Neuroendocrine tumors and fibrosis: An unsolved mystery?. Issue 24 (7th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Laskaratos, Faidon‐Marios; Rombouts, Krista; Caplin, Martyn; Toumpanakis, Christos; Thirlwell, Christina; Mandair, Dalvinder
• Is Part Of: Cancer. Volume 123:Issue 24(2017)
• Page Start: 4770
• Page End: 4790
• Publication Date: 2017-11-07
• Subjects: carcinoid heart disease -- carcinoid tumor -- fibrosis -- mesenteric desmoplasia -- neuroendocrine tumor; Cancer -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Cytopathology -- Periodicals; 616.99405
• DOI: 10.1002/cncr.31079
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-543X

Abstract

Abstract : Neuroendocrine tumors are a heterogeneous group of slow‐growing neoplasms arising mainly from the enterochromaffin cells of the digestive and respiratory tract. Although they are relatively rare, their incidence is rising. It has long been observed that they often are associated with the development of fibrosis, both local and distant. Fibrotic complications, such as carcinoid heart disease and mesenteric desmoplasia, may lead to considerable morbidity or even affect prognosis. The elucidation of the pathophysiology of fibrosis would be of critical importance for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. In this article, the authors review the available evidence regarding the biological basis of fibrosis in neuroendocrine tumors. They explore the role of the tumor microenvironment and the interplay between tumor cells and fibroblasts as a key factor in fibrogenesis and tumor development/progression. They also review the role of serotonin, growth factors, and other peptides in the development of carcinoid‐related fibrotic reactions. Cancer 2017;123:4770‐90 . © 2017 American Cancer Society . Abstract : This review provides a concise and in‐depth overview of the biological basis of the unusual association between neuroendocrine tumors and fibrosis. A deeper knowledge of the pathophysiology of this relationship is essential for the development of targeted antifibrotic strategies.