Treatment of Gastric Neuroendocrine Tumor in Poorly Differentiated Neuroendocrine Carcinoma

Clinical Scenario

This protocol addresses gastric neuroendocrine tumor occurring in the context of poorly differentiated gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) of the gastrointestinal tract — distinct from well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (NET). The classification into poorly differentiated NEC versus well-differentiated NET carries direct therapeutic implications.

Disease Classification

Gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are categorised as either well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) or poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs), per WHO classification. This distinction is central to selecting the appropriate treatment pathway.

Treatment Approach (Partial Overview)

For poorly differentiated gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma, the structured protocol includes management of metastatic disease — among the approaches outlined is the role of radiation therapy in specific metastatic settings. The complete regimen, sequencing, and full set of indications are available in the protocol.

Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens

References

The WHO Classification of Endocrine Organs (2017) and Digestive System (2019) categorizes NENs as well-differentiated NENs (termed "NETs") or poorly differentiated NECs.
Furthermore, radiation therapy may be used for palliative purposes for bone and brain metastases.

DOI: 10.1007/s00535-021-01827-7

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