Updates on New and Emerging Therapies for Neuroendocrine Tumors

Needs Statement

Neuroendocrine tumors are recognized as a very heterogeneous family of malignancies, originating from neuroendocrine cells throughout the endocrine system—scattered throughout the gastrointestinal tract as well as other organ systems. Most NETs are regarded as sporadic, although some occur as the result of inherited genetic syndromes. While many well-differentiated NETs are relatively indolent malignancies, some can behave aggressively. Treatment approaches vary across the different subtypes of neuroendocrine tumors as well as between individual patients, depending on multiple factors including symptoms (functional versus nonfunctional tumors), primary site, differentiation and grade, and rate of tumor growth. Surgery for primary and metastatic tumors is common, and there are a variety of systemic approaches that include somatostatin analogues (SSAs), interferon alpha, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. The field of neuroendocrine tumors has been evolving with several new drug approvals in recent years, allowing for a more personalized approach.

Collectively, the incidence of NET diagnosis has been on the rise, possibly related, at least in part, to increased scans and endoscopies. Key gaps for clinicians involved in the treatment of patients with neuroendocrine tumors have been identified based on expert opinions, surveys of practicing oncologists, emerging data for novel treatment options, and ongoing clinical studies investigating novel treatment regimens. Practice needs include early detection of disease symptoms, appropriate staging and tumor grading techniques, and recognition of multidisciplinary approaches for treatment of metastatic disease.

Objectives

Upon completion of this activity participants will be able to:

• Assess emerging treatment options for neuroendocrine tumors based on evaluation of efficacy and safety, as well as patient characteristics and tumor subtypes.
• Evaluate data on new agents and approaches in development for neuroendocrine tumors.

Click here to view the CME-Certified Activity on the CECentral website>>>

Target Audience:Medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, hem-oncs, and other allied health professionals.

Type of Activity:Medical knowledge

Release date:June 25, 2015

Expiration date:June 24, 2016

Estimated time to complete activity:1.5 hours

Jonathan Strosberg, MD

Consulting Author

Associate Professor

Section Head, Neuroendocrine Tumor Program

Chair, GI Research Committee

Chair, Scientific Review Committee

Moffitt Cancer Center

Tampa, FL

Renuka Iyer, MD

Faculty Reviewer

Associate Professor

Section Chief, GI Medical Oncology

Co-Director, Liver and Pancreas Tumor Center

Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Buffalo, NY

Editorial Support

Karen Chiu, MD

Hitt Medical Writing, LLC

How to Obtain CME Credit:

• Read article in its entirety.
• Upon completion, go to this link>>>
• Enter activity code MEN16056.
• Login or register for a free account.
• Complete posttest and evaluation.
• Get credit. A printable certificate will be issued.
• A passing score of 70% is required.