Open Access

Perspectives on the diagnostic, predictive and prognostic markers of neuroendocrine neoplasms (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Oana Alexandra Ciobanu
    • Sorina Martin
    • Simona Fica
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: October 25, 2021     https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2021.10914
  • Article Number: 1479
  • Copyright: © Ciobanu et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

Metrics: Total Views: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )
Total PDF Downloads: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )


Abstract

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a heterogeneous group of rare tumors with different types of physiology and prognosis. Therefore, prognostic information, including morphological differentiation, grade, tumor stage and primary location, are invaluable and contribute to the formulation of treatment decisions. Biomarkers that are currently used, including chromogranin A (CgA), serotonin and neuron‑specific enolase, are singular parameters that cannot be used to accurately predict variables associated with tumor growth, including proliferation, metabolic rate and metastatic potential. In addition, site‑specific biomarkers, such as insulin and gastrin, cannot be applied to all types of NENs. The clinical application of broad‑spectrum markers, as it is the case for CgA, remains controversial despite being widely used. Due to limitations of the currently available mono‑analyte biomarkers, recent studies were conducted to explore novel parameters for NEN diagnosis, prognosis, therapy stratification and evaluation of treatment response. Identification of prognostic factors for predicting NEN outcome is a critical requirement for the planning of adequate clinical management. Advances in ‘liquid’ biopsies and genomic analysis techniques, including microRNA, circulating tumor DNA or circulating tumor cells and sophisticated biomathematical analysis techniques, such as NETest or molecular image‑based biomarkers, are currently under investigation as potentially novel tools for the management of NENs in the future. Despite these recent findings yielding promising observations, further research is necessary. The present review therefore summarizes the existing knowledge and recent advancements in the exploration of biochemical markers for NENs, with focus on gastroenteropancreatic‑neuroendocrine tumors.
View Figures
View References

Related Articles

Journal Cover

December-2021
Volume 22 Issue 6

Print ISSN: 1792-0981
Online ISSN:1792-1015

Sign up for eToc alerts

Recommend to Library

Copy and paste a formatted citation
x
Spandidos Publications style
Ciobanu OA, Martin S and Fica S: Perspectives on the diagnostic, predictive and prognostic markers of neuroendocrine neoplasms (Review). Exp Ther Med 22: 1479, 2021.
APA
Ciobanu, O.A., Martin, S., & Fica, S. (2021). Perspectives on the diagnostic, predictive and prognostic markers of neuroendocrine neoplasms (Review). Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 22, 1479. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2021.10914
MLA
Ciobanu, O. A., Martin, S., Fica, S."Perspectives on the diagnostic, predictive and prognostic markers of neuroendocrine neoplasms (Review)". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 22.6 (2021): 1479.
Chicago
Ciobanu, O. A., Martin, S., Fica, S."Perspectives on the diagnostic, predictive and prognostic markers of neuroendocrine neoplasms (Review)". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 22, no. 6 (2021): 1479. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2021.10914