The Role of Liquid Biopsy in Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

Overview

Journal Cancers (Basel)

Publisher MDPI

Specialty Oncology

Date 2024 Oct 16

PMID 39409968

Authors

Catarina Almeida

Lorenzo Gervaso

Gianmaria Frige

Francesca Spada

Lavinia Benini

Chiara Alessandra Cella

Luca Mazzarella

Nicola Fazio

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Neuroendocrine neoplasms incidence has been increasing, arising the need for precise and early diagnostic tools. Liquid biopsy (LB) offers a less invasive alternative to tissue biopsy, providing real-time molecular information from circulating tumour components in body fluids. The aim of this review is to analyse the current evidence concerning LB in NENs and its role in clinical practice. We conducted a systematic review in July 2024 focusing on LB applications in NENs, including circulating tumour cells (CTCs), circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), micro RNA (miRNA), messenger RNA (mRNA) and extracellular vesicles. Sixty-five relevant articles were analysed. The LB showed potential in diagnosing and monitoring NENs. While CTCs face limitations due to low shedding, ctDNA provides valuable information on high-grade neoplasms. MiRNA and mRNA (e.g., the NETest) offer high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis and prognosis, outperforming traditional markers like chromogranin A. The LB has significant potential for NEN diagnosis and monitoring but lacks widespread clinical integration due to limited prospective studies and guidelines, requiring further validation. Advances in sequencing technologies may enhance the clinical utility of LB in NENs. Future research should focus on refining LB methods, standardising protocols and exploring applications in high-grade NENs.

Citing Articles

NETest and Gastro-Entero-Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Still Far from Routine Clinical Application? A Systematic Review.

Rossi R, La Salvia A Genes (Basel). 2025; 16(2).

PMID: 40004490 PMC: 11855739. DOI: 10.3390/genes16020161.

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