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Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor cancer stem cells: do they exist?

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Abstract

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) comprise a broad range of neoplasms that share biological and embryological origin. A deeper knowledge in the underlying molecular biology that results in the development and spread of NETs has allowed the use of novel-targeted therapies against angiogenesis and intracellular pathways, key checkpoints that govern growth, and proliferation of these tumors. Unfortunately, the possibility of cure is still far for patients with advanced stages. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are present in most solid tumors. Nevertheless, there is limited evidence for the presence of CSCs in NETs. In this review, we will discuss the embryonic origin and possible existence of a gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine cancer stem cell. Here, we summarize the body of evidence supporting the presence of active embryological pathways like Notch, Wnt-β-catenin, Hedgehog, or transforming growth factor-β in NETs. New therapeutic approaches in the field of CSCs seem to have a clear role in the treatment of medulloblastomas and basal cell carcinomas, but their future value in other solid tumor types including NETs remains unclear.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Servicio de Oncología Médica, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal de Madrid, Carretera de Colmenar Viejo Km. 9,100, 28034, Madrid, Spain

    Enrique Grande

  2. Medical Oncology Department, Vall D’Hebrón University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain

    Jaume Capdevila

  3. Medical Oncology Department, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain

    Jorge Barriuso

  4. Medical Oncology Department, A Coruña Universitary Hospital Complex, La Coruña, Spain

    Luis Antón-Aparicio

  5. Medical Oncology Department, Doce de Octubre University Hospital, Madrid, Spain

    Daniel Castellano

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  1. Enrique Grande
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  2. Jaume Capdevila
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  3. Jorge Barriuso
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  4. Luis Antón-Aparicio
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  5. Daniel Castellano
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Correspondence to Enrique Grande.

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Grande, E., Capdevila, J., Barriuso, J. et al. Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor cancer stem cells: do they exist?. Cancer Metastasis Rev 31, 47–53 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10555-011-9328-6

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