Duodenal neuroendocrine tumors: Classification, functional syndromes, diagnosis and medical treatment

Development and characterization of a cancer cachexia model employing a rare human duodenal neuroendocrine carcinoma-originating cell line

Cancer cachexia interferes with therapy and worsens patients' quality of life. Therefore, for a better understanding of cachexia, we aimed to establish a reliable cell line to develop a cachexia model. We recently established and characterized the TCC-NECT-2 cell line, derived from a Japanese patient with poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of the duodenum (D-NEC). Subcutaneous xenograft of TCC-NECT-2 cells in mice resulted in tumor formation, angiogenesis, and 20% incidence of body weight (BW)-loss. Subsequently, we isolated a potent cachexia-inducing subline using stepwise selection and designated as AkuNEC. Orthotopic and s.c. implantation of AkuNEC cells into mice led to diminished BW, anorexia, skeletal muscle atrophy, adipose tissue loss, and decreased locomotor activity at 100% incidence. Additionally, orthotopic implantation of AkuNEC cells resulted in metastasis and angiogenesis. Serum IL-8 overproduction was observed, and levels were positively correlated with BW-loss and reduced adipose tissue and muscle volumes in tumor-bearing mice. However, shRNA knockdown of the IL-8 gene did not suppress tumor growth and cachexia in the AkuNEC model, indicating that IL-8 is not directly involved in cachexia induction. In conclusion, AkuNEC cells may serve as a useful model to study cachexia and D-NEC.

Distal duodenectomy: a new option of surgical treatment for duodenal tumors

OBJECTIVE

To assess severity, safety and functional advisability of distal pancreatectomy using original surgical technique developed in the Blokhin National Medical Research Centre of Oncology.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 10 patients with duodenal malignancies who have undergone distal pancreatectomy in the Blokhin National Medical Research Centre of Oncology for the period 2006-2018. Distal pancreatectomy for primary duodenal tumors was performed in 8 patients, 2 patients underwent surgery for external invasion of the duodenum.

RESULTS

Postoperative complications Clavien-Dindo grade 1 and 2 occurred in 4 (40%) patients. Surgical complication grade 2 occurred in 1 (10%) patient (pancreatic fistula with effective conservative management). There were no cases of leakage of duodenal stump and duodenojejunostomy, impaired bile flow and stenosis of anastomosis with delayed stomach emptying.

CONCLUSION

Distal duodenectomyis associated with low postoperative morbidity, good functionality and quality of life. This procedure is preferred for non-epithelial and neuroendocrine tumors, as well as with secondary malignant duodenal invasion.

Current best practice in the management of neuroendocrine tumors

Neuroendocrine neoplasms are rare tumors that display marked heterogeneity with varying natural history, biological behavior, response to therapy and prognosis. Their management is complex, particularly as a number of them may be associated with a secretory syndrome and involve a variety of options. A number of factors such as proliferation rate, degree of differentiation, functionality and extent of the disease are mostly utilized to tailor treatment accordingly, ideally in the context of a multidisciplinary team. In addition, a number of relevant scientific societies have published therapeutic guidelines in an attempt to direct and promote evidence-based treatment. Surgery remains the treatment of choice with an intention to cure while it may also be recommended in some cases of metastatic disease and difficult to control secretory syndromes. Long-acting somatostatin analogs constitute the main treatment for the majority of functioning tumors, whereas specific evolving agents such as telotristat may be used for the control of carcinoid syndrome and related sequelae. In patients with advanced disease not amenable to surgical resection, treatment options include locoregional therapies, long-acting somatostatin analogs, molecular targeted agents, radionuclides, chemotherapy and recently immunotherapy, alone or in combination. However, the ideal time of treatment initiation, sequence of administration of different therapies and identification of robust prognostic markers to select the most appropriate treatment for each individual patient still need to be defined.

Establishment of a novel cell line from a rare human duodenal poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma

Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of the duodenum (D-NEC) is a rare cancer with poor prognosis. However, a D-NEC cell line has not yet been established to study the disease. We established a cell line, TCC-NECT-2, from the ascites tumor of a 59-year-old male Japanese patient with D-NEC. TCC-NECT-2 was positive for neuroendocrine markers, chromogranin A (CGA), cluster of differentiation 56 (CD56/NCAM), synaptophysin (SYN/p38), and neuron specific enolase (NSE). Cells exhibited retinoblastoma (RB) protein loss. Orthotopic implantation of TCC-NECT-2 cells into nu/nu mice resulted in tumor formation (incidence = 83.3%) with neuroendocrine characteristics, metastasis, and weight loss. BRAF^V600E and TP53 mutations and C-MYC gene amplification were also observed in TCC-NECT-2. BRAF^V600E-expressing TCC-NECT-2 cells were sensitive to BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib, and especially dabrafenib, in vitro, and were strongly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. Dabrafenib treatment (30 mg/kg) in a xenograft model for 14 days significantly suppressed tumor growth (percent tumor growth inhibition, TGI% = 48.04). An enhanced therapeutic effect (TGI% = 95.81) was observed on combined treatment of dabrafenib and irinotecan (40 mg/kg). Therefore, TCC-NECT-2, the first reported cell line derived from D-NEC, might serve as a useful model to study the basic biology of D-NEC and translational applications for treatment.

Duodenal gangliocytic paraganglioma: A rare cause for gastrointestinal polyp

Duodenal gangliocytic paragangliomas are rare neoplasms often arising in the duodenum in close proximity to the ampulla of Vater. These neoplasms are considered to have a benign behavior with lymph node metastases being a rare phenomenon and distant metastases even more so. Although a standardized treatment has not been determined, a margin-free tumor resection seems to be the best treatment modality. We report herein the case of a 36-year-old female who presented with abdominal pain and was found to have a polyp in the second part of duodenum which was excised endoscopically. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry revealed characteristic features of this rare tumor.

Heterogeneity of Duodenal Neuroendocrine Tumors: An Italian Multi-center Experience

BACKGROUND

The optimal management of duodenal neuroendocrine neoplasms (dNENs) is unclear, and endoscopic resection is increasingly performed instead of surgery.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of patients with histologically confirmed diagnosis of dNENs, managed at five Italian tertiary referral Centers in Italy.

RESULTS

From 2000 to 2017, 108 patients (69 males, 39 females, median age 59.5 years) were included in this study. Seventy-one patients had G1, 21 G2, 4 G3 dNENs (12 Ki-67 not available). Fifty-four patients showed metastases at diagnosis, and 20 patients developed metachronous metastases. Thirty patients had a functioning dNEN (14 metastatic). Fifty-seven patients had the dNEN surgically resected, 16 endoscopically, 23 metastatic, received medical therapy + surgery or endoscopy. Seven patients underwent liver-directed therapies, and one patient had PRRT. Median OS was 187 months. During a median follow-up of 76 months, 20 patients died (19 of disease-related causes). At Cox's multivariate proportional hazard regression, grading and age were the only variables independently related to OS. Median PFS was 170 months. Grading and staging at the initial diagnosis were independently related to PFS. No differences in terms of OS and PFS were observed between patients treated surgically or endoscopically.

CONCLUSIONS

dNENs prognosis may be highly variable. These tumors can be metastatic in up to 50% of cases at the time of first diagnosis and can develop metastases thereafter. Functioning neoplasms express high metastatic potential. Nuclear imaging should be performed to exclude distant metastases in all dNENs. Endoscopy and surgery play a primary role in the management of the disease. Further prospective studies are needed.

Duodenal Gangliocytic Paraganglioma Requiring a Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Introduction

Duodenal gangliocytic paragangliomas (GPs) are a subclass of duodenal neuroendocrine neoplasms and are exceedingly rare. They have been associated with an indolent behavior; however, they can rarely metastasize. Radical resection like a pancreaticoduodenectomy is sometimes indicated. We hereby present a case requiring major surgery and perform a literature search about this disease.

Presentation of Case

A 49-year-old Caucasian female, who presented with an upper gastrointestinal bleed, was found to have a hypodense mass in the second/third portion of the duodenum. A biopsy of the mass during upper endoscopy was inconclusive. A pancreaticoduodenectomy was recommended based on the high suspicion for a duodenal adenocarcinoma and was performed successfully. Her final pathology revealed a duodenal gangliocytic paraganglioma.

Discussion

The majority of duodenal GPs present as gastrointestinal bleeds while others less commonly present with anemia, abdominal pain, duodenal obstructive symptoms, pancreatitis, or abnormal incidental findings on axial abdominal imaging. Duodenal GPs were initially viewed as benign tumors of the duodenum; however, there have been increasing incidence reports of hematogenous and lymphatic metastasis. Appropriate treatment of duodenal GPs is still controversial and ranges from local endoscopic submucosal resection to major radical surgery.

Conclusion

Duodenal GPs are very rare tumors of the second portion of the duodenum presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and local symptoms of surrounding organs. Local or radical resection is usually recommended to prevent bleeding and the minor risk of metastatic spread.

Outcomes of Surgical and Endoscopic Resection of Duodenal Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs): a Systematic Review of the Literature

INTRODUCTION

Duodenal neuroendocrine tumours (dNETs) comprise about 2% of all the NETs. Treatment of dNETs involves resection of the tumour either by endoscopic or surgical resection. Surgical or endoscopic local resection of the lesion is usually a more conservative and less morbid option compared with a more radical pancreaticoduodenectomy. However, inadequate clearance by local resection might result in recurrent disease with reduced overall survival.

METHODS

The current systematic review compared the differences in outcomes of endoscopic resection (ER), local resection (LR) and pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in the management of dNETs. Searches were performed on MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases using MeSH keyword combinations: 'duodenal', AND, 'neuroendocrine tumours'. All relevant articles published up to 2016 were included. Post-operative morbidity, R0 resection status and recurrence rates were the outcomes assessed.

RESULTS

Eight non-randomised retrospective studies with 335 participants were included (LR = 122; PD = 118; ER = 64). While PD was associated with higher morbidity compared with LR (27/64 vs. 10/74; P = 0.002), PD was associated with a higher incidence of an R0 resection (3/97 vs. 15/97; P = 0.007) as well as lower recurrence rates (3/51 vs. 6/46; P = 0.21). ER was associated with a higher positive resection margin status versus LR (22/51 vs. 14/91; P = 0.0002). Recurrence at follow-up was not different among patients with dNETs who underwent PD versus LR.

CONCLUSIONS

Radical surgical resection in the form of PD was associated with higher post-operative morbidity among patients with dNETs yet provided better margin clearance. Patients with dNETs need systematic evaluation with a view to obtain most of the information about the prognostic factors in order to tailor the treatment options.

Non-functional duodenal neuroendocrine carcinoma: a rare cause of diabetes mellitus

A 40-year-old Caucasian female presented with hyperglycaemia, polyuria, polydipsia and weight loss of 6 kg over a 1-month period. There was no personal or family history of malignancy or diabetes mellitus. On examination, she was jaundiced with pale mucous membranes and capillary glucose was 23.1 mmol/L. Initial investigations showed iron deficiency anaemia and obstructive pattern of liver function tests. HbA1c was diagnostic of diabetes mellitus at 79 mmol/mol. Malignancy was suspected and CT chest, abdomen and pelvis showed significant dilatation of intra- and extra-hepatic biliary tree including pancreatic duct, with periampullary 30 mm mass lesion projecting into lumen of duodenum. Enlarged nodes were seen around the superior mesenteric artery. This was confirmed on MRI liver. Fasting gut hormones were normal except for a mildly elevated somatostatin level. Chromogranin A was elevated at 78 pmol/L with normal chromogranin B. Duodenoscopy and biopsy showed possible tubovillous adenoma with low-grade dysplasia, but subsequent endoscopic ultrasound and biopsy revealed a grade 1, well differentiated neuroendocrine tumour. The patient was started on insulin, transfused to Hb >8 g/dL and Whipple’s pancreatico-duodenectomy was undertaken. This showed a well-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma arising in duodenum (Grade G1 with Ki67: 0.5%), with areas of chronic pancreatitis and preservation of pancreatic islet cells. There was complete resolution of diabetes post Whipple’s procedure and patient was able to come of insulin treatment. Her last HBA1C was 31 mmol/mol, 4 months post tumour resection.

Endoscopic ultrasound FNA: An illustrated review of spindle cell neoplasms of the upper gastrointestinal tract including a novel case of gastric plexiform fibromyxoma

Plexiform fibromyxoma (PF) is a recently-described and rare mesenchymal neoplasm of the gastric wall. A few small case series reports of this spindle cell entity exist in the surgical pathology literature, but to our knowledge no prior endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology examples have been reported. In clinical practice, mural gastrointestinal (GI) lesions are often initially evaluated by endoscopic ultrasound guided (EUS) fine needle aspiration (FNA). In addition, newer EUS fine needle biopsy techniques also allow for reliable retrieval of core tissue samples with intact cellular architecture, making EUS histopathologic analyses possible. We report a combined EUS FNA and core biopsy case of PF and correlate the findings with imaging results. The cytomorphology of PF is described and illustrated, and important entities in the differential diagnosis of upper GI spindle cell lesions (including GI stromal tumor, leiomyoma, schwannoma, carcinoid tumor, desmoid-type fibromatosis, and inflammatory fibroid polyp) are reviewed. Illustrated examples of relevant cytomorphologic, cell block histomorphologic and immunohistochemical characteristics are emphasized.

Duodenal neuroendocrine neoplasms: a still poorly recognized clinical entity

BACKGROUND

Duodenal neuroendocrine neoplasms (dNENs) are rare tumors, which usually show good prognosis. The optimal management of these tumors is still far from being clearly understood because of their rarity and the poor level of knowledge about their natural history. Herein, we have reviewed the literature on dNENs to collect and analyze the current data on epidemiology, diagnosis and management of these rare tumors.

METHODS

Bibliographical searches were performed in PubMed, using the following keywords: duodenal neuroendocrine neoplasm; duodenum; gastrinoma; diagnosis; therapy; guidelines. We searched for all relevant articles published over the last 15 years. Non-English language papers were excluded.

RESULTS

We reviewed the pertinent articles about dNENs. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy is the cornerstone of the dNENs diagnostic process. Endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration/biopsy should be performed in order to locally stage the disease and in all cases of non-diagnostic endoscopy. Endoscopic or complete surgical removal of the primary lesion is the recommended treatment and is generally achievable for the majority of the patients. A less aggressive approach may be suggested for well-differentiated low-stage tumors. After NEN removal, patients should be closely followed-up especially during the first 3 years by endoscopic examination, imaging tests and CgA measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

The multi-disciplinary approach and the preservation of the quality of life of the patients play a key role in the therapeutic process for dNENs. Further studies are needed to better define standardized guidelines specific to dNENs, including optimal management approaches and follow-up intervals.

Limited distal duodenal resection: Surgical approach and outcomes. A case series

Introduction

Tumours involving the duodenum are usually treated with pancreaticoduodenectomy, which may be associated with considerable morbidity. Limited distal duodenal resection, a relatively smaller procedure, can be done in some of these patients. We describe our experience with this operation for such lesions.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed, from prospectively collected data 10 consecutive patients who underwent limited duodenal and proximal jejunal resection between March 2011 and Nov 2015.

Results

There were 8 males and 2 females who had a median age of 47 years. Their common presentations were abdominal pain (50%) and upper gastrointestinal bleeding (40%). Five had malignancy (adenocarcinoma: 2, neuroendocrine tumours: 2, non Hodgkin's lymphoma 1). Three had gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) and 2 had other benign tumours (lipoma 1, ectopic pancreas 1). The 30-day post-operative morbidity rate was 60% (n = 6) with mostly minor complications (Clavien grade 1 or 2). Median post-operative stay was 9 (range, 6–13) days. All ten patients were alive without recurrence after a median follow up of 26.5 months.

Conclusion

Limited distal duodenal resection is a feasible surgical alternative to a pancreaticoduodenectomy in carefully selected patients with benign and some malignant tumours of the third and fourth part of the duodenum.

•

Pancreaticodudenctomy is the usual treatment for tumours of the duodenum, which still has 30–50% morbidity.

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Limited resection of the duodenum without pancreatic head resection for benign as well carefully selected malignant tumours of the distal duodenum has considerably lesser morbidity.

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Cattell and Braash maneuver and mobilization of the ligament of Treitz is very helpful during such resection.

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The present study suggests the feasibility of performing such limited resection with equivalent survival and oncological outcomes.

The Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: is there a role for somatostatin analogues in the treatment of the gastrinoma?

PURPOSE

Analyze the role of somatostatin analogues (SSAs) in the treatment of sporadic and MEN1-related gastrinomas, trying to define whether recent trials have changed the landscape of gastrinoma therapy.

METHODS

We evaluate the rationale of SSA use in the treatment of gastrinomas, summarize the current literature concerning the effect of SSAs on the control of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) and gastrinomas tumor progression and discuss their role in the most recent guidelines.

RESULTS

The medical treatment of gastrinoma and related ZES is aimed at controlling acid hypersecretion and tumor progression, in inoperable patients. The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to control the syndrome is a cornerstone in the ZES therapy. SSAs are not usually indicated for antisecretory purpose, because PPIs are considered the treatment of choice, due to their long lasting high efficacy and oral availability. The antiproliferative effect of SSAs has been established by two placebo-controlled trials that have clearly demonstrated a significant increase in progression free survival in patients affected by non-functioning well-differentiated advanced neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). The recent ENETS guidelines recommend the use of SSAs in advanced well differentiated NETs as antiproliferative agents.

CONCLUSIONS

The high sstr-expression in gastrinomas make them highly responsive to SSAs and support the use of such drugs to counteract the tumour growth in patients not amenable to surgical cure. Unfortunately, limited data, mainly case reports or small series, support the use of SSAs in advanced gastrinomas, therefore, it is difficult to quantify their ability to control tumour growth and disease progression.

Is there any role for minimally invasive surgery in NET?

Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) represent the variability of almost benign lesions either secreting hormones occurring as a single lesion up to malignant lesions with metastatic potential. Treatment of NET is usually performed by surgical resection. Due to the rarity of NET, surgical treatment is mainly based on the experience and recommendations of experts and less on the basis of prospective randomized studies. In addition, the development and establishment of new surgical procedures is made more difficult by their rarity. The development of laparoscopic-assisted surgery has significantly improved the treatment of many diseases. Due to the well-known advantages of laparoscopic surgery, this method has also been increasingly used to treat NET. However, due to limited comparative data, the assumed superiority of laparoscopic surgery in the area NET remains often unclear or not yet proven. This review focuses on the present usage of laparoscopic techniques in the area of NET. Relating to the current literature, this review presents the evidence of various laparoscopic procedures for treatment of adrenal, pancreatic and intestine NET as well as extraadrenal pheochromocytoma and neuroendocrine liver metastases. Further, this review focuses on recent new developments of minimally invasive surgery in the area of NET. Here, robotic-assisted surgery and single-port surgery are promising approaches.

Diagnosis and Management of Upper Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors

Upper gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare tumors which are increasingly recognised by practising endoscopists. After confirmation by endoscopic biopsies of these focal lesions, many questions may arise. As NETs are less frequently encountered compared to other malignancies or gastrointestinal pathology, many endoscopists may not fully understand the natural history, diagnosis and management of these tumors. In this review, we aim to update the practising endoscopist on the key clinical features and management of patients with upper gastrointestinal NET.

Comparison of Recurrence Between Pancreatic and Duodenal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms After Curative Resection: A Single-Institution Analysis

BACKGROUND

The primary site of a neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) around the head of the pancreas is sometimes difficult to assess before resection, and the characteristics of the primary site around this region have not been elucidated for recurrence after curative resection. In this study, the clinicopathologic characteristics of pancreatic NEN (PanNEN) and duodenal NEN (DuNEN) were evaluated, and the risk factors as well as the recurrence types after resection were investigated.

METHODS

Consecutively diagnosed NEN patients at the authors' hospital from January 2000 to July 2016 were evaluated in this study. For 117 PanNEN patients and 31 non-ampullary DuNEN patients, R0 resection was achieved. The median follow-up period was 8.1 years.

RESULTS

In this study, 27 PanNEN patients (23.1%) had recurrences, with a median disease-free survival (DFS) of 133 months, whereas 11 DuNEN patients (35.5%) had recurrences, with a median DFS of 156 months. The PanNEN patients tended to have primary recurrence in the liver (85.2%), followed by lymph nodes (11.1%). The independent risk factors for short DFS were lymph node metastasis at resection (p = 0.001) and microvascular invasion (p = 0.048). In contrast, the DuNEN patients were likely to have lymph node metastasis (81.8%). The independent risk factors for short DFS were lymph node metastasis at resection (p = 0.003) and large diameter (p = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

Most initial recurrences of PanNEN occurred in the liver, whereas those of DuNEN appeared in lymph nodes, suggesting that proper diagnosis of the primary site and appropriate imaging methods for surveillance after resection are necessary.

Pancreatic Imaging

Imaging of the endocrine pancreas is dominated by neuroendocrine tumors, a diverse category of neoplasms that may or may not cause symptoms from hormone hypersecretion. These tumors may also be evidence of several different genetic syndromes. Understanding the usefulness of different imaging modalities and entities that simulate neuroendocrine tumors is key for both radiologists and referring physicians.

Gastrointestinal manifestations of neuroendocrine tumours: their investigation and management

The incidence of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) is on the rise in the UK. Patients with NETs need to be managed by a team of clinical specialties. There are a number of challenging gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations related to NETs that can occur in these patients, but a limited literature base exists to guide clinicians.Whilst life expectancy can be several years for patients with NETs, the GI symptoms can have a significant impact on their quality of life. It is therefore imperative to be familiar with the common GI manifestations associated with NETs, so symptoms can be appropriately managed with an overall aim of restoring the patient's quality of life.

The Risk Factors for Metastasis in Non-Ampullary Duodenal Neuroendocrine Tumors Measuring 20 mm or Less in Diameter

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The treatment strategy for non-ampullary duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (NAD-NETs) ≤20 mm in diameter has not been established. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the detailed characteristics of NAD-NETs ≤20 mm in diameter to clarify the risk factors of subsequent metastasis.

METHODS

The patients with NAD-NETs ≤20 mm in diameter who had been treated at 12 institutions between 1992 and 2013 were enrolled. Clinical records were retrieved, and histopathological findings of all cases were centrally reviewed by 2 pathologists.

RESULTS

We studied 49 patients with a mean follow-up period of 66.5 months. Thirty-five patients were initially treated with endoscopic resection (ER), and 14 with surgery. A univariate analysis revealed the ORs and 95% CIs of the risk factors for metastasis were lymphovascular invasion (12.5 [2.01-77.9]), multiple tumors (9.75 [1.46-65.4]), a tumor size of 11-20 mm (6.67 [1.21-36.6]), and World Health Organization grade G2 (7.13 [1.16-43.9]). Five-year overall and disease-specific survival rates were 86.1 and 97.2%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to demonstrate the risk factors of metastasis in NAD-NETs ≤20 mm in diameter. These findings may be helpful for determining the appropriate therapeutic approach and the clinical strategy of treatment following ER.

A Rare Location of a Neuroendocrine Tumor

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) arising in the duodenum are rare neoplasms that are often classified as indolent and have a low potential to metastasize. Although rare, multiple reports cite an increasing incidence of duodenal NETs. Symptoms are usually nonspecific and the diagnosis is made via endoscopy. Endoscopic resection is the mainstay of therapy. The prognosis is usually favorable. We describe a case of a duodenal NET that presented with vague symptoms in order to increase the awareness of this rare but increasing in frequency entity.

Management of gastric and duodenal neuroendocrine tumors

Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (GI-NETs) are rare neoplasms, like all NETs. However, the incidence of GI-NETS has been increasing in recent years. Gastric NETs (G-NETs) and duodenal NETs (D-NETs) are the common types of upper GI-NETs based on tumor location. G-NETs are classified into three distinct subgroups: type I, II, and III. Type I G-NETs, which are the most common subtype (70%-80% of all G-NETs), are associated with chronic atrophic gastritis, including autoimmune gastritis and Helicobacter pylori associated atrophic gastritis. Type II G-NETs (5%-6%) are associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (MEN1-ZES). Both type I and II G-NETs are related to hypergastrinemia, are small in size, occur in multiple numbers, and are generally benign. In contrast, type III G-NETs (10%-15%) are not associated with hypergastrinemia, are large-sized single tumors, and are usually malignant. Therefore, surgical resection and chemotherapy are generally necessary for type III G-NETs, while endoscopic resection and follow-up, which are acceptable for the treatment of most type I and II G-NETs, are only acceptable for small and well differentiated type III G-NETs. D-NETs include gastrinomas (50%-60%), somatostatin-producing tumors (15%), nonfunctional serotonin-containing tumors (20%), poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (< 3%), and gangliocytic paragangliomas (< 2%). Most D-NETs are located in the first or second part of the duodenum, with 20% occurring in the periampullary region. Therapy for D-NETs is based on tumor size, location, histological grade, stage, and tumor type. While endoscopic resection may be considered for small nonfunctional D-NETs (G1) located in the higher papilla region, surgical resection is necessary for most other D-NETs. However, there is no consensus regarding the ideal treatment of D-NETs.

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome Associated with von Recklinghausen Disease: Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic endocrine tumors (PETs) are rare and can occur as part of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Gastrinomas are functional PETs that are rarely associated with NF1. Only two cases of their occurrence have been reported in the literature.

CASE REPORT

A 28-year-old woman was admitted for further evaluation of epigastric soreness, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a significant weight loss. Physical examination was remarkable for cutaneous findings (axillary freckling and multiple café-au-lait spots) as well as neurofibromas (dermal, plexiform). A diagnosis of NF1 was confirmed. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed multiple ulcers in the duodenum and the upper jejunum. A fasting gastrin level exceeded ten times the normal limit. An abdominal multi-slice 128 computed tomography (CT) scan revealed an oval mass of 26 mm in diameter adjacent to the second section of the duodenum. The patient was examined carefully to rule out multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). Surgical resection was performed and a gastrinoma, causing Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES), was diagnosed by histological examinations of the extirpated mass. The serum gastrin level decreased to normal limits shortly after surgery. Continuous follow-up revealed that the symptoms and the EGD findings completely resolved without recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

Although NF1 has common skeletal, visual, neurological, and cardiovascular complications, it also has a rare association with duodenal or pancreatic gastrinomas. Vigilance for this possible association is important to promote timely and careful management to help eliminate serious and potentially life-threatening complications.

Duodenal Neuroendocrine Tumors: Location Matters!

Duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare. Historically, when feasible a less aggressive surgical approach is considered. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with prognosis and the necessity for more aggressive surgical procedures. All patients who underwent surgery for duodenal NETs between September 2005 and June 2014 were identified retrospectively. Data collected included clinical presentation, operative findings, and histopathological data. Eighteen patients underwent surgical management for duodenal NETs. Two patients underwent transduodenal excision (11%), two patients had partial duodenal resection (11%), two patients had antrectomy including 1st part of duodenum (D1) resection (33%), and eight underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy [PD (44%)]. On analysis, 2nd part of duodenum (D2) location was the most common site of duodenal NETs (n = 9, 50%). The odds of having a PD were 10 times higher when the lesion was in D2 location. The odds of having a positive lymph node are nine times higher when the lesion is in D2 region. The odds of having a positive lymph node are three times higher when lesion is greater than T1. D2 location of NETs is associated with higher odds of lymph node positivity and need for more extensive procedures like PD.

Endoscopic band ligation without resection in selected patients for small and superficial upper gastrointestinal tract lesions

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic band ligation (EBL) in carefully selected patients who would benefit from this method of resection.

METHODS

Patients with early upper gastrointestinal and small (< 15 mm) lesions treated with EBL (Duette® Multi-Band Mucosectomy) were prospectively recruited and retrospectively analyzed between 2010 and 2015. All cases were discussed in a multidisciplinary cancer committee and it was concluded that, owing to patient conditions, surgery was not possible and that not conducting histology would not change the clinical management. A first endoscopic control with biopsies was planned at 4-8 weeks. If there was no persistence of the lesion, new controls were programmed at 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

The group (n = 12) included 5 esophagus lesions (adenosquamous carcinoma, n = 1; carcinoma squamous, n = 2; adenocarcinoma, n = 2); 4 gastric lesions (high grade dysplasia, n = 1; adenocarcinoma, n = 2; neuroendocrine tumor [NET], n = 1), and 3 duodenal lesions (NETs) (n = 3). The mean tumor diameter was 9.6 ± 2.8 mm (range 4-15). Only one minor adverse event was described. At first follow-up (4-8 weeks), there was 91.6% and 75% of endoscopic and histological remission, respectively. At 6-month follow-up there was 70% of both endoscopic remission and negative biopsies. And at 12 months, there was 100% and 75% of endoscopic and histological remission, respectively. Persisting lesions were T1 cancers. The median follow-up was 30.6 months.

CONCLUSION

EBL without resection is an easy and safe technique that should be considered in patients with multiple morbidities and small superficial UGI lesions.

Duodenal neuroendocrine tumors: retrospective evaluation of CT imaging features and pattern of metastatic disease on dual-phase MDCT with pathologic correlation

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the CT appearance and pattern of metastatic disease of patients with surgically resected well-differentiated duodenal neuroendocrine tumors who underwent pre-operative dual-phase CT.

METHODS

Clinical and pathologic records and CT images of 28 patients (average age 58.0 years) following Whipple procedure were retrospectively reviewed. The size, morphology (polypoid, intraluminal mass or wall thickening, intramural mass), location, CT attenuation in the arterial and venous phases, and the presence of lymph node or liver metastases were recorded.

RESULTS

On CT, 19 patients (67.8%) had neuroendocrine tumors manifested as polypoid or intraluminal masses (38 lesions, multiple tumors in 3 patients), 4 patients (14.3%) had tumors manifested as wall thickening or intramural masses, and in 5 patients (17.9%), the primary tumor was not visualized. Lesions not seen at CT were less than 0.8 cm on pathologic diagnosis. The mean size of polypoid tumors on CT was 1.2 cm (range 0.3-3.8 cm); 24 tumors were 1.0 cm or smaller, and 14 tumors were larger than 1.0 cm. Most lesions were hypervascular in the arterial phase (19/23 patients) with an increase in tumor enhancement in the venous phase in 14 patients (60.9%), decrease in enhancement in 7 patients (30.4%), and no change in enhancement in 2 patients (8.7%). Thirteen patients (46.4%) had metastatic disease from carcinoid tumor, most commonly regional enhancing lymphadenopathy.

CONCLUSION

Duodenal carcinoid tumors commonly appear as an enhancing mass in either the arterial or venous phases. If a primary tumor is not seen in the duodenum, adjacent enhancing lymphadenopathy can be a clue to the presence of a duodenal carcinoid tumor.

Small bowel neuroendocrine tumors: From pathophysiology to clinical approach

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), defined as epithelial tumors with predominant neuroendocrine differentiation, are among the most frequent types of small bowel neoplasm. They represent a rare, slow-growing neoplasm with some characteristics common to all forms and others attributable to the organ of origin. The diagnosis of this subgroup of neoplasia is not usually straight-forward for several reasons. Being a rare form of neoplasm they are frequently not readily considered in the differential diagnosis. Also, clinical manifestations are nonspecific lending the clinician no clue that points directly to this entity. However, the annual incidence of NETs has risen in the last years to 40 to 50 cases per million probably not due to a real increase in incidence but rather due to better diagnostic tools that have become progressively available. Being a rare malignancy, investigation regarding its pathophysiology and efforts toward better understanding and classification of these tumors has been limited until recently. Clinical societies dedicated to this matter are emerging (NANETS, ENETS and UKINETS) and several guidelines were published in an effort to standardize the nomenclature, grading and staging systems as well as diagnosis and management of NETs. Also, some investigation on the genetic behavior of small bowel NETs has been recently released, shedding some light on the pathophysiology of these tumors, and pointing some new directions on the possible treating options. In this review we focus on the current status of the overall knowledge about small bowel NETs, focusing on recent breakthroughs and its potential application on clinical practice.

Duodenal neuroendocrine tumor and the onset of severe diabetes mellitus in a US veteran

Objective:

Neuroendocrine tumors are neoplasms derived from endocrine cells, most commonly occurring in the gastrointestinal tract. Duodenal neuroendocrine tumors are rare tumors averaging 1.2–1.5 cm, and most are asymptomatic. Common presentation is abdominal pain, upper gastrointestinal bleed, constipation, anemia, and jaundice.

Methods:

An adult, Black, male patient with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus presented to the emergency department with elevated liver function test and fatigue.

Results:

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography demonstrated a large obstructing mass (3.6 cm × 4.4 cm × 3 cm) within the second and third portions of the duodenum at the ampulla. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy demonstrated an ulcerated duodenal mass that was biopsied. Immunohistochemical stains were positive for synaptophysin, chromogranin B, and CK7. Chromogranin A was in normal range. Post-Whipple procedure demonstrated a 5.5 cm × 4.1 cm × 2.9 cm duodenal mass with invasion of the subserosal tissue of the small intestine, a mitotic rate of 2 per high-power field, and antigen Ki-67 of 2%–5%.

Conclusion:

This case raises the question as to if the patient developed diabetes mellitus due to the tumor size and location or if the new onset of diabetes was coincidental. This case also demonstrates the importance of a proficient history and physical.

Elevated Plasma Pancreastatin, but Not Chromogranin A, Predicts Survival in Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Duodenum

BACKGROUND

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the duodenum are rare, heterogeneous, and often indolent neoplasms. We hypothesized that elevated pancreastatin levels are an indicator of a poor prognosis in well-differentiated duodenal NETs.

STUDY DESIGN

Data from patients diagnosed with a primary duodenal NET were analyzed. Patients that underwent esophogogastroduodenoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, or exploratory surgery to localize their neoplasm and whose tumors were confirmed histologically were included.

RESULTS

Eighty-four patients were diagnosed with duodenal NETs from January 1991 to January 2014. Seventy-five percent and 21% of patients had their tumor localized by esophogogastroduodenoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound, respectively. The remaining 4% were localized during exploratory surgery. The 5-year Kaplan-Meier survival rate for the entire cohort (N = 84) was 80%. Survival sorted by normal vs abnormal pancreastatin level was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Five-year survival rates were 94% and 37% for normal and abnormal pancreastatin, respectively. In contrast, survival sorted by normal vs abnormal plasma chromogranin A level was not statistically significant (p = 0.24).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with primary duodenal NETs have high 5-year survival rates. Serial monitoring of plasma pancreastatin levels can identify patients who have a poor prognosis.

Syndromic versus non-syndromic sporadic gastrin-producing neuroendocrine tumors of the duodenum: comparison of pathological features and biological behavior

Sporadic gastrin-producing neuroendocrine tumors of the duodenum present either with the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) or with unspecific symptoms. While syndromic gastrin-producing neuroendocrine tumors often show metastases at the time of diagnosis, those without a syndrome do not. The aim of the study was to search for clinicopathological features that may distinguish the two categories of gastrin-producing duodenal tumors. In a retrospective study, we analyzed the clinical and pathological data in a series of 41 patients with syndromic (i.e., gastrinomas) or non-syndromic duodenal gastrin-producing neuroendocrine tumors (ns-gas-NETs). Twenty-four (59 %) of the 41 patients had tumors that were associated with a ZES and were classified as gastrinomas. These tumors showed a higher Ki-67 index than that of the ns-gas-NETs (1.74 vs. 0.85 %, p = 0.012). In addition, they had more lymph node metastases (75 vs. 6 %, p < 0.001) and showed liver metastases and thus presented much more frequently in TNM stage ≥III (75 vs. 6 %; p < 0.001) than their non-syndromic counterparts. Gastrinomas were removed surgically, ns-gas-NETs endoscopically. We did not observe any significant differences in overall survival or recurrence of disease. Duodenal gastrinomas show no clear morphological features that distinguish them from their non-syndromic counterparts. However, the patients with gastrinomas present in a more advanced stage of disease and need surgical treatment, while non-syndromic gastrin-producing duodenal NETs may be cured by complete endoscopical removal.

Large gangliocytic paraganglioma of the duodenum: A rare entity

Gangliocytic paragangliomas are rare tumors that almost exclusively occur within the second portion of the duodenum. Although these tumors generally have a benign clinical course, they have the potential to recur or metastasize to regional lymph nodes. The case report presented here describes a 57-year-old female patient with melena, progressive asthenia, anemia, and a mass in the second-third portion of the duodenum that was treated by local excision. The patient was diagnosed with a friable bleeding tumor. The histologic analysis showed that the tumor was a 4 cm gangliocytic paraganglioma without a malignant cell pattern. In the absence of local invasion or distant metastasis, endoscopic resection represents a feasible, curative therapy. Although endoscopic polypectomy is currently considered the treatment of choice, it is not recommended if the size of the tumor is > 3 cm and/or there is active or recent bleeding. Patients diagnosed with a gangliocytic paraganglioma should be closely followed-up for possible local recurrence.

Gangliocytic Paraganglioma With Atypical Immunohistochemical Features Presenting as Extrahepatic Biliary Obstruction

Gangliocytic paraganglioma is a rare benign tumor of upper gastrointestinal tract that most commonly involves the second part of duodenum. The tumor is detected incidentally on imaging in most of the cases. However, presentation with extrahepatic biliary obstruction is extremely rare. We recently encountered a 50-year-old male patient who was evaluated for extrahepatic biliary obstruction and was found to have a periampullary mass on imaging. The patient underwent pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy along with liver biopsy and hepatoduodenal lymph node dissection. On histopathological examination, a tumor was detected in the periampullary region of duodenum, which was confirmed to be gangliocytic paraganglioma on immunohistochemistry along with atypical histological and immunohistochemical features.

Small duodenal carcinoids: a case series comparing endoscopic resection and autoamputation with band ligation

GOALS

We sought to compare the efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound-guided endoscopic resection (ER) and endoscopic band ligation (EBL) for autoamputation of small duodenal carcinoids.

BACKGROUND

The ideal management of small duodenal carcinoid tumors remains unclear.

STUDY

A retrospective review of duodenal carcinoids over a 10-year period (2002 to 2012) was performed at our tertiary-care teaching hospital. All patients with duodenal carcinoids ≤10 mm in size treated with either ER or EBL were included. The main outcome measurements were the efficacy and safety of endotherapy.

RESULTS

A total of 37 patients with 39 subcentimeter duodenal carcinoids were identified. In the EBL group, the mean (SD) tumor size was 6.7±2.1 mm compared with 6.7±1.7 mm in the ER group (P=0.943). The mean Ki-67 index was ≤2% in specimens available for histologic analysis in both groups (16/23 EBL and 15/16 ER). The positive deep margin rate in the ER group was 68.8%. Residual carcinoid tumor cells were detected on follow-up biopsies in 1 patient after EBL, and 2 patients after ER. All underwent subsequent successful endotherapy. No adverse events occurred in the EBL group compared with an 18.8% adverse event rate in the ER group (P=0.066).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided EBL is a safe, effective method for removal of small superficial duodenal carcinoids and seems to be a lower risk alternative to conventional ER with cautery.

Laparoscopic resection of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors with special contribution of radionuclide imaging

The surgical treatment of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) draws on experience and guidelines more than on prospective randomized trials. The incidence of NET is increasing in all parts of the gastrointestinal tract. A variety of classifications introduced over the last decade may have led to difficulties in judging clinical relevance and determining the right surgical strategy. The North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society and the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society have developed usable guidelines from the available literature. For more than 20 years laparoscopy has developed as the gold standard for various surgical indications. Nevertheless, few trials have compared open and laparoscopic surgery with regard to NET. This review summarizes the recent literature on surgery for NET and incorporates the evidence on laparoscopy for cancer which might be also applied for NET.

Duodenal gangliocytic paraganglioma, a rare entity among GEP-NET: a case report with immunohistochemical and molecular study

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are the most incident neuroendocrine tumors. In the new WHO classification (2010) the embryological derivation of each neoplastic entity is one of the most important parameters. Gangliocytic Paraganglioma is a tumor originating in the hindgut, a rare neoplasm, generally affecting the second portion of the duodenum, the majority of which are benign.

Cases of gangliocytic paraganglioma with local metastasis or local recurrence have also been reported.

We describe a GP in a 48-year-old caucasian male with an unusual site (4th portion of duodenum) and an interesting immunohistochemical and molecular pattern. In particular, we examined the expression of some neuroendocrine markers and a marker of neuronal differentiation, NeuroD1, whose expression can help to better understand the nature of this neoplasia.

Endoscopic treatment of duodenal neuroendocrine tumors

Duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare neoplasms. In this study, the medical records of 14 patients with duodenal NETs diagnosed at Chonnam National University Hospital from July 2001 to August 2011 were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively. Four patients were diagnosed in the first 5 years, and 10 patients were diagnosed in the latter 5 years of the study. Ten of 12 patients (83.3%) who underwent endoscopic biopsy were confirmed to have NET before resection. Endoscopic resection was performed in 12 patients, surgical resection in one patient, and regular follow-up in one patient who refused resection. None of the patients showed recurrence or distant metastasis. Duodenal NETs are increasingly observed and are mostly detected during screening upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Careful endoscopic examination and biopsy can improve the diagnostic yield of NETs. Most well-differentiated, nonfunctional duodenal NETs that are limited to the mucosa/submucosa can be treated effectively with endoscopic resection.

Imaging features of carcinoid tumors of the gastrointestinal tract

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies have provided a better understanding of the biologic behavior of gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors. This article focusing on imaging of gastrointestinal carcinoids will emphasize epidemiology, molecular biology, taxonomy, histopathology, and management.

CONCLUSION

Gastrointestinal carcinoids are a biologically heterogeneous group of tumors, with variable clinical presentation and biologic behavior. Imaging can play an important role in multidisciplinary identification and management of this disease.

Causes of death and prognostic factors in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1: a prospective study: comparison of 106 MEN1/Zollinger-Ellison syndrome patients with 1613 literature MEN1 patients with or without pancreatic endocrine tumors

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is classically characterized by the development of functional or nonfunctional hyperplasia or tumors in endocrine tissues (parathyroid, pancreas, pituitary, adrenal). Because effective treatments have been developed for the hormone excess state, which was a major cause of death in these patients in the past, coupled with the recognition that nonendocrine tumors increasingly develop late in the disease course, the natural history of the disease has changed. An understanding of the current causes of death is important to tailor treatment for these patients and to help identify prognostic factors; however, it is generally lacking.To add to our understanding, we conducted a detailed analysis of the causes of death and prognostic factors from a prospective long-term National Institutes of Health (NIH) study of 106 MEN1 patients with pancreatic endocrine tumors with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (MEN1/ZES patients) and compared our results to those from the pooled literature data of 227 patients with MEN1 with pancreatic endocrine tumors (MEN1/PET patients) reported in case reports or small series, and to 1386 patients reported in large MEN1 literature series. In the NIH series over a mean follow-up of 24.5 years, 24 (23%) patients died (14 MEN1-related and 10 non-MEN1-related deaths). Comparing the causes of death with the results from the 227 patients in the pooled literature series, we found that no patients died of acute complications due to acid hypersecretion, and 8%-14% died of other hormone excess causes, which is similar to the results in 10 large MEN1 literature series published since 1995. In the 2 series (the NIH and pooled literature series), two-thirds of patients died from an MEN1-related cause and one-third from a non-MEN1-related cause, which agrees with the mean values reported in 10 large MEN1 series in the literature, although in the literature the causes of death varied widely. In the NIH and pooled literature series, the main causes of MEN1-related deaths were due to the malignant nature of the PETs, followed by the malignant nature of thymic carcinoid tumors. These results differ from the results of a number of the literature series, especially those reported before the 1990s. The causes of non-MEN1-related death for the 2 series, in decreasing frequency, were cardiovascular disease, other nonendocrine tumors > lung diseases, cerebrovascular diseases. The most frequent non-MEN1-related tumor deaths were colorectal, renal > lung > breast, oropharyngeal. Although both overall and disease-related survival are better than in the past (30-yr survival of NIH series: 82% overall, 88% disease-related), the mean age at death was 55 years, which is younger than expected for the general population.Detailed analysis of causes of death correlated with clinical, laboratory, and tumor characteristics of patients in the 2 series allowed identification of a number of prognostic factors. Poor prognostic factors included higher fasting gastrin levels, presence of other functional hormonal syndromes, need for >3 parathyroidectomies, presence of liver metastases or distant metastases, aggressive PET growth, large PETs, or the development of new lesions.The results of this study have helped define the causes of death of MEN1 patients at present, and have enabled us to identify a number of prognostic factors that should be helpful in tailoring treatment for these patients for both short- and long-term management, as well as in directing research efforts to better define the natural history of the disease and the most important factors determining long-term survival at present.

Duodenal somatostatinoma: a case report and review of the literature

Introduction

About 70% of well-differentiated endocrine tumors arise from the gastrointestinal tract. Duodenal well-differentiated endocrine tumors account for only 2.6% of all neuroendocrine tumors. Following the first two case reports of somatostatin-secreting tumors in 1977, fewer than 200 cases of somatostatinoma have been reported. These tumors of the duodenum are usually silent and asymptomatic, but can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Depending on the localization of the tumor, multiple surgical procedures can be performed, ranging from local resection to pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Case presentation

Here, we report a case of a submucosal duodenal mass in a 42-year-old Turkish White man presenting with nausea, vomiting, fatigue and abdominal pain. The treatment decision of pancreaticoduodenectomy made preoperatively was later altered to intraoperative removal via local resection with sphincteroplasty.

Conclusion

Tumors of the periampullary region are considered highly malignant, and the Whipple operation is usually the only procedural treatment. In the current case, we decided not to perform pancreaticoduodenectomy but to excise the mass intraoperatively, and consequently avoided unnecessary resection of the pancreas and anastomosis to undilated hepatic and pancreatic ducts. This protective strategy prevented duodenum- and pancreas-related morbidity.

Pharmacotherapy of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

INTRODUCTION

The role of pharmacotherapy in the management of patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) is often equated with the medical management of acid hypersecretion. However, pharmacotherapy is also increasingly involved in the other management areas of these patients.

AREAS COVERED

This paper reviews the role of pharmacotherapy in all aspects of the management of patients with ZES. Newer aspects are emphasized. This includes the difficulty of diagnosing ZES in patients taking proton pump inhibitors. Also covered is the role of pharmacotherapy in controlling acid hypersecretion and other hormonal hypersecretory states these patients may develop, including hyperparathyroidism in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 and ZES; tumor localization; and the treatment of advanced metastatic disease. The last includes chemotherapy, liver-directed therapies, biotherapy (somatostatin/interferon), peptide radio-receptor therapy and molecular-targeted therapies including the use of mTor inhibitors (everolimus) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (sunitinib).

EXPERT OPINION

Pharmacotherapy is now involved in all aspects of the management of patients with ZES, with the result that ZES has progressed from being considered an entirely surgical disease initially to the present where medical treatment plays a major role in almost all aspects of the management of these patients.

Gastric and duodenal neuroendocrine tumours

Gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are increasing in frequency and have a varied spectrum with regard to histology, clinicopathologic background, stage, and prognosis. They are usually discovered incidentally, are for the most part benign and are associated with hypergastrinaemia (secondary either to chronic atrophic gastritis or rarely Zollinger-Ellison syndrome; types 1 and 2, respectively) or more rarely sporadic type 3. Applications of recent staging and grading systems - namely using Ki-67 proliferative indices - (from ENETS and WHO 2010) can be particularly helpful in further categorising these tumours. The natural history of Type 1 gastric carcinoids is generally (>95%) favourable and simple surveillance is usually recommended for small (<1 cm) T1 tumours, with local (endoscopic or surgical) resection for larger lesions. Other potential therapies such as somatostatin analogues and gastrin receptor antagonists may offer newer therapeutic possibilities. Rarely, gastric NENs have a malignant course and this is usually confined to Type 2 and especially Type 3 tumours; the latter mimic the biological course of gastric adenocarcinoma and require radical oncological therapies. Most duodenal NENs, apart from gastrinomas (that are not dealt with here) are sporadic and non functional. They are also increasing in frequency probably due to incidental discovery at endoscopy or imaging for other reasons and this may account for their overall good prognosis. Peri-ampullary and ampullary NENs may have a more aggressive outcome and should be carefully appraised and treated (often with surgical resection).

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: clinical features, diagnosis and medical treatment: advances

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) comprise with gastrointestinal carcinoids, the main groups of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (GI-NETs). Although these two groups of GI-NETs share many features including histological aspects; over-/ectopic expression of somatostatin receptors; the ability to ectopically secrete hormones/peptides/amines which can result in distinct functional syndromes; similar approaches used for tumor localization and some aspects of treatment, it is now generally agreed they should be considered separate. They differ in their pathogenesis, hormonal syndromes produced, many aspects of biological behaviour and most important, in their response to certain anti-tumour treatment (chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapies). In this chapter the clinical features of the different types of pNETs will be considered as well as aspects of their diagnosis and medical treatment of the hormone-excess state. Emphasis will be on controversial areas or recent advances. The other aspects of the management of these tumors (surgery, treatment of advanced disease, tumor localization) are not dealt with here, because they are covered in other chapters in this volume.

Synchronous Duodenal Carcinoid and Adenocarcinoma of the Colon

Carcinoid tumors are a histological subtype of well differentiated, low to intermediate grade, slow-growing neuroendocrine malignancies capable of secreting bioactive peptides, such as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin), chromogranin-A and chromogranin-C. Here we present a case of a duodenal carcinoid that simultaneously occurred with adenocarcinoma of the colon. A 59-year-old male with a past medical history of hepatitis C and hypertension presented complaining of worsening abdominal pain associated with 2 - 3 episodes per week of bright red blood per rectum for the past month. He also reported a 20 pounds weight loss in the last 6 months. Social history was significant for a 15 pack year history. Vitals on admission were within normal limits. Physical exam was significant for right upper quadrant tenderness without guarding, rebound, or organomegaly. Rectal exam revealed no blood or masses. Laboratory results showed iron deficiency anemia with hemoglobin of 9.6 K/mm³. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a 4 mm duodenal polyp. Colonoscopy was terminated early secondary to a large circumferential obstructing mass found in the descending colon. Immunohistochemistry of the duodenal biopsy was positive for synaptophysin and chromogranin-A; consistent with the diagnosis of stage I carcinoid tumor. Biopsy results of the colonic mass showed a stage I well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent a left colectomy and partial duodenectomy; he remains in remission after 2 year of close follow up. When the diagnosis of small bowel carcinoid is made, further screening for other primary neoplasms should be sought to prevent potential late stage diagnosis of synchronous malignancies. This is crucial because patients’ demise usually result from the associate tumor and not the carcinoid component. Finally, we would like to raise clinician’s awareness regarding the incidence of this entity since some of the studies suggest that it is more common than it was previously thought.

Multiple giant duodenal ulcers associated with duodenal gastrinoma

A 59-year-old Japanese man with a history of chronic hepatitis C and cirrhosis was admitted to hospital because of severe abdominal pain and diarrhea. His discomfort had begun 2 months earlier and was localized to the upper abdomen. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed multiple ulcerative lesions from the duodenal bulb to the descending part of the duodenum, one of which was a giant ulcer that filled half of the intestinal lumen. Despite continuous intravenous lansoprazole therapy, his abdominal symptoms did not improve. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was again performed to detect the tumor, but it was difficult to observe the tumor with a conventional endoscope. We then inverted a transnasal endoscope into the duodenum, and this enabled us to detect a 15-mm submucosal tumor in the upper wall of the duodenal bulb. Examination of specimens from endoscopic ultrasonography fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the tumor revealed gastrinoma in the duodenal bulb. We decided to perform an operative resection. The patient's symptoms resolved after surgery, and he remained asymptomatic at follow-up 18 months later. Therefore, when it is difficult to detect the tumor directly by conventional endoscopy, we recommend that attempts be made to detect the tumor by inverting a transnasal endoscope into the duodenal bulb.