| Abstract: |
Well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are uncommon malignancies consisting of both carcinoid and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs). These tumors are usually associated with metastasis when diagnosed. Although prolonged survival is common, overall survival decreases substantially when a patient becomes symptomatic and when the tumor progresses on somatostatin analog therapy. While somatostatin analogs can help to treat symptomatology and slow tumor growth mainly in low grade tumors, there have been no proven long term treatments to effectively aid these patients. Recently, two phase III trials along with pre clinical studies have provided promising advancements, mainly in the treatment of pNETs. The emergence of targeted therapies consisting of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors and peptide receptor radiolabeled therapy (PRRT) have demonstrated modest efficacy but can result in non-trivial toxicities. In this review we will discuss recent trials and current therapies for well-differentiated NETs. Copyright © Sociedad Iberoamericana de Información Científica (SIIC), 2012. |
