Mixed Neuroendocrine and Non-Neuroendocrine Neoplasm of Pancreas: What Do We Know, What Have We Learnt?

Abstract

Pancreatic adeno-mixed neuroendocrine non-endocrine (pMINEN) tumors are extremely rare [Pancreatology. 2021;21(1):224-235]. They are known to have distal metastasis at presentation and have a comparatively lower survival rate than similar staged neuroendocrine (NEN) carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and small-cell lung tumor from which its treatment patterns are extrapolated. Also, very less is known about its molecular structure and natural courses. There is a dearth of data about pMINEN in the literature, and also there is a lack of large multicentral trials due to which the MINEN tumors do not have a standard universal management protocol. We discuss here the clinical dilemmas that arise during diagnosis and reporting and urge to form a multicentric trial to formulate a focused protocolized approach. We describe here our encounter with a pancreatic head lesion which on immunohistochemical analysis turned out to be a pMINEN with moderately differentiating ductal adenocarcinoma and low-grade NEN tumor. Radical R0 surgery with multimodal treatment (chemotherapy + radiotherapy) gains improved survival in long term.

Keywords: Mixed neuroendocrine; Neuroendocrine tumors; Non-neuroendocrine neoplasm; Pancreatic neoplasm.