Preclinics and clinics of neuroendocrine tumors

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are considered rare tumors. About 70% of all NETs will develop in the gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) system and are named GEP NETs.
Currently used circulating biomarkers like serum chromogranin A and neuron-specific enolase have major limitations. Furthermore, therapeutic options are limited. GEP NETs may escape from medical treatment by tachyphylaxis and/or the development of resistance and patients will eventually develop progressive disease.

The main aims of this thesis were to:
1) improve the diagnostic work-up and follow-up of GEP NET patients using sensitive and specific tumor markers and,
2) to identify new biotherapeutical options by modulating pathological pathways in pancreatic NET cells.