The potential role of targeted therapies in the management of neuroendocrine tumours

Acta Gastroenterol Belg. 2009 Jan-Mar;72(1):59-62.

Abstract

The management of gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours is evolving thanks to new TNM-classification, diagnostic and staging procedures and new therapeutic options. Targeting new pathways, mostly angiogenesis, development of novel agents is under way and opens new perspectives in controlling the evolution of these tumours and possibly changing their management. In parallel, new functional imaging techniques and biomolecular markers will be developed to provide adequate tools for the assessment of tumor response according to therapeutic intervention on angiogenesis, proliferation and apoptosis. This paper reviews the potential role of new investigational targeted agents which will likely become the backbone of future therapy of neuroendocrine tumors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / drug therapy*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Stomach Neoplasms / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Enzyme Inhibitors