Contemporary management of nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

J Gastrointest Surg. 2012 Feb;16(2):435-46. doi: 10.1007/s11605-011-1693-5. Epub 2011 Oct 19.

Abstract

Background: This article reviews the current literature and recommendations pertaining to the management of nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Discussion: In recent years the detection of nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors has increased coincident with the increased use of cross-sectional imaging and is now thought to represent 2-10% of all pancreatic tumors. Improved understanding of the biology and behavior of these heterogeneous tumors is needed to guide therapy. The present review discusses diagnostics, therapeutics including emerging molecular analytics, and surveillance recommendations.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Endosonography
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors* / diagnosis
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors* / etiology
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors* / metabolism
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors* / therapy
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / etiology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Population Surveillance
  • Prognosis
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor