Medical management of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: Current strategies and future advances

Abstract

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are relatively rare neoplasms, characterized by a propensity to secrete hormones that cause distinct clinical syndromes. During the past decade, the systemic treatment landscape has improved significantly: new options include everolimus, an inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin; sunitinib, an angiogenesis inhibitor; and cytotoxic regimens such as capecitabine and temozolomide. Moreover, the recent approval of the radiolabeled somatostatin analog 177Lu-DOTATATE has had a significant impact on management of neuroendocrine malignancies. In this review, we discuss advances in the medical management of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors within the context of the larger multidisciplinary approach to these diseases.