Tumor Heterogenity in Gastro-Entero-Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasia

Abstract

Owing to the rarity and the biological and clinical heterogeneity of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasia (GEP NEN), the management of these patients may be challenging for physicians. This review highlights the specific features of GEP NEN with particular attention on the role of Ki67 heterogeneity, the potential prognostic role of novel radiological techniques, and the clinical usefulness of functional imaging, including 68Ga-DOTA-SST PET/CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT. Understanding these specific features may help to plan proper and tailored follow-up programs and therapeutic approaches.

Keywords

• neuroendocrine tumors
• Ki67
• carcinoids
• somatostatin analogs
• radiomic
• positron emission tomography