Etiological Observations in Seven Patients with Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (PNETs)

In Vivo. 2016 Mar-Apr;30(2):147-8.

Abstract

Background/aim: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are uncommon malignancies of largely unknown pathogenesis. Observations on patients and their families can provide clues on etiology.

Patients and methods: In a medical oncology practice cohort of 2,087 patients 5 females and 2 males with PNETs have been identified.

Results: Observations of etiologic interest have been made in 2 patients with PNETs. One female patient belongs to a kidney cancer family with a balanced translocation t(3;11)(q13;q21). A second female patient with PNET had a de novo translocation (t3;5)(q27;q14), its braking point could contain a tumor suppressor gene.

Conclusion: Chromosome studies in patients with PNETs point to an etiologic role of balanced translocations.

Keywords: PNET; Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor; cancer etiology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Family
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Maternal Exposure
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / epidemiology
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / etiology*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
  • Translocation, Genetic
  • Young Adult