[Diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities in neuroendocrine tumors of the gastroenteropancreatic system].

Neuroendocrine tumors of the gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) system are rare neoplasms, characterized by their capacity to synthesize, store, and release hormonal products and biogenic amines. Because of their low incidence, limited data about clinical outcomes and prognostic variables are available. They can present clinical symptoms caused by the products secreted, tumor mass or metastases. Assessment of specific or nonspecific tumor markers offers high sensitivity in establishing diagnosis and can also have prognostic significance. Imaging modalities include endoscopic ultrasonography, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and in particular, scintigraphy with somatostatin analogs. The radical treatment of GEP tumors is tumor surgery, but this is rarely possible. Somatostatin analogs have been the treatment of choice in symptomatic patients with GEP tumors. In poorly differentiated tumors or in selected cases of advanced or rapidly growing disease, interferon alpha, chemotherapy, and/or radio-metabolic treatment with radiolabeled somatostatin analogs can be performed. Symptomatic therapy is also helpful.