Impact of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) single nucleotide polymorphisms on outcome in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms.

Angiogenesis represents a key event in cancer development, leading to local invasion e metastatization, and might be considered a basic feature in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) with a high expression of angiogenic molecules. We aimed to analyze the prognostic and predictive role of angiogenic factors in GEP-NENs through the analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of VEGF-A, VEGFR2 and VEGFR3. The genomic DNA of 58 consecutive patients with GEP-NENs treated at our Institution was extracted from peripheral blood.

mTOR inhibitors response and mTOR pathway in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Medical therapy of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (P-NET) may take advantage of Everolimus treatment. However, the extent of therapeutic response cannot be predicted. This study was aimed to identify the possible predictive markers of response to Everolimus in P-NET.

Two Decades of Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy: 326 Procedures in a Single-Center Experience.

Aim: Aim of this study is to evaluate the results of 20-year single-center laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA), with different transperitoneal techniques.

Materials And Methods: Three hundred twenty-six adrenalectomies were performed from 1993 to 2013 using a transperitoneal approach through anterior access, flank access, and anterior submesocolic access (adopted by the author for left LA since 2004).

Results: Overall 142 men and 184 women (mean age 59.

Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors: Searching the optimal treatment strategy--A literature review.

Neuroendocrine tumors of the gastro-entero-pancreatic system (GEP-NETs) are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms, with different malignant potential and behavior. Many treatment options are available. Surgery should be considered for localized tumors and in some selected cases of metastatic disease.

The role of combined Ga-DOTANOC and (18)FDG PET/CT in the management of patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of combined (68)Ga and (18)F-FDG PET/CT on treatment management for patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET).

Methods: Between January 2012 and April 2014, 49 consecutive patients with a cytologically and/or histologically proven diagnosis of PNET underwent combined (68)Ga and (18)FDG PET/CT on the same day.

Results: The study group consisted of 21 males and 28 females with a median age of 59 years.

GEP-NETS update: a review on surgery of gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

The incidence of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) has increased in the last decades. Surgical treatment encompasses a panel of approaches ranging from conservative procedures to extended surgical resection. Tumor size and localization usually represent the main drivers in the choice of the most appropriate surgical resection.