New perspectives in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors

Characterization of new and specific molecular features of the neuroendocrine tumors (NET) has prompted the development of more selective targeted pharmacological agents, potentially useful in the therapy of these tumors. NET express in a high percentage of cases the somatostatin receptors and type I and II interferon receptors. In addition, these tumors seem to have an extraordinary vascularization with high expression of proangiogenic molecules, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, and specific tyrosine kinase receptors. In this review article, we discuss the potential role and future perspectives of universal somatostatin analogues, new types of interferons and emerging inhibitors of angiogenesis in the treatment of NET.Characterization of new and specific molecular features of the neuroendocrine tumors (NET) has prompted the development of more selective targeted pharmacological agents, potentially useful in the therapy of these tumors. NET express in a high percentage of cases the somatostatin receptors and type I and II interferon receptors. In addition, these tumors seem to have an extraordinary vascularization with high expression of proangiogenic molecules, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, and specific tyrosine kinase receptors. In this review article, we discuss the potential role and future perspectives of universal somatostatin analogues, new types of interferons and emerging inhibitors of angiogenesis in the treatment of NET