Neuroendocrine tumours through an epigenetic lens: Emerging insights for diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are well-differentiated epithelial neuroendocrine neoplasms that frequently develop in the small intestine, pancreas, and lungs. NETs originate from neuroendocrine cells specialized in hormone secretion implicated in a number of physiological processes. Their malignant transformation is characterized by low mutational burden, suggesting that epigenetic mechanisms may be at play. Recent understanding of epigenetic events driving cancer cell plasticity and tumour initiation has led to advances in the diagnosis and prognosis of NETs. Here, we provide a brief overview of NETs, including their current diagnosis and management, and present recent progress in understanding the role of epigenetic regulation, highlighting how this may influence NET tumorigenesis and may be used in therapeutic applications. Finally, this literature review emphasizes the need to gather more data on these rare malignancies to improve patient outcome.