Understanding the increasing incidence of neuroendocrine tumors

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a diverse group of tumors with origins from different primary sites such as gastro-entero-pancreatic, lung and endocrine tissue. Worldwide, their incidence has increased in recent decades. Advances in imaging and better clinical awareness are traditionally attributed to this trend; however, other factors such as genetic and environmental contributors are appreciated as well.

Areas covered

The purpose of this article is to review the worldwide epidemiologic trends in incidence of NET through the decades and discuss the various factors potentially contributing to the observed changes in incidence trends.

Expert opinion

Overall, the incidence of NET has increased across the globe over the last few decades. Although multiple genetics and environmental factors have been proposed, the majority of this increase in incidence is secondary to earlier detection. Future studies will help in more accurate assessments and an improved understanding of disease incidence among patients with different grades and differentiation.

KEYWORDS:

• Gastro-entero-pancreatic (GEP)
• NET genetic association
• neuroendocrine tumor
• pancreatic NET
• worldwide NET trend

Article highlights

• Incidence of neuroendocrine tumors is rising worldwide, for all sites, predominantly for gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and bronchial sites.

• Advances in imaging modalities, increased application of endoscopy such as colonoscopy for colon cancer screening, enhancements in imaging sensitivity, and development of functional imaging modalities have contributed to better understanding of NET biology.

• Racial and regional disparities in NET incidence worldwide is increasingly appreciated, and possible genetic and environmental associations are suggested.

• Improvements in data capturing and development of data registries, especially in the Asian countries, have helped in improving understanding of the disease.

Declaration of interest

MB Sonbol reports consulting for Novartis and receiving research funding (to institution) from Taiho Pharmaceutical and Lilly.

JS Starr reports consulting for Novartis, TerSera Therapeutics, Taiho Pharmaceutical, Ipsen, Tempus, Natera, Helsinn Therapeutics, and Pfizer, and receiving research funding (to institution) from Taiho Pharmaceutical and Amgen.

H Thorvardur reports the following: research funding (to institution) from Thermo Fisher Scientific,Advanced Accelerator Applications (a Novartis company), Basilea Pharmaceutica, Turnstone Biologics, Agios Pharmaceuticals, Vyriad, and Camurus, and consulting for Ipsen, TerSera Therapeutics, Advanced Accelerator Applications, Terumo, ITM Isotopen Technologien Muenchen, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, and Viewpoint Molecular Targeting.

The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This paper received no funding.