Gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) – Current literature review of diagnostics and therapy. What has changed in the management?

Gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) are malignancies originating from cells of the diffuse endocrine system. They are rare and localize in the upper and lower parts of gastrointestinal tract and in the pancreas. Despite such varied localization, GEP-NENs are considered a common group of neoplasms due to the fact of their similar morphology and ability to secrete peptide hormones and biologically active amines. They are associated with clinical manifestations specific to the substances produced by a particular neoplasm. The classification of GEP-NENs is constantly systematized and updated based on their differentiation and grading. The development of available diagnostic and treatment methods for these tumors has made significant progress over the past 10 years and is improved all the time. In the following paper, we review the diagnosis and treatment of GEP-NENs, taking into account the latest molecular, immunological or gene-based methods. Imaging methods using markers for receptors allow for high diagnostic sensitivity. Surgical management is still the method of choice in the treatment of GEP-NENs, but over the years it has been supplemented by selective pharmacotherapy for complete resolution and prevention of metastases. Numerous new substances are still in clinical trials, which offers prospects for the future of GEP-NENs diagnostics and therapy.