Published online Mar 21, 2016. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i11.3105
Peer-review started: November 4, 2015
First decision: November 27, 2015
Revised: January 5, 2016
Accepted: January 9, 2016
Article in press: January 9, 2016
Published online: March 21, 2016
Processing time: 131 Days and 21.6 Hours
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are a rare and diverse group of tumors; nonfunctional (NF) PNETs account for the majority of cases. Most patients with NF-PNETs have metastatic disease at the time of presentation. A variety of treatment modalities exist, including medical, liver directed, and surgical treatments. Aggressive surgical management is associated with prolonged survival, however available data are limited by selection bias and the frequent combination of PNETs with carcinoid tumors. Although few patients with metastatic disease will be cured, application of currently available therapies in a multidisciplinary setting can lead to excellent outcomes with prolonged patient survival.
Core tip: Treatment options for patients with neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas have increased in recent years. Surgical management remains an important component of treatment and is associated with prolonged survival, however high level data supporting specific treatment approaches are limited. Although few patients with metastatic disease will be cured, application of available therapies in a multidisciplinary setting can lead to excellent outcomes with prolonged patient survival.