title: Current Perspective on the Pathogenesis of Small Intestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors: Progress in Biomarkers and Molecular Events.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Neuroendocrine tumors of the gastrointestinal tract differ in their histopathologic and clinical presentation. Small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors (SI-NETs), representing only a small portion within gastrointestinal malignancies, are often associated with a delayed diagnosis due to their non-specific symptoms. The increased incidence of SI-NETs during the last decades demands earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment, which both rely on a better understanding on the underlying molecular mechanisms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The purpose of this review is to discuss the biomolecular changes responsible for the pathogenesis of SI-NETs, and potential biomarkers in the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China.
authors.forename: Ying-Xuan
authors.initials: YX
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China.
authors.forename: Jing-Yuan
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Fang
keywords: Biomolecular changes; Ileal carcinoid; Neuroendocrine tumors; Small intestinal; Tumor biomarkers