| [ Summary ] |
Neuroendocrine tumors are rare tumors which exhibit a variety of morphologic, functional and behavioral characteristics. The aggressiveness of these tumors varies greatly depending on the histological degree of differentiation. Well differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (WDNETs), well differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (WDNECs), and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (PDNECs) exhibit different attributes. WDNETs are benign tumors and there is no indication of the need for chemotherapy. For WDNEC therapy, streptozocin has been recognized as the key drug. Recently, numerous molecular targeted agents have been investigated for WDNEC treatment. Everolimus and sunitinib demonstrated antitumor activity for pancreatic endocrine carcinomas. For PDNEC treatment, chemotherapy regimens for small-cell lung carcinoma treatment have been adopted because these tumors share many pathological features and exhibit aggressive clinical behavior. |