[177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE plus long-acting octreotide versus high­dose long-acting octreotide for the treatment of newly diagnosed, advanced grade 2-3, well-differentiated, gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NETTER-2): an open-label, randomised, phase 3 study.

BACKGROUND: There are currently no standard first-line treatment options for patients with higher grade 2-3, well-differentiated, advanced, gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of first-line [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE (177Lu-Dotatate) treatment. METHODS: NETTER-2 was an open-label, randomised, parallel-group, superiority, phase 3 trial. We enrolled patients (aged ≥15 years) with newly diagnosed higher grade 2 (Ki67 ≥10% and ≤20%) and grade 3 (Ki67 >20% and ≤55%), somatostatin receptor-positive (in all target lesions), advanced gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours from 45 centres across nine countries in North America, Europe, and Asia. We used interactive response technologies to randomly assign (2:1) patients to receive four cycles (cycle interval was 8 weeks ± 1 week) of intravenous 177Lu-Dotatate plus intramuscular octreotide 30 mg long-acting repeatable (LAR) then octreotide 30 mg LAR every 4 weeks (177Lu-Dotatate group) or high-dose octreotide 60 mg LAR every 4 weeks (control group), stratified by neuroendocrine tumour grade (2 vs 3) and origin (pancreas vs other). Tumour assessments were done at baseline, week 16, and week 24, and then every 12 weeks until disease progression or death. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival by blinded, independent, central radiology assessment. We did the primary analysis at 101 progression-free survival events as the final progression-free survival analysis. NETTER-2 is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03972488, and is active and not recruiting. FINDINGS: Between Jan 22, 2020, and Oct 13, 2022, we screened 261 patients, 35 (13%) of whom were excluded. We randomly assigned 226 (87%) patients (121 [54%] male and 105 [46%] female) to the 177Lu-Dotatate group (n=151 [67%]) and control group (n=75 [33%]). Median progression-free survival was 8·5 months (95% CI 7·7-13·8) in the control group and 22·8 months (19·4-not estimated) in the 177Lu-Dotatate group (stratified hazard ratio 0·276 [0·182-0·418]; p<0·0001). During the treatment period, adverse events (of any grade) occurred in 136 (93%) of 147 treated patients in the 177Lu-Dotatate group and 69 (95%) of 73 treated patients in the control group. There were no study drug-related deaths during the treatment period. INTERPRETATION: First-line 177Lu-Dotatate plus octreotide LAR significantly extended median progression-free survival (by 14 months) in patients with grade 2 or 3 advanced gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. 177Lu-Dotatate should be considered a new standard of care in first-line therapy in this population. FUNDING: Advanced Accelerator Applications, a Novartis Company.

Efficacy and safety of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE in 15 patients with progressive treatment-refractory meningioma.

PURPOSE: There is no evidence-based systemic therapy for patients with progressive meningiomas for whom surgery or external radiotherapy is no longer an option. In this study, the efficacy and safety of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) in patients with progressive, treatment-refractory meningiomas were evaluated. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all meningioma patients treated with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE from 2000 to 2020 in our centre. Primary outcomes were response according to RANO bidimensional and volumetric criteria and progression-free survival (PFS). Overall survival (OS) and tumour growth rate (TGR) were secondary endpoints. TGR was calculated as the percentage change in surface or volume per month. RESULTS: Fifteen meningioma patients received [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE (7.5-29.6 GBq). Prior to PRRT, all patients had received external radiotherapy, and 14 patients had undergone surgery. All WHO grades were included WHO 1 (n=3), WHO 2 (n=5), and WHO 3 (n=6). After PRRT, stable disease was observed in six (40%) patients. The median PFS was 7.8 months with a 6-month PFS rate of 60%. The median OS was 13.6 months with a 12-month OS rate of 60%. All patients had progressive disease prior to PRRT, with an average TGR of 4.6% increase in surface and 14.8% increase in volume per month. After PRRT, TGR declined to 3.1% in surface (p=0.016) and 5.0% in volume (p=0.013) per month. CONCLUSION: In this cohort of meningioma patients with exhaustion of surgical and radiotherapeutic options and progressive disease, it was shown that PRRT plays a role in controlling tumour growth.

Neuropathic foot ulcers in the tallest patients with acromegalic gigantism: a common and significant problem. Historical overview.

PURPOSE: We present a historical overview on neuropathic ulcers in patients with acromegalic gigantism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The case histories of 6 famous patients with acromegalic gigantism and living in the twentieth century were analyzed. The combined final height and maximum weight of these giants were: 272 cm. & 215.9 kg., 218.4 cm. & 125 kg., 242 cm. & 165 kg., 220.5 cm. & 135 kg., 235 cm. & 136 kg. and 224.8 cm. & 174 kg. CONCLUSIONS: Neuropathic foot ulcers leading to hospital admissions and surgical and medical interventions were reported in 6 patients with acromegalic gigantism. These ulcers significantly impaired the daily activities of these individuals. Neuropathies of the sural nerve in patients with acromegalic gigantism can lead to hypoesthesia and hypoalgesia of the lower legs and feet. Potential contributing factors for the development of neuropathic ulcers of the feet in patients with acromegalic gigantism and neuropathy might be leg and foot deformities, muscle weakness and poor quality footwear. Diabetes mellitus, or impaired glucose intolerance does not necessarily seem to play a role.

Multidisciplinary integrated care pathway for von Hippel-Lindau disease.

BACKGROUND: Clinical pathways are care plans established to describe essential steps in the care of patients with a specific clinical problem. They translate (inter)national guidelines into local applicable protocols and clinical practice. The purpose of this article is to establish a multidisciplinary integrated care pathway for specialists and allied health care professionals in caring for individuals with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. METHODS: Using a modified Delphi consensus-making process, a multidisciplinary panel from 5 Dutch University Medical Centers produced an integrated care pathway relating to the provision of care for patients with VHL by medical specialists, specialized nurses, and associated health care professionals. Patient representatives cocreated the pathway and contributed quality criteria from the patients' perspective. RESULTS: The panel agreed on recommendations for the optimal quality of care for individuals with a VHL gene mutation. These items were the starting point for the development of a patient care pathway. With international medical guidelines addressing the different VHL-related disorders, this article presents a patient care pathway as a flowchart that can be incorporated into VHL expertise clinics or nonacademic treatment clinics. CONCLUSIONS: Medical specialists (internists, urologists, neurosurgeons, ophthalmologists, geneticists, medical oncologists, neurologists, gastroenterologists, pediatricians, and ear-nose-throat specialists) together with specialized nurses play a vital role alongside health care professionals in providing care to people affected by VHL and their families. This article presents a set of consensus recommendations, supported by organ-specific guidelines, for the roles of these practitioners in order to provide optimal VHL care. This care pathway can form the basis for the development of comprehensive, integrated pathways for multiple neoplasia syndromes.

Induction therapy with 177Lu-DOTATATE procures long-term survival in locally advanced or oligometastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm patients.

PURPOSE: Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with 177Lu-DOTATATE induces objective response in up to 57% of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (panNENs). Therefore, PRRT may comprise a downstaging option for panNEN patients who are not eligible for upfront curative surgery or are at high risk for recurrence. The aim of this study was to assess the potency of induction PRRT for locally advanced panNENs and to evaluate the effect of surgery after PRRT on overall survival (OS). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of panNEN patients treated with induction 177Lu-DOTATATE. RESULTS: After PRRT, 26 out of 49 patients underwent pancreatic surgery with curative intent (PRRT + surgery). Partial objective response was obtained in 62% of the PRRT + surgery group versus 26% of the patients not undergoing panNEN surgery (PRRT-only group, p = 0.02). Downstaging in tumour-vessel interface was observed in 38% of all patients with at least one involved vessel. Median OS was 14.7 years (95% CI 5.9-23.6) for the PRRT + surgery group compared to 5.5 years (95% CI 4.5-6.5) for the PRRT-only group (p = 0.003). In the Cox proportional hazards analysis, surgery was not significantly associated with OS after propensity score adjustment with cumulative activity, performance status, tumour size after PRRT, and tumour grade. Median progression-free survival was 5.3 years (95% CI 2.4-8.1) for the PRRT + surgery group and 3.0 years (95% CI 1.6-4.4) for the PRRT-only group (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Early administration of PRRT followed by surgery is associated with favourable long-term outcomes in patients with locally advanced or oligometastatic panNEN and can be considered for selected patients with vascular involvement and/or increased risk of recurrence.

Evaluation of multidisciplinary team decisions in neuroendocrine neoplasms: Impact of expert centres.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings on the management of patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). METHODS: All newly referred gastro-entero-pancreatic (GEP)-NEN patients discussed from 1 April to 1 October 2017 in the MDT of seven European expert centres were prospectively included. The impact on patients' management was defined as a change in diagnosis, grade, stage or treatment. RESULTS: A total of 292 patients were included, mainly small intestinal (siNENs) (32%) and pancreatic NENs (28%), with distant metastases in 51%. Patients had received prior surgery in 43% of cases and prior medical treatment in 32%. A significant change occurred in 61% of NENs: 7% changes in diagnosis, 8% in grade and 16% in stage. The MDT recommended a new treatment for 51% of patients, mainly surgery (9%) or somatostatin analogues (20%). A significant change was most frequently observed in patients with Stage IV disease (hazard ratio [HR] 3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.9-6.9 vs. Stage I) and G2 NENs (vs. G1, HR 2.1 95% CI: 1.2-3.8). CONCLUSION: NEN-dedicated MDT discussion in expert centres yields significant management changes in over 60% of patients and thus represents the gold standard for the management of these patients.

Somatostatin Analogs for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Any Benefit When Ki-67 Is ≥10%?

BACKGROUND: Long-acting somatostatin analogs (SSAs) are the primary first-line treatment of well-differentiated advanced gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), but data about their efficacy in pancreatic NETs (panNETs) with Ki-67 ≥10% are still limited. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To assess the clinical outcomes of advanced, nonfunctioning, well-differentiated panNETs with Ki-67 ≥10% receiving first-line long-acting SSAs in a real-world setting, we carried out a retrospective, multicenter study including patients treated between 2014-2018 across 10 centers of the NET CONNECT Network. The primary endpoints were time to next treatment (TNT) and progression-free survival (PFS), whereas overall survival (OS) and treatment safety were secondary endpoints. RESULTS: A total of 73 patients were included (68 grade [G]2, 5 G3), with liver metastases in 61 cases (84%). After a median follow-up of 36.4 months (range, 6-173), the median TNT and PFS were 14.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.6-16.2) and 11.9 months (95% CI, 8.6-14.1) respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed according to the somatostatin analog used (octreotide vs. lanreotide), whereas increased tumor grade (hazard ratio [HR], 4.4; 95% CI, 1.2-16.6; p = .04) and hepatic tumor load (HR, 2; 95% CI, 1-4; p = .03) were independently associated with shortened PFS. The median OS recorded was 86 months (95% CI, 56.8-86 months), with poor outcomes observed when the hepatic tumor burden was >25% (HR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.2-10; p = .01). Treatment-related adverse events were reported in 14 patients, most frequently diarrhea. CONCLUSION: SSAs exert antiproliferative activity in panNETs with Ki-67 ≥10%, particularly in G2 tumors, as well as when hepatic tumor load is ≤25%. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The results of the study call into question the antiproliferative activity of somatostatin analogs (SSAs) in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors with Ki-67 ≥10%. Patients with grade 2 tumors and with hepatic tumor load ≤25% appear to derive higher benefit from SSAs. Prospective studies are needed to validate these results to optimize tailored therapeutic strategies for this specific patient population.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a hereditary endocrine tumor syndrome characterized by the triad of primary hyperparathyroidism, duodenopancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs), and pituitary tumors. Patients are confronted with substantial morbidity and are consequently at risk for an impaired quality of life (QOL). Meticulous assessment of QOL and associated factors in a representative population is needed to understand the full spectrum of the burden of the disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed using the national Dutch MEN1 cohort. Patients with a confirmed MEN1 mutation received the SF-36 Health Related Quality of Life questionnaire and questions regarding sociodemographic and medical history. RESULTS: A total of 227 of 285 (80%) eligible MEN1 patients returned the questionnaires. Health-related QOL scores (HRQOL) in MEN1 patients were significantly lower for the majority of subscales of the SF-36 in comparison with the general Dutch population. The most consistent predictor for HRQOL was employment status, followed by the presence of a pituitary tumor. 16% of patients harboring a pNET and 29% of patients with a pituitary tumor according to the medical records, reported that they were unaware of such a tumor. These subgroups of patients had several significant better QOL scores than patients who were aware of their pNET or pituitary tumors. CONCLUSION: Patients with MEN1 have an impaired QOL in comparison with the general Dutch population warranting special attention within routine care. For daily practice, physicians should be aware of their patients' impaired QOL and of the impact of unemployment on QOL.

Histopathological Revision for Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms in Expert Centers: Does It Make the Difference?

BACKGROUND: The correct histopathological diagnosis of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) is crucial for treatment selection and prognostication. It is also very challenging due to limited experience in nonexpert centers. Revision of pathology is standard of care for most patients who are referred to NEN expert centers. OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical impact of histopathological revision for GEP-NEN patients referred to an expert center. METHODS: Retrospective multicenter analysis of all GEP-NENs receiving a histopathological revision in 6 European NEN expert centers (January 2016 to December 2016) to evaluate the impact on patient management. RESULTS: 175 patients were included and 14.7% referred for a second opinion. Histological samples were 69.1% biopsies, 23.4% surgical specimens, and 7.5% endoscopic resections. Histopathological changes due to revision included first assessment of Ki67 in 8.6% of cases, change in grading in 11.4% (3.4% G1 to G2; 5.7% G2 to G1; 0.6% G2 to G3; 1.7% G3 to G2), definition of tumor invasion in 10.8%, additional immunohistochemical staining in 2.3%, diagnosis of mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma in 3.4%, exclusion of NEN in 3.4%, first diagnosis of NEN in 2.3%, and tumor differentiation for G3 in 1.7%. The revision had a clinical impact in 36.0% of patients, leading to a new therapeutic indication in 26.3%. The indication to then perform a new imaging test occurred in 21.1% and recommendation to follow-up with no further treatment in 6.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Histopathological revision in expert centers for NENs can change the diagnosis, with a significant clinical impact in about one third of patients.

MAFA missense mutation causes familial insulinomatosis and diabetes mellitus.

The ß-cell-enriched MAFA transcription factor plays a central role in regulating glucose-stimulated insulin secretion while also demonstrating oncogenic transformation potential in vitro. No disease-causing MAFA variants have been previously described. We investigated a large pedigree with autosomal dominant inheritance of diabetes mellitus or insulinomatosis, an adult-onset condition of recurrent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia caused by multiple insulin-secreting neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas. Using exome sequencing, we identified a missense MAFA mutation (p.Ser64Phe, c.191C>T) segregating with both phenotypes of insulinomatosis and diabetes. This mutation was also found in a second unrelated family with the same clinical phenotype, while no germline or somatic MAFA mutations were identified in nine patients with sporadic insulinomatosis. In the two families, insulinomatosis presented more frequently in females (eight females/two males) and diabetes more often in males (12 males/four females). Four patients from the index family, including two homozygotes, had a history of congenital cataract and/or glaucoma. The p.Ser64Phe mutation was found to impair phosphorylation within the transactivation domain of MAFA and profoundly increased MAFA protein stability under both high and low glucose concentrations in ß-cell lines. In addition, the transactivation potential of p.Ser64Phe MAFA in ß-cell lines was enhanced compared with wild-type MAFA. In summary, the p.Ser64Phe missense MAFA mutation leads to familial insulinomatosis or diabetes by impacting MAFA protein stability and transactivation ability. The human phenotypes associated with the p.Ser64Phe MAFA missense mutation reflect both the oncogenic capacity of MAFA and its key role in islet ß-cell activity.

Matching-adjusted indirect treatment comparison of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE, everolimus and sunitinib in advanced, unresectable gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: Relative effectiveness of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours.

Head-to-head comparisons of the efficacy of treatments for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NETs) have not yet been reported. This study used a series of matching-adjusted indirect comparisons to indirectly compare the effectiveness of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE to everolimus, sunitinib and best supportive care (BSC) for extending progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with advanced, unresectable gastrointestinal (GI)-NETs and P-NETs. The results of the main analysis suggest that after accounting for differences in key prognostic variables, the hazard of progression was 62% (hazard ratio [HR], 0.38; confidence interval [CI]95 0.25-0.58) and 65% (HR 0.35 CI95 0.21-0.59) lower in patients with GI-NETs treated with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE than in those treated with everolimus and BSC, respectively. Similarly, the hazard of progression was 64% (HR 0.36 CI95 0.18-0.70), 54% (HR 0.46 CI95 0.30-0.71) and 79-87% (HR 0.21 CI95 0.13-0.32; HR 0.13 CI95 0.08-0.22) lower in patients with P-NET treated with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE than in those treated with sunitinib, everolimus and BSC, respectively. The hazard of death was 58% (HR 0.42 CI95 0.25-0.72), 47% (HR 0.53 CI95 0.33-0.87) and 44-64% (HR 0.56 CI95 0.36-0.90; HR 0.34 CI95 0.20-0.57) lower in P-patients with NET treated with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE than in those treated with sunitinib, everolimus and BSC, respectively. While our results must be interpreted with caution given the non-randomised nature of the comparisons and the potential for residual confounding, the magnitude of the effect sizes we observe and their consistency across comparators suggest that [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE may be a more effective treatment option than everolimus, sunitinib and BSC in advanced, unresectable GEP-NETs.

Additional holmium-166 radioembolisation after lutetium-177-dotatate in patients with neuroendocrine tumour liver metastases (HEPAR PLuS): a single-centre, single-arm, open-label, phase 2 study.

BACKGROUND: In patients with metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasms, the liver is the most commonly affected organ and a crucial factor for prognosis and survival. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy can prolong progression-free survival in these patients. Additional treatment of liver disease might further improve outcomes. We aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of additional holmium-166 (166Ho) radioembolisation after peptide receptor radionuclide therapy in patients with metastatic liver neuroendocrine neoplasms. METHODS: The Holmium Embolization Particles for Arterial Radiotherapy Plus 177Lu-Dotatate in Salvage Neuroendocrine Tumour Patients (HEPAR PLuS) study was a single-centre, phase 2 study done at the University Medical Center Utrecht (Utrecht, Netherlands). Patients, aged at least 18 years, with histologically proven grade 1 or 2 neuroendocrine neoplasms of all origins, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-2, and three or more measurable liver metastases according to Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 criteria received 166Ho-radioembolisation within 20 weeks after four cycles of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (lutetium-177-dotatate [177Lu-dotatate]). The primary endpoint was objective liver tumour response in the treated liver volume, defined as complete response (disappearance of all lesions) or partial response (≥30% decrease in the sum of the longest diameters of the target lesions, compared with baseline measurements), according to RECIST 1.1, analysed per protocol at 3 months. Safety was assessed in all patients who received treatment. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02067988. Recruitment is completed and long-term follow-up is ongoing. FINDINGS: From Oct 15, 2014, to Sept 12, 2018, 34 patients were assessed for eligibility. 31 patients received treatment and 30 (97%) patients were available for primary endpoint assessment and completed 6 months of follow-up. Three (9%) patients were excluded at screening and one (3%) patient was treated and died before the primary endpoint and was replaced. According to the per-protocol analysis 13 (43%; 95% CI 26-63) of 30 patients achieved an objective response in the treated volume. The most frequently reported Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grade 3-4 clinical and laboratory toxicities within 6 months included abdominal pain (three [10%] of 31 patients), increased γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (16 [54%]), and lymphocytopenia (seven [23%]). One (3%) fatal treatment-related serious adverse event occurred (radioembolisation-induced liver disease). Two (6%) patients had serious adverse events deemed to be unrelated to treatment (gastric ulcer and perforated cholecystitis). INTERPRETATION: 166Ho-radioembolisation, as an adjunct to peptide receptor radionuclide therapy in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasm liver metastases, is safe and efficacious. Radioembolisation can be considered in patients with bulky liver disease, including after peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. A future randomised, controlled study should investigate the added benefit of this treatment on progression-free survival. FUNDING: None.

Importance of Complete Pathology Reporting for Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: WHO Guidelines Are a Good Start but Not Enough.

BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) are diagnosed through a combination of immunohistochemistry (IHC) and morphology according to WHO guidelines. The presence of these crucial components for classification in the pathology report is critical for appropriate understanding of the report especially since terminology and definitions of NEC have been changing a lot lately. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of WHO 2010 on the quality of pathology reporting for NEC and to assess the relevance of the criteria demanded. METHODS: Patients registered with a NEC (gastrointestinal or unknown origin) in the Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR) between 2008 and 2012 were included. Local pathology reports were reviewed for reporting of morphology and IHC comparing 2008-2010 (baseline) with 2011-2012. The diagnosis of NEC was confirmed according to WHO 2010, if synaptophysin or chromogranin were positive in a majority of cells and Ki-67 or mitotic count confirmed a grade 3 tumour. RESULTS: 591 patients were registered with a NEC in the NCR. 436 pathology reports were reviewed. 62.2% of reports described morphology, IHC and grading in accordance with WHO 2010. Reporting of these parameters increased from 50.0% in 2008 to 69.2% in 2012. Large-cell NEC could be confirmed in 45.0% of patients, increasing from 31.7% in 2008 to 56.7% in 2012 (p = 0.02). Other diagnoses included neuroendocrine tumour (NET) G1/2 13.3%, small-cell carcinoma 2.8%, no neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) 17.7%, NEN grade unknown 21.3%. Mean survival was 1.1 years in large cell NEC versus 2.2 years in NET G1/2 (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Implementation of the WHO 2010 guideline is associated with a significant increase in reporting parameters needed for classification. Stratification of patients is more reliable based on reports containing all parameters. Guidelines alone however are not enough to warrant complete reporting; synoptic reports might be needed.

Effect of the Tryptophan Hydroxylase Inhibitor Telotristat on Growth and Serotonin Secretion in 2D and 3D Cultured Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Cells.

Serotonin, a biologically active amine, is related to carcinoid syndrome in functioning neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Telotristat ethyl is a novel inhibitor of the tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), a key enzyme in the production of serotonin. While its use in patients with carcinoid syndrome and uncontrolled diarrhea under somatostatin analogs (SSAs) has been recently approved, in vitro data evaluating its effectiveness are lacking. For this reason, we aimed to evaluate the effect of telotristat as monotherapy, and in combination with SSAs, on proliferation and secretion in a NET cell line model. The human pancreatic NET cell lines BON-1/QGP-1 were used as 2D and 3D cultured models; somatostatin receptor and TPH mRNA expression, as well as the potential autocrine effect of serotonin on tumor cell proliferation using a 3D culture system were evaluated. Telotristat decreased serotonin production in a dose-dependent manner at a clinically feasible concentration, without affecting cell proliferation. Its combination with pasireotide, but not with octreotide, had an additive inhibitory effect on serotonin secretion. The effect of telotristat was slightly less potent, when BON-1 cells were co-treated with octreotide. Octreotide and pasireotide had no effect on the expression of TPH. Telotristat did not have an effect on mRNA expression of somatostatin receptor subtypes. Finally, we showed that serotonin did not have an autocrine effect on NET cell proliferation on the 3D cell model. These results suggest that telotristat is an effective drug for serotonin inhibition, but the effectiveness of its combination with SST2 (somatostatin receptor subtype 2)-preferring SSA should be evaluated in more detail.

A placebo-controlled proof-of-concept study of alirocumab on postprandial lipids and vascular elasticity in insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

AIM: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) linked to atherogenic dyslipidaemia and postprandial hyperlipidaemia. Alirocumab, a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor, improves CVD risk by reducing the concentration of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C). However, effects of PCK9 inhibitors on other aspects of diabetic dyslipidaemia, particularly in the postprandial situation, are less clear. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve male patients with T2DM on an intensive insulin regimen completed a 6-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept study. Participants received three biweekly dosages of subcutaneous alirocumab (150 mg) or placebo. Before and after the intervention, fasting and postprandial triglyceride (TG) plasma levels, apolipoprotein (apo) B48, lipoprotein composition isolated by ultracentrifugation, vascular function and markers of inflammation were evaluated. RESULTS: Alirocumab treatment reduced fasting plasma TG levels (between group median change -24.7%; P = 0.018) and fasting apoB48 serum levels (-35.9%; P = 0.039) compared with placebo. Alirocumab reduced the plasma TG area under the curve (AUC) (-26.4%; P = 0.006) and apoB48 AUC (-55.7%; P = 0.046), as well as plasma TG incremental AUC (-21.4%; P = 0.04) and apoB48 incremental AUC (-26.8%; P = 0.02). In addition, alirocumab reduced fasting and postprandial TG levels in very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and LDL. Alirocumab improved fasting pulse wave velocity, but no changes in postprandial markers of inflammation were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the well-known LDL-C-reducing effects, 6 weeks of alirocumab treatment lowered both fasting and postprandial plasma TG levels by reducing the TG levels in VLDL and LDL and the concentration of intestinal remnants.

Clémentine Delait (1865-1934), the most famous bearded lady on the continent in the 20th century.

Clémentine Delait Clattaux (1865-1934), the Bearded Woman from Thaon-les-Vosges, France, did not suffer from her extreme hirsutism, but used it to her advantage. Her beard started to grow when she turned 18 and at the age of 25 she decided to stop shaving her beard and let it grow. She had regular menstrual cycles between ages 12 and 35. She was diagnosed with signs and symptoms of hyperandrogenism like hirsutism, impressive strength and muscularity and a deep voice, but also with morbid obesity. She never gave birth to a child. At the age of 39, she was officially allowed by the French Government to wear man's clothes. She suffered from rheumatism and died because of a stroke. The most probable cause of her hirsutism was polycystic ovary syndrome. Alternatively, an incomplete block in the adrenal steroid synthesis, like nonclassical 21-hydroxylase deficiency can be considered.

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma: predictors and pitfalls.

BACKGROUND: For progressive metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), the available treatment options with tyrosine kinase inhibitors result in grade 3-4 adverse events in a large number of patients. Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT), which has also been suggested to be a useful treatment for MTC, is usually well tolerated, but evidence on its effectivity is very limited. METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of treatment effects of PRRT in a highly selected group of MTC patients, with progressive disease or refractory symptoms. In addition, a retrospective evaluation of uptake on historical 111In-DTPA-octreotide scans was performed in patients with detectable tumor size > 1 cm. RESULTS: Over the last 17 years, 10 MTC patients were treated with PRRT. Four out of 10 patients showed stable disease at first follow-up (8 months after start of therapy) whereas the other 6 were progressive. Patients with stable disease were characterized by a combination of both a high uptake on 111In-DTPA-octreotide scan (uptake grade ≥ 3) and a positive somatostatin receptor type 2a (SSTR2a) expression of the tumor by immunohistochemistry. Retrospective evaluation of historical 111In-DTPA-octreotide scans of 35 non-treated MTC patients revealed low uptake (uptake grade 1) in the vast majority of patients 31/35 (89%) with intermediate uptake (uptake grade 2) in the remaining 4/35 (11%). CONCLUSIONS: PRRT using 177Lu-octreotate could be considered as a treatment in those patients with high uptake on 111In-DTPA-octreotide scan (uptake grade 3) and positive SSTR2a expression in tumor histology. Since this high uptake was present in a very limited number of patients, this treatment is only suitable in a selected group of MTC patients.

Prognostic factors and survival in MEN1 patients with gastrinomas: Results from the DutchMEN study group (DMSG).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Gastrinomas are the most prevalent functioning neuroendocrine tumors (NET) in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). Guidelines suggest medical therapy in most patients, but surgery may be considered in a subgroup. Currently, factors to guide management are necessary. This population-based cohort study assessed prognostic factors of survival in patients with MEN1-related gastrinomas. METHODS: Patients with MEN1 having gastrinomas were identified in the Dutch MEN1 database from 1990 to 2014 based on fasting serum gastrin (FSG) levels and/or pathology. Predictors of overall survival were assessed using Cox regression. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients with gastrinoma (16% of the MEN1 population) were identified. Five- and 10-year overall survival rates were 83% and 65%, respectively. Prognostic factors associated with overall survival were initial FSG levels ≥20x upper limit of normal (ULN) (hazard ratio [HR], 6.2 [95% confidence interval, 1.7-23.0]), pancreatic NET ≥2 cm (HR 4.5; [1.5-13.1]), synchronous liver metastases (HR 8.9; [2.1-36.7]), gastroduodenoscopy suspicious for gastric NETs (HR 12.7; [1.4-115.6]), and multiple concurrent NETs (HR 5.9; [1.2-27.7]). CONCLUSION: Life expectancy of patients with MEN1 gastrinoma is reduced. FSG levels and pancreatic NETs ≥2 cm are prognostic factors. FSG levels might guide surveillance intensity, step-up to additional diagnostics, or provide arguments in selecting patients who might benefit from surgery.

Management of MEN1 Related Nonfunctioning Pancreatic NETs: A Shifting Paradigm: Results From the DutchMEN1 Study Group.

OBJECTIVE: To assess if surgery for Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) related nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-pNETs) is effective for improving overall survival and preventing liver metastasis. BACKGROUND: MEN1 leads to multiple early-onset NF-pNETs. The evidence base for guiding the difficult decision who and when to operate is meager. METHODS: MEN1 patients diagnosed with NF-pNETs between 1990 and 2014 were selected from the DutchMEN1 Study Group database, including > 90% of the Dutch MEN1 population. The effect of surgery was estimated using time-dependent Cox analysis with propensity score restriction and adjustment. RESULTS: Of the 152 patients, 53 underwent surgery and 99 were managed by watchful waiting. In the surgery group, tumors were larger and faster-growing, patients were younger, more often male, and were more often treated in centers that operated more frequently. Surgery for NF-pNETs was not associated with a significantly lower risk of liver metastases or death, [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 0.73 (0.25-2.11)]. Adjusted HR's after stratification by tumor size were: NF-pNETs <2 cm = 2.04 (0.31-13.59) and NF-pNETs 2-3 cm = 1.38 (0.09-20.31). Five out of the 6 patients with NF-pNETs >3 cm managed by watchful waiting developed liver metastases or died compared with 6 out of the 16 patients who underwent surgery. CONCLUSIONS: MEN1 patients with NF-pNETs <2 cm can be managed by watchful waiting, hereby avoiding major surgery without loss of oncological safety. The beneficial effect of a surgery in NF-pNETs 2 to 3 cm requires further research. In patients with NF-pNETs >3 cm, watchful waiting seems not advisable.

The Evolution of Neuroendocrine Tumor Treatment Reflected by ENETS Guidelines.

In 2016, the third version of guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) has been published by the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS). These guidelines reflect the progress in treatment of NETs, and by comparing the newest guidelines with the first guidelines of 2001, this progress can be clearly recognized. Diagnostic accuracy has been increased by the introduction of PET-CT with Ga-labelled somatostatin analogs, and multiple new treatments and treatment schedules have been developed, like peptide receptor radiotherapy with radiolabeled somatostatin analogs, or targeted therapies. Evidence and indications for these therapies are discussed in the ENETS guidelines. In this review, we aim to show the progress in NET diagnosis and treatment on the basis of the advances in the guidelines, but also to discuss the unsolved questions and unmet needs which still remain.