Abstract | PURPOSE OF REVIEW: RECENT FINDINGS: While some islet cell tumors arise in association with the MEN-1 syndrome, the majority of these neoplasms are sporadic lesions whose underlying genetic and molecular events remain largely unknown. Recent work has identified changes in gene expression occurring in metastatic and non-metastatic islet cell tumors, which appear to correlate with the occurrence of lymph node and liver metastases. Epigenetic alterations of select tumor suppressor genes may influence patient survival, and the presence of gene promoter methylation may be used as a prognostic marker system. In addition, multiple molecular alterations, including changes in expression of cellular proteins with migratory, cell cycle or angiogenic functions, have been demonstrated to influence islet cell tumor growth, invasion and metastatic spread. SUMMARY: Understanding the molecular events underlying the biology of pancreatic islet cell tumors will aid the development of accurate prognostic markers and will guide improved therapeutic modalities in the future.
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Authors | Michael G House, Richard D Schulick |
Journal | Current opinion in oncology
(Curr Opin Oncol)
Vol. 18
Issue 1
Pg. 23-9
(Jan 2006)
ISSN: 1040-8746 [Print] United States |
PMID | 16357560
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Retracted Publication, Review)
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Chemical References |
- Biomarkers
- ELL protein, human
- Transcriptional Elongation Factors
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Topics |
- Adenoma, Islet Cell
(diagnosis, epidemiology, genetics, therapy)
- Biomarkers
- Carcinoma, Islet Cell
(diagnosis, epidemiology, genetics, therapy)
- Humans
- Neoplasm Metastasis
(physiopathology)
- Pancreatic Neoplasms
(diagnosis, epidemiology, genetics, therapy)
- Transcriptional Elongation Factors
(genetics)
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