Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Str 1-k1, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia.
Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Pilsonu Str 13, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia.
Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Jan 27;23(3):1447. doi: 10.3390/ijms23031447.
Somatostatin (SST) is a small peptide that exerts inhibitory effects on a wide range of neuroendocrine cells. Due to the fact that somatostatin regulates cell growth and hormone secretion, somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) have become valuable targets for the treatment of different types of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). NETs are a heterogeneous group of tumours that can develop in various parts of the body, including the digestive system, lungs, and pituitary. NETs are usually slow growing, but they are often diagnosed in advanced stages and can display aggressive behaviour. The mortality rate of NETs is not outstandingly increased compared to other malignant tumours, even in the metastatic setting. One of the intrinsic properties of NETs is the expression of SSTRs that serve as drug targets for SST analogues (SSAs), which can delay tumour progression and downregulate hormone overproduction. Additionally, in many NETs, it has been demonstrated that the SSTR expression level provides a prognostic value in predicting a therapeutic response. Furthermore, higher a SSTR expression correlates with a better survival rate in NET patients. In recent studies, other epigenetic regulators affecting SST signalling or SSA-mTOR inhibitor combination therapy in NETs have been considered as novel strategies for tumour control. In conclusion, SST signalling is a relevant regulator of NET functionality. Alongside classical SSA treatment regimens, future advanced therapies and treatment modalities are expected to improve the disease outcomes and overall health of NET patients.
生长抑素（SST）是一种小分子肽，对广泛的神经内分泌细胞具有抑制作用。由于生长抑素调节细胞生长和激素分泌，生长抑素受体（SSTRs）已成为治疗不同类型神经内分泌肿瘤（NETs）的有价值的靶点。NETs 是一组异质性肿瘤，可以在身体的各个部位发展，包括消化系统、肺部和垂体。NETs 通常生长缓慢，但往往在晚期诊断，并可能表现出侵袭性行为。与其他恶性肿瘤相比，NETs 的死亡率并没有明显增加，即使在转移的情况下也是如此。NETs 的一个内在特性是 SSTRs 的表达，SSTRs 可作为 SST 类似物（SSAs）的药物靶点，SSAs 可以延缓肿瘤进展并下调激素过度产生。此外，在许多 NETs 中，已经证明 SSTR 表达水平在预测治疗反应方面具有预后价值。此外，较高的 SSTR 表达与 NET 患者的生存率提高相关。在最近的研究中，已经考虑了其他影响 SST 信号或 NET 中 SSA-mTOR 抑制剂联合治疗的表观遗传调节剂，作为肿瘤控制的新策略。总之，SST 信号是 NET 功能的一个相关调节剂。除了经典的 SSA 治疗方案外，未来的先进治疗方法和治疗方式有望改善 NET 患者的疾病结局和整体健康状况。
