter. All studies, except 2, were retrospective. Meta-analysis statistical assessment by generic inverse variance methodology.Results: Ten different CgA assay types were reported, without consistency in the upper limit of normal (ULN). For PCs (n = 16 studies; median patient inclusion 21 [range 1-200, total: 591 patients]), the CgA diagnostic sensitivity was 34.5 +/- 2.7% with a specificity of 93.8 +/- 4.7. CgA metrics were not available separately for typical or atypical carcinoids. CgA >100 ng/mL (2.7 x ULN) and >600 ng/mL (ULN unspecified) were anecdotally prognostic for overall survival (n = 2 retrospective studies). No evidence was presented for predicting treatment response or identifying post-surgery residual disease. For SCLC (n = 19 studies; median patient inclusion 23 [range 5-251, total: 1,241 patients]), the mean diagnostic sensitivity was 59.9 +/- 6.8% and specificity 79.4 +/- 3.1. Extensive disease typically exhibited higher CgA levels (diagnostic accuracy: 61 +/- 2.5%). An elevated CgA was prognostic for overall survival (n = 4 retrospective studies). No prospective studies evaluating predictive benefit or prognostic utility were identified.Conclusion: The available data are scarce. An assessment of all published data showed that CgA exhibits major limitations as an effective and accurate biomarker for either PC or SCLC. Its utility especially for localized PC/limited SCLC (when surgery is potentially curative), is limited. The clinical value of CgA remains to be determined. This requires validated, well-constructed, multicenter, prospective, randomized studies. An assessment of all published data indicates that CgA does not exhibit the minimum required metrics to function as a clinically useful biomarker for lung NENs.
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23. |
- Malczewska, Anna, et al.
(author)
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NETest Liquid Biopsy Is Diagnostic of Lung Neuroendocrine Tumors and Identifies Progressive Disease
- 2019
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In: Neuroendocrinology. - : S. Karger AG. - 0028-3835 .- 1423-0194. ; 108:3, s. 219-231
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: There are no effective biomarkers for the management of bronchopulmonary carcinoids (BPC). We examined the utility of a neuroendocrine multigene transcript "liquid biopsy" (NETest) in BPC for diagnosis and monitoring of the disease status.Aim: To independently validate the utility of the NETest in diagnosis and management of BPC in a multicenter, multinational, blinded study.Material and Methods: The study cohorts assessed were BPC (n = 99), healthy controls (n = 102), other lung neoplasia (n = 101) including adenocarcinomas (ACC) (n = 41), squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) (n = 37), small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) (n = 16), large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) (n = 7), and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) (n = 50). BPC were histologically classified as typical (TC) (n = 62) and atypical carcinoids (AC) (n = 37). BPC disease status determination was based on imaging and RECIST 1.1. NETest diagnostic metrics and disease status accuracy were evaluated. The upper limit of normal (NETest) was 20. Twenty matched tissue-blood pairs were also evaluated. Data are means +/- SD.Results: NETest levels were significantly increased in BPC (45 +/- 25) versus controls (9 +/- 8; p < 0.0001). The area under the ROC curve was 0.96 +/- 0.01. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were: 92, 84, and 100%. NETest was also elevated in SCLC (42 +/- 32) and LCNEC (28 +/- 7). NETest accurately distinguished progressive (61 +/- 26) from stable disease (35.5 +/- 18; p < 0.0001). In BPC, NETest levels were elevated in metastatic disease irrespective of histology (AC: p < 0.02; TC: p = 0.0006). In nonendocrine lung cancers, ACC (18 +/- 21) and SCC (12 +/- 11) and benign disease (IPF) (18 +/- 25) levels were significantly lower compared to BPC level (p < 0.001). Significant correlations were evident between paired tumor and blood samples for BPC (R: 0.83, p < 0.0001) and SCLC (R: 0.68) but not for SCC and ACC (R: 0.25-0.31).Conclusions: Elevated - NETest levels are indicative of lung neuroendocrine neoplasia. NETest levels correlate with tumor tissue and imaging and accurately define clinical progression.
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24. |
- Malczewska, Anna, et al.
(author)
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NETest liquid biopsy is diagnostic of small intestine and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and correlates with imaging
- 2019
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In: Endocrine Connections. - : BIOSCIENTIFICA LTD. - 2049-3614. ; 8:4, s. 442-453
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Current monoanalyte biomarkers are ineffective in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). NETest, a novel multianalyte signature, provides molecular information relevant to disease biology. Aim(s): Independently validate NETest to diagnose GEP-NETs and identify progression in a tertiary referral center. Materials and methods: Cohorts are 67 pancreatic NETs (PNETs), 44 small intestine NETs (SINETs) and 63 controls. Well-differentiated (WD) PNETs, n = 62, SINETs, all (n = 44). Disease extent assessment at blood draw: anatomical (n = 110) CT (n = 106), MRI (n = 7) and/or functional Ga-68-SSA-PET/CT (n = 69) or F-18-FDG-PET/CT (n = 8). Image-positive disease (IPD) was defined as either CT/MRI or Ga-68-SSA-PET/CT/F-18-FDG-PET/CT-positive. Both CT/MRI and Ga-68-SSA-PET/CT negative diagnosis in WD-NETs was considered image-negative disease (IND). NETest (normal: 20): PCR (spotted plate s). Data: mean +/- SD. Results: Diagnosis: NETest was significantly increased in NETs (n = 111; 26 +/- 21) vs controls (8 +/- 4, p < 0.0001). Seventy-five (42 PNET, 33 SINET) were image positive. Eleven (8 PNET, 3 SINET; all WD) were IND. In IPD, NETest was significantly high er (36 +/- 22) vs IND (8 +/- 7, P < 0.0001). NETest accuracy, sensitivity and specificity are 97, 99 and 95%, respectively. Concordance with imaging: NETest was 92% (101/110) concordant with anatomical imaging, 94% (65/69) with Ga-68-SSA-PET/CT and 96% (65/68) dual modality (CT/MRI and Ga-68-SSA-PET/CT). In 70 CT/MRI positive, NETest was elevated in all (37 +/- 22). In 40 CT/MRI negative, NETest was normal (11 +/- 10) in 31. In 56 Ga-68-SSA-PET/CT positive, NETest was elevated (36 +/- 22) in 55. In 13 Ga-68-SSA-PET/CT negative, NETest was normal (9 +/- 8) in ten. Disease status: NETest was significantly higher in progressive (61 +/- 26; n = 11) vs stable disease (29 +/- 14; n = 64; P < 0.0001) (RECIST 1.1). Conclusion: NETest is an effective diagnostic for PNETs and SINETs. Elevated NETest is as effective as imaging in diagnosis and accurately identifies progression.
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25. |
- Malczewska, Anna, et al.
(author)
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The clinical applications of a multigene liquid biopsy (NETest) in neuroendocrine tumors
- 2020
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In: Advances in Medical Sciences. - : Elsevier BV. - 1896-1126 .- 1898-4002. ; 65:1, s. 18-29
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: There are few effective biomarkers for neuroendocrine tumors. Precision oncology strategies have provided liquid biopsies for real-time and tailored decision-making. This has led to the development of the first neuroendocrine tumor liquid biopsy (the NETest). The NETest represents a transcriptomic signature of neuroendocrine tumor (NETs) that captures tumor biology and disease activity. The data have direct clinical application in terms of identifying residual disease, disease progress and the efficacy of treatment. In this overview we assess the available published information on the metrics and clinical efficacy of the NETest. Material and methods: Published data on the NETest have been collated and analyzed to understand the clinical application of this multianalyte biomarker in NETs. Results: NETest assay has been validated as a standardized and reproducible clinical laboratory measurement. It is not affected by demographic characteristics, or acid suppressive medication. Clinical utility of the NETest has been documented in gastroenteropancreatic, bronchopulmonary NETs, in paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas. The test facilitates accurate diagnosis of a NET disease, and real-time monitoring of the disease status (stable/progressive disease). It predicts aggressive tumor behavior, identifies operative tumor resection, and efficacy of the medical treatment (e.g. somatostatin analogues), or peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). NETest metrics and clinical applications out-perform standard biomarkers like chromogranin A. Conclusions: The NETest exhibits clinically competent metrics as an effective biomarker for neuroendocrine tumors. Measurement of NET transcripts in blood is a significant advance in neuroendocrine tumor management and demonstrates that blood provides a viable source to identify and monitor tumor status.
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26. |
- Matar, Somer, et al.
(author)
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Blood Chromogranin A Is Not Effective as a Biomarker for Diagnosis or Management of Bronchopulmonary Neuroendocrine Tumors/Neoplasms
- 2020
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In: Neuroendocrinology. - : S. Karger AG. - 0028-3835 .- 1423-0194. ; 110:3-4, s. 185-197
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Identification of circulating tumor markers for clinical management in bronchopulmonary (BP) neuroendocrine tumors/neoplasms (NET/NEN) is of considerable clinical interest. Chromogranin A (CgA), a "universal" NET biomarker, is considered controversial as a circulating biomarker of BPNEN.Aim: Assess utility of CgA in the diagnosis and management of BPNEN in a multicentric study.Material and Methods: CgA diagnostic metrics were assessed in lung NET/NENs (n = 200) and controls (n = 140), randomly assigned to a Training and Test set (100 BPC and 70 controls in each). Assay specificity was evaluated in neoplastic lung disease (n = 137) and nonneoplastic lung disease (n = 77). CgA efficacy in predicting clinical status was evaluated in the combined set of 200 NET/NENs. CgA levels in bronchopulmonary neuroendocrine tumor (BPNET) subtypes (atypical [AC] vs. typical [TC]) and grade was examined. The clinical utility of an alteration of CgA levels (+/- 25%) was evaluated in a subset of 49 BPNET over 12 months. CgA measurement was by NEOLISA(TM) kit (EuroDiagnostica).Results: Sensitivity and specificity in the training set were 41/98%, respectively. Test set data were 42/87%. Training set area under receiver operator characteristic analysis differentiated BPC from control area under the curve (AUC) 0.61 +/- 0.05 p = 0.015. Test set the data were AUC 0.58 +/- 0.05, p = 0.076. In the combined set (n = 200), 67% BPNET/NEN (n = 134) had normal CgA levels. CgA levels did not distinguish histological subtypes (TC vs. AC, AUC 0.56 +/- 0.04, p = 0.21), grade (p = 0.45-0.72), or progressive from stable disease (AUC 0.53 +/- 0.05 p = 0.47). There was no correlation of CgA with Ki-67 index (Pearson r = 0.143, p = 0.14). For nonneoplastic diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis), CgA was elevated in 26-37%. For neoplastic disease (NSCLC, squamous cell carcinoma), CgA was elevated in 11-16%. The neuroendocrine SCLC also exhibited elevated CgA (50%). Elevated CgA was not useful for differentiating BPNET/NEN from these other pathologies. Monitoring BPNET/NEN over a 12-month period identified neither CgA levels per se nor changes in CgA were reflective of somatostatin analog treatment outcome/efficacy or the natural history of the disease (progression).Conclusions: Blood CgA levels are not clinically useful as a biomarker for lung BPNET/NEN. The low specificity and elevations in both nonneoplastic as well as other common neoplastic lung diseases identified limited clinical utility for this biomarker.
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27. |
- Modlin, I. M., et al.
(author)
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A multigenomic liquid biopsy biomarker for neuroendocrine tumor disease outperforms CgA and has surgical and clinical utility
- 2021
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In: Annals of Oncology. - : Elsevier. - 0923-7534 .- 1569-8041. ; 32:11, s. 1425-1433
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Biomarkers are key tools in cancer management. In neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), Chromogranin A (CgA) was considered acceptable as a biomarker. We compared the clinical efficacy of a multigenomic blood biomarker (NETest) to CgA over a 5-year period.Patients and methods: An observational, prospective, cross-sectional, multicenter, multinational, comparative cohort assessment. Cohort 1: NETest evaluation in NETs (n = 1684) and cancers, benign diseases, controls (n = 731). Cohort 2: (n = 1270): matched analysis of NETest/CgA in a sub-cohort of NETs (n = 922) versus other diseases and controls (n = 348). Disease status was assessed by response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST). NETest measurement: qPCR [upper limit of normal (ULN: 20)], CgA (EuroDiagnostica, ULN: 108 ng/ml). Statistics: MannWhitney U-test, AUROC, chi-square and McNemar' test.Results: Cohort 1: NETest diagnostic accuracy was 91% (P < 0.0001) and identified pheochromocytomas (98%), small intestine (94%), pancreas (91%), lung (88%), gastric (80%) and appendix (79%). NETest reflected grading: G1: 40 +/- 1, G2 (50 +/- 1) and G3 (52 +/- 1). Locoregional disease levels were lower (38 +/- 1) than metastatic (52 +/- 1, P < 0.0001). NETest accurately stratified RECIST-assessed disease extent: no disease (21 +/- 1), stable (43 +/- 2), progressive (62 +/- 2) (P < 0.0001). NETest concordance with imaging (CT/MRI/Ga-68-SSA-PET) 91%. Presurgery, all NETs (n = 153) were positive (100%). After palliative R1/R2 surgery (n = 51) all (100%) remained elevated. After curative RO-surgery (n = 102), NETest levels were normal in 81 (70%) with no recurrence at 2 years. In the 31 (30%) with elevated levels, 25 (81%) recurred within 2 years. Cohort #2: NETest diagnostic accuracy was 87% and CgA 54% (P < 0.0001). NETest was more accurate than CgA for grading (chi-square = 7.7, OR = 18.5) and metastatic identification (chi-square = 180, OR = 8.4). NETest identified progressive disease (95%) versus CgA (57%, P < 0.0001). Imaging concordance for NETest was 91% versus CgA (46%) (P < 0.0001). Recurrence prediction after surgery was NETest-positive in >94% versus CgA 11%.Conclusion: NETest accurately diagnoses NETs and is an effective surrogate marker for imaging, grade, metastases and disease status compared to CgA. A multigenomic liquid biopsy is an accurate biomarker of NET disease.
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28. |
- Modlin, Irvin M., et al.
(author)
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Early Identification of Residual Disease After Neuroendocrine Tumor Resection Using a Liquid Biopsy Multigenomic mRNA Signature (NETest)
- 2021
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In: Annals of Surgical Oncology. - : Springer. - 1068-9265 .- 1534-4681. ; 28:12, s. 7506-7517
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction Surgery is the only cure for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), with R0 resection being critical for successful tumor removal. Early detection of residual disease is key for optimal management, but both imaging and current biomarkers are ineffective post-surgery. NETest, a multigene blood biomarker, identifies NETs with >90% accuracy. We hypothesized that surgery would decrease NETest levels and that elevated scores post-surgery would predict recurrence. Methods This was a multicenter evaluation of surgically treated primary NETs (n = 153). Blood sampling was performed at day 0 and postoperative day (POD) 30. Follow-up included computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI), and messenger RNA (mRNA) quantification was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR; NETest score: 0-100; normal <= 20). Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test, Chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier survival, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), as appropriate. Data are presented as mean +/- standard deviation. Results The NET cohort (n = 153) included 57 patients with pancreatic cancer, 62 patients with small bowel cancer, 27 patients with lung cancer, 4 patients with duodenal cancer, and 3 patients with gastric cancer, while the surgical cohort comprised patients with R0 (n = 102) and R1 and R2 (n = 51) resection. The mean follow-up time was 14 months (range 3-68). The NETest was positive in 153/153 (100%) samples preoperatively (mean levels of 68 +/- 28). In the R0 cohort, POD30 levels decreased from 62 +/- 28 to 22 +/- 20 (p < 0.0001), but remained elevated in 30% (31/102) of patients: 28% lung, 29% pancreas, 27% small bowel, and 33% gastric. By 18 months, 25/31 (81%) patients with a POD30 NETest >20 had image-identifiable recurrence. An NETest score of >20 predicted recurrence with 100% sensitivity and correlated with residual disease (Chi-square 17.1, p < 0.0001). AUROC analysis identified an AUC of 0.97 (p < 0.0001) for recurrence-prediction. In the R1 (n = 29) and R2 (n = 22) cohorts, the score decreased (R1: 74 +/- 28 to 45 +/- 24, p = 0.0012; R2: 72 +/- 24 to 60 +/- 28, p = non-significant). At POD30, 100% of NETest scores were elevated despite surgery (p < 0.0001). Conclusion The preoperative NETest accurately identified all NETs (100%). All resections decreased NETest levels and a POD30 NETest score >20 predicted radiologically recurrent disease with 94% accuracy and 100% sensitivity. R0 resection appears to be ineffective in approximately 30% of patients. NET mRNA blood levels provide early objective genomic identification of residual disease and may facilitate management.
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29. |
- Niederle, Bruno, et al.
(author)
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Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 and the Pancreas : Diagnosis and Treatment of Functioning and Non-Functioning Pancreatic and Duodenal Neuroendocrine Neoplasia within the MEN1 Syndrome - An International Consensus Statement
- 2021
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In: Neuroendocrinology. - : S. Karger. - 0028-3835 .- 1423-0194. ; 111:7, s. 609-630
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The better understanding of the biological behavior of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) organ manifestations and the increase in clinical experience warrant a revision of previously published guidelines. Duodenopancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasias (DP-NENs) are still the second most common manifestation in MEN1 and, besides NENs of the thymus, remain a leading cause of death. DP-NENs are thus of main interest in the effort to reevaluate recommendations for their diagnosis and treatment. Especially over the last 2 years, more clinical experience has documented the follow-up of treated and untreated (natural-course) DP-NENs. It was the aim of the international consortium of experts in endocrinology, genetics, radiology, surgery, gastroenterology, and oncology to systematically review the literature and to present a consensus statement based on the highest levels of evidence. Reviewing the literature published over the past decade, the focus was on the diagnosis of F- and NF-DP-NENs within the MEN1 syndrome in an effort to further standardize and improve treatment and follow-up, as well as to establish a "logbook" for the diagnosis and treatment of DP-NENs. This shall help further reduce complications and improve long-term treatment results in these rare tumors. The following international consensus statement builds upon the previously published guidelines of 2001 and 2012 and attempts to supplement the recommendations issued by various national and international societies.
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30. |
- Pavel, M. E., et al.
(author)
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Efficacy of everolimus plus octreotide LAR in patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumor and carcinoid syndrome : final overall survival from the randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 RADIANT-2 study
- 2017
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In: Annals of Oncology. - : OXFORD UNIV PRESS. - 0923-7534 .- 1569-8041. ; 28:7, s. 1569-1575
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: In the phase 3 RADIANT-2 study, everolimus plus octreotide long-acting repeatable (LAR) showed improvement of 5.1 months in median progression-free survival versus placebo plus octreotide LAR among patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors associated with carcinoid syndrome. The progression-free survival P-value was marginally above the pre-specified threshold for statistical significance. Here, we report final overall survival (OS) and key safety update from RADIANT-2.Patients and methods: The RADIANT-2 trial compared everolimus (10 mg/day, orally; n = 216) versus placebo (n = 213), both in conjunction with octreotide LAR (30 mg, intramuscularly, every 28 days). Patients, unblinded at the time of progression or after end of double-blind core phase following primary analysis, were offered open-label everolimus with octreotide LAR (open-label phase). In the open-label phase, patients had similar safety and efficacy assessments as those in the core phase. For OS, hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs using unadjusted Cox model and a Cox model adjusted for prespecified baseline covariates were calculated.Results: A total of 170 patients received open-label everolimus (143 crossed over from the placebo arm; 27 in the everolimus arm continued to receive the same treatment after unblinding). The median OS (95% CI) after 271 events was 29.2 months (23.8-35.9) for the everolimus arm and 35.2 months (30.0-44.7) for the placebo arm (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.92-1.49). HR adjusted for baseline covariates was 1.08 (95% CI, 0.84-1.38). The most frequent drug-related grade 3 or 4 AEs reported during the open-label phase were diarrhea (5.3%), fatigue (4.7%), and stomatitis (4.1%). Deaths related to pulmonary or cardiac failure were observed more frequently in the everolimus arm.Conclusion: No significant difference in OS was observed for the everolimus plus octreotide LAR and placebo plus octreotide LAR arms of the RADIANT-2 study, even after adjusting for imbalances in the baseline covariates. Clinical Trial Number: NCT00412061, www.clinicaltrials.gov
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31. |
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32. |
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33. |
- Pavel, M., et al.
(author)
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Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms : ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up
- 2020
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In: Annals of Oncology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0923-7534 .- 1569-8041. ; 31:7, s. 844-860
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) arise from the diffuse neuroendocrine cell system and may occur at many different disease sites. Most frequently, these neoplasms occur in the digestive system, followed by the lung. The term NEN encompasses well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). NECs represent only 10%–20% of all NENs. The main focus of these guidelines is on sporadic small intestinal (SI)-NENs and pancreatic NENs (Pan-NENs) since these are the most prevalent NENs at advanced disease stages. In general, the management of other gastrointestinal NENs follows the same principles as in SI- or Pan-NENs taking into consideration key features of NENs such as proliferative activity, somatostatin receptor (SSTR) expression, tumour growth rate and extent of the disease.
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34. |
- Singh, Simron, et al.
(author)
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Patient-Reported Burden of a Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET) Diagnosis : Results From the First Global Survey of Patients With NETs
- 2017
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In: Journal of global oncology. - 2378-9506. ; 3:1, s. 43-53
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSE: Despite the considerable impact of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) on patients' daily lives, the journey of the patient with a NET has rarely been documented, with published data to date being limited to small qualitative studies. NETs are heterogeneous malignancies with nonspecific symptomology, leading to extensive health care use and diagnostic delays that affect survival. A large, international patient survey was conducted to increase understanding of the experience of the patient with a NET and identify unmet needs, with the aim of improving disease awareness and care worldwide.METHODS: An anonymous, self-reported survey was conducted (online or on paper) from February to May 2014, recruiting patients with NETs from > 12 countries as a collaboration between the International Neuroendocrine Cancer Alliance and Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Survey questions captured information on sociodemographics, clinical characteristics, NET diagnostic experience, disease impact/management, interaction with medical teams, NET knowledge/awareness, and sources of information. This article reports the most relevant findings on patient experience with NETs and the impact of NETs on health care system resources.RESULTS: A total of 1,928 patients with NETs participated. A NET diagnosis had a substantially negative impact on patients' personal and work lives. Patients reported delayed diagnosis and extensive NET-related health care resource use. Patients desired improvement in many aspects of NET care, including availability of a wider range of NET-specific treatment options, better access to NET experts or specialist centers, and a more knowledgeable, better-coordinated/-aligned NET medical team.CONCLUSION: This global patient-reported survey demonstrates the considerable burden of NETs with regard to symptoms, work and daily life, and health care resource use, and highlights considerable unmet needs. Further intervention is required to improve the patient experience among those with NETs.
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35. |
- Strosberg, Jonathan, et al.
(author)
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Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Progressive Midgut Neuroendocrine Tumors Treated With Lu-177-Dotatate in the Phase III NETTER-1 Trial
- 2018
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In: Journal of Clinical Oncology. - : AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. - 0732-183X .- 1527-7755. ; 36:25, s. 2578-2584
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PurposeNeuroendocrine tumor (NET) progression is associated with deterioration in quality of life (QoL). We assessed the impact of Lu-177-Dotatate treatment on time to deterioration in health-related QoL.MethodsThe NETTER-1 trial is an international phase III study in patients with midgut NETs. Patients were randomly assigned to treatment with Lu-177-Dotatate versus high-dose octreotide. European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality-of-life questionnaires QLQ C-30 and G.I.NET-21 were assessed during the trial to determine the impact of treatment on health-related QoL. Patients completed the questionnaires at baseline and every 12 weeks until tumor progression. QoL scores were converted to a 100-point scale according to European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer instructions, and individual changes from baseline scores were assessed. Time to QoL deterioration (TTD) was defined as the time from random assignment to the first QoL deterioration 10 points for each patient in the corresponding domain scale. All analyses were conducted on the intention-to-treat population. Patients with no deterioration were censored at the last QoL assessment date.ResultsTTD was significantly longer in the Lu-177-Dotatate arm (n = 117) versus the control arm (n = 114) for the following domains: global health status (hazard ratio [HR], 0.406), physical functioning (HR, 0.518), role functioning (HR, 0.580), fatigue (HR, 0.621), pain (HR, 0.566), diarrhea (HR, 0.473), disease-related worries (HR, 0.572), and body image (HR, 0.425). Differences in median TTD were clinically significant in several domains: 28.8 months versus 6.1 months for global health status, and 25.2 months versus 11.5 months for physical functioning.ConclusionThis analysis from the NETTER-1 phase III study demonstrates that, in addition to improving progression-free survival, Lu-177-Dotatate provides a significant QoL benefit for patients with progressive midgut NETs compared with high-dose octreotide.
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36. |
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37. |
- Strosberg, Jonathan, et al.
(author)
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Impact of liver tumour burden, alkaline phosphatase elevation, and target lesion size on treatment outcomes with Lu-177-Dotatate : an analysis of the NETTER-1 study
- 2020
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In: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. - : SPRINGER. - 1619-7070 .- 1619-7089. ; 47:10, s. 2372-2382
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose To assess the impact of baseline liver tumour burden, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) elevation, and target lesion size on treatment outcomes with Lu-177-Dotatate. Methods In the phase 3 NETTER-1 trial, patients with advanced, progressive midgut neuroendocrine tumours (NET) were randomised to 177Lu-Dotatate (every 8 weeks, four cycles) plus octreotide long-acting release (LAR) or to octreotide LAR 60 mg. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Analyses of PFS by baseline factors, including liver tumour burden, ALP elevation, and target lesion size, were performed using Kaplan-Meier estimates; hazard ratios (HRs) with corresponding 95% CIs were estimated using Cox regression. Results Significantly prolonged median PFS occurred with Lu-177-Dotatate versus octreotide LAR 60 mg in patients with low (< 25%), moderate (25-50%), and high (> 50%) liver tumour burden (HR 0.187, 0.216, 0.145), and normal or elevated ALP (HR 0.153, 0.177), and in the presence or absence of a large target lesion (diameter > 30 mm; HR, 0.213, 0.063). Within the Lu-177-Dotatate arm, no significant difference in PFS was observed amongst patients with low/moderate/high liver tumour burden (P = 0.7225) or with normal/elevated baseline ALP (P = 0.3532), but absence of a large target lesion was associated with improved PFS (P = 0.0222). Grade 3 and 4 liver function abnormalities were rare and did not appear to be associated with high baseline liver tumour burden. Conclusions Lu-177-Dotatate demonstrated significant prolongation in PFS versus high-dose octreotide LAR in patients with advanced, progressive midgut NET, regardless of baseline liver tumour burden, elevated ALP, or the presence of a large target lesion. : NCT01578239, EudraCT: 2011-005049-11
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- Strosberg, Jonathan R., et al.
(author)
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Symptom Diaries of Patients with Midgut Neuroendocrine Tumors Treated with 177Lu-DOTATATE
- 2021
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In: Journal of Nuclear Medicine. - : Society of Nuclear Medicine. - 0161-5505 .- 1535-5667 .- 2159-662X. ; 62:12, s. 1712-1718
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report the impact of 177Lu-DOTATATE treatment on abdominal pain, diarrhea, and flushing, symptoms that patients with advanced midgut neuroendocrine tumors often find burdensome.Methods: All patients enrolled in the international randomized phase 3 Neuroendocrine Tumors Therapy (NETTER-1) trial (177Lu-DOTATATE plus standard-dose octreotide long-acting repeatable [LAR], n = 117; high-dose octreotide LAR, n = 114) were asked to record the occurrence of predefined symptoms in a daily diary. Change from baseline in symptom scores (mean number of days with a symptom) was analyzed using a mixed model for repeated measures.Results: Patients (intent-to-treat) who received 177Lu-DOTATATE experienced a significantly greater decline from baseline in symptom scores than patients who received high-dose octreotide LAR. For 177Lu-DOTATATE, the mean decline in days with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and flushing was 4.10, 4.55, and 4.52 d per 4 wk, respectively, compared with 0.99, 1.44, and 2.54 d for high-dose octreotide LAR. The mean differences were 3.11 d (95% CI, 1.35–4.88; P = 0.0007) for abdominal pain, 3.11 d (1.18–5.04; P = 0.0017) for diarrhea, and 1.98 d (0.08–3.88; P = 0.0413) for flushing, favoring 177Lu-DOTATATE. A positive repeated-measures correlation was found between diary-recorded symptom scores and questionnaire-recorded pain, diarrhea, and flushing.Conclusion: In addition to efficacy and quality-of-life benefits, symptom diaries from NETTER-1 demonstrated that treatment with 177Lu-DOTATATE was associated with statistically significant reductions in abdominal pain, diarrhea, and flushing, constituting the core symptoms of patients with progressive midgut neuroendocrine tumors, compared with high-dose octreotide LAR, supporting a beneficial effect of 177Lu-DOTATATE on health-related quality of life.
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- Tholander, Bengt, et al.
(author)
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Complete response with combined BRAF and MEK inhibition in BRAF mutated advanced low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma.
- 2020
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In: Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences. - : Uppsala Medical Society. - 0300-9734 .- 2000-1967. ; 125:4, s. 325-329
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- More effective treatments are needed for low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (LGSOC). Our patient, who suffers from metastatic LGSOC, had received all established treatments. Sequencing analysis revealed an activating BRAF mutation. Therefore, combined treatment with BRAF and MEK inhibitors, which is the gold standard in malignant melanoma, was initiated. After eight months of therapy, the response was assessed as complete and the treatment is still, 3.5 years after initiation, of benefit. To our knowledge, no complete response on combined BRAF and MEK inhibitor treatment of low-grade serous ovarian cancer has previously been reported.
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- van Leeuwaarde, Rachel S., et al.
(author)
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A Multinational Pilot Study on Patients' Perceptions of Advanced Neuroendocrine Neoplasms on the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-GINET21 Questionnaires
- 2022
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In: Journal of Clinical Medicine. - : MDPI. - 2077-0383. ; 11:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Among the available neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN)-specific HR-QoL scales, only the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-G.I.NET21 questionnaires have been validated in several languages. We aim to assess patients' perceptions of these questionnaires. A cross-sectional qualitative pilot study was conducted among 65 adults from four countries with well-differentiated advanced gastro-entero-pancreatic (GEP) or unknown primary NENs. Patients completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-G.I.NET21 questionnaires and then a survey containing statements concerning the questionnaires. The majority of patients had a small intestine NET (52%). Most tumors were functioning (55%) and grade 2 NET (52%). Almost half of the patients identified limitations in the questionnaires, with nine (14%) patients scoring the questionnaires as poor and 16 (25%) patients as moderate. Overall, 37 (57%) patients were positive towards the questionnaires. Approximately a quarter of patients considered the questionnaires not suitable for all ages, missing some of their complaints, not representative of their overall HR-QoL regarding the treatment of their NET and too superficial. The current validated EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-G.I.NET21 questionnaires may show some limitations in the design of questions and the patients' final satisfaction reporting of the questionnaire. Large-scale, high-quality prospective studies are required in HR-QoL assessment regarding NETs.
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- Waldum, Helge L., et al.
(author)
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Not only stem cells, but also mature cells, particularly neuroendocrine cells, may develop into tumours : time for a paradigm shift
- 2018
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In: Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology. - : SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD. - 1756-283X .- 1756-2848. ; 11
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Stem cells are considered the origin of neoplasms in general, and malignant tumours in particular, and the stage at which the stem cells stop their differentiation determines the degree of malignancy. However, there is increasing evidence supporting an alternative paradigm. Tumours may develop by dedifferentiation from mature cells able to proliferate. Studies of gastric carcinogenesis demonstrate that mature neuroendocrine (NE) cells upon long-term overstimulation may develop through stages of hyperplasia, dysplasia, and rather benign tumours, into highly malignant carcinomas. Dedifferentiation of cells may change the histological appearance and impede the identification of the cellular origin, as seen with gastric carcinomas, which in many cases are dedifferentiated neuroendocrine tumours. Finding the cell of origin is important to identify risk factors for cancer, prevent tumour development, and tailor treatment. In the present review, we focus not only on gastric tumours, but also evaluate the role of neuroendocrine cells in tumourigenesis in two other foregut-derived organs, the lungs and the pancreas, as well as in the midgut-derived small intestine.
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- Weickert, Martin O., et al.
(author)
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Changes in Weight Associated With Telotristat Ethyl in the Treatment of Carcinoid Syndrome
- 2018
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In: Clinical Therapeutics. - : ELSEVIER. - 0149-2918 .- 1879-114X. ; 40:6, s. 952-962
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: In the placebo-controlled Phase III TELE-STAR (Telotristat Etiprate for Somatostatin Analogue Not Adequately Controlled Carcinoid Syndrome) trial, the oral tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor telotristat ethyl significantly reduced bowel movement (BM) frequency during a 12-week, double-blind treatment period in 135 patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors with carcinoid syndrome and >= 4 BMs per day. Patients (mean [SD] age, 63.5 [8.9] years; mean [SD] body mass index, 24.9 [4.9] kg/m(2)) received placebo, telotristat ethyl 250 mg, or telotristat ethyl 500 mg 3 times per day (TID) in addition to somatostatin analogue therapy. Weight loss is associated with uncontrolled carcinoid syndrome and may be associated with reduced survival.Methods: Assessment of the occurrence of weight change >= 3% at week 12 was prespecified in the statistical analysis plan.Findings: In 120 patients with weight data available, weight gain >= 3% was observed in 2 of 39 patients (5.1%) taking placebo [1.1), 7 of 41 (17.1%) taking telotristat ethyl 250 mg TID, and 13 of 40 (32.5%) taking telotristat ethyl 500 mg TID (P = 0.0017) at week 12. Weight loss >= 3% was observed in 5 of 39 patients (12.8%) taking placebo TID, 4 of 41 (9.8%) taking telotristat ethyl 250 mg TID, and 6 of 40 (15.0%) taking telotristat ethyl 500 mg TID (P = 0.77). Biochemical and metabolic parameters of serum albumin and cholesterol significantly increased (P = 0.02 and P = 0.001, respectively) in patients gaining weight and decreased in patients who lost weight, suggesting an improvement in overall nutritional status.
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