Carcinoid tumors and small-cell carcinomas of the gallbladder and extrahepatic bile ducts: a comparative study based on 221 cases from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. Ann Diagn Pathol. 2009;13:378-383. [PMID: 19917473 DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2009.08.002]

Rare case report: primary small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) accounts for 1.7% of all cancer-related deaths. Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder (GB-NEC) is a rare subtype of GBC that is more malignant than GBC. Small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder (GB-SCNEC) is a rare malignant tumor with a low incidence. To date, no universally accepted or satisfactory treatment exists. This case report details the clinical presentation, diagnostic process, and treatment strategy of a patient with GB-SCNEC. The analysis of this rare case is intended to provide clinicians with diagnostic and therapeutic insights for future research.

A Rare Neuroendocrine Tumor at the Junction of the Cystic and Common Hepatic Ducts: The Value of a Multimodal Approach in Preoperative Diagnosis

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the biliary tract are extremely rare due to a paucity of Kulchitsky cells. While their preoperative diagnosis remains challenging due to the lack of specific diagnostic markers and imaging findings, there have been no detailed reports describing the diagnostic utility of various imaging modalities for bile duct NETs at the junction of the cystic and common hepatic ducts. We report a case of a woman in her 40s who presented with jaundice and elevated hepatobiliary enzymes. Imaging studies identified a 17 mm × 15 mm × 13 mm nodule at the junction of the cystic and common hepatic ducts. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a well-enhanced nodule from the early phase, while magnetic resonance imaging showed slightly high intensity on T2-weighted images and strong diffusion restriction. Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/CT revealed mild 18F-FDG uptake with a maximum standardized uptake value of 3.5. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) suggested extramural compression by a submucosal tumor, and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and intraductal ultrasound (IDUS) revealed a well-circumscribed, homogeneous, hypoechoic submucosal nodule. This comprehensive multimodal approach allowed for the inclusion of NET in the preoperative differential diagnosis. The patient underwent cholecystectomy and extrahepatic bile duct resection, and histopathological examination confirmed a World Health Organization grade 1 NET at the junction of the cystic and common hepatic ducts. The patient remains recurrence-free after two years of follow-up. This is the first detailed report demonstrating the potential utility of a multimodal approach, including ERCP, EUS, and IDUS, in the preoperative diagnosis of biliary tract NET at this specific anatomical location, particularly in identifying the characteristic features of a submucosal tumor.

Mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasm of the bile duct with long-term prognosis after neoadjuvant chemotherapy

A 74-year-old man with obstructive jaundice presented with a thickened distal bile duct wall. A transpapillary forceps biopsy revealed an adenocarcinoma; however, because the tumor image was different from that of a typical cholangiocarcinoma, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration was performed on the tumor and enlarged lymph nodes. The tumor cells were positive for synaptophysin and CD56 with a Ki67 labeling index of 95%, and he was diagnosed with small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. We diagnosed a bile duct tumor with neuroendocrine carcinoma component with lymph node metastasis. Preoperative chemotherapy for neuroendocrine carcinoma was administered because R0 resection was difficult and the risk of postoperative recurrence was high. Three courses of chemotherapy with carboplatin and etoposide resulted in marked tumor shrinkage, and radical resection was performed 3 months after diagnosis. Postoperative pathology revealed adenocarcinoma in the mucosal epithelium and small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma in the submucosa, most of which resolved with chemotherapy. Carboplatin and etoposide were resumed as adjuvant chemotherapy, and 67 months of recurrence-free survival were achieved after surgery.

Neuroendocrine Tumours of Extrahepatic Biliary Tract: Report of Four Cases with Literature Review

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) originating from extrahepatic bile duct are an extremely rare entity. They are typically slow growing tumours with malignant potential. Commonly presenting as obstructive jaundice, preoperative clinico-radiologic differentiation between extrahepatic biliary tract neuroendocrine tumours and cholangiocarcinoma is difficult and the final diagnosis is usually established after surgical histopathology and immunohistochemistry examination. R0 resection offers the only curative option with good long-term outcomes for well-differentiated NETs (grade1, grade2, and grade3) while the aggressive poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) needs multimodality approach. We present our experience of management of four cases including three cases of grade II NET and one case of NEC undergoing surgical resection at a single centre with a short review of available literature.

Clinicopathological Findings and Treatment Outcomes of Patients with Primary Hepatobiliary Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Retrospective Single-institution Analysis

Objective Primary hepatobiliary neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are rare tumors exhibiting several morphological and behavioral characteristics. Considering the lack of relevant data on this topic, we evaluated the clinicopathological features and treatment outcomes of patients with primary hepatobiliary NENs. Methods/Patients We examined 43 consecutive patients treated at the National Cancer Center Hospital with pathological diagnoses of primary hepatobiliary NEN between 1980 and 2016. Results Nine patients were diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumor (NET) G1, 9 with NET G2, and 25 with neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) based on the World Health Organization 2019 classification. Patients with NEC had primary sites across the hepatobiliary organs, although sites in patients with NET G1 and NET G2 only included the liver and ampulla of Vater. Patients with primary extrahepatic bile duct or ampulla of Vater NENs tended to be diagnosed earlier than patients with primary gallbladder NENs. The median survival times in the NET G1, NET G2, and NEC groups were 167.9, 97.4, and 11.1 months, respectively. A good performance status, absence of distant metastases, and low tumor grade were identified as independent predictors of a favorable prognosis. Conclusion The NET-to-NEC ratio and tumor stage distribution at the diagnosis differed depending on the primary site. Patients with G1 and G2 NETs who underwent surgical resection had good prognoses, whereas those with NEC exhibited more advanced disease and poorer prognoses. The performance status, staging classification, and tumor grade are important factors to consider when devising an appropriate treatment strategy and predicting the prognoses of patients with primary hepatobiliary NEN.

Effective treatment of gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinoma with nivolumab

An 89-year-old patient with gallbladder neuroendocrine neoplasms (GB-NENs) and lung cancer metastasis underwent nivolumab monotherapy, resulting in tumor shrinkage. Surgery and adjuvant nivolumab showed efficiency despite low expression of PD-L1.

Clinical features and outcomes analysis of Gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinoma

Purpose

Gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinoma (GB-NEC) is an uncommon and highly malignant tumor. This research aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of GB-NEC.

Materials and Methods

Our survey of case reports from January 2000 to May 2022 screened a total of 84 patients with complete data who received surgical resection for gallbladder NEC. Log-rank generated survival curves using the Kaplan-Meier method for univariate survival analysis. To identify GB-NEC independent prognostic indicators for overall survival (OS), univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses were conducted.

Results

These patients consisted of 25 men and 59 women, with an average age of 60 (range 29-85). Patients under 60 years old made up 44% of the population, while patients over 60 made up 56%. Fifty-three tumors were advanced pathologic TNM stage III and IV. After surgery, 44 patients underwent chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The median OS of 84 patients with GB-NEC was 16.8 months. In univariate and multivariate analysis, tumor size (diameter ≥5 cm), TNM tumor stage, and the receipt of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy are independent factors influencing the prognosis of patients with GB-NEC.

Conclusion

Tumor size (diameter ≥5 cm) and TNM tumor stage were independently related to a shorter OS. An enhanced OS was independently linked to receiving postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy.

Comprehensive Clinical Analysis of Gallbladder Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Large-Volume Multicenter Study During One Decade

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics and therapeutic situations of gallbladder neuroendocrine neoplasms (GB-NENs) in the real world via a multicenter, large-scale cohort study.

METHODS

The study searched for patients in 143 hospitals in China and enrolled 154 patients with GB-NENs diagnosed in 40 hospitals between 2004 and 2021. Clinicopathologic characteristics and therapeutic approaches were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The median age at the initial diagnosis of the patients with GB-NENs was 63 years (range 33-83 years), and 61.7% of the patients were women. Tumor-node-metastasis staging classified 92 patients as stage 3 or above. Based on the 2019 World Health Organization classification, 96 cases (62.3%) were confirmed pathologically as poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas, 13 cases (8.4%) as well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors, and 45 cases as mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasms. The liver was the most frequent metastatic site. Immunohistochemistry showed that synaptophysin was most frequently positive (80.4%), followed by chromogranin A (61.7%), and CD56 (58.4%). Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed more common clear boundaries (25/39 cases) and invasive growth features (27 cases). None of these cases had an accurate diagnosis before surgery, with a misdiagnosis rate of 100%. Surgical resection is the main treatment, and platinum-based chemotherapeutic regimens were preferred as adjuvant therapies for patients with GB-NENs. The available survival data for 74 patients showed an overall survival rate of 59% at 1 year, 33% at 3 years, and 29% at 5 years. No significant difference was found between the patients treated with and those treated without adjuvant chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Gallbladder neuroendocrine neoplasms have high malignancy and a poor prognosis. Importantly, this large-scale cohort study significantly improves our understanding of GB-NENs and will benefit the exploration of its mechanism and treatment modes. Further investigation is necessary to explore the management of this disease.

The clinical and prognostic factors for biliary neuroendocrine neoplasm: a study based on the SEER database

BACKGROUND

In this study, we aimed at elucidating the postoperative survival and prognostic factors in patients with biliary neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN).

METHODS

Cases of biliary system NEN and adenocarcinoma from 1975 to 2016 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. A propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to adjust baseline differences in clinicopathological characteristics in our analysis. The Kaplan-Meier analysis was carried out for survival analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 233 patients with biliary system NEN were enrolled in this study, of which 119 patients' lesions located in gallbladder, while the others' located in bile duct. The postoperative overall survival of bile duct NEN is significantly longer than that of gallbladder NEN (P < 0.001). For gallbladder NENs, surgery method (P = 0.020) and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.018) were identified as independent prognostic factors. In terms of ampulla of vater (AOV) NENs, age (P = 0.017) and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.006) were identified as independent prognostic factors, while grade (P = 0.002) and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.036) were identified as independent prognostic factors for extrahepatic bile duct (EBD) NENs. PSM analysis indicated that patients with biliary duct NENs have a better postoperative prognosis than biliary duct adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with NEN have better overall survival than patients with adenocarcinoma. Gallbladder NEN has an adverse prognosis than that of biliary tract NEN. The pathological subtype, differentiation, lymph node metastasis, surgery method, and lymph node resection could affect the postoperative prognosis of the gallbladder and biliary tract NEN.

Case reports: chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder

Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) is a rare subtype of malignant gallbladder tumor. Although surgical resection is the only potentially curative therapy for gallbladder NEC, most cases are surgically unresectable because of advanced stage disease and/or biologically aggressive behavior. The standard palliative treatment for malignant gallbladder tumors is chemotherapy; however, the efficacy of chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of gallbladder tumors is controversial. Here, we report a case of gallbladder NEC that showed a durable response to chemoradiotherapy. A 68-year-old Japanese man presented with a huge gallbladder tumor with liver and duodenal invasion. Pathological findings revealed poorly differentiated NEC of the gallbladder. After seven cycles of chemotherapy comprising cisplatin and irinotecan, computed tomography (CT) revealed remarkable tumor shrinkage, but an enlarged portal lymph node. The patient was treated with 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions with two cycles of cisplatin and etoposide. After chemoradiotherapy, the enlarged lymph node also decreased in size. Maximum standardized uptake value of fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/CT(FDG-PET/CT) changed from 8.2 to physiological accumulation. We defined this condition as a complete response on both enhanced CT and FDG-PET/CT; therefore, we did not perform systemic treatment and only observed his condition. This patient remained healthy with no recurrence at 3 years after chemoradiotherapy.

OUP accepted manuscript

Neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) arising from the extrahepatic bile duct (EHBD) are extremely rare, and their preoperative diagnosis is difficult. A small number of resected cases of EHBD NECs has been reported, and their prognosis is usually poor. A 62-year-old man presented with obstructive jaundice and liver disease. Radiological imaging revealed wall thickness and stricture of the distal common bile duct (CBD); however, lymph node or distant metastasis was not detected. Adenocarcinoma was detected on biopsy, and surgery was performed with a preoperative diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma of the distal CBD. Pathological examination revealed adenocarcinoma of the CBD mucosa (20%) and NEC of the CBD wall (80%). The final pathological diagnosis was small-cell NEC of the EHBD. His post-operative course was good, and there was no recurrence for 4 months after surgery. Herein, we report a case of resected EHBD NEC and a literature review.

Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the common bile duct associated with congenital bile duct dilatation: a case report

Background

Cholangiocarcinoma is frequently observed in patients with congenital bile duct dilatation (CBDD). Most cholangiocarcinomas are adenocarcinomas. Other types, especially neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs), are rare. To the best of our knowledge, this is the third reported case of an NEC of the common bile duct associated with CBDD and the first to receive adjuvant chemotherapy for advanced disease.

Case presentation

A 29-year-old woman presented with upper abdominal pain. Preoperative imaging indicated marked dilatation of the common bile duct and a tumor in the middle portion of the common bile duct. She was suspected of having distal cholangiocarcinoma associated with CBDD and underwent pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. Pathological and immunohistological findings led to a final diagnosis of large-cell NEC (pT3aN1M0 pStageIIB). The postoperative course was uneventful, and she was administered cisplatin and irinotecan every 4 weeks (four cycles) as adjuvant chemotherapy. She has remained recurrence-free for 16 months.

Conclusions

NEC might be a differential diagnosis in cases of cholangial tumor associated with congenital bile duct dilatation. This presentation is rare and valuable, and to establish better treatment for NEC, further reports are necessary.

Whole-exome mutational landscape of neuroendocrine carcinomas of the gallbladder

Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) of the gallbladder (GB-NEC) is a rare but extremely malignant subtype of gallbladder cancer (GBC). The genetic and molecular signatures of GB-NEC are poorly understood; thus, molecular targeting is currently unavailable. In the present study, we applied whole-exome sequencing (WES) technology to detect gene mutations and predicted somatic single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) in 15 cases of GB-NEC and 22 cases of general GBC. In 15 GB-NECs, the C > T mutation was predominant among the 6 types of SNVs. TP53 showed the highest mutation frequency (73%, 11/15). Compared with neuroendocrine carcinomas of other organs, significantly mutated genes (SMGs) in GB-NECs were more similar to those in pulmonary large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNECs), with driver roles for TP53 and RB1. In the COSMIC database of cancer-related genes, 211 genes were mutated. Strikingly, RB1 (4/15, 27%) and NAB2 (3/15, 20%) mutations were found specifically in GB-NECs; in contrast, mutations in 29 genes, including ERBB2 and ERBB3, were identified exclusively in GBC. Mutations in RB1 and NAB2 were significantly related to downregulation of the RB1 and NAB2 proteins, respectively, according to immunohistochemical (IHC) data (p values = 0.0453 and 0.0303). Clinically actionable genes indicated 23 mutated genes, including ALK, BRCA1, and BRCA2. In addition, potential somatic SNVs predicted by ISOWN and SomVarIUS constituted 6 primary COSMIC mutation signatures (1, 3, 30, 6, 7, and 13) in GB-NEC. Genes carrying somatic SNVs were enriched mainly in oncogenic signaling pathways involving the Notch, WNT, Hippo, and RTK-RAS pathways. In summary, we have systematically identified the mutation landscape of GB-NEC, and these findings may provide mechanistic insights into the specific pathogenesis of this deadly disease.

Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the biliary tree, liver and pancreas: a pathological approach

Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the pancreatobiliary tract and liver are a heterogeneous group that encompass a spectrum of entities with distinct morphological, biological and clinical features. Although in the various anatomical sub-sites of this region they show specific characteristics, these tumors, as a whole, share several etiological and clinical aspects. This review systematically addresses NENs arising in the extrahepatic bile ducts, gallbladder, liver and pancreas, with the principal aim of pinpointing essential diagnostic and classification issues. In addition, the section on hepatic NENs has been expanded to include metastatic disease of unknown primary site.

Clinicopathologic and Molecular Features of Mixed Neuroendocrine Non-Neuroendocrine Neoplasms of the Gallbladder

Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the gallbladder are rare, comprising 0.5% of all neuroendocrine cancers and about 2% of gallbladder cancers. These neoplasms can also be found along with other malignant neoplasms of epithelial origin, mostly adenocarcinomas. Herein, we describe an unusual finding of a three-component mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasm (MiNEN) of the gallbladder. We also review the literature on 29 similar cases and summarize key features. We report on a 62-year-old woman who presented with right upper quadrant pain with a positive Murphy’s sign. A clinical diagnosis of neoplasia was entertained and she underwent cholecystectomy. Gross examination of the specimen revealed a 5-cm exophytic mass at the gallbladder fundus. Histopathologic examination of the mass showed an infiltrating squamous cell carcinoma, an adjacent neuroendocrine carcinoma (each of these two components composed more than 30% of the neoplasm), and a superficial adenocarcinoma (composing 10% of the neoplasm). Gallbladder MiNENs present with similar symptoms and in the same age group as do carcinomas; however, their prognosis is often poor. Specific management and treatment guidelines have not been established since MiNENs are very rare.

Silent and formidable foe: neuroendocrine tumours of the gallbladder

Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the gallbladder occur infrequently, with the diagnosis being incidental in most cases. We present a case of an 81-year-old African American woman who initially presented with acute suppurative cholecystitis, found on pathology to have a moderately differentiated infiltrating adenocarcinoma. A partial hepatic resection with periportal lymph node dissection was planned which was subsequently aborted intraoperatively due to the presence of diffuse carcinomatosis. Pathology of the cancerous lesions revealed neuroendocrine carcinoma. Gallbladder neuroendocrine tumours demonstrate no specific clinical features. Given its often late presentation, neuroendocrine tumours of the gallbladder pose a therapeutic and prognostic challenge.

Neuroendocrine Carcinomas of the Gallbladder: A Clinicopathologic and Immunohistochemical Analysis of 34 Resected Cases

Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) is an aggressive malignant tumor that rarely arises from the gallbladder. Here, we investigated the clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical characteristics of 34 NECs of the gallbladder. The patients were predominantly women (68%) with a median age of 63 years (range, 37 to 82 y). NECs frequently occurred in the fundus (44%) as mass-forming lesions (66%). Histologically, 17 tumors were of small cell type, and another 17 were of large cell type. Twenty-three cases (68%) were associated with biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (38%) and intracholecystic papillary neoplasm (29%). The majority of tumors exhibited a diffuse growth pattern (74%), followed by organoid (24%) or scirrhous (2%) growth patterns. Histologic features related to neuroendocrine differentiation, such as nuclear molding (56%), perilobular pseudopalisading (18%), and rosette formation (15%), were identified. Immunohistochemically, cytokeratin 7 and 20 were expressed in 19 (56%) and 8 (24%) cases, respectively. Loss of Rb1 expression and concomitant overexpression of p16 were observed in 25 (74%) cases. No BRAF mutations were identified in any of the 34 NECs. For survival analysis, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 64%, 35%, and 19%, respectively. In a multivariate analysis, the receipt of adjuvant chemoradiation therapy was identified as the only independent prognostic factor associated with the overall survival rate. The 1- and 3-year overall survival rates of patients with NECs were poorer for patients with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder (P<0.001). The complete resection and application of postoperative adjuvant therapy may influence a better clinical outcome in patients with NEC of the gallbladder.

PTEN deficiency facilitates the therapeutic vulnerability to proteasome inhibitor bortezomib in gallbladder cancer

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is an aggressive malignancy of biliary tract with poor prognosis. Although several studies have shown the frequency of relevant genetic alterations, there are few genetic models or translational studies that really benefit for GBC treatment in the era of precision medicine. By targeted sequencing and immunohistochemistry staining, we identified that phosphate and tension homology deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) was frequently altered in GBC specimens, and loss of PTEN expression was independently correlated with poor survival outcomes. Further drug screening assays revealed proteasome inhibitor bortezomib as a promising agent for GBC treatment, and knockdown of PTEN increased bortezomib efficacy both in vivo and in vitro. Therapeutic evaluation of patient derived xenografts (PDXs) strongly supported the utilization of bortezomib in PTEN deficient GBC. Mechanically, functional PTEN inhibited ARE-dependent transcriptional activity, the same machinery regulating the transcription of proteasome subunits, thus PTEN suppressed proteasome activity and bortezomib sensitivity. Through siRNA screening, we identified the ARE-related transcriptional suppressor BACH1 involved in PTEN-mediated proteasome inhibition and regulated by PTEN-AKT1 axis. In summary, our study indicates that proteasome activity represents a prime therapeutic target in PTEN-deficient GBC tumors, which is worthy of further clinical validation.

Repeat hepatectomy for liver metastases from bile duct neuroendocrine tumor: a case report

Background

Primary neuroendocrine tumor (NET) originating from the extrahepatic bile duct is rare, although liver metastasis from gastroenteropancreatic NET is frequently observed. We herein report a case who successfully underwent repeat hepatectomy for liver metastases from bile duct NET grade 2 (G2).

Case presentation

A 75-year-old man presented with jaundice and was suspected of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). He underwent extended left hepatectomy, extrahepatic bile duct resection, and hepaticojejunostomy. Pathological findings showed a NET G2 of the biliary tract arising from the common bile duct. Two years and 11 months after surgery, a liver metastasis was detected and hepatectomy was performed. During the surgery, another liver metastasis was detected, and limited liver resection for the two lesions was performed. Pathological findings showed four liver metastases of NET G2. Five years and 4 months after the first surgery (2 years and 5 months after the second hepatectomy), four liver metastases were detected. Thereafter, he received somatostatin analogues for 1 year. Although the size of tumors increased slightly, the number did not change. He underwent limited liver resections and was diagnosed with 7 liver metastases of NET G2. Finally, another hepatectomy (fourth hepatectomy) was performed and long-term survival without recurrence was obtained for as long as 8 years after the first surgery.

Conclusions

Repeat hepatectomy is a good option to obtain long-term survival for liver metastases from bile duct NET G2 in select patients.

Rapidly progressed neuroendocrine carcinoma in the extrahepatic bile duct: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) originating from the extrahepatic bile duct (EHBD) is very rare but is known for its aggressiveness and poor prognosis. We herein report a case of rapidly progressed NEC in the extrahepatic bile duct.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 84-year-old man was referred to our facility with obstructive jaundice and abdominal pain. Imaging studies revealed an irregular filling defect in the middle bile duct by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and an enhanced wall thickening from the middle to distal portion by enhanced computed tomography. The patient was initially diagnosed with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma by a bile duct biopsy and underwent pancreatoduodenectomy with lymph node dissection. The pathological findings showed an NEC with an adenosquamous carcinoma component in the extrahepatic bile duct with lymph node metastases. The patient experienced multiple liver metastases 1 month after surgery and died 3 months after surgery. Due to the rapid progression of his disease, his general condition deteriorated, and he was unable to receive any additional treatments, such as chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

As shown in our case, NEC of the EHBD has an extremely poor prognosis and can sometimes progress rapidly. Multimodality treatment should be considered, even in cases of locoregional disease.

A case of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater

Background

Gastroenteric neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) account for 6.2% of gastroenteric neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), and only 1% or less of gastroenteric NETs occur in the ampulla of Vater (AoV). Clinical features of NEC of the AoV remain obscure.

Case presentation

A 65-year-old man visited a general practitioner because of jaundice, and an abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan revealed a tumor of 11 mm in diameter, which was enhanced in the arterial phase at the duodenal papilla, with dilation of the upstream bile duct. Gastrointestinal scope revealed an unexposed tumor of the AoV. Based on a biopsy of the site, a moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma was suspected, and pancreatoduodenectomy was performed. Histopathological examination revealed dysplasia and highly proliferative small tumor cells, with solid and nodular formation at the AoV. Histological analysis showed a high mitotic count, and immunohistochemical staining revealed a Ki-67 index of 40–50% and cells positive for synaptophysin, chromogranin A, and p53. Small cell-type NEC was finally diagnosed. Four months post pancreatoduodenectomy, multiple liver metastases developed, and systemic chemotherapy was administered. Salvage liver resection for liver metastases was performed 14 months after the pancreatoduodenectomy. Unfortunately, multiple liver metastases developed 2 months after liver resection, and the patient died 18 months after the pancreatoduodenectomy.

Conclusions

Neuroendocrine carcinoma originating from the bile duct is very rare; therefore, in this article, we provide a review of the literature and a case report.

Comparison of Clinicopathological Features of Biliary Neuroendocrine Carcinoma with Adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to demonstrate the clinical features and postoperative outcomes of extrahepatic bile duct (EHBD) neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) and compared with those of adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patients with EHBD cancer operated in our institution between 1995 and 2015.

RESULTS

Of 475 patients, 468 had adenocarcinoma, while 7 had NEC/mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC) in this study. There were no notable preoperative and pathological features in patients with NEC/MANEC. However, patients with NEC/MANEC had a higher recurrence rate (51.8 vs. 100%, p = 0.016), poorer relapse-free survival (RFS) time (the median RFS time: 35 vs. 12 months, p = 0.006), and poorer overall survival (OS) time (the median OS time: 60 vs. 19 months, p = 0.078) than those with adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, patients with NEC/MANEC had higher rates of liver metastasis (11.9 vs. 85.7%, p < 0.001) than those with adenocarcinoma. In multivariable regression analysis, pathological type with NEC/MANEC was a risk factor for poorer RFS (p = 0.022, hazard ratio: 6.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with NEC/MANEC have high malignant potential and poor outcomes. It is necessary to develop an effective approach and postoperative adjuvant treatment for patients with NEC/MANEC.

Primary neuroendocrine tumour of the common hepatic duct: An unexpected Klatskin-like lesion

The biliary system is an uncommon location for neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), and within this system, the common hepatic duct is an even more rare site for NETs. Clinical and radiological presentations are challenging because these tumours may be preoperatively confused with Klatskin-like lesions. Here we report a well-differentiated grade 2 NET arising from the common hepatic duct in a 64-year-old female. Curative surgery was performed, and no evidence of recurrent disease was observed at the 2-months follow-up.

Flushing as atypical initial presentation of functional gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinoma: A case report

BACKGROUND

Neuroendocrine neoplasms are rarely located in the gallbladder (GB), and carcinoid syndrome is exceedingly rare in patients with GB neuroendocrine neoplasms.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a case of GB neuroendocrine carcinoma (GB-NEC) in a 65-year-old man, who presented with flushing for 2 mo. Pathological specimens of the flushed skin revealed that mucin was deposited between the collagen bundles in the dermis. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging indicated neoplasm in the GB with liver invasion and enlarged lymph nodes in the portacaval space. High fluorodeoxyglucose uptake was detected in lymph nodes in the portacaval space, but distant metastasis was not seen by positron emission tomography. Ultrasound-guided needle biopsy of the GB neoplasm was suggestive of high-grade NEC. Because of the functional characteristics of poorly differentiated NEC, en bloc cholecystectomy, resection of hepatic segments IVb and V, pancreaticoduodenectomy, and regional lymphadenectomy were performed. A diagnosis of poorly differentiated NEC was made by pathological findings and immunohistochemical staining data. Ki-67 index was > 80%. The patient refused adjuvant therapy and passed away in the 7th month.

CONCLUSION

Distinctive manifestation combined with imaging helps make correct preoperative diagnosis. Radical surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy might improve prognosis.

Rapidly growing neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder: A case report

Gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinomas are rare tumors with a prognosis poorer than that of other gallbladder carcinomas. These tumors are often detected late and are difficult to treat. We present the case of a 68-year-old woman with small-cell gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinoma. Abdominal sonography and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI performed at different points in time showed rapid growth. Treatment with surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy was instituted. In view of the rapid growth of these tumors, suspicious cases should at least be considered for close follow-up with appropriate imaging studies.

A case of gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinoma diagnosed preoperatively using somatostatin receptor scintigraphy

Gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) is a rare gallbladder tumor. The current report is a case of a patient preoperatively diagnosed with gallbladder NEC using somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS). A 63-year-old man was admitted to our hospital by a family doctor after abdominal ultrasonography revealed thickened walls of the neck of his gallbladder. At Kagoshima University Hospital, CT and MRI of the abdomen and endoscopic ultrasonography confirmed the thickening of the walls of the neck of the gallbladder. However, it did not resemble a typical gallbladder cancer or tumor, such as a neuroendocrine tumor or malignant lymphoma. Positron emission tomography and SRS showed abnormal accumulation at the tumor site. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed, adenocarcinoma was suspected based on intra-gallbladder bile cytology, and a cholecystectomy with lymphadenectomy was performed. The postoperative pathological diagnosis was small cell NEC (pT3a, N0, M0, stage II). Immunohistochemistry indicated that the gallbladder tumor cells were positive for synaptophysin, chromogranin A, and cluster of differentiation (CD) 56, and negative for somatostatin receptors (SSTR) 2 and 5. Gene expression assays revealed the expression of all SSTR subtypes (SSTR1-5) in the tumor. Generally, NECs exhibit poor accumulation in SRS, however, the results of the current case suggest that SRS may be useful in the preoperative diagnosis of NEC.

Biliary Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Clinical Profiles, Management, and Analysis of Prognostic Factors

Biliary neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) represent <1% of all NENs. The aim of this retrospective study is to present the clinical characteristics, management and prognosis profiles of 28 biliary NEN patients from a large tertiary center, and identify factors related to prognosis. Nine tumors originated from the gallbladder, two from the extrahepatic bile duct and 17 from the ampulla of Vater. One patient was classified as neuroendocrine tumor (NET) Grade 1, three patients were classified as NET Grade 2, 18 were graded neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) Grade 3 and six were classified as mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC). The overall survival rate and disease-free survival rate did not have statistically significant differences between tumors of different locations or different grading. Recurrence of disease correlated with poor prognosis (p < 0.001). Lymphovascular invasion and invasion beyond the submucosa were related to higher risk of local lymph node metastases. Multivariate analysis identified patient age (p = 0.021) and R0 resection margin (p = 0.027) as independent prognostic factors associated with overall survival. Our study included relatively large numbers of biliary tract NENs with intact follow-up information. Patients with biliary neuroendocrine tumors showed different clinical outcomes according to tumor locations and tumor grades. Achieving R0 resection is important for better prognosis.

Rare case of a gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinoma

There are no neuroectodermal cells in the gallbladder mucosa. Therefore, gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) is extremely rare and has a poor prognosis. We report a case of a Japanese man in his 60s with this disease. The patient visited a family doctor for epigastralgia. Blood tests showed no abnormalities, including tumor markers, such as CEA and CA19-9. Abdominal ultrasonography (US) showed a low-echoic mass, 39 × 30 mm, with clear boundaries to the liver from the fundus of the gallbladder. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed that the tumor was enhanced early and washed out. Diffusion-weighted MRI showed a high signal. We suspected liver invasion of gallbladder cancer and performed a cholecystectomy, S4 and S5 hepatectomy, and lymphadenectomy. The resected whitish tumor was 29 × 22 mm. The tumor cells had honeycomb growth to the liver from the gallbladder. Tumor cells were poorly differentiated, and there was no stricture of the gland duct. Immunostaining showed that the tumor cells were positive for CD56, chromogranin A and synaptophysin, and about 30% were positive for Ki-67. Our diagnosis was gallbladder NEC with liver invasion. Although most malignant gallbladder tumors are adenocarcinomas, this case indicates that gallbladder NEC should be considered as a differential diagnosis of gallbladder tumor.

Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of gallbladder with concomitant hepatitis C infection

Neuroendocrinetumour (NET) of the gallbladder is an extremely rare tumour and with coexisting adenocarcinoma an even rarer occurrence. Mixed NETs have the tendency to invade the lymph nodes and the hepatic tissue from their high malignant potential, leading to poor prognosis. Survival rates of the patients with mixed NET can be improved with wide excision, adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation. We present a case of 62-year-old woman with history of hepatitis C infection, a risk factor for both hepatic and extrahepatic gastrointestinal malignancies. Patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with resection of the gallbladder and partial hepatectomy. Pathology showed high-grade larger cell neuroendocrine carcinoma 5×4×3 cm along with two separate lesions found out to be adenocarcinomas. In our patient, hepatitis C infection can be an inciting factor for the development of these carcinomas. We will discuss the presentation, treatment modalities and outcomes with this kind of coexisting tumours.

Neuroendocrine tumor of the common bile duct: a case report and review of the literature

We report a rare case of neuroendocrine tumor (NET) in the common bile duct (CBD). The patient is a 56-year-old female who presented to our department with symptoms of fever but without jaundice. A preoperative examination showed a tumor in the CBD. The tumor volume was almost 5.5 × 4.5 × 4 cm³, which is the biggest NET in the CBD reported on PubMed. The imaging results (computed tomography [CT] and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) were not consistent with CBD adenocarcinoma. The tumor appeared to oppress the growth of the CBD rather than originate in the bile duct wall; combined with the low blood bilirubin index and lack of jaundice symptoms, the preoperative diagnosis was not clear. We performed a radical resection of the cholangiocarcinoma. The patient recovered well before going home. The pathology was NET (Grade 2). The patient showed no recurrence to date, without intravenous chemotherapy (8 months).

Synchronous gallbladder squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, both as primary tumors in one patient

INTRODUCTION

Synchronous primary carcinomas of gallbladder are extremely rare. In this paper, we report a case of double primary carcinomas in gallbladder CASE REPORT: A 65 year old male was admitted to the hospital for surgical removal of gallbladder, which was diagnosed as cholecystitis in ultrasonography. Macroscopic examination disclosed a single whitish mass in gallbladder neck and another distinct mass in the fundus as wall thickening. Pathologic findings revealed squamous cell carcinoma of the neck and adenocarcinoma in the fundus.

DISCUSSION

This study represents an example of misdiagnosis. Being cautious is mandatory in order to manage the patient properly.

CONCLUSION

Synchronous primary carcinomas of gallbladder are rare. However this diagnosis should be taken into account in patients with cholecystitis features in order to seeking for the best surgical approach.

Curative Resection of Combined Neuroendocrine Carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma of the Gallbladder

Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder has very rarely been reported as it accounts for only 0.5% of all neuroendocrine tumors. It has a very aggressive biological behavior. These tumors are usually diagnosed at an advanced stage and surgical management is therefore not an option. We performed a hepatopancreaticoduodenectomy along with adjuvant chemotherapy in a 48-year-old patient with a neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder. The patient has been followed up at the outpatient clinice for 18 months without there having been any recurrence. Patients with a locally invasive neuroendocrine carcinoma in the gallbladder may benefit from aggressive surgical treatment followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. The primary management in high-grade metastatic tumors is, however, mainly medical.

A long-term recurrence-free survival of a patient with the mixed adeno-neuroendocrine bile duct carcinoma: A case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Neuroendocrine tumors arising primarily in the bile duct are rare. And among these tumors, mixed adeno-neuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC) is quite uncommon. We report a patient with MANEC who achieved long-term recurrence-free survival. And our case report includes analysis previous case reports.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 66-year-old man underwent investigation for persistent anorexia and fatigue. Laboratory tests showed that the values of hepatobiliary enzymes were increased. On CT, a 10mm×8mm hypervascular tumor was observed in the distal bile duct and the proximal bile duct was markedly dilated. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) also showed a stenosis with a long diameter of 10mm. Examination of a biopsy specimen obtained from the narrow site of the bile duct at the time of ERC revealed tubular adenocarcinoma. Therefore, pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed under a preoperative diagnosis of distal bile duct carcinoma. Postoperative pathologic examination revealed alveolar structures and a mixture of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma with synaptophysin-positive and chromogranin-A-positive neuroendocrine carcinoma. Therefore, the final diagnosis was MANEC, pT3, pN1, M0, pStage II B (TNM classification of the UICC). Curative resection was achieved and there has been no recurrence after 30 months.

DISCUSSION

In the previous reports, only five patients (14.7%) survived for 24 months or longer. Median survival was longer (14 months) in the curative resection group and shorter (6 months) in the non-curative resection group.

CONCLUSION

Curative resection is essential to achieve long-term survival in patients with bile duct MANEC, even if these patients have lymph node metastasis.

Primary extrahepatic bile duct neuroendocrine tumor with obstructive jaundice masquerading as a Klatskin tumor

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the extrahepatic bile duct are extremely rare and reported infrequently in the literature. These tumors are difficult to diagnose preoperatively, and the prognosis is variable, often determined by extent of disease, tumor grade and resectability. This case report presents a 45-year-old male with history of biliary obstruction relieved by endobiliary stents with common hepatic duct stricture just above the cystic duct, thought to be a Klatskin’s cholangiocarcinoma. Final pathological examination was consistent with primary extrahepatic NET.

Clinicopathological characteristics of biliary neuroendocrine neoplasms: a multicenter study

OBJECTIVES

This study assessed the clinicopathological features, therapeutic approaches, and prognosis of patients with biliary neuroendocrine neoplasm (NENs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Multicenter retrospective study of patients with biliary tract NENs in the gallbladder, the extrahepatic bile duct, or the ampulla of Vater between 2005 and 2014.

RESULTS

Total of 43 patients were included in the study. The median age was 62 years (range: 29-84 years) and 58.1% of the patients were male. The tumors occurred in the gallbladder (n = 11), the extrahepatic bile duct (n = 5) or the ampulla of Vater (n = 27). The liver was the most common metastatic site. Based on the 2010 World Health Organization classification, more patients with gallbladder NENs (11/11 (100%)) had neuroendocrine carcinoma G3 than those with NENs in the ampulla of Vater (10/27 (37.1%)). The median progression free survival time (39.3 vs 5.1 months, p = 0.001) and median overall survival time (46.9 vs 7.9 months, p < 0.001) were significantly longer in patients with ampulla of Vater NENs than gallbladder NENs. A 2010 World Health Organization classification of neuroendocrine carcinoma G3 was independently related to poor overall survival (hazard ratio (HR), 27.1; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 2.81-260.68; p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

The 2010 World Health Organization classification of neuroendocrine carcinoma G3 was the only factor related to poor prognosis in patients with biliary neuroendocrine neoplasms.

A case of neuroendocrine carcinoma in the hepatic hilar lymph nodes concomitant with an adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder

BACKGROUND

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare especially in the gallbladder. They have not been elucidated in the pathogenesis, clinicopathological characteristics, and treatment options.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a 76-year-old woman with a gallbladder tumor and hepatic hilar lymph node swelling. The lymph node biopsy demonstrated neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC). We performed cholecystectomy, hepatic hilar lymphadenectomy, extrahepatic biliary duct resection, and hepaticojejunostomy prior to chemotherapy. Pathological examination revealed the gallbladder mass was an adenocarcinoma invading to the muscular layer without any NEC components, whereas the hepatic hilar lymph nodes were filled with high-grade NEC cells with negligible area of adenocarcinoma. The patient received general chemotherapy consisting of carboplatin and etoposide, but a recurrence in the para-aortic lymph nodes occurred 4 months after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

We report a rare case of NEC of the hepatic hilar lymph nodes that were concomitant with an adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder. High-grade NEC generally has an aggressive behavior and an optimal treatment strategy should be chosen for each patient.

Coexisting cancers: a mixture of neuroendocrine carcinoma and adenocarcinoma in the gallbladder: A case report

BACKGROUND

Neuroendocrine carcinoma is rare with a proportion of less than 2% in gallbladder malignancies, cases of gallbladder neuroendocrine cell carcinoma coexisting with adenocarcinoma are exceptionally rare, and the prognosis is dismal.

METHODS

Herein, we presented an unusual case of poorly differentiated gallbladder neuroendocrine cell carcinoma coexisting with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma who survived 20 months after the multimodal treatment (MT) of extended surgery and postoperative chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Our result indicated that for advanced gallbladder neuroendocrine cell carcinoma coexisting with adenocarcinoma, MT including extended surgical approach combined with postoperative chemotherapy may contribute to a relatively good survival outcome.

CONCLUSION

MT may contribute to a relatively good survival outcome for advanced gallbladder neuroendocrine cell carcinoma coexisting with gallbladder adenocarcinoma.

Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the extrahepatic bile duct: A case report

Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) originating from the gastrointestinal hepatobiliary-pancreas is a rare, invasive, and progressive disease, for which the prognosis is extremely poor. The patient was a 72-year-old man referred with complaints of jaundice. He was diagnosed with middle extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (cT4N1M0, cStage IV). He underwent a right hepatectomy combined with extrahepatic bile duct and portal vein resection after percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization. Microscopic examination showed a large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma according to the WHO criteria for the clinicopathologic classification of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Currently, the patient is receiving combination chemotherapy with cisplatin and etoposide for postoperative multiple liver metastases. Although NEC is difficult to diagnose preoperatively, it should be considered an uncommon alternative diagnosis.

[Neuroendocrine small-cell carcinoma of the gallbladder. An unexpected finding after diagnostic laparoscopy]

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder cancer ranks fifth among oncological diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract; nevertheless, it is the world's most common malignant tumor of the bile ducts. It is usually diagnosed after cholecystectomy and tends to have bad prognosis. Adenocarcinoma is the main histological finding, although other rare histologic types have been described among the actual literature. Poorly differentiated squamous-cell neuroendocrine gallbladder carcinoma is an extremely rare neoplasm. A poor prognosis is associated with this histological type.

AIM

The aim of this paper is to show that performing a systematic exploration of the entire peritoneal cavity in all laparoscopic surgeries can lead to find completely unexpected changes related to an unidentified disease. Also, a detailed review of our unexpected finding is made: The neuroendocrine small cell carcinoma of gallbladder.

CLINICAL CASE

We hereby report the case of a 40-year-old patient with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy that underwent emergency laparoscopic surgery, presenting the incidental finding of a small-cell carcinoma of the gallbladder.

CONCLUSIONS

Our surgical group advised that by introducing the laparoscope, the entire peritoneal cavity must be systematically reviewed, in search of differential diagnoses and unidentified pathologies. We must use the diagnostic and therapeutic qualities of laparoscopy. Bile duct endocrine tumors tend to remain silent until advanced stages, making the prognosis usually unfavorable, especially when they are unresectable. Endocrine neoplasias of the gallbladder, although uncommon, should be taken into account as possible diagnoses due to its therapeutic and prognostic implications.

Small Cell Carcinoma of the Gallbladder: Case Report and Comprehensive Analysis of Published Cases

Background. Gallbladder small cell carcinoma is a rare and highly aggressive malignancy with no established standard of care treatment. We described here a case report of small cell gallbladder cancer and we then performed a comprehensive review of 72 case reports of this disease. Methods. Published case reports of small cell carcinoma of the gallbladder between 1983 and 2014 were reviewed. Treatment modalities and survival were analyzed for metastatic and localized disease. Results. Median overall survival for all patients was 13 months. Metastatic disease was identified in 72% of cases. Treatment of metastatic disease with chemotherapy showed a significant survival benefit (p < 0.001) compared to no chemotherapy, and the use of platinum doublet with etoposide showed a nonsignificant 4-month improvement in survival compared to other chemotherapy regimens (p = 0.13). Adjuvant therapy did not demonstrate an improvement of median overall survival in local disease (p = 0.78). Conclusion. Given the limited available data, systemic therapy with platinum and etoposide should be considered for patients with metastatic small cell carcinoma of the gallbladder. Adjuvant chemoradiation or chemotherapy for treatment of local disease warrants further investigation.

Gallbladder Cancer in the 21st Century

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is an uncommon disease in the majority of the world despite being the most common and aggressive malignancy of the biliary tree. Early diagnosis is essential for improved prognosis; however, indolent and nonspecific clinical presentations with a paucity of pathognomonic/predictive radiological features often preclude accurate identification of GBC at an early stage. As such, GBC remains a highly lethal disease, with only 10% of all patients presenting at a stage amenable to surgical resection. Among this select population, continued improvements in survival during the 21st century are attributable to aggressive radical surgery with improved surgical techniques. This paper reviews the current available literature of the 21st century on PubMed and Medline to provide a detailed summary of the epidemiology and risk factors, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, radiology, pathology, management, and prognosis of GBC.

Neuroendocrine Carcinomas of the Gastroenteropancreatic System: A Comprehensive Review

To date, empirical literature has generally been considered lacking in relation to neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs), the highly malignant subgroup of neuroendocrine neoplasms. NECs are often found in the lungs or the gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) system and can be of small or large cell type. Concentrating on GEP-NECs, we can conclude that survival times are poor, with a median of only 4–16 months depending on disease stage and primary site. Further, this aggressive disease appears to be on the rise, with incidence numbers increasing while survival times are stagnant. Treatment strategies concerning surgery are often undecided and second-line chemotherapy is not yet established. After an analysis of over 2600 articles, we can conclude that there is indeed more empirical literature concerning GEP-NECs available than previously assumed. This unique review is based on 333 selected articles and contains detailed information concerning all aspects of GEP-NECs. Namely, the classification, histology, genetic abnormalities, epidemiology, origin, biochemistry, imaging, treatment and survival of GEP-NECs are described. Also, organ-specific summaries with more detail in relation to disease presentation, diagnosis, treatment and survival are presented. Finally, key points are discussed with directions for future research priorities.

Cytomorphology of neuroendocrine tumours of the gallbladder

OBJECTIVE

Gallbladder neuroendocrine tumours (GB-NETs) are rare and account for 0.5% of all NETs. GB-NETs have an aggressive behaviour, which depends on the tumour grade. The cytomorphological spectrum of these tumours has never been described in detail. The present study evaluates the cytological features of GB-NETs and grades them according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Furthermore, the expression of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) has not been investigated previously in GB-NETs, although found in a subset of extrapulmonary NETs.

METHODS

Twenty cases of GB-NET among 875 gallbladder carcinomas diagnosed by ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) over a period of nearly 4 years were studied. The following parameters were evaluated: architectural pattern, nuclear chromatin, nucleoli, mitoses, necrosis, moulding, apoptosis and smudge cells. Cases were categorized into well-differentiated (grades 1 and 2), small cell carcinoma (SCC) (grade 3) and mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma. Nuclear positivity for TTF-1 was considered as positive.

RESULTS

Morphologically, tumour cells were mainly arranged in rosettes in the well-differentiated category; sudden anisonucleosis and rare nuclear moulding with or without mitotic figures were other features. Eleven cases of SCC showed prominent nuclear moulding with frequent smudge cells, mitoses, apoptosis and necrosis. Three mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas showed papillary fragments and an acinar arrangement of tumour cells. Four of the nine SCCs in which TTF-1 was evaluated on de-stained smears showed nuclear positivity. Histopathology was available in two SCCs and showed morphology similar to FNAC.

CONCLUSION

Cytology plays an important role in the diagnosis of GB-NETs for appropriate subtype characterization, which is necessary for the prognostication of these tumours. TTF-1 may not be used for the differentiation of gallbladder SCCs from pulmonary SCCs.

Clinical outcomes of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder

AIM: To compare the demographics and survival rates between gallbladder adenocarcinoma (GB-adenocarcinoma) and small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder (GB-NEC-SCC).

METHODS: From March 2007 to September 2012, patients who underwent resection of tumor stage T2/T3 GB cancer were enrolled for this study. Forty-two patients were included in this study, including 38 diagnosed with GB-adenocarcinoma and four diagnosed with GB-NEC-SCC. In the GB-adenocarcinoma group, a radical operation was performed in 28 patients, and ten patients underwent simple cholecystectomy. In the GB-NEC-SCC group, a radical operation was performed in three patients, and one patient underwent simple cholecystectomy. Comparative analysis of the two groups was performed, including clinicopathologic features and survival rates.

RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 68 y (range: 35-83 years) and females comprised 26/42 of the patients. GB-adenocarcinoma patients were significantly older than GB-NEC-SCC patients (67.89 ± 11.15 vs 55.75 ± 10.31 years; P = 0.029). The median tumor size in GB-adenocarcinoma patients was 2.56 ± 1.75 cm and 3.98 ± 3.74 cm in GB-NEC-SCC patients; however, there was no significant difference between the two groups. For tumors > 2 cm, T stage (T2 vs T3), lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, lymph node metastasis and lymph node ratio showed no significant differences between the two groups. The overall survival rate of the 42 patients at five years was 77.0%. In the GB-adenocarcinoma group, the overall five-year survival rate was 74.8%, and survival in the GB-NEC-SCC group was 100%, which was not significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSION: The strategy for treating patients with GB-NEC-SCC should be similar to that used for treating GB-adenocarcinoma, including radical cholecystectomy and liver resection.

Concomitant small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of gallbladder and breast cancer

The neuroendocrine carcinoma is defined as a high-grade malignant neuroendocrine neoplasm arising from enterochromaffin cells, usually disposed in the mucosa of gastric and respiratory tracts. The localization in the gallbladder is rare. Knowledge of these gallbladder tumors is limited and based on isolated case reports. We describe a case of an incidental finding of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder, observed after cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis, in a 55-year-old female, who already underwent quadrantectomy and sentinel lymph-node biopsy for breast cancer. The patient underwent radiotherapy for breast cancer and six cycles of chemotherapy with cisplatin and etoposide. Eighteen months after surgery, the patient was free from disease. Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder has poor prognosis. Because of the rarity of the reported cases, specific prognostic factors have not been identified. The coexistence of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder with another malignancy has been reported only once. The contemporary presence of the two neoplasms could reflect that bioactive agents secreted by carcinoid can promote phenotypic changes in susceptible cells and induce neoplastic transformation.

Two cases of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder

Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) of the gallbladder is a rare subtype of gallbladder tumor. Here, we report two cases of NEC in two patients initially suspected to have gallbladder carcinoma. No specific symptoms or abnormal blood test results were observed preoperatively. Abdominal computed tomography scans indicated intraluminal masses in the gallbladder and lymph node enlargement in the hepatic hilum. Radical cholecystectomy and regional lymphadenectomy were performed. The first patient also presented with liver invasion and therefore underwent resection of liver segment IV. A diagnosis of NEC was made upon postoperative pathological examination and immunohistochemical staining according to the WHO Classification of Tumors of the Digestive System (2010). One tumor was identified as poorly differentiated NEC and the other as poorly differentiated mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma. Immunohistochemical staining data from both tumors showed positivity for chromogranin A and synaptophysin. The first patient received 4 cycles of chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin and etoposide. No metastases or recurrence were observed 12 mo following surgery. The second patient refused chemotherapy and presented with tumor recurrence 4 mo after surgery. In conclusion, NEC of the gallbladder is an aggressive tumor and the identification of a standardized optimal treatment still requires further research. Our experience together with published studies suggests that radical surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy may improve the prognosis.

Neuroendocrine tumors of extrahepatic biliary tract

Neuroendocrine tumors of the extrahepatic bile ducts (EBNETs) are very rare. The aim of the present review is to elucidate the characteristics of EBNETs, their treatment and prognosis. An exhaustive systematic review of the literature was performed from 1959 up-to-date. One hundred articles, describing 150 cases were collected. Each article was carefully analyzed and a database was created. The most common symptoms were jaundice (60.3 %) and pruritus (19.2 %). Cholelithiasis co-existed in 15 cases (19.2 %). Hormone- and vasoactive peptide- related symptoms were present in only 7 cases (9 %). The most frequent sites were found to be the common hepatic duct and the proximal common bile duct (19.2 %). Surgical management was considered the main treatment for EBNETs, while excision of extrahepatic biliary tree (62.82 %) with portal vein lymphadenectomy (43.6 %) was the most popular procedure. EBNETs are extremely rare. Their rarity makes their characterization particularly difficult. Up to date the final diagnosis is made after surgery by pathology and immunohistochemistry findings. The present analysis of the existing published cases elucidates many aspects of these tumours, giving complete clinicopathological documentation.