Log in


Forgot your password?
New user?
 
You are here: Home / Rare Disease Information / Rare Disease Database

Search Rare Diseases

Enter a disease name or synonym to search NORD's database of reports.

0-9 - A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z

Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (pNENs)

NORD is very grateful to Dr. Simon Schimmack, MD, Gastrointestinal Pathobiology Research Group, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine and University Hospital of General-, Visceral- and Transplantation-Surgery of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany, for assistance in the preparation of this report.

Synonyms of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (pNENs)

  • islet cell carcinoma
  • islet cell tumors
  • pancreatic endocrine tumors
  • pancreatic islet cell tumors
  • pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
  • pNET

Disorder Subdivisions

  • ACTHoma
  • calcitoninoma
  • gastrinoma
  • glucagonoma
  • GRFoma
  • insulinoma
  • PPHrPoma
  • Ppoma
  • somatostatinoma
  • VIPoma

General Discussion

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs) are an increasingly common group of malignancies that arise within the endocrine tissue of the pancreas. Endocrine tissue is specialized tissue that contains hormone-secreting cells. These cells secrete several different hormones into the blood (endocrine) or to local cells (paracrine, autocrine). These hormones have a variety of functions within the body. Neoplasms that arise from endocrine tissue may also secrete hormones, resulting in excessive levels of these hormones in the body and potentially a wide variety of symptoms. Although there is no difference in diagnosis and therapy, pNENs can be differentiated as functioning or nonfunctioning. Functioning pNENs secrete hormones into the bloodstream, which cause special symptoms; nonfunctioning neoplasms may produce hormones, but no systemic symptoms. Nonfunctioning neuroendocrine neoplasms can still cause symptoms relating to tumor size and location such as obstruction or internal bleeding. There are several different subtypes of functioning pNENs distinguished by the specific type of hormone that they secrete. Most pNENs occur sporadically. They have some different differentiation (G1-3), but all of them have the potential for malignant transformation. Most pNENs occur sporadically, but in some cases, pNENs may occur as part of a larger genetic syndrome such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) or von Hippel Lindau (VHL) syndrome.

Pancreatic cancer as a general term usually refers to pancreatic adenocarcinoma, an aggressive malignant cancer with a poor prognosis. Approximately 95 percent of pancreatic malignancies are adenocarcinomas, for which the prognoses are in general worse than the prognosis of G1- and G2 pNENs. G3 neuroendocrine carcinomas have the same poor prognosis as pancreatic adenocarinomas.

Symptoms

The symptoms, severity and rate of progression of pNENs can vary greatly from one person to another, even among individuals with the same type of malignancy. Insulinomas and gastrinomas are the most common types of pNEN.

ASYMPTOMATIC NEOPLASMS
The so called nonfunctioning pNENs may not cause any symptoms and will sometimes be diagnosed incidentally. Since nonfunctioning pNENs do not secrete hormones that cause symptoms, they often continue to grow undetected. When nonfunctioning pNENs are eventually detected, they are often quite large. More than half are metastasized upon diagnosis, usually because they remained undetected for so long.

As nonfunctioning pNENs grow they may eventually cause symptoms, most often related to their size and specific location. The most common symptom associated with nonfunctioning pNENs is abdominal pain and, in some cases, an abdominal mass may be present. Affected individuals may also have a variety of additional nonspecific symptoms including nausea, diarrhea, indigestion and unintended weight loss. Additional symptoms are caused by the size and bulk of a tumor, which can cause obstruction or compression of nearby structures. Some individuals may have yellowing of the skin (icterus) and whites of the eyes (jaundice). Nonfunctioning pNENs can potentially bleed into the gastrointestinal tract.

Some individuals with nonfunctioning pNENs may have a pancreatic polypeptidoma (PPoma). These tumors secrete pancreatic polypeptide, but do not cause any discernable symptoms.

SYMPTOMATC NEOPLASMS
The symptoms of so called functioning pNENs can vary widely from one person to another, depending upon the specific subtype present and the specific hormone that is overproduced. Some pNENs may secrete more than one hormone, but usually one hormone is produced more than the others. Most individuals usually only have symptoms relating to the hormone that is chiefly produced.

Insulinomas
These neoplasms are mostly small and 90 percent of them are benign. They are the most common form of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. Insulinomas produce insulin, a hormone that helps to regulate blood sugar levels by promoting the movement of glucose (a simple sugar) into cells for energy production or into the liver and fat cells for storage. The most common symptom of insulinomas is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can be present for years before a diagnosis is made. Untreated hypoglycemia can cause headaches, visual disturbances, personality changes, seizures and, in severe cases, coma and death.

Insulinomas can cause additional symptoms including irritability, confusion, weakness, tremors, loss of muscular coordination (ataxia), palpitations, a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) and excessive sweating (diaphoresis).

Therapy of choice is an enucleation of the insulinoma, which is a small pancreas protective operation.

Gastrinomas
These tumors produce the hormone gastrin, which stimulates the stomach to release too much acid. Gastrinomas can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, excess fat in the feces (steatorrhea), backflow of the contents of the stomach into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux) and erosions on the lining of the stomach (peptic ulcers). These lesions may bleed. Peptic ulcers can also cause an intense, burning sensation in the stomach that may last from a few minutes to several hours. In individuals with gastrinomas, peptic ulcers may keep coming back even after treatment. More than 50 percent of gastrinomas are malignant and can potentially spread (metastasize).

The symptoms caused by gastrinomas have been classified as a specific syndrome known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. (For more information on this disorder, choose Zollinger Ellison as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.)

Glucagonomas
These tumors produce the hormone glucagon, which increases the amount of glucose in the blood. Glucose is a simple sugar. Too much sugar in the blood is known as hyperglycemia. Glucagonomas can cause a distinct skin rash (dermatitis) usually on the face, stomach or legs. Mild diabetes may also develop. Some affected individuals may develop blood clots, especially in the lungs potentially causing shortness of breath, cough or pain in the chest. Blood clots in extremities may cause deep vein thrombosis, a condition in which blood clots form in the legs causing the legs to become painful and swollen.

In addition, anemia, unintended weight loss, and inflammation or sores on the mucous membrane lining the inside of the mouth (stomatitis) have also been associated with glucagonomas. Glucagonomas tend to grow quite large and approximately 70 percent are malignant with the potential to spread (metastasize).

VIPomas
These tumors produce the hormone vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, which increases secretions from the intestines and relaxes certain muscles within the gastrointestinal tract. VIPomas can cause large amounts of chronic, watery diarrhea that can eventually result in dehydration, unintended weight loss, and loss of potassium in body (hypokalemia). Additional symptoms may occur including abdominal pain and cramping, lethargy, nausea, and flushing or redness of the face.

Many VIPomas are malignant by the time they are first diagnosed and often have already spread (metastasized). VIPomas and their associated symptoms may also be known as Verner-Morrison syndrome or pancreatic cholera.

Somatostatinomas
These tumors produce the hormone somatostatin, which inhibits the secretion of other hormones. Somatostatinomas can cause excessive glucose (hyperglycemia) levels in the blood. Additional symptoms that can develop include diabetes mellitus, gallstones (cholelithiasis), diarrhea, unintended weight loss and excess levels of fat in the feces (steatorrhea). Additional symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Most somatostatinomas are large and have spread (metastasized) upon diagnosis.

ACTHomas
These tumors produce the hormone adrenocorticotropin, which stimulates the adrenal glands to overproduce cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that is release in response to stressful situations. Cortisol increases blood pressure and blood sugar and inhibits the immune system. ACTHomas can result in Cushing's syndrome, a disorder characterized by excessive amounts of weight gain (central obesity). Affected individuals may have a round, moon-shaped face, thin, fragile skin that bruises easily, high blood pressure (hypertension), generalized muscle weakness, behavioral changes, facial flushing, and weakened bones that fracture easily (osteoporosis). For more information, choose Cushing's as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.

GRFomas
These tumors produce the hormone growth hormone release factor, which stimulates the production of growth hormone. GRFomas can result in acromegaly, a disorder characterized by abnormal enlargement of bones of the arms, legs and head. For more information, choose acromegaly as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.

Additional pNENs
Some extremely rare pNENs include PPHrPomas, which secrete parathyroid hormone-related protein and may cause hyperparathyroidism; calcitoninomas, which secrete calcitonin and can cause watery diarrhea and facial flushing; and neurotensinomas, which can cause low blood pressure (hypotension), flushing, diarrhea, unintended weight loss, and diabetes.

Causes

The exact cause of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms is unknown. Most pNENs occur randomly for no apparent reason (sporadically). Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to developing pNENs. A person who is genetically predisposed to a disorder carries a gene (or genes) for the disease, but the disorder may not be expressed unless it is triggered or activated under certain circumstances, such as due to certain environmental factors. The genetic or environmental factors associated with pNENs are unknown. More research is necessary to determine what specific factors may play a role in the development of pNENs.

Some individuals develop a pNEN as part of a larger genetic syndrome such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (MEN1), von Hippel Lindau syndrome (VHL) or neurofibromatosis type I (NF-1). These disorders have additional symptoms and physical characteristics. (For more information on these disorders, choose the specific name as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.)

The pancreas, in which these neoplasms arise, is a gland located between the stomach, spleen, duodenum and colon transversum. It contains specialized exocrine cells that secrete enzymes that travel to the intestines and aid in digestion. The pancreas also contains specialized endocrine cells called islet cells, which are small, isolated clusters of cells that secrete several hormones that have specialized roles in the body. Not all of these tumors arise from pancreatic islet cells, leading researchers and clinicians to prefer the term pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms instead of islet cell tumors.

Affected Populations

PNENs seem to affect women slightly more often than men. Individuals of any ethic or racial group may develop a pNEN. Affected individuals usually develop sporadic pNENs between the ages of 30-60. When pNENS occur as part of a genetic syndrome, they tend to occur during childhood or young adulthood. PNENs affect approximately ~1 in 100,000 individuals in the general population per year. They account for approximately 2-4 percent of all pancreatic neoplasms.

Related Disorders

Symptoms of the following disorders can be similar to those of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. Comparisons may be useful for a differential diagnosis.

Carcinoid syndrome is a disease consisting of a combination of symptoms, physical manifestations, and abnormal laboratory chemical findings caused by a carcinoid tumor. A carcinoid tumor is an old word for a neuroendocrine neoplasm that secretes large amounts of the hormone serotonin, along with a number of other active peptides. These tumors usually arise in the gastrointestinal tract and from there may spread (metastasize) to the liver. Carcinoid tumors also sometimes develop in the lung. Only about 10 percent of the people with carcinoid tumors will develop the carcinoid syndrome. Major symptoms of this syndrome include hot, red facial flushing, diarrhea and wheezing. Carcinoid syndrome occurs when the tumor produces excessive amounts of serotonin in an individual with liver metastases. In patients who have no spread to the liver, the serotonin released by an intestinal tumor will be broken down to an inactive substance; thus, carcinoid syndrome does not occur. (For more information on this disorder, choose carcinoid as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.)

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that forms in the pancreas. This type of cancer often occurs without any early signs or symptoms. When eventually diagnosed, a pancreatic adenocarcinoma may be advanced. Symptoms that can be associated with pancreatic adenocarcinoma include pain or discomfort in the upper portion of the abdomen, fatigue, weakness, nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, and yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice). Additional symptoms that can potentially occur include back pain, difficulty sleeping, blood clots, diarrhea and indigestion. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is malignant and often spreads (metastasizes) rapidly.

Standard Therapies

Diagnosis
A diagnosis of a pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms is made based upon identification of characteristic symptoms (if present), a detailed patient history, a thorough clinical evaluation and a variety of specialized tests including advanced imaging techniques (CT, MRI), blood tests, biochemical tests, and seldom biopsies.

Treatment
The therapeutic management of individuals with pNENs may require the coordinated efforts of a team of medical professionals, such as physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer (medical oncologists), specialists in diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorder (gastroenterologists), specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of hormone-related disorders (endocrinologists), surgeons, oncology nurses, and other healthcare specialists.

Specific therapeutic procedures and interventions may vary depending upon numerous factors, such as primary tumor location and extent of the primary tumor (stage); whether the tumor is malignant and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or distant sites; an individual's age and general health; and/or other elements. Decisions concerning the use of particular interventions should be made by physicians and other members of the health care team in careful consultation with the patient, based upon the specifics of his or her case; a thorough discussion of the potential benefits and risks; patient preference; and other appropriate factors.

The various techniques used to pNENs include surgery, hormonal and drug therapy, chemotherapy and supportive therapy. In most cases, there therapies are used in conjunction with one another.

SURGERY
The only curative therapy for pNENs is surgery. A variety of different surgical techniques may be used based upon the size, location and spread of the tumor. Such techniques include removal of only the tumor (enucleation), removal of as much as the tumor as possible (debulking), and removal of the tumor and nearby tissue and structures (e.g., a portion of the pancreas). If the cancer has spread, surgical removal of affected areas (e.g., affected lymph nodes) may be necessary.

Two other surgical techniques that may be used to treat individuals with pNENs include radiofrequency ablation or cryosurgery. Radiofrequency ablation uses high energy radio waves to destroy cancer cells. During this procedure, a small, thin tube is run through the skin and into the tumor. The tip of the tube contains tiny electrodes that release the high energy radio waves that destroy the tumor cells.

Cryosurgery (also known as cryoablation) is a procedure that uses extreme cold to destroy cancer cells. A metal instrument is passed through the skin and inserted into the tumor where a substance like liquid nitrogen or liquid carbon dioxide is uses to freeze and destroy the tumor cells.

HORMONE THERAPY
Some individuals with pNENs may be treated with somatostatin analogue, a drug (such as octreotide) that mimics the effects of somatostatin. Somatostatin is a hormone the blocks the activity of other hormones in the body. Ocetreotide can block the effects of hormones that are released by pNENs. Ocetreotide has improved symptoms in most individuals with pNENs.

CHEMOTHERAPY
For some affected individuals, particularly those who have locally advanced, metastatic, or recurrent disease, therapy with certain anticancer drugs (chemotherapy) may also be recommended, possibly in combination with surgical procedures; physicians may recommend combination therapy with multiple chemotherapeutic drugs that have different modes of action in destroying tumor cells and/or preventing them from multiplying.

In May of 2011, a specific chemotherapeutic drug known as Afinitor® (everolimus) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of progressive neuroendocrine neoplasms of pancreatic origin in individuals with unresectable (cannot be treated surgically), locally advanced or metastatic disease. Afinitor delays tumor growth and reduces the risk of disease progression. For more information, contact:

Novartis Oncology US
Phone: 1-888-NOW-NOVA (1-888-669-6682)
Website: http://www.afinitor.com/pnet

By mail,
Customer Interaction Center
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
One Health Plaza
East Hanover, NJ 07936-1080

In May of 2011, the FDA also approved Sutent® (sunitinib malate) for the treatment of pNENs. In studies, Sutent slowed tumor growth in individuals whose cancer had spread or couldn't be surgically removed. For more information, contact:

Pfizer Oncology
235 East 42nd Street
NY, NY 10017
Website: http://www.sutent.com

LIVER THERAPY
When pNENs become malignant and spread, a frequent site of metastases is the liver. Embolization or chemoembolization are two procedures that may be used to treat pNENs that have metastasized to the liver. Embolization is a non-surgical procedure that hampers blood flow in small blood vessels, thereby decreasing the blood supply to the tumor sites within the liver and can control disease for some time. Chemoembolization used chemotherapy drugs, which are directly injected into small blood vessels that supply tumors with blood. Since tumors need a steady blood supply to grow and spread, these procedures can help to stop tumor growth and reduce symptoms. In individuals with pNENs that have spread to the liver these procedures block the flow of blood through the hepatic artery, which is the main artery that supplies blood to the liver.

In some cases, surgical removal of a portion of the liver may be necessary. In very rare cases, individuals with pNENs may ultimately require a liver transplant.

SUPPORTIVE CARE
Supportive care is therapy that reduces symptoms of a disease or minimizes side effects of other therapies but does not cure or change the course of a disease.

For example, gastrinomas (which cause an increase in stomach acid production) can be treated by drugs that block the production of stomach acid (proton pump inhibitors) such as omeprazole.

Individuals with VIPomas who have associated severe diarrhea may be treated by intravenously replacing fluids and electrolytes.

Some individuals with glucagonomas may have significant loss of essential nutrients, requiring blood transfusions and/or total parenteral nutrition.

Individuals with somatostatinomas may require supplemental nutrition and should have their sugar levels monitored.

Investigational Therapies

Additional therapeutic options have been used to treat individuals with pNENs including immunotherapy and radioimmunotherapy. Immunotherapy is the enhancement or suppression of the body's natural immune system to fight disease such as cancer. Interferon alpha is a type of immunotherapy that has been used to treat individuals with pNENs. Radioimmunotherapy uses radiation along with cancer-specific antibodies to attack cancer cells. More research is necessary to determine the long-term safety and effectiveness of these potential therapies for individuals with pNENs. Information on current clinical trials is posted on the Internet at www.clinicaltrials.gov. All studies receiving U.S. Government funding, and some supported by private industry, are posted on this government web site.

For information about clinical trials being conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD, contact the NIH Patient Recruitment Office:

Tollfree: (800) 411-1222
TTY: (866) 411-1010
Email: prpl@cc.nih.gov

For information about clinical trials sponsored by private sources, contact:
www.centerwatch.com

Organizations related to Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (pNENs)

References

TEXTBOOKS
Lairmore TC. Islet Cell Tumors of the Pancreas. NORD Guide to Rare Disorders. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Philadelphia, PA. 2003:408-409.

Jensen RT. Endocrine Tumors of the Gastrotintestinal Tract and Pancreas. In: Harrison's Endocrinology. Jameson JL, editors. 2006 McGraw-Hill Companies, Columbus, OH. Pp:367-386.

JOURNAL ARTICLES
Schimmack S, et al., The diversity and commonalities of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Langenbecks Arch Surg. 2011;396:273-98

Modlin, I., et al., The archaic distinction between functioning and non-functioning neuroendocrine neoplasms is no longer clinically relevant. Langenbecks Arch Surg. 2011; Apr 27.

Shaib W, Mitchell K, Saif MW. Amelioration of symptoms and reduction of VIP levels after hepatic artery chemoembolization in a patient with sandostatin resistant VIPoma. Yale J Biol Med. 2010;83:27-33.

Chadha MK, Lombardo J, Mashtare T, et al. High-dose octreotide acetate for management of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Anticancer Res. 2009;29:4127-4130.

Ong SL, Garcea G, Pollard CA, et al. A fuller understanding of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours combined with aggressive management improves outcome. Pancreatology. 2009;9:583-600.

Nissen NN, Kim AS, Yu R, et al. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: presentation, management, and outcomes. Am Surg. 2009;75:1025-1029.

Modlin IM, Oberg K, Chung DC, et al., Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. Lancet Oncol. 2008;9:61-72.

Toumpanakis CG, Caplin ME. Molecular genetics of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Am J Gastroenterol. 2008;103:729-732.

Nakura EK, Bergsland EK. Islet cell carcinoma: neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas and periampulllary region. Hematol Oncol Clin N Am. 2007;21:457-473.

Warner RRP. Enteroendocrine tumors other than carcinoid: a review of clinically significant advances. Gastroenterology. 2005;128:1668-1684.

FROM THE INTERNET
Ong ES. Neoplasms of the Endocrine Pancreas. Emedicine Journal, December 23, 2009. Available at: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/276943-overview Accessed May 30, 2010.

Amand MKN. Pancreas, Islet Cell Tumors. Emedicine Journal, December 1, 2009. Available at: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/369655-overview Accessed May 30, 2010.

Cleveland Clinic. Islet Cell Carcinoma (Endocrine Pancreas). Available at: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/pancreatic_cancer/hic_islet_cell_carcinoma_endocrine_pancreas.aspx Accessed May 30, 2010.

The information in NORD’s Rare Disease Database is for educational purposes only. It should never be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you have questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional. NORD’s reports provide a brief overview of rare diseases. For more specific information, we encourage you to contact your personal physician or the agencies listed as “Resources” on this report.

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) web site, its databases, and the contents thereof are copyrighted by NORD. No part of the NORD web site, databases, or the contents may be copied in any way, including but not limited to the following: electronically downloading, storing in a retrieval system, or redistributing for any commercial purposes without the express written permission of NORD. Permission is hereby granted to print one hard copy of the information on an individual disease for your personal use, provided that such content is in no way modified, and the credit for the source (NORD) and NORD’s copyright notice are included on the printed copy. Any other electronic reproduction or other printed versions is strictly prohibited.

Report last updated: 2011/06/09 00:00:00 GMT+0

0-9 - A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z

NORD's Rare Disease Information Database is copyrighted and may not be published without the written consent of NORD.

 
Copyright ©2013 NORD - National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. All rights reserved.