Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) represents a challenging subset of extrapulmonary neuroendocrine tumors, predominantly originating in the gastrointestinal tract. These poorly differentiated high-grade tumors are characterized by their aggressive nature and poor prognosis, posing significant treatment challenges. Currently, the standard treatment involves first-line platinum-based chemotherapy, which, while effective for some, offers limited long-term benefits and is not curative. Recent advancements in cancer therapeutics have introduced more personalized treatment approaches, yet there remains a critical need for novel strategies that can improve patient outcomes. Despite ongoing research, gaps persist in understanding the optimal systemic treatment strategies, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, for NECs. Addressing these gaps is crucial for developing more effective and individualized treatment regimens.
This Research Topic aims to expand our understanding of novel treatment strategies for neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). By exploring the efficacy of various systemic treatments, including adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, this research seeks to identify promising approaches that can enhance patient outcomes. Additionally, the investigation of underlying mechanisms and experimental therapies will provide valuable insights into the development of innovative treatment options for NECs.
To gather further insights in the systemic treatment strategies for NECs, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies.
- Investigations into novel chemotherapy regimens and their outcomes.
- Research on targeted therapies and their mechanisms of action.
- Studies on the role of immunotherapy in treating NECs.
- Basic and translational research exploring experimental therapies.
- Mechanistic studies elucidating the biology of NECs.
- Clinical case series highlighting unique treatment approaches and outcomes.
Please note: manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics or computational analysis of public genomic or transcriptomic databases which are not accompanied by validation (independent cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) are out of scope for this section and will not be accepted as part of this Research Topic.
Keywords: gastroenteropancreatic, extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma, NEC, extrapulmonary neuroendocrine tumors, cancer therapy, targeted therapy
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
