title: Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: update on therapeutics.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review the available literature addressing the treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) and carcinoid tumors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Relevant literature was identified by a PubMed search (January 1977-December 2011) of English-language literature using the terms gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, pancreatic neuroendocrine, carcinoid, and pancreatic islet cell tumor.
  
  
  METHODS
  All published studies and abstracts, as well as relevant consensus guidelines, evaluating the current literature about PNETs and carcinoid tumors were included.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) are a genetically diverse group of complex malignancies with varying biological and clinical courses. Historically believed to be rare, recent epidemiologic data suggest their incidence is rising. Two of the most commonly diagnosed GEP-NETs are PNETs and carcinoid tumors. Both subtypes are well-differentiated tumors and present as low or intermediate grade. The systemic manifestations of PNETs and carcinoid tumors are diverse and are related to the secretion of affected hormones and biogenic amines. Surgical resection of localized disease remains the only curative option. However, the utility of this approach is limited because most patients are diagnosed with advanced disease. Recent advances have led to an improvement in outcomes in patients with PNETs and carcinoid tumors. This review describes traditional therapies as well as emerging strategies being investigated to help manage these cancers. Treatment of poorly differentiated GEP-NETs is beyond the scope of this review.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The advent of new therapies for PNETs and carcinoid tumors has introduced a paradigm shift in the management of this heterogeneous malignancy.
authors.affiliation: Pharmacy Department, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. alex.ganetsky@uphs.upenn.edu
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ganetsky
authors.forename: Valkal
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bhatt
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003603:Cytotoxins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D018358:Neuroendocrine Tumors / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D013004:Somatostatin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D003603:Cytotoxins; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D013004:Somatostatin