Integrating a 92-Gene Expression Analysis for the Management of Neuroendocrine Tumors of Unknown Primary

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

1 Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.

2 University of Kentucky, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pikeville, KY, United States.

3 Department of Radiation Oncology, Stritch School of Medicine Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, United States.

4 University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.

5 Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.

6 College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.

7 Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.

8 Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.

9 Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.

Abstract

Background: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare tumors that can originate from any part of the body. Often,
imaging or exploratory surgery can assist in the identification of the tumor primary site, which is critical to the
management of the disease. Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of unknown primary constitute approximately 10-15%
of all NETs. Determining the original site of the tumor is critical to providing appropriate and effective treatment.
Methods: We performed a retrospective review of neuroendocrine tumors at our institution between 2012 and 2016
using a 92-gene cancer ID analysis. Results: 56 patients with NETs of unknown primary were identified. Samples
for 38 of the 56 underwent the 92-gene cancer ID analysis. The primary site of the tumor was identified with >95%
certainty in 35 of the 38 patients. Conclusion: The 92-gene cancer ID analysis identified a primary site in 92% of our
NETs study cohort that previously had been unknown. The results have direct implications on management of patients
with regard to FDA-approved treatment options.

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