What is the carcinoid syndrome? A critical appraisal of its proposed mediators

#4021

Introduction: Carcinoid syndrome (CS) is a debilitating disease that affects approximately 20% of patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN). Due to the increasing incidence and improved overall survival of patients with NEN over recent decades, patients are increasingly suffering from chronic and refractory CS symptoms. At present, symptom control is hampered by an incomplete understanding of the pathophysiology of this syndrome.

Aim(s): To critically appraise the available evidence for the various hormonal mediators considered to play a causative role in CS.

Materials and methods: Online databases were systematically mined for publications on hormonal mediators associated with CS. Case reports, non-human studies and studies utilizing an unspecific bioassay or lacking quantitative outcome data specific for CS patients were excluded.

Conference:

Presenting Author: Mulders M

Authors: Mulders M, de Herder W, Hofland J,

Keywords: carcinoid, syndrome, neuroendocrine, tumor, serotonin, tachykinin, catecholamine, histamine,