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Neuroendocrine Tumors

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) constitute a group of tumors that derive from the sensory and secretory neuroendocrine cells of the diffuse endocrine system. There is an unmet need for accurate biomarkers that can be used for NEN diagnosis, prognosis and follow-up, therapy stratification, and evaluation of treatment response.  The high diversity of neuroendocrine neoplasms requires the development of specific biomarkers for their identification, diagnosis, and management.

Examples of markers include:

  • Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor (pNET):
  • Chromogranin A (CgA): Elevated levels of CgA are commonly observed in the blood of patients with pNETs. CgA serves as a biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring disease progression.
  • Synaptophysin: Immunohistochemical staining for synaptophysin is frequently used to confirm the neuroendocrine nature of tumors, including pNETs, making it a crucial marker for identification.

Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumor (GI-NET):

  • Somatostatin Receptor (SSTR): The expression of somatostatin receptors, particularly SSTR2A, is a key feature of GI-NETs. Imaging with somatostatin analogs labeled with radionuclides helps in localization and staging.
  • Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE): NSE is often elevated in the blood of patients with GI-NETs, serving as a biomarker for both diagnosis and monitoring of treatment response.

Bronchopulmonary Neuroendocrine Tumor (BP-NET):

  • CD56 (Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule): CD56 is commonly expressed in BP-NETs and is used as an immunohistochemical marker for their identification.
  • Progastrin-Releasing Peptide (ProGRP): ProGRP levels in the blood are elevated in patients with small cell lung cancer, including BP-NETs, and are utilized as a biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring.

 

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The terms Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET) and Neuroendocrine Neoplasm (NEN) are often used interchangeably, but they have nuanced differences in their usage and implications.

Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET):

  • Definition: NET is a more specific term and refers to a neoplasm composed of cells that possess neuroendocrine features.
  • Characteristics: NETs can be well-differentiated (low-grade) or poorly differentiated (high-grade), and they can occur in various organs throughout the body, including the digestive tract, lungs, pancreas, and other tissues.
  • Grading: The grading of NETs is based on the Ki-67 proliferation index and mitotic rate. Well-differentiated tumors are typically slow-growing, while poorly differentiated ones are more aggressive.

Neuroendocrine Neoplasm (NEN):

  • Definition: NEN is a broader term that encompasses a spectrum of neoplasms arising from neuroendocrine cells, including both tumors (NETs) and carcinomas (NECs).
  • Characteristics: NENs include well-differentiated NETs and poorly-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). NECs are more aggressive and have a higher mitotic rate and Ki-67 index compared to NETs.
  • Grading: NEN grading considers both NETs and NECs, with grading systems often based on the degree of differentiation and the proliferative activity of the tumor.

While NET is a specific term referring to tumors arising from neuroendocrine cells, NEN is a broader term that encompasses a range of neuroendocrine neoplasms, including both well-differentiated NETs and poorly differentiated NECs. The choice of terminology may depend on the level of detail needed in describing the neuroendocrine neoplasm and the specific characteristics of the tumor in question.

In this white paper, we highlight our newly released PrecisA Monoclonals primary antibodies needed for precise immunohistological profiling of NENs.

Download the "Neuroendocrine Neoplasms" white paper:

Neuroendocrine Neoplasms Markers