What’s New in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Research?

Research into the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (NET) is being done in many medical centers throughout the world.

Research into genetics and early detection of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs)

Researchers are looking for the causes of pNETs in the hope that this knowledge can be used to help prevent or treat them in the future. A great deal of progress has been made in recent years. Scientists have found changes in the MEN1, VHL, NF1, and TSC genes in many people with pNETs. Other genetic changes that seem to make tumors more aggressive are now being looked into as well.

Research on treatment for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs)

Surgery is the main treatment option for pNETs when possible. Traditionally, pancreatic surgery is done through a large incision (cut) down the middle of the belly. However, minimally invasive surgery, such as laparoscopic or robotic-based surgery, is becoming more common. Research continues on how best to remove pancreatic tumors.

Chemotherapy

  A few chemo regimens have been found to be helpful and are given to patients usually to reduce the size of the tumor, improve symptoms, and delay tumor growth. Research is being done to find more chemo options.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is treatment that uses a person's own immune system to fight cancer. The use of checkpoint inhibitors (a form of immunotherapy) has become  important in treating certain cancers. Checkpoint inhibitors take the "brakes" off a person's immune system, which helps it recognize and attack cancer cells.

Research suggests that a type of checkpoint inhibitor, called the PD-1 inhibitor, may be effective in treating pNETs. Furthermore, it might be more effective when it is combined with a targeted therapy, such as bevacizumab. More research is needed to better understand if this can be a treatment option.

Targeted therapy

Targeted drugs work differently from standard chemo drugs in that they attack only specific proteins on cancer cells (or nearby cells). Their side effects are different from side effects of traditional chemo drugs. Targeted therapies, such as everolimus and sunitinib, are already approved to manage advanced PNET. Looking for new targets to attack is an active area of cancer research.