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Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (Islet Cell Tumors) Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version

General Information About Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (Islet Cell Tumors)

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Incidence and Mortality

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are uncommon cancers with about 1,000 new cases per year in the United States.[1] They account for less than 2% of pancreatic malignancies and, overall, have a better prognosis than the more common pancreatic exocrine tumors.[1,2]

Pathogenesis

Tumors of the endocrine pancreas are a collection of tumor cell types collectively referred to as pancreatic NETs. These tumors originate in islet cells. Although they may be similar or identical in histological appearance to carcinoid tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, differences in their underlying biology and likely differences in response to therapeutic agents suggest that they should be treated and investigated as a distinct entity.[3]

Most pancreatic NETs are sporadic, but some occur as part of the autosomal dominant multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) inherited syndrome. This syndrome consists of tumors of the anterior pituitary, parathyroid, and endocrine pancreas glands and is a result of inactivation of the MEN1 tumor suppressor gene located on chromosome 11q13.[4] When part of the MEN1 syndrome, there may be multiple pancreatic tumors.

Islet tumors may either be functional (produce one or more active hormones) or nonfunctional.[4] The functional tumors, which usually present with symptoms of hormone hypersecretion, include:

  • Gastrinoma.
  • Insulinoma.
  • Glucagonoma.
  • Somatostatinoma.
  • VIPoma (Verner-Morrison syndrome).

Prognostic Factors

Most islet cell cancers are functional, but about 15% are nonfunctional, with presentations similar to the far more common exocrine adenocarcinomas of the pancreas.[5-7] Because of the presence of several cell types in the pancreatic islets (alpha, beta, delta, A, B, C, D, E, F), the term islet cell tumors refers to at least five distinct cancers that, when functional, produce unique metabolic and clinical characteristics. The clinical manifestations in functional tumors may result from the distinctive metabolic effects of the polypeptide(s) secreted by the cancer cells rather than from tumor bulk or metastatic disease. Functional tumors may even be too small to be detected by conventional imaging techniques.

Nonfunctional tumors tend to present at later clinical stages with symptoms attributable to mass effect or metastases.[4] Although nonfunctional tumors do not produce specific clinical syndromes, they may secrete inactive amine and peptide products such as:

  • Neurotensin.
  • Alpha-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (alpha-hCG).
  • Neuron-specific enolase.
  • Pancreatic polypeptide.
  • Chromogranin A.

Diagnostics

The potential long delays between initial symptoms and diagnosis and the varied effects of the polypeptides secreted often necessitate involvement of multiple surgical and medical subspecialties. Surgery is the only curative modality and is often used, even in patients with metastatic disease, to alleviate the symptoms of hormonal hypersecretion.[4] Effective palliation may be achieved because of the slow-growing nature of most of these tumors and the potential use of antihormonal pharmacological therapy (e.g., cimetidine in the ulcer-producing Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). In patients with indolent, slow-growing, metastatic islet cell tumors, the best therapy may be careful observation, and no treatment until palliation is required. In patients with MEN1 in which 85% have pancreatic islet cell tumors, 90% have hyperparathyroidism, and 65% have pituitary tumors, and they are less likely to be cured by pancreatic resection than are patients with sporadic islet cell tumors. With the exception of pain relief from bone metastases, radiation therapy has a limited role in this disease.

Tumor localization and staging studies include imaging with computed tomography (CT) with or without magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and endoscopic ultrasonography. Somatostatin-receptor scintigraphy and single-photon emission CT may be useful adjuncts. However, somatostatin-receptor scintigraphy is less useful in localizing insulinomas versus other pancreatic NETs, since insulinomas often have a low density of somatostatin receptors.[4] If the noninvasive tests do not reveal a tumor, but clinical suspicion remains high, more invasive and technically demanding tests, such as selective arteriography or selective arterial stimulation (with a secretagogue specific for the suspected tumor type), may be useful.[7]

Some of the tumor types have unique characteristics that require specific approaches in their diagnosis and initial evaluation.

Gastrinoma

Diagnosis is dependent on elevated serum gastrin and elevated gastric acid levels. Provocative testing with calcium and secretin shows considerable overlap, and the value of these tests is limited. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a condition of unrelenting peptic ulcer disease, diarrhea, and gastric hyperacidity, associated with a gastrin-producing tumor. It accounts for less than 1% of all peptic ulcer disease. About 15% to 35% of gastrinomas are associated with MEN1 syndrome and up to 50% are malignant. Up to 33% of patients with gastrinomas have liver metastases.[4] For more information, see the Diarrhea section in Gastrointestinal Complications.

Diagnostic tests:

  1. BAO:MAO ≥ 0.6 (basal acid output:maximal acid output).
  2. Overnight AO ≥ 100 mmol.
  3. BAO ≥ 10 mmol/hr.
  4. Serum gastrin 10x normal or >500 pg/mL (the accuracy of gastrin assays may vary widely).
  5. Secretin test: 1 unit/kg intravenous rapid injection: Positive = 100% increase in gastrin within 10 minutes; 2 units/kg: Positive = 100% increase over baseline.
  6. Elevated hCG levels.

Insulinoma

Insulinomas are far more likely to be benign than malignant. Only 10% of insulinomas are multiple, and only 10% are malignant. About 5% to 8% are associated with MEN1 syndrome.[4] The clinical manifestations are those of hypoglycemia, which results from inappropriate secretion of insulin by the tumor. Fasting hypoglycemia (<40 mg/dL) associated with an elevated insulin level (in the absence of exogenous administration of insulin) is pathognomonic. Measurement of plasma proinsulin may be helpful for diagnosing insulin-secreting carcinomas. These tumors are usually slow-growing tumors and, when localized to the pancreas or regional lymph nodes, can be cured with pancreatic resection.

The approach to management depends on carefully performed preoperative localization studies and the findings at exploratory laparotomy. In a retrospective case series of 30 patients with 32 pancreatic insulinomas, the combination of preoperative, dual-phase, thin-section multidetector CT and endoscopic sonography correctly identified and localized all of the tumors.[8] These tests, with or without MRI, have replaced older, more invasive, and technically challenging tests, such as percutaneous transhepatic portal venous sampling and arterial stimulation with venous sampling, except for unusual circumstances in which the imaging tests are unsuccessful.[4,9]

Glucagonoma

Glucagonoma is the third most common endocrine-secreting islet cell tumor. About 75% of glucagonomas are malignant.[4] Necrolytic migratory erythema, hyperglycemia, and venous thrombosis comprise a virtually diagnostic triad. A serum glucagon level greater than 1,000 pg/mL confirms the diagnosis. These tumors tend to be large and easily visible on CT scan. Somatostatin-receptor scintigraphy scanning may be a useful adjunct in detecting metastases.

Miscellaneous islet cell tumors

These tumors are rare but have defined clinical syndromes associated with specific production of polypeptide hormone production by islet cell tumors. Because of their rarity and similar approaches to management, they are grouped in the section on treatment. Miscellaneous tumors include:

  • VIPoma.

    VIPoma is characterized by watery diarrhea, hypokalemia, and achlorhydria. A serum vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) greater than 200 pg/mL is diagnostic.[4] These tumors can generally be easily localized by CT scan. Somatostatin-receptor scintigraphy scanning may be a useful adjunct in detecting metastases.

  • Somatostatinoma.

    These tumors are particularly rare. They often present with diarrhea, steatorrhea, diabetes, and/or gallstones. Decreased pancreatic secretion of enzymes and bicarbonate accounts for the diarrhea and steatorrhea. Somatostatin-mediated inhibition of cholecystokinin leads to gallstone formation. Somatostatin also inhibits insulin, producing hyperglycemia. The diagnosis is made by a fasting serum somatostatin level greater than 100 pg/mL. CT scan, MRI, and endoscopic ultrasound can usually help localize and stage the tumor. Most of these tumors are malignant and have metastases at diagnosis.

References
  1. Ries LAG, Young JL, Keel GE, et al., eds.: SEER Survival Monograph: Cancer Survival Among Adults: U. S. SEER Program, 1988-2001, Patient and Tumor Characteristics. National Cancer Institute, 2007. NIH Pub. No. 07-6215.
  2. Neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas. In: Amin MB, Edge SB, Greene FL, et al., eds.: AJCC Cancer Staging Manual. 8th ed. Springer; 2017, pp. 407–19.
  3. Kulke MH, Siu LL, Tepper JE, et al.: Future directions in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors: consensus report of the National Cancer Institute Neuroendocrine Tumor clinical trials planning meeting. J Clin Oncol 29 (7): 934-43, 2011. [PUBMED Abstract]
  4. Davies K, Conlon KC: Neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 11 (2): 119-27, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]
  5. Hochwald SN, Zee S, Conlon KC, et al.: Prognostic factors in pancreatic endocrine neoplasms: an analysis of 136 cases with a proposal for low-grade and intermediate-grade groups. J Clin Oncol 20 (11): 2633-42, 2002. [PUBMED Abstract]
  6. O'Grady HL, Conlon KC: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. Eur J Surg Oncol 34 (3): 324-32, 2008. [PUBMED Abstract]
  7. King CM, Reznek RH, Dacie JE, et al.: Imaging islet cell tumours. Clin Radiol 49 (5): 295-303, 1994. [PUBMED Abstract]
  8. Gouya H, Vignaux O, Augui J, et al.: CT, endoscopic sonography, and a combined protocol for preoperative evaluation of pancreatic insulinomas. AJR Am J Roentgenol 181 (4): 987-92, 2003. [PUBMED Abstract]
  9. Nikfarjam M, Warshaw AL, Axelrod L, et al.: Improved contemporary surgical management of insulinomas: a 25-year experience at the Massachusetts General Hospital. Ann Surg 247 (1): 165-72, 2008. [PUBMED Abstract]

Cellular Classification of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (Islet Cell Tumors)

Table 1. Endocrine Tumors of the Pancreas
Islet CellsSecreted Active AgentTumor and Syndrome
5-HT = serotonin; ACTH = adrenocorticotropin hormone; MSH = melanocyte-stimulating hormone; VIP = vasoactive intestinal peptide; WDHA = watery diarrhea, hypokalemia, and achlorhydria.
AlphaGlucagonGlucagonoma (diabetes, dermatitis)
BetaInsulinInsulinoma (hypoglycemia)
DeltaSomatostatinSomatostatinoma (mild diabetes); diarrhea/steatorrhea; gallstones
DGastrinGastrinoma (peptic ulcer disease)
A→DVIP and/or other undefined mediatorsWDHA
 5-HTCarcinoid
 ACTHCushing disease
 MSHHyperpigmentation
Interacinar CellsSecreted Active AgentTumor and Syndrome
FPancreatic polypeptideMultiple hormonal syndromes
EC5-HTCarcinoid

Stage Information for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (Islet Cell Tumors)

American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Stage Groupings and TNM Definitions

The AJCC has designated staging by TNM (tumor, node, metastasis) classification to define pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (islet cell tumors).[1]

Table 2. Definitions for TNM Stage Ia
StageTNMDefinition
T = primary tumor; N = regional lymph node; M = distant metastasis.
aReprinted with permission from AJCC: Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Pancreas. In: Amin MB, Edge SB, Greene FL, et al., eds.: AJCC Cancer Staging Manual. 8th ed. New York, NY: Springer, 2017, pp. 407–19.
bThe explanation for superscript b is at the end of Table 5.
IT1, N0, M0T1 = Tumor limited to the pancreas,b <2 cm.
N0 = No regional lymph node involvement.
M0 = No distant metastasis.
Table 3. Definitions for TNM Stage IIa
StageTNMDefinition
T = primary tumor; N = regional lymph node; M = distant metastasis.
aReprinted with permission from AJCC: Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Pancreas. In: Amin MB, Edge SB, Greene FL, et al., eds.: AJCC Cancer Staging Manual. 8th ed. New York, NY: Springer, 2017, pp. 407–19.
bThe explanation for superscript b is at the end of Table 5.
IIT2, N0, M0T2 = Tumor limited to the pancreas,b 2–4 cm.
N0 = No regional lymph node involvement.
M0 = No distant metastasis.
T3, N0, M0T3 = Tumor limited to the pancreas,b >4 cm; or tumor invading the duodenum or common bile duct.
N0 = No regional lymph node involvement.
M0 = No distant metastasis.
Table 4. Definitions for TNM Stage IIIa
Stage TNMDefinition
T = primary tumor; N = regional lymph node; M = distant metastasis.
aReprinted with permission from AJCC: Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Pancreas. In: Amin MB, Edge SB, Greene FL, et al., eds.: AJCC Cancer Staging Manual. 8th ed. New York, NY: Springer, 2017, pp. 407–19.
bThe explanation for superscript b is at the end of Table 5.
IIIT4, N0, M0T4 = Tumor invading adjacent organs (stomach, spleen, colon, adrenal gland) or the wall of large vessels (celiac axis or the superior mesenteric artery).
N0 = No regional lymph node involvement.
M0 = No distant metastasis.
Any T, N1, M0TX = Tumor cannot be assessed.
T1 = Tumor limited to the pancreas,b <2 cm.
T2 = Tumor limited to the pancreas,b 2–4 cm.
T3 = Tumor limited to the pancreas,b >4 cm; or tumor invading the duodenum or common bile duct.
T4 = Tumor invading adjacent organs (stomach, spleen, colon, adrenal gland) or the wall of large vessels (celiac axis or the superior mesenteric artery).
N1 = Regional lymph node involvement.
M0 = No distant metastasis.
Table 5. Definitions for TNM Stage IVa
Stage TNMDefinition
T = primary tumor; N = regional lymph node; M = distant metastasis.
aReprinted with permission from AJCC: Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Pancreas. In: Amin MB, Edge SB, Greene FL, et al., eds.: AJCC Cancer Staging Manual. 8th ed. New York, NY: Springer, 2017, pp. 407–19.
bLimited to the pancreas means there is no invasion of adjacent organs (stomach, spleen, colon, adrenal gland) or the wall of large vessels (celiac axis or the superior mesenteric artery). Extension of tumor into peripancreatic adipose tissue is NOT a basis for staging. Note: Multiple tumors should be designated as such (the largest tumor should be used to assign T category): if the number of tumors is known, use T(#); e.g., pT3(4) N0 M0; if the number of tumors is unavailable or too numerous, use the m suffix, T(m); e.g., pT3(m) N0 M0.
IVAny T, Any N, M1TX = Tumor cannot be assessed.
T1 = Tumor limited to the pancreas,b <2 cm.
T2 = Tumor limited to the pancreas,b 2–4 cm.
T3 = Tumor limited to the pancreas,b >4 cm; or tumor invading the duodenum or common bile duct.
T4 = Tumor invading adjacent organs (stomach, spleen, colon, adrenal gland) or the wall of large vessels (celiac axis or the superior mesenteric artery).
NX = Regional lymph nodes cannot be assessed.
N0 = No regional lymph node involvement.
N1 = Regional lymph node involvement.
M1 = Distant metastases.
–M1a = Metastasis confined to liver.
–M1b = Metastases in at least one extrahepatic site (e.g., lung, ovary, nonregional lymph node, peritoneum, bone).
–M1c = Both hepatic and extrahepatic metastases.
References
  1. Neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas. In: Amin MB, Edge SB, Greene FL, et al., eds.: AJCC Cancer Staging Manual. 8th ed. Springer; 2017, pp. 407–19.

Treatment Option Overview for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (Islet Cell Tumors)

Localized Disease

If technically and medically feasible, primary management of endocrine tumors of the pancreas involves surgical resection with curative intent. Given the rare nature of these tumors, surgical approaches are based on case series and expert opinion rather than randomized controlled trials.[1] The surgical options listed below are based on retrospective series from single reporting centers.[2-4][Level of evidence C2]

Adjuvant therapy has no proven benefit and is, therefore, investigational. There have been no well-controlled trials of adjuvant therapy after complete tumor resection.[5]

Surgical Cytoreduction for Metastases

Surgery plays a role even in the setting of metastatic disease. The symptoms of metastatic functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) may be ameliorated by the reduction of overall tumor burden through surgical debulking.

The liver is a common site of metastasis from pancreatic NETs. Because of the slow growth rate of many NETs, liver metastases are often resected when technically feasible. Resection of all grossly visible liver metastases can be associated with long-term survival and, in the case of symptomatic hormonally functional tumors, symptom relief.[6] Most symptoms from functional tumors respond to this form of surgical debulking. It is not known if the favorable survival rates are attributable to patient selection factors (e.g., underlying patient condition, extent of metastases, slow doubling time, and so forth).

Alternative approaches to the management of liver metastases have been reported, including Gelfoam embolization or transarterial chemoembolization,[7] radioembolization with radioactive microspheres,[8-10] radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, and percutaneous alcohol ablation. These alternative approaches have been reviewed.[11]

Results from surgical resection series appear to be more favorable than with these techniques, and surgery is considered to be the standard approach to resectable liver metastases. However, there are no high-quality studies comparing the various approaches. A systematic review of evidence comparing liver resection versus other treatments for patients with resectable liver neuroendocrine metastases found no randomized trials, or even quasi-experimental, cohort, or case-control studies in which the patient population given the alternative therapies was similar enough to the surgery group to draw reliable conclusions.[12] The evidence for resection of all grossly visible liver metastases is derived solely from case series.[Level of evidence C2]

In most cases, liver metastases are not completely resectable. Cytoreductive surgery, with or without radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation, has been used to palliate symptoms. A systematic review found no randomized or quasi-randomized trials comparing cytoreductive surgery to other palliative approaches such as chemotherapy or tumor product inhibitors.[13] The evidence for surgical cytoreduction of unresectable liver metastases is restricted to case series [Level of evidence C2], and interpretation of outcomes may be strongly affected by patient selection factors.

Systemic Therapy for Advanced and Metastatic Disease

Somatostatin analogues may be effective in reducing the symptoms of functional tumors.[14]

Chemotherapy using drugs such as the following, either alone or in combination, has been shown to have antitumor effects, but evidence is weak or conflicting regarding the impact of chemotherapy on overall survival:[15-17]

  • Streptozocin.
  • Doxorubicin.
  • Fluorouracil.
  • Chlorozotocin.
  • Dacarbazine.
  • Temozolomide.

A variety of systemic agents have shown biological or palliative activity, including:[5,18]

  • Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., sunitinib).
  • Temozolomide.
  • Vascular endothelial growth factor pathway inhibitors.
  • Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (e.g., everolimus).

Nearly all of the evidence of activity is derived from case series.[Level of evidence C3] However, there are ongoing placebo-controlled randomized trials of everolimus [19] and sunitinib [20] that have been reported in abstract form showing an increase in progression-free survival in each case.[Level of evidence B1]

Favorable responses have been reported in patients with advanced progressive pancreatic NETs after treatment with several radiolabeled somatostatin analogues in which the analogues octreotide, octreotate, lanreotide, or edotreotide are stably attached to the radionuclides indium In 111, yttrium Y 90, or lutetium Lu 177.[21-23] The relative efficacy of these various compounds is unknown. Study designs have been limited to case series with tumor response, biochemical response, or symptom control as the measure of efficacy.[Level of evidence C3]

As noted in each of the clinical situations, there is a paucity or absence of high-level evidence and a need for randomized controlled trials.[5]

Fluorouracil dosing

The DPYD gene encodes an enzyme that catabolizes pyrimidines and fluoropyrimidines, like capecitabine and fluorouracil. An estimated 1% to 2% of the population has germline pathogenic variants in DPYD, which lead to reduced DPD protein function and an accumulation of pyrimidines and fluoropyrimidines in the body.[24,25] Patients with the DPYD*2A variant who receive fluoropyrimidines may experience severe, life-threatening toxicities that are sometimes fatal. Many other DPYD variants have been identified, with a range of clinical effects.[24-26] Fluoropyrimidine avoidance or a dose reduction of 50% may be recommended based on the patient's DPYD genotype and number of functioning DPYD alleles.[27-29] DPYD genetic testing costs less than $200, but insurance coverage varies due to a lack of national guidelines.[30] In addition, testing may delay therapy by 2 weeks, which would not be advisable in urgent situations. This controversial issue requires further evaluation.[31]

References
  1. Davies K, Conlon KC: Neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 11 (2): 119-27, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]
  2. Phan GQ, Yeo CJ, Hruban RH, et al.: Surgical experience with pancreatic and peripancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: Review of 125 patients. J Gastrointest Surg 2 (5): 473-82, 1998 Sep-Oct. [PUBMED Abstract]
  3. Kazanjian KK, Reber HA, Hines OJ: Resection of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: results of 70 cases. Arch Surg 141 (8): 765-9; discussion 769-70, 2006. [PUBMED Abstract]
  4. Hochwald SN, Zee S, Conlon KC, et al.: Prognostic factors in pancreatic endocrine neoplasms: an analysis of 136 cases with a proposal for low-grade and intermediate-grade groups. J Clin Oncol 20 (11): 2633-42, 2002. [PUBMED Abstract]
  5. Kulke MH, Siu LL, Tepper JE, et al.: Future directions in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors: consensus report of the National Cancer Institute Neuroendocrine Tumor clinical trials planning meeting. J Clin Oncol 29 (7): 934-43, 2011. [PUBMED Abstract]
  6. Sarmiento JM, Que FG: Hepatic surgery for metastases from neuroendocrine tumors. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 12 (1): 231-42, 2003. [PUBMED Abstract]
  7. Gupta S, Johnson MM, Murthy R, et al.: Hepatic arterial embolization and chemoembolization for the treatment of patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors: variables affecting response rates and survival. Cancer 104 (8): 1590-602, 2005. [PUBMED Abstract]
  8. Nguyen C, Faraggi M, Giraudet AL, et al.: Long-term efficacy of radionuclide therapy in patients with disseminated neuroendocrine tumors uncontrolled by conventional therapy. J Nucl Med 45 (10): 1660-8, 2004. [PUBMED Abstract]
  9. Kennedy AS, Dezarn WA, McNeillie P, et al.: Radioembolization for unresectable neuroendocrine hepatic metastases using resin 90Y-microspheres: early results in 148 patients. Am J Clin Oncol 31 (3): 271-9, 2008. [PUBMED Abstract]
  10. King J, Quinn R, Glenn DM, et al.: Radioembolization with selective internal radiation microspheres for neuroendocrine liver metastases. Cancer 113 (5): 921-9, 2008. [PUBMED Abstract]
  11. Siperstein AE, Berber E: Cryoablation, percutaneous alcohol injection, and radiofrequency ablation for treatment of neuroendocrine liver metastases. World J Surg 25 (6): 693-6, 2001. [PUBMED Abstract]
  12. Gurusamy KS, Ramamoorthy R, Sharma D, et al.: Liver resection versus other treatments for neuroendocrine tumours in patients with resectable liver metastases. Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2): CD007060, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]
  13. Gurusamy KS, Pamecha V, Sharma D, et al.: Palliative cytoreductive surgery versus other palliative treatments in patients with unresectable liver metastases from gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. Cochrane Database Syst Rev (1): CD007118, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]
  14. di Bartolomeo M, Bajetta E, Buzzoni R, et al.: Clinical efficacy of octreotide in the treatment of metastatic neuroendocrine tumors. A study by the Italian Trials in Medical Oncology Group. Cancer 77 (2): 402-8, 1996. [PUBMED Abstract]
  15. Moertel CG, Lefkopoulo M, Lipsitz S, et al.: Streptozocin-doxorubicin, streptozocin-fluorouracil or chlorozotocin in the treatment of advanced islet-cell carcinoma. N Engl J Med 326 (8): 519-23, 1992. [PUBMED Abstract]
  16. Kouvaraki MA, Ajani JA, Hoff P, et al.: Fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and streptozocin in the treatment of patients with locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic endocrine carcinomas. J Clin Oncol 22 (23): 4762-71, 2004. [PUBMED Abstract]
  17. Kulke MH, Hornick JL, Frauenhoffer C, et al.: O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase deficiency and response to temozolomide-based therapy in patients with neuroendocrine tumors. Clin Cancer Res 15 (1): 338-45, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]
  18. Yao JC, Lombard-Bohas C, Baudin E, et al.: Daily oral everolimus activity in patients with metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors after failure of cytotoxic chemotherapy: a phase II trial. J Clin Oncol 28 (1): 69-76, 2010. [PUBMED Abstract]
  19. Yao JC, Shah MH, Ito T, et al.: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter phase III trial of everolimus in patients with advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) (RADIANT-3). [Abstract] Ann Oncol 21 (Suppl 8): A-LBA9, viii4-5, 2010.
  20. Raymond E, Niccoli-Sire P, Bang Y: Updated results of the phase III trial of sunitinib (SU) versus placebo (PBO) for treatment of advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NET). [Abstract] American Society of Clinical Oncology 2010 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, 22–24 January 2010, Orlando, Florida. A-127, 2010.
  21. Teunissen JJ, Kwekkeboom DJ, de Jong M, et al.: Endocrine tumours of the gastrointestinal tract. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 19 (4): 595-616, 2005. [PUBMED Abstract]
  22. Kwekkeboom DJ, de Herder WW, Kam BL, et al.: Treatment with the radiolabeled somatostatin analog [177 Lu-DOTA 0,Tyr3]octreotate: toxicity, efficacy, and survival. J Clin Oncol 26 (13): 2124-30, 2008. [PUBMED Abstract]
  23. Bushnell DL, O'Dorisio TM, O'Dorisio MS, et al.: 90Y-edotreotide for metastatic carcinoid refractory to octreotide. J Clin Oncol 28 (10): 1652-9, 2010. [PUBMED Abstract]
  24. Sharma BB, Rai K, Blunt H, et al.: Pathogenic DPYD Variants and Treatment-Related Mortality in Patients Receiving Fluoropyrimidine Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Oncologist 26 (12): 1008-1016, 2021. [PUBMED Abstract]
  25. Lam SW, Guchelaar HJ, Boven E: The role of pharmacogenetics in capecitabine efficacy and toxicity. Cancer Treat Rev 50: 9-22, 2016. [PUBMED Abstract]
  26. Shakeel F, Fang F, Kwon JW, et al.: Patients carrying DPYD variant alleles have increased risk of severe toxicity and related treatment modifications during fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy. Pharmacogenomics 22 (3): 145-155, 2021. [PUBMED Abstract]
  27. Amstutz U, Henricks LM, Offer SM, et al.: Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) Guideline for Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase Genotype and Fluoropyrimidine Dosing: 2017 Update. Clin Pharmacol Ther 103 (2): 210-216, 2018. [PUBMED Abstract]
  28. Henricks LM, Lunenburg CATC, de Man FM, et al.: DPYD genotype-guided dose individualisation of fluoropyrimidine therapy in patients with cancer: a prospective safety analysis. Lancet Oncol 19 (11): 1459-1467, 2018. [PUBMED Abstract]
  29. Lau-Min KS, Varughese LA, Nelson MN, et al.: Preemptive pharmacogenetic testing to guide chemotherapy dosing in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies: a qualitative study of barriers to implementation. BMC Cancer 22 (1): 47, 2022. [PUBMED Abstract]
  30. Brooks GA, Tapp S, Daly AT, et al.: Cost-effectiveness of DPYD Genotyping Prior to Fluoropyrimidine-based Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer. Clin Colorectal Cancer 21 (3): e189-e195, 2022. [PUBMED Abstract]
  31. Baker SD, Bates SE, Brooks GA, et al.: DPYD Testing: Time to Put Patient Safety First. J Clin Oncol 41 (15): 2701-2705, 2023. [PUBMED Abstract]

Treatment of Gastrinoma

The approach to treatment often depends on the results of preoperative localization studies and findings at exploratory laparotomy. At exploration, 85% of these tumors are found in the gastrinoma triangle with 40% on the surface of the pancreas and 40% outside of the pancreas. Only 15% are found within the substance of the pancreas. Percutaneous transhepatic venous sampling may occasionally provide accurate localization of single sporadic gastrinomas. Resection (enucleation of individual tumors, if technically feasible), and even excision of liver metastases, is associated with long-term cure or disease control.[1]

Treatment options:

  1. Single lesion in the head of the pancreas:[2-5]
    • Enucleation.
    • Parietal cell vagotomy and cimetidine.
    • Total gastrectomy (rarely used with the introduction of current therapies).
  2. Single or multiple lesions in the duodenum:[2-5]
    • Pancreatoduodenectomy.
  3. Single lesion in the body/tail of the pancreas:[2-5]
    • Resection of body/tail.
  4. Multiple lesions in the pancreas:[2-5]
    • Resection of body/tail.
    • If residual disease is present, parietal cell vagotomy and cimetidine.
    • Total gastrectomy (rarely used with the introduction of current therapies).
  5. No tumor found:
    • Parietal cell vagotomy and cimetidine.
    • Total gastrectomy (rarely used with the introduction of current therapies).
  6. Liver metastases:[6-13]
    • Liver resection where possible.
    • Radiofrequency ablation or cryosurgical ablation.
    • Chemoembolization of liver.
  7. Metastatic disease or disease refractory to surgery and cimetidine:[14-23]
    • Chemotherapy
    • Somatostatin analogue therapy.

Patients with hepatic-dominant disease and substantial symptoms caused by tumor bulk or hormone-release syndromes may benefit from procedures that reduce hepatic arterial blood flow to metastases (hepatic arterial occlusion with embolization or with chemoembolization). Such treatment may also be combined with systemic chemotherapy in selected patients. Treatment with proton pump inhibitors or H2 blocking agents may aid in control of peptic symptoms.

In the era of proton pump inhibitors and H2 blocking agents, the potentially lethal hyperacidity and hypersecretory states induced by excessive gastrin production can usually be controlled. In a series of 212 patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES), no patients died of causes related to acid hypersecretion. Only 2.3% of those patients had undergone total gastrectomy, and the study cohort had a long median follow-up period of 13.8 years. Although 32% of the patients died during the course of the study, only 50% of the 67 deaths were attributable to ZES-related causes. Those causes were mainly liver metastases with progressive anorexia and cachexia (67%) or secondary endocrine tumors consequent to multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome. The development of bone or liver metastases (especially diffuse liver disease) or of ectopic Cushing syndrome during the study period predicted for decreased survival times.[24]

Current Clinical Trials

Use our advanced clinical trial search to find NCI-supported cancer clinical trials that are now enrolling patients. The search can be narrowed by location of the trial, type of treatment, name of the drug, and other criteria. General information about clinical trials is also available.

References
  1. Norton JA, Fraker DL, Alexander HR, et al.: Surgery increases survival in patients with gastrinoma. Ann Surg 244 (3): 410-9, 2006. [PUBMED Abstract]
  2. Davies K, Conlon KC: Neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 11 (2): 119-27, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]
  3. Phan GQ, Yeo CJ, Hruban RH, et al.: Surgical experience with pancreatic and peripancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: Review of 125 patients. J Gastrointest Surg 2 (5): 473-82, 1998 Sep-Oct. [PUBMED Abstract]
  4. Kazanjian KK, Reber HA, Hines OJ: Resection of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: results of 70 cases. Arch Surg 141 (8): 765-9; discussion 769-70, 2006. [PUBMED Abstract]
  5. Hochwald SN, Zee S, Conlon KC, et al.: Prognostic factors in pancreatic endocrine neoplasms: an analysis of 136 cases with a proposal for low-grade and intermediate-grade groups. J Clin Oncol 20 (11): 2633-42, 2002. [PUBMED Abstract]
  6. Sarmiento JM, Que FG: Hepatic surgery for metastases from neuroendocrine tumors. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 12 (1): 231-42, 2003. [PUBMED Abstract]
  7. Gupta S, Johnson MM, Murthy R, et al.: Hepatic arterial embolization and chemoembolization for the treatment of patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors: variables affecting response rates and survival. Cancer 104 (8): 1590-602, 2005. [PUBMED Abstract]
  8. Nguyen C, Faraggi M, Giraudet AL, et al.: Long-term efficacy of radionuclide therapy in patients with disseminated neuroendocrine tumors uncontrolled by conventional therapy. J Nucl Med 45 (10): 1660-8, 2004. [PUBMED Abstract]
  9. Kennedy AS, Dezarn WA, McNeillie P, et al.: Radioembolization for unresectable neuroendocrine hepatic metastases using resin 90Y-microspheres: early results in 148 patients. Am J Clin Oncol 31 (3): 271-9, 2008. [PUBMED Abstract]
  10. King J, Quinn R, Glenn DM, et al.: Radioembolization with selective internal radiation microspheres for neuroendocrine liver metastases. Cancer 113 (5): 921-9, 2008. [PUBMED Abstract]
  11. Siperstein AE, Berber E: Cryoablation, percutaneous alcohol injection, and radiofrequency ablation for treatment of neuroendocrine liver metastases. World J Surg 25 (6): 693-6, 2001. [PUBMED Abstract]
  12. Gurusamy KS, Ramamoorthy R, Sharma D, et al.: Liver resection versus other treatments for neuroendocrine tumours in patients with resectable liver metastases. Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2): CD007060, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]
  13. Gurusamy KS, Pamecha V, Sharma D, et al.: Palliative cytoreductive surgery versus other palliative treatments in patients with unresectable liver metastases from gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. Cochrane Database Syst Rev (1): CD007118, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]
  14. di Bartolomeo M, Bajetta E, Buzzoni R, et al.: Clinical efficacy of octreotide in the treatment of metastatic neuroendocrine tumors. A study by the Italian Trials in Medical Oncology Group. Cancer 77 (2): 402-8, 1996. [PUBMED Abstract]
  15. Moertel CG, Lefkopoulo M, Lipsitz S, et al.: Streptozocin-doxorubicin, streptozocin-fluorouracil or chlorozotocin in the treatment of advanced islet-cell carcinoma. N Engl J Med 326 (8): 519-23, 1992. [PUBMED Abstract]
  16. Kouvaraki MA, Ajani JA, Hoff P, et al.: Fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and streptozocin in the treatment of patients with locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic endocrine carcinomas. J Clin Oncol 22 (23): 4762-71, 2004. [PUBMED Abstract]
  17. Kulke MH, Hornick JL, Frauenhoffer C, et al.: O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase deficiency and response to temozolomide-based therapy in patients with neuroendocrine tumors. Clin Cancer Res 15 (1): 338-45, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]
  18. Yao JC, Lombard-Bohas C, Baudin E, et al.: Daily oral everolimus activity in patients with metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors after failure of cytotoxic chemotherapy: a phase II trial. J Clin Oncol 28 (1): 69-76, 2010. [PUBMED Abstract]
  19. Yao JC, Shah MH, Ito T, et al.: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter phase III trial of everolimus in patients with advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) (RADIANT-3). [Abstract] Ann Oncol 21 (Suppl 8): A-LBA9, viii4-5, 2010.
  20. Raymond E, Niccoli-Sire P, Bang Y: Updated results of the phase III trial of sunitinib (SU) versus placebo (PBO) for treatment of advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NET). [Abstract] American Society of Clinical Oncology 2010 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, 22–24 January 2010, Orlando, Florida. A-127, 2010.
  21. Teunissen JJ, Kwekkeboom DJ, de Jong M, et al.: Endocrine tumours of the gastrointestinal tract. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 19 (4): 595-616, 2005. [PUBMED Abstract]
  22. Kwekkeboom DJ, de Herder WW, Kam BL, et al.: Treatment with the radiolabeled somatostatin analog [177 Lu-DOTA 0,Tyr3]octreotate: toxicity, efficacy, and survival. J Clin Oncol 26 (13): 2124-30, 2008. [PUBMED Abstract]
  23. Bushnell DL, O'Dorisio TM, O'Dorisio MS, et al.: 90Y-edotreotide for metastatic carcinoid refractory to octreotide. J Clin Oncol 28 (10): 1652-9, 2010. [PUBMED Abstract]
  24. Kvols LK, Buck M, Moertel CG, et al.: Treatment of metastatic islet cell carcinoma with a somatostatin analogue (SMS 201-995). Ann Intern Med 107 (2): 162-8, 1987. [PUBMED Abstract]

Treatment of Insulinoma

Curative surgical excision, by open laparotomy or laparoscopy, is the treatment of choice when possible. The open surgical approach is used if the tumor is suspected to be malignant because en bloc lymphadenectomy is performed for malignant tumors without distant metastases. Intraoperative ultrasonography aids the localization of tumor extent and the relationship to other anatomical structures.[1]

Treatment options:

  1. Single, small lesion in the head or tail of the pancreas:[1-4]
    • Enucleation, if feasible.
  2. Large lesion in the head of the pancreas that is not amenable to enucleation:[1-4]
    • Pancreaticoduodenectomy.
  3. Single, large lesion in the body/tail:[1-4]
    • Distal pancreatectomy.
  4. Multiple lesions (may occur in 10% of patients, often in association with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 1):[1-4]
    • Distal pancreatectomy with enucleation of tumors in the head of the pancreas.
  5. Metastatic lesions in lymph nodes or distant sites:[5-12]
    • Resect when possible.
    • Consider radiofrequency or cryosurgical ablation, if not resectable.
  6. Unresectable:[13-22]
    • Combination chemotherapy.
    • Pharmacological palliation: diazoxide 300 to 500 mg/day.
    • Somatostatin analogue therapy.

Patients with hepatic-dominant disease and substantial symptoms caused by tumor bulk or hormone-release syndromes may benefit from procedures that reduce hepatic arterial blood flow to metastases (hepatic arterial occlusion with embolization or with chemoembolization).[6,8-12] Such treatment may also be combined with systemic chemotherapy in selected patients.

Current Clinical Trials

Use our advanced clinical trial search to find NCI-supported cancer clinical trials that are now enrolling patients. The search can be narrowed by location of the trial, type of treatment, name of the drug, and other criteria. General information about clinical trials is also available.

References
  1. Davies K, Conlon KC: Neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 11 (2): 119-27, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]
  2. Phan GQ, Yeo CJ, Hruban RH, et al.: Surgical experience with pancreatic and peripancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: Review of 125 patients. J Gastrointest Surg 2 (5): 473-82, 1998 Sep-Oct. [PUBMED Abstract]
  3. Kazanjian KK, Reber HA, Hines OJ: Resection of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: results of 70 cases. Arch Surg 141 (8): 765-9; discussion 769-70, 2006. [PUBMED Abstract]
  4. Hochwald SN, Zee S, Conlon KC, et al.: Prognostic factors in pancreatic endocrine neoplasms: an analysis of 136 cases with a proposal for low-grade and intermediate-grade groups. J Clin Oncol 20 (11): 2633-42, 2002. [PUBMED Abstract]
  5. Sarmiento JM, Que FG: Hepatic surgery for metastases from neuroendocrine tumors. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 12 (1): 231-42, 2003. [PUBMED Abstract]
  6. Gupta S, Johnson MM, Murthy R, et al.: Hepatic arterial embolization and chemoembolization for the treatment of patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors: variables affecting response rates and survival. Cancer 104 (8): 1590-602, 2005. [PUBMED Abstract]
  7. Nguyen C, Faraggi M, Giraudet AL, et al.: Long-term efficacy of radionuclide therapy in patients with disseminated neuroendocrine tumors uncontrolled by conventional therapy. J Nucl Med 45 (10): 1660-8, 2004. [PUBMED Abstract]
  8. Kennedy AS, Dezarn WA, McNeillie P, et al.: Radioembolization for unresectable neuroendocrine hepatic metastases using resin 90Y-microspheres: early results in 148 patients. Am J Clin Oncol 31 (3): 271-9, 2008. [PUBMED Abstract]
  9. King J, Quinn R, Glenn DM, et al.: Radioembolization with selective internal radiation microspheres for neuroendocrine liver metastases. Cancer 113 (5): 921-9, 2008. [PUBMED Abstract]
  10. Siperstein AE, Berber E: Cryoablation, percutaneous alcohol injection, and radiofrequency ablation for treatment of neuroendocrine liver metastases. World J Surg 25 (6): 693-6, 2001. [PUBMED Abstract]
  11. Gurusamy KS, Ramamoorthy R, Sharma D, et al.: Liver resection versus other treatments for neuroendocrine tumours in patients with resectable liver metastases. Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2): CD007060, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]
  12. Gurusamy KS, Pamecha V, Sharma D, et al.: Palliative cytoreductive surgery versus other palliative treatments in patients with unresectable liver metastases from gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. Cochrane Database Syst Rev (1): CD007118, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]
  13. di Bartolomeo M, Bajetta E, Buzzoni R, et al.: Clinical efficacy of octreotide in the treatment of metastatic neuroendocrine tumors. A study by the Italian Trials in Medical Oncology Group. Cancer 77 (2): 402-8, 1996. [PUBMED Abstract]
  14. Moertel CG, Lefkopoulo M, Lipsitz S, et al.: Streptozocin-doxorubicin, streptozocin-fluorouracil or chlorozotocin in the treatment of advanced islet-cell carcinoma. N Engl J Med 326 (8): 519-23, 1992. [PUBMED Abstract]
  15. Kouvaraki MA, Ajani JA, Hoff P, et al.: Fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and streptozocin in the treatment of patients with locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic endocrine carcinomas. J Clin Oncol 22 (23): 4762-71, 2004. [PUBMED Abstract]
  16. Kulke MH, Hornick JL, Frauenhoffer C, et al.: O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase deficiency and response to temozolomide-based therapy in patients with neuroendocrine tumors. Clin Cancer Res 15 (1): 338-45, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]
  17. Yao JC, Lombard-Bohas C, Baudin E, et al.: Daily oral everolimus activity in patients with metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors after failure of cytotoxic chemotherapy: a phase II trial. J Clin Oncol 28 (1): 69-76, 2010. [PUBMED Abstract]
  18. Yao JC, Shah MH, Ito T, et al.: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter phase III trial of everolimus in patients with advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) (RADIANT-3). [Abstract] Ann Oncol 21 (Suppl 8): A-LBA9, viii4-5, 2010.
  19. Raymond E, Niccoli-Sire P, Bang Y: Updated results of the phase III trial of sunitinib (SU) versus placebo (PBO) for treatment of advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NET). [Abstract] American Society of Clinical Oncology 2010 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, 22–24 January 2010, Orlando, Florida. A-127, 2010.
  20. Teunissen JJ, Kwekkeboom DJ, de Jong M, et al.: Endocrine tumours of the gastrointestinal tract. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 19 (4): 595-616, 2005. [PUBMED Abstract]
  21. Kwekkeboom DJ, de Herder WW, Kam BL, et al.: Treatment with the radiolabeled somatostatin analog [177 Lu-DOTA 0,Tyr3]octreotate: toxicity, efficacy, and survival. J Clin Oncol 26 (13): 2124-30, 2008. [PUBMED Abstract]
  22. Bushnell DL, O'Dorisio TM, O'Dorisio MS, et al.: 90Y-edotreotide for metastatic carcinoid refractory to octreotide. J Clin Oncol 28 (10): 1652-9, 2010. [PUBMED Abstract]

Treatment of Glucagonoma

As with the other pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, the mainstay of therapy is surgical resection, and extended survival is possible even when the disease is metastatic. Resection of metastases is also a consideration when feasible.[1]

Treatment options:

  1. Single, small lesion in the head or tail of the pancreas:[1-4]
    • Enucleation, if feasible.
  2. Large lesion in the head of the pancreas that is not amenable to enucleation:[1-4]
    • Pancreaticoduodenectomy.
  3. Single, large lesion in the body/tail:[1-4]
    • Distal pancreatectomy.
  4. Multiple lesions:[1-4]
    • Enucleation, if feasible.
    • Resect body and tail otherwise.
  5. Metastatic disease in lymph nodes or distant sites:[5-12]
    • Resect when possible.
    • Consider radiofrequency or cryosurgical ablation, if not resectable.
  6. Unresectable disease:[13-22]
    • Combination chemotherapy.
    • Somatostatin analogue therapy. Necrotizing erythema of glucagonoma may be relieved in 24 hours with somatostatin analogue, with nearly complete disappearance within 1 week.

Patients with hepatic-dominant disease and substantial symptoms caused by tumor bulk or hormone-release syndromes may benefit from procedures that reduce hepatic arterial blood flow to metastases (hepatic arterial occlusion with embolization or with chemoembolization).[6,8-12] Such treatment may also be combined with systemic chemotherapy in selected patients.

Current Clinical Trials

Use our advanced clinical trial search to find NCI-supported cancer clinical trials that are now enrolling patients. The search can be narrowed by location of the trial, type of treatment, name of the drug, and other criteria. General information about clinical trials is also available.

References
  1. Davies K, Conlon KC: Neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 11 (2): 119-27, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]
  2. Phan GQ, Yeo CJ, Hruban RH, et al.: Surgical experience with pancreatic and peripancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: Review of 125 patients. J Gastrointest Surg 2 (5): 473-82, 1998 Sep-Oct. [PUBMED Abstract]
  3. Kazanjian KK, Reber HA, Hines OJ: Resection of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: results of 70 cases. Arch Surg 141 (8): 765-9; discussion 769-70, 2006. [PUBMED Abstract]
  4. Hochwald SN, Zee S, Conlon KC, et al.: Prognostic factors in pancreatic endocrine neoplasms: an analysis of 136 cases with a proposal for low-grade and intermediate-grade groups. J Clin Oncol 20 (11): 2633-42, 2002. [PUBMED Abstract]
  5. Sarmiento JM, Que FG: Hepatic surgery for metastases from neuroendocrine tumors. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 12 (1): 231-42, 2003. [PUBMED Abstract]
  6. Gupta S, Johnson MM, Murthy R, et al.: Hepatic arterial embolization and chemoembolization for the treatment of patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors: variables affecting response rates and survival. Cancer 104 (8): 1590-602, 2005. [PUBMED Abstract]
  7. Nguyen C, Faraggi M, Giraudet AL, et al.: Long-term efficacy of radionuclide therapy in patients with disseminated neuroendocrine tumors uncontrolled by conventional therapy. J Nucl Med 45 (10): 1660-8, 2004. [PUBMED Abstract]
  8. Kennedy AS, Dezarn WA, McNeillie P, et al.: Radioembolization for unresectable neuroendocrine hepatic metastases using resin 90Y-microspheres: early results in 148 patients. Am J Clin Oncol 31 (3): 271-9, 2008. [PUBMED Abstract]
  9. King J, Quinn R, Glenn DM, et al.: Radioembolization with selective internal radiation microspheres for neuroendocrine liver metastases. Cancer 113 (5): 921-9, 2008. [PUBMED Abstract]
  10. Siperstein AE, Berber E: Cryoablation, percutaneous alcohol injection, and radiofrequency ablation for treatment of neuroendocrine liver metastases. World J Surg 25 (6): 693-6, 2001. [PUBMED Abstract]
  11. Gurusamy KS, Ramamoorthy R, Sharma D, et al.: Liver resection versus other treatments for neuroendocrine tumours in patients with resectable liver metastases. Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2): CD007060, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]
  12. Gurusamy KS, Pamecha V, Sharma D, et al.: Palliative cytoreductive surgery versus other palliative treatments in patients with unresectable liver metastases from gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. Cochrane Database Syst Rev (1): CD007118, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]
  13. di Bartolomeo M, Bajetta E, Buzzoni R, et al.: Clinical efficacy of octreotide in the treatment of metastatic neuroendocrine tumors. A study by the Italian Trials in Medical Oncology Group. Cancer 77 (2): 402-8, 1996. [PUBMED Abstract]
  14. Moertel CG, Lefkopoulo M, Lipsitz S, et al.: Streptozocin-doxorubicin, streptozocin-fluorouracil or chlorozotocin in the treatment of advanced islet-cell carcinoma. N Engl J Med 326 (8): 519-23, 1992. [PUBMED Abstract]
  15. Kouvaraki MA, Ajani JA, Hoff P, et al.: Fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and streptozocin in the treatment of patients with locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic endocrine carcinomas. J Clin Oncol 22 (23): 4762-71, 2004. [PUBMED Abstract]
  16. Kulke MH, Hornick JL, Frauenhoffer C, et al.: O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase deficiency and response to temozolomide-based therapy in patients with neuroendocrine tumors. Clin Cancer Res 15 (1): 338-45, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]
  17. Yao JC, Lombard-Bohas C, Baudin E, et al.: Daily oral everolimus activity in patients with metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors after failure of cytotoxic chemotherapy: a phase II trial. J Clin Oncol 28 (1): 69-76, 2010. [PUBMED Abstract]
  18. Yao JC, Shah MH, Ito T, et al.: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter phase III trial of everolimus in patients with advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) (RADIANT-3). [Abstract] Ann Oncol 21 (Suppl 8): A-LBA9, viii4-5, 2010.
  19. Raymond E, Niccoli-Sire P, Bang Y: Updated results of the phase III trial of sunitinib (SU) versus placebo (PBO) for treatment of advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NET). [Abstract] American Society of Clinical Oncology 2010 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, 22–24 January 2010, Orlando, Florida. A-127, 2010.
  20. Teunissen JJ, Kwekkeboom DJ, de Jong M, et al.: Endocrine tumours of the gastrointestinal tract. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 19 (4): 595-616, 2005. [PUBMED Abstract]
  21. Kwekkeboom DJ, de Herder WW, Kam BL, et al.: Treatment with the radiolabeled somatostatin analog [177 Lu-DOTA 0,Tyr3]octreotate: toxicity, efficacy, and survival. J Clin Oncol 26 (13): 2124-30, 2008. [PUBMED Abstract]
  22. Bushnell DL, O'Dorisio TM, O'Dorisio MS, et al.: 90Y-edotreotide for metastatic carcinoid refractory to octreotide. J Clin Oncol 28 (10): 1652-9, 2010. [PUBMED Abstract]

Treatment of Miscellaneous Islet Cell Tumors

VIPoma

Immediate fluid resuscitation is often necessary to correct the electrolyte and fluid problems that occur as a result of the watery diarrhea, hypokalemia, and achlorhydria that patients experience. Somatostatin analogues are also used to ameliorate the large fluid and electrolyte losses. Once patients are stabilized, excision of the primary tumor and regional nodes is the first line of therapy for clinically localized disease. In the case of locally advanced or metastatic disease, where curative resection is not possible, debulking and removal of gross disease, including metastases, should be considered to alleviate the characteristic manifestations of vasoactive intestinal peptide overproduction.[1] For more information, see the Treatment Option Overview for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (Islet Cell Tumors) section.

Somatostatinoma

Complete excision is the therapy of choice, if technically possible. However, metastases often preclude curative resection, and palliative debulking can be considered to relieve symptoms.[1] For more information, see the Treatment Option Overview for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (Islet Cell Tumors) section.

Other Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

For these very rare tumors, complete surgical excision is the only curative option when technically possible. Debulking or somatostatin analogues are used for palliation of symptoms if the tumor is functional. For more information, see the Treatment Option Overview for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (Islet Cell Tumors) section.

Current Clinical Trials

Use our advanced clinical trial search to find NCI-supported cancer clinical trials that are now enrolling patients. The search can be narrowed by location of the trial, type of treatment, name of the drug, and other criteria. General information about clinical trials is also available.

References
  1. Davies K, Conlon KC: Neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 11 (2): 119-27, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]

Treatment of Recurrent and Progressive Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

There is no established therapy for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors that recur or progress after previous therapy.[1] Deciding on further treatment depends on many factors, including:

  • The specific cancer.
  • Previous treatment.
  • Site of recurrence.
  • Individual patient considerations.

Attempts at re-resection of local tumors that have recurred or re-resection of metastatic lesions may offer palliation, when technically feasible. Intra-arterial chemotherapy is a consideration for patients with liver metastases. Patients with hepatic-dominant disease and substantial symptoms caused by tumor bulk or hormone-release syndromes may benefit from continuous-infusion intra-arterial chemotherapy or procedures that reduce hepatic arterial blood flow to metastases (hepatic arterial occlusion with embolization or with chemoembolization).[2-7] Such treatment may also be combined with systemic chemotherapy. A variety of systemic agents have shown biological or palliative activity,[1,8] including:

  • Somatostatin analogues.
  • Radiolabeled somatostatin analogues.[9-11]
  • Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., sunitinib).
  • Temozolomide.
  • Vascular endothelial growth factor pathway inhibitors.
  • Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (e.g., everolimus).

Current Clinical Trials

Use our advanced clinical trial search to find NCI-supported cancer clinical trials that are now enrolling patients. The search can be narrowed by location of the trial, type of treatment, name of the drug, and other criteria. General information about clinical trials is also available.

References
  1. Kulke MH, Siu LL, Tepper JE, et al.: Future directions in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors: consensus report of the National Cancer Institute Neuroendocrine Tumor clinical trials planning meeting. J Clin Oncol 29 (7): 934-43, 2011. [PUBMED Abstract]
  2. Gupta S, Johnson MM, Murthy R, et al.: Hepatic arterial embolization and chemoembolization for the treatment of patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors: variables affecting response rates and survival. Cancer 104 (8): 1590-602, 2005. [PUBMED Abstract]
  3. Kennedy AS, Dezarn WA, McNeillie P, et al.: Radioembolization for unresectable neuroendocrine hepatic metastases using resin 90Y-microspheres: early results in 148 patients. Am J Clin Oncol 31 (3): 271-9, 2008. [PUBMED Abstract]
  4. King J, Quinn R, Glenn DM, et al.: Radioembolization with selective internal radiation microspheres for neuroendocrine liver metastases. Cancer 113 (5): 921-9, 2008. [PUBMED Abstract]
  5. Siperstein AE, Berber E: Cryoablation, percutaneous alcohol injection, and radiofrequency ablation for treatment of neuroendocrine liver metastases. World J Surg 25 (6): 693-6, 2001. [PUBMED Abstract]
  6. Gurusamy KS, Ramamoorthy R, Sharma D, et al.: Liver resection versus other treatments for neuroendocrine tumours in patients with resectable liver metastases. Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2): CD007060, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]
  7. Gurusamy KS, Pamecha V, Sharma D, et al.: Palliative cytoreductive surgery versus other palliative treatments in patients with unresectable liver metastases from gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. Cochrane Database Syst Rev (1): CD007118, 2009. [PUBMED Abstract]
  8. Yao JC, Lombard-Bohas C, Baudin E, et al.: Daily oral everolimus activity in patients with metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors after failure of cytotoxic chemotherapy: a phase II trial. J Clin Oncol 28 (1): 69-76, 2010. [PUBMED Abstract]
  9. Teunissen JJ, Kwekkeboom DJ, de Jong M, et al.: Endocrine tumours of the gastrointestinal tract. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 19 (4): 595-616, 2005. [PUBMED Abstract]
  10. Kwekkeboom DJ, de Herder WW, Kam BL, et al.: Treatment with the radiolabeled somatostatin analog [177 Lu-DOTA 0,Tyr3]octreotate: toxicity, efficacy, and survival. J Clin Oncol 26 (13): 2124-30, 2008. [PUBMED Abstract]
  11. Bushnell DL, O'Dorisio TM, O'Dorisio MS, et al.: 90Y-edotreotide for metastatic carcinoid refractory to octreotide. J Clin Oncol 28 (10): 1652-9, 2010. [PUBMED Abstract]

Latest Updates to This Summary (08/16/2024)

The PDQ cancer information summaries are reviewed regularly and updated as new information becomes available. This section describes the latest changes made to this summary as of the date above.

Treatment Option Overview for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (Islet Cell Tumors)

Added Fluorouracil dosing as a new subsection.

This summary is written and maintained by the PDQ Adult Treatment Editorial Board, which is editorially independent of NCI. The summary reflects an independent review of the literature and does not represent a policy statement of NCI or NIH. More information about summary policies and the role of the PDQ Editorial Boards in maintaining the PDQ summaries can be found on the About This PDQ Summary and PDQ® Cancer Information for Health Professionals pages.

About This PDQ Summary

Purpose of This Summary

This PDQ cancer information summary for health professionals provides comprehensive, peer-reviewed, evidence-based information about the treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (islet cell tumors). It is intended as a resource to inform and assist clinicians in the care of their patients. It does not provide formal guidelines or recommendations for making health care decisions.

Reviewers and Updates

This summary is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary by the PDQ Adult Treatment Editorial Board, which is editorially independent of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The summary reflects an independent review of the literature and does not represent a policy statement of NCI or the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Board members review recently published articles each month to determine whether an article should:

  • be discussed at a meeting,
  • be cited with text, or
  • replace or update an existing article that is already cited.

Changes to the summaries are made through a consensus process in which Board members evaluate the strength of the evidence in the published articles and determine how the article should be included in the summary.

The lead reviewers for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (Islet Cell Tumors) Treatment are:

  • Russell S. Berman, MD (New York University School of Medicine)
  • Jaydira del Rivero, MD (National Cancer Institute)

Any comments or questions about the summary content should be submitted to Cancer.gov through the NCI website's Email Us. Do not contact the individual Board Members with questions or comments about the summaries. Board members will not respond to individual inquiries.

Levels of Evidence

Some of the reference citations in this summary are accompanied by a level-of-evidence designation. These designations are intended to help readers assess the strength of the evidence supporting the use of specific interventions or approaches. The PDQ Adult Treatment Editorial Board uses a formal evidence ranking system in developing its level-of-evidence designations.

Permission to Use This Summary

PDQ is a registered trademark. Although the content of PDQ documents can be used freely as text, it cannot be identified as an NCI PDQ cancer information summary unless it is presented in its entirety and is regularly updated. However, an author would be permitted to write a sentence such as “NCI’s PDQ cancer information summary about breast cancer prevention states the risks succinctly: [include excerpt from the summary].”

The preferred citation for this PDQ summary is:

PDQ® Adult Treatment Editorial Board. PDQ Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (Islet Cell Tumors) Treatment. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Updated <MM/DD/YYYY>. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/pancreatic/hp/pnet-treatment-pdq. Accessed <MM/DD/YYYY>. [PMID: 26389309]

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Based on the strength of the available evidence, treatment options may be described as either “standard” or “under clinical evaluation.” These classifications should not be used as a basis for insurance reimbursement determinations. More information on insurance coverage is available on Cancer.gov on the Managing Cancer Care page.

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