Long-Term Survival with Long-Acting Somatostatin Analogues Plus Aggressive Cytoreductive Surgery in Patients with Metastatic Neuroendocrine Carcinoma

A population-based study of synchronous distant metastases and prognosis in patients with PDAC at initial diagnosis

Objective

Cancer of the pancreas is a life-threatening condition and has a high distant metastasis (DM) rate of over 50% at diagnosis. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether patterns of distant metastases correlated with prognosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with metastatic spread, and build a novel nomogram capable of predicting the 6, 12, 18-month survival rate with high accuracy.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for cases of PDAC with DM. Kaplan-Meier analysis, log-rank tests and Cox-regression proportional hazards model were used to assess the impact of site and number of DM on the cancer-specific survival (CSS) and over survival (OS). A total of 2709 patients with DM were randomly assigned to the training group and validation group in a 7:3 ratio. A nomogram was constructed by the dependent risk factors which were determined by multivariate Cox-regression analysis. An assessment of the discrimination and ability of the prediction model was made by measuring AUC, C-index, calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA). In addition, we collected 98 patients with distant metastases at the time of initial diagnosis from Ningbo University Affiliated LiHuili Hospital to verify the efficacy of the prediction model.

Results

There was a highest incidence of liver metastases from pancreatic cancer (2387,74.36%), followed by lung (625,19.47%), bone (190,5.92%), and brain (8,0.25%). The prognosis of liver metastases differed from that of lung metastases, and the presence of multiple organ metastases was associated with poorer prognosis. According to univariate and multivariate Cox-regression analyses, seven factors (i.e., diagnosis age, tumor location, grade of tumor differentiation, T-stage, receipt of surgery, receipt of chemotherapy status, presence of multiple organ metastases) were included in our nomogram model. In internal and external validation, the ROC curves, C-index, calibration curves and DCA were calculated, which confirmed that this nomogram can precisely predict prognosis of PDAC with DM.

Conclusion

Metastatic PDAC patients with liver metastases tended to have a worse prognosis than those with lung metastases. The number of DM had significant effect on the overall survival rate of metastatic PDAC. This study had a high prediction accuracy, which was helpful clinicians to analyze the prognosis of PDAC with DM and implement individualized diagnosis and treatment.

Bone marrow metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma with unknown primary site: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) of bone marrow is uncommon. Here, we report a case of bone marrow metastatic NEC with an unknown primary site.

CASE SUMMARY

A 73-year-old Chinese woman was admitted to our hospital because marked chest distress and asthma lasting 1 d on March 18, 2018. She was initially diagnosed with pulmonary infection, cardiac insufficiency, thrombocytopenia and severe anemia. Following treatment with antibiotic therapy, diuresis and blood transfusion, the patient’s symptoms greatly improved. After bone marrow examinations, the patient was diagnosed with bone marrow metastatic NEC, bone marrow necrosis (BMN) and secondary myelofibrosis (MF). Further imaging workup did not show the primary tumor, we presumed that the primary site might regress spontaneously or merely be unexplored due to lack of positron emission tomography with gallium peptide. Everolimus (10 mg/d) was added to the treatment and the best supportive and symptomatic therapies were also administered. Unfortunately, the patient’s condition continued to deteriorate and she died on May 15, 2018.

CONCLUSION

Bone marrow invasion of NEC is rare and our patient who suffered from bone marrow metastatic NEC as well as secondary BMN and MF had an extremely poor prognosis. Bone marrow biopsy plays an important role in the diagnosis of solid tumors invading bone marrow.

Clinicopathological Features of Gastroesophageal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Gastroesophageal neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a rare entity. Recent 2019 WHO classifications reflect our understanding of tumor biology, namely, that distinct molecular characteristics underline tumor behavior and prognosis. Here, we reviewed the evidence for linking molecular findings with the clinicopathological features and treatment of gastroesophageal NENs.

RECENT FINDINGS

Degree of differentiation and Ki-67 proliferation index are required for accurate classification of neuroendocrine tumors and carcinomas but not sufficient to distinguish between the two entities. Resection remains the mainstay treatment for early-stage gastroesophageal neuroendocrine tumors. Additional perioperative therapy may benefit mitotically active tumors. There is a role for somatostatin analogues, especially in the setting of metastatic and symptomatic disease. New radiolabeled somatostatin analogues, immunotherapy, and embolization offer multimodality treatments for distant metastases. We need to understand the specific underlying biology of the various subtypes of gastroesophageal NENs to provide tailored treatment.

Primary neuroendocrine tumor in the presacral region: A case report

BACKGROUND

Primary neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) in the presacral region are extremely rare, some of which are caused by other primary tumors or metastatic rectal carcinoids. Nevertheless, cases of NETs have been increasing in recent years. This report describes the first primary neuroendocrine tumor in the presacral region that was found at our hospital within the last five years.

CASE SUMMARY

The patient was identified as a 36-year-old woman with a presacral mass and pelvic floor pain. A digital rectal examination revealed a presacral mass with unclear margins and obvious tenderness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a 57 mm × 29 mm presacral lump. An ultrasound-guided needle biopsy confirmed a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor. No other primary or metastatic tumors were found.

CONCLUSION

Comprehensive consideration of our case report and literature reported by others suggests that a conclusive diagnosis of NETs should be based on computed tomography/MRI and pathological examinations. The treatment of primary NETs in the presacral region mainly relies on surgical procedures with follow-up.

Surgery Provides Long-Term Survival in Patients with Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Undergoing Resection for Non-Hormonal Symptoms

INTRODUCTION

Patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumor (NET) often have an indolent disease course yet the outcomes for patients with metastatic NET undergoing surgery for non-hormonal (NH) symptoms of GI obstruction, bleeding, or pain is not known.

METHODS

We identified patients with metastatic gastroenteropancreatic NET who underwent resection from 2000 to 2016 at 8 academic institutions who participated in the US Neuroendocrine Tumor Study Group.

RESULTS

Of 581 patients with metastatic NET to liver (61.3%), lymph nodes (24.1%), lung (2.1%), and bone (2.5%), 332 (57.1%) presented with NH symptoms of pain (n = 223, 67.4%), GI bleeding (n = 54, 16.3%), GI obstruction (n = 49, 14.8%), and biliary obstruction (n = 22, 6.7%). Most patients were undergoing their first operation (85.4%) within 4 weeks of diagnosis. The median overall survival was 110.4 months, and operative intent predicted survival (p < 0.001) with 66.3% undergoing curative resection. Removal of all metastatic disease was associated with the longest median survival (112.5 months) compared to debulking (89.2 months), or palliative resection (50.0 months; p < 0.001). The 1-, 3-, and 12-month mortality was 3.0%, 4.5%, and 9.0%, respectively. Factors associated with 1-year mortality included palliative operations (OR 6.54, p = 0.006), foregut NET (5.62, p = 0.042), major complication (4.91, p = 0.001), and high tumor grade (11.2, p < 0.001). The conditional survival for patients who lived past 1 year was 119 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with metastatic NET and NH symptoms that necessitate surgery have long-term survival, and goals of care should focus on both oncologic and quality of life impact. Surgical intervention remains a critical component of multidisciplinary care of symptomatic patients.

Rare malignant insulinoma with multiple liver metastases derived from ectopic pancreas: 3-year follow-up and literature review

Here, we report the diagnosis and treatment of a very rare case of malignant insulinoma derived from ectopic pancreas. A middle-aged woman presented with a 6-year history of recurrent hypoglycemia with multiple lesions in liver. Admission workup revealed elevated serum insulin and C-peptide, as well as multiple lesions in the liver (largest being 4.3 cm), enlarged lymph nodes around the pancreas, and a lesion (of 3.5 cm) at the proximal jejunum, as shown by contrast computed tomography (CT). Liver biopsy showed the lesions to be well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors, grade G1. 68Gallium-exendin-4 positron emission tomography/CT confirmed the origin as the lesion located at the jejunum. The combination treatment of everolimus plus long-acting octreotide relieved symptoms and achieved a partial tumor response. Maintenance treatment of the somatostatin analog (ie, octreotide) alone was administered. Three years of follow-up, up to the writing of this report, showed good survival, with the patient remaining asymptomatic and euglycemic without disease progression. This case shows that 68Gallium-exendin-4 positron emission tomography/CT is useful for locating insulinoma, especially for insulinoma derived from ectopic pancreas, and that everolimus plus octreotide with maintenance somatostatin analog alone is an effective drug strategy for treating inoperable malignant insulinoma.

Outcomes of Cytoreductive Surgery for Metastatic Low-Grade Neuroendocrine Tumors in the Setting of Extrahepatic Metastases

BACKGROUND

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) have a uniquely indolent biology. Management focuses on tumor and hormonal burden reduction. Data on cytoreduction with extrahepatic disease remain limited.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to define the outcomes of cytoreduction for metastatic NETs with extrahepatic metastases.

METHODS

Patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery for grade 1 or 2 NETs with extrahepatic metastases (with or without intrahepatic disease) were identified from an institutional database (2003-2014). Primary outcomes included postoperative hormonal response (> 50% urinary 5HIAA decrease), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), while secondary outcomes were 30-day postoperative major morbidity (Clavien grade III-V), mortality, and length of stay.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients were identified (median age 59.3 years, 80% small bowel primaries, 56.4% grade 1); 87% of patients presented with combined intra- and extrahepatic metastases. Resection most commonly included the liver (87%), small bowel (22%), mesenteric (25%) and retroperitoneal (11%) lymph nodes, and peritoneum (7%). Thirty-day major morbidity (Clavien III-V) was 18%, with 3.6% mortality, and median length of stay was 7 days [interquartile range (IQR) 5-9]. Liver embolization was performed in 31% of patients after surgery, at a median of 23 months following surgery. Overall, postoperative hormonal response occurred in 70% of patients. At median follow-up of 37 months (IQR range 22-93), 42 (76%) patients were alive and 23 (41.8%) had progressed. Five-year OS was 77% and 5-year PFS was 51%.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing cytoreduction of metastatic well-differentiated NET in the setting of extrahepatic metastatic disease experience good tumoral control with favorable PFS and OS. Cytoreductive surgery can be safely included in the therapeutic armamentarium for NET with extrahepatic metastases.

THE ROLE OF SURGERY IN A PATIENT WITH CARCINOID SYNDROME, COMPLICATED BY CARCINOID HEART DISEASE

A 55-year-old female patient was admitted for flushing and abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant. Her past medical history revealed high blood pressure and a recent echocardiography showed thickened appearance of tricuspid valve with coaptation defect and grade II tricuspid regurgitation. Contrast enhanced abdominal CT scan and MRI were subsequently performed and revealed a large macronodular liver mass, as well as other micronodular lesions disseminated in the liver parenchyma. CT guided biopsy from the main liver mass revealed neuroendocrine tumor of unknown origin (probably GI) with Ki-67 of 8%. Surgical exploration was decided. During laparotomy, the primary tumor was found in the proximal ileum and the patient underwent segmental enterectomy. Non-anatomical hepatectomy was also performed to remove the bulk of the tumor burden (more than 90%). Postoperative course was uneventful and the carcinoid syndrome relieved. At present, 15 months postoperatively, the patient is under treatment with somatostatin analogue for its antiproliferative effect, with good clinical, biochemical and tumoral control and stable heart disease. In patients with neuroendocrine liver metastases from unknown primary, surgical exploration could allow detection (and resection) of the primary tumor and surgical debulking of liver metastases to control carcinoid syndrome and carcinoid heart disease.

Octreotide long-acting repeatable in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors: patient selection and perspectives

Over the past three decades, the incidence and prevalence of neuroendocrine tumors have gradually increased. Due to the slow-growing nature of these tumors, most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages. Prognosis and survival are associated with location of primary lesion, biochemical functional status, differentiation, initial staging, and response to therapy. Octreotide, the first synthetic somatostatin analog, was initially used for the management of gastrointestinal symptoms associated with functional carcinoid tumors. Its commercial development over time led to long-acting repeatable octreotide acetate, a long-acting version that provided greater administration convenience. Recent research demonstrates that octreotide’s efficacy has evolved beyond symptomatic management to targeted therapy with antitumoral effects. This review examines the history and development of octreotide, provides a synopsis on the classification, grading, and staging of neuroendocrine tumors, and reviews the evidence of long-acting repeatable octreotide acetate as monotherapy and in combination with other treatment modalities in the management of non-pituitary neuroendocrine tumors with special attention to recent high-quality Phase III trials.

An isolated metachronous metastasis to the adrenal gland from a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are rare. Treatment includes aggressive local management of the primary lesion and metastases, and systemic somatostatin. This is the first report of an isolated metachronous metastasis to the adrenal gland from a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor that presented 90 months after the primary tumor.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

The patient presented as a 53yo man with a left upper quadrant mass and synchronous metastases to the spleen and liver (pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor T4N0M1, Stage IV), which were resected (CD56-, synaptophysin+, chromogranin+, Ki-67<1%). Over the next 90 months, he underwent five procedures to treat hepatic recurrences (2 liver resections and 3 percutaneous radiofrequency ablations). Serum PIVKA levels were elevated prior to treatment of four of six lesions and returned to baseline after therapy. He presents now, asymptomatic, with a right adrenal mass found on routine imaging and no other lesions. Serum PIVKA was elevated to 44mg/dL. The adrenal gland was resected and shown to be a metastasis (CD56+, synaptophysin+, chromogranin+, Ki-67 15-20%).

DISCUSSION

This patient's clinical course reflects aggressive local therapy of the primary lesion and multiple metastatic lesions to three organs (liver, spleen, adrenal) over nearly eight years. The utility of serum PIVKA levels in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors is not previously reported and needs further investigation.

CONCLUSION

This patient has a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor with metastases to the spleen, liver and adrenal gland and elevated PIVKA levels with recurrent disease. These unique clinical features add to the diversity of clinical presentation of these rare tumors.

Real-world treatment patterns in advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors in the era of targeted therapy: perspectives from an academic tertiary center and community oncology practices

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) are rare, slow-growing cancers. Optimal treatment of advanced pNETs is unclear. The aim of this study was to examine treatment patterns and preferences among an academic tertiary medical center and community-based oncology practices. Retrospective chart review was performed for patients with newly diagnosed locally advanced, metastatic, or unresectable pNET diagnosed between January 2010 and December 2013 at an academic tertiary cancer center [University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)] or a large network of community oncology practices [Altos Solutions' OncoEMR database (ALTOS)]. Fifty-four eligible patients (N _UCSF = 23; N _ALTOS = 31) were identified. Median time to treatment initiation was 1.1 months; median follow-up time was 22.9 months. UCSF patients underwent more lines of therapy than ALTOS patients despite similar follow-up times. UCSF tended toward more invasive treatment than ALTOS. The median time to treatment discontinuation was statistically significantly shorter for patients on chemotherapy than on targeted therapy in the combined UCSF and ALTOS groups (chemotherapy = 2.1 months vs. targeted = 18.6 months, p < 0.001). Treatment patterns and duration for newly diagnosed advanced pNETs vary widely both within and between different practice settings. Further studies are warranted to investigate the significant difference in duration of targeted therapy compared to chemotherapy.

Aggressive Surgical Approach to the Management of Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Report of 1,000 Surgical Cytoreductions by a Single Institution

BACKGROUND

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare neoplasms. Our group has treated more than 2,000 NET patients and has performed more than 1,000 surgical cytoreductive procedures.

STUDY DESIGN

Records of 834 NET patients who underwent surgical cytoreduction at our institution were reviewed. Demographic information, intraoperative findings, extent of disease, complications, and survival rates were calculated.

RESULTS

Eight hundred patients underwent 1,001 cytoreductive operations. Sixty-five percent had small bowel primaries. One hundred and thirty-eight patients presented with an unknown primary site, which was localized intraoperatively in 89% of these cases. The intraoperative complication rate was 9%. The incidence of intraoperative carcinoid crisis was 1%. Mean ± SD operative time was 368 ± 146 minutes. Mean ± SD hospital stay was 9 ± 10 days. Minor postoperative complications occurred after 43% of procedures and major postoperative complications were noted after 19% of procedures. The 30-day postoperative mortality rate was 2%. Median overall survival (OS) for patients with pancreatic NETs was 124 months. The 5-, 10-, and 20-year OS rates for patients with pancreatic NETs were 67%, 51%, and 36%, respectively. The life expectancy difference (between OS and actuarial survival) after surgical cytoreduction for patients with pancreatic NETs was 16.6 years. Median OS for patients with small bowel NETs was 161 months. The 5-, 10-, and 20-year OS rates for patients with small bowel NETs were 84%, 67% and 31%, respectively. The life expectancy difference after surgical cytoreduction for patients with small bowel NETs was 11.7 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical cytoreduction in NET patients has low morbidity and mortality rates and results in prolonged survival. We believe that surgical cytoreduction should play a major role in the care of patients with NETs.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor with metastasis to the spleen: a case report

Background

Long-term term survival in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors has been reported, even in patients with metastatic disease. Metastases to the spleen are extremely rare, but have been reported from a number of primary malignancies, such as breast cancer, lung cancer, melanoma and ovarian cancer. This is the first report of a splenic metastasis from a primary pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor.

Case presentation

The patient presented as a 53 years old white male with anemia and fatigue. Physical examination revealed a left upper quadrant fullness and computed tomography showed a 24 cm left upper quadrant mass with multiple liver metastases, splenomegaly and a 1 cm mass in the spleen. Resection of the primary pancreatic tumor (T4N0M1) was accompanied by gastrectomy, splenectomy and resection of adherent bowel. The spleen contained a metastatic lesion 1.0 cm in diameter, consistent with a primary neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas. This operation was followed 8 months later, by delayed resection of liver metastases. The patient receives monthly administration of somatostatin long-acting analogue and has undergone several ablations of liver lesions with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation as well as a second liver resection. The patient is alive seven years after initial presentation, with no evidence of disease on imaging studies.

Conclusions

This is the first report of a splenic metastasis from a primary pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. The patient initially presented with synchronous multiple liver metastases and a single splenic metastasis. After resection of the primary tumor and spleen, the patient has undergone aggressive cytoreductive surgery/ablation of liver lesions and somatostatin therapy with resulting long-term survival.

Differences and Similarities in the Clinicopathological Features of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors in China and the United States: A Multicenter Study

The presentation, pathology, and prognosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) in Asian patients have not been studied in large cohorts. We hypothesized that the clinicopathological features of PNETs of Chinese patients might be different from those of US patients. The objectives of this study were to address whether PNETs in Chinese patients exhibit unique clinicopathological features and natural history, and can be graded and staged using the WHO/ENETS criteria. This is a retrospective review of medical records of patients with PNETs in multiple academic medical centers in China (7) and the United States (2). Tumor grading and staging were based on WHO/ENETS criteria. The clinicopathological features of PNETs of Chinese and US patients were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to find associations between survival and patient demographics, tumor grade and stage, and other clinicopathological characteristics. A total of 977 (527 Chinese and 450 US) patients with PNETs were studied. In general, Chinese patients were younger than US patients (median age 46 vs 56 years). In Chinese patients, insulinomas were the most common (52.2%), followed by nonfunctional tumors (39.7%), whereas the order was reversed in US patients. Tumor grade distribution was similar in the 2 countries (G1: 57.5% vs 55.0%; G2: 38.5% vs 41.3%; and G3: 4.0% vs 3.7%). However, age, primary tumor size, primary tumor location, grade, and stage of subtypes of PNETs were significantly different between the 2 countries. The Chinese nonfunctional tumors were significantly larger than US ones (median size 4 vs 3 cm) and more frequently located in the head/neck region (54.9% vs 34.8%). The Chinese and US insulinomas were similar in size (median 1.5 cm) but the Chinese insulinomas relatively more frequently located in the head/neck region (48.3% vs 26.1%). Higher grade, advanced stage, metastasis, and larger primary tumor size were significantly associated with unfavorable survival in both countries. Several clinicopathological differences are found between Chinese and US PNETs but the PNETs of both countries follow a similar natural history. The WHO tumor grading and ENETS staging criteria are applicable to both Chinese and US patients.