Molecular biology of neuroendocrine tumors: from pathways to biomarkers and targets

Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2014 Mar;33(1):345-51. doi: 10.1007/s10555-013-9468-y.

Abstract

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) represent a heterogeneous group of diseases with varied natural history and prognosis depending upon the organ of origin and grade of aggressiveness. The most widely used biomarker to determine disease burden and monitor response to treatment is chromogranin A (CgA), but it is far from being the optimal predictive and prognostic biomarker in NETs. Biological understanding and derived treatment options for NETs have changed markedly in recent years. Over the last decade, the genomic landscape of these tumors has been extensively investigated. This has resulted in the discovery of mutations and expression anomalies in genes and pathways such as the PI3K/Akt/mTOR, DAXX/ATRX, and MEN1, which are promising predictive and prognostic biomarkers and future candidates for targeted therapies. Additionally, the study of tumor stroma and environment are one of the most promising fields for discovery of potential new targets and biomarkers.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods
  • Mutation*
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / drug therapy
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / genetics*
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • MTOR protein, human
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases