Cell-free dna and clinical characteristics in patients with small intestinal or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Background: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare and characterized by a heterogeneous clinical course and an unmet need for better prognostic markers. Plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has prognostic value in other malignancies but is not previously investigated in NETs. We studied cfDNA levels in patients with mainly low grade small intestinal (siNET) or pancreatic NET (pNET) and evaluated the prognostic potential of cfDNA. Material and methods: We included 70 NET patients, siNET(n=50) and pNET(n=20). Plasma cfDNA levels were determined by droplet digital PCR for the Beta-2-microglobulin gene every six months during a period of three years, including in a subgroup of 19 patients during Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) therapy. Results: CfDNA levels were higher in both siNET and pNET compared to a previously established healthy cohort (p
Source: Neuroendocrinology - Category: Endocrinology Source Type: research