Naraev, Boris G.

e17518 Background: Morbidity and mortality for patients with cervical cancer has improved significantly over the past few decades with modern multimodal therapy. However, neuroendocrine carcinoma of the uterine cervix (NCUC), which accounts for 1-2% of cervical cancers, remains a deadly subtype. In this study, we combine data from Mayo Clinic (MC) and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) to provide information on tumor characteristics, treatment, and outcomes. Methods: The electronic medical record was reviewed for patients with NCUC from MC and UIHC. Data on diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes were collected through chart review. Primary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints included median survival, survival at 1 year after surgery, and survival at 1 year by first line chemotherapy agent. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to estimate median PFS, median survival, and OS. Fisher’s test analysis was used to calculate survival at 1 year after surgery and by first line chemotherapy agent. Results: There were 62 patients (MC: 26, UIHCC: 36) with NCUC stage I-IV (stage I: 29, stage II: 9, stage III: 7, stage IV: 14, unknown: 3). Median age of diagnosis was 47 years (range 21-77 years). By subtype, 47 were small cell (76%), 9 were large cell (15%), and 6 were unknown/undetermined (9%). The initial treatment modalities for each patient are outlined in the table. 28 patients had complete/partial response or stable disease from first line treatment, while 10 patients had disease progression. Of the patients who initially responded or had stable disease, 16 later progressed (57%) with a median time to progression of 15 months. Median follow up was 65.1 months with a median OS of 28.5 months. Median survival for those with stage I was 40.9 months, stage II: 54.6 months, stage III: 8.75 months, and stage IV: 11.7 months. There was a significant difference in overall survival at 1 year between those who received surgery and those who did not in stage I/II ( p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in overall survival at 1 year for those who received surgery in stage III/IV. There was no statistical difference in survival at 1 year for carboplatin or cisplatin in combination with etoposide as first line chemotherapy agent. Conclusions: NCUC is an aggressive malignancy that is usually progressive despite multimodal therapy. Our study demonstrated a median overall survival of 28.5 months and 5-year survival rate of 21%. Our study showed a survival benefit at 1 year for those who receive surgery with stage I/II NCUC. There was no significant survival benefit at 1 year between carboplatin or cisplatin in combination with etoposide as first line agent.[Table: see text]

Abstract Patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and carcinoid syndrome experience diarrhea that can have a debilitating effect on quality of life. Diarrhea also may develop in response to other hormonal syndromes associated with NETs, surgical complications, medical comorbidities, medications, or food sensitivities. Limited guidance on the practical approach to the differential diagnosis of diarrhea in these patients can lead to delays in appropriate treatment. This clinical review and commentary underscore the complexity in identifying the etiology of diarrhea in patients with NETs. Based on our collective experience and expertise, we offer a practical algorithm to guide medical oncologists and other care providers to expedite effective management of diarrhea and related symptoms in patients with NETs.

AbstractThis article is the result of the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society consensus conference on the medical management of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors from July 19 to 20, 2018. The guidelines panel consisted of medical oncologists, pathologists, gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, and radiologists. The panel reviewed a series of questions regarding the medical management of patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors as well as questions regarding surveillance after resection. The available literature was reviewed for each of the question and panel members voted on controversial topics, and the recommendations were included in a document circulated to all panel members for a final approval.

Abstract Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) arise from enterochromaffin cells found in neuroendocrine tissues, with most occurring in the gastrointestinal tract. The global incidence of NETs has increased in the past 15 years, likely due to better diagnostic methods. Small-bowel NETs are frequently associated with carcinoid syndrome (CS). Carcinoid syndrome diarrhea occurs in 80% of CS patients and poses a substantial symptomatic and economic burden. Patients with CS diarrhea frequently suffer from diarrhea and flushing and report corresponding impairment in quality of life, requiring substantial changes in daily activities and lifestyle. Treatment paradigms range from surgical debulking to liver-directed therapies to treatment with somatostatin analogs, nonspecific anti-diarrheal agents, and a tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor. Other causes of diarrhea, including steatorrhea, short bowel syndrome, and bile acid malabsorption, should be considered in NET patients with refractory diarrhea. More therapeutic options are needed for symptomatic management of patients with NETs, and better understanding of the pathophysiology can empower clinicians with improved patient care.