Biomarkers and Receptor Expression in Neuroendocrine Tumours

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are thought to arise from multipotent stem cells of the diffuse neuroendocrine system. The incidence is reported as 2.5-5 cases per 100 000 population and the incidence is rising. NETs are generally low grade indolent tumours however; the histological spectrum varies from low grade well differentiated tumours to high grade poorly differentiated tumours. A number of biochemical markers are available to diagnose these tumours, the most commonly used general marker is chromogranin A. Patients often present with advanced disease and treatment comprises of curative surgery or a number of palliative therapies. Biotherapy with somatostatin analogues and interferon-α, form the cornerstone of symptomatic therapy in patients with functional tumours. A number of other palliative therapies are available and advances are being made with new molecular targeted therapies.