Endocr Connect. 2025 Aug 29:EC-25-0350. doi: 10.1530/EC-25-0350. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are a heterogeneous group of rare neoplasms arising from neuroendocrine cells, most commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. Despite novel diagnostic techniques, identifying reliable biomarkers for NETs still remains a challenge.
OBJECTIVES: Our study explores the diagnostic, monitoring and prognostic value of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in pancreatic NETs.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited 41 adult patients diagnosed with liver metastatic non-functioning pancreatic NETs. Serum AFP levels were assessed at three-month intervals over a span of four years. For comparative purposes, we analysed data in relation to sex, age, liver tumour burden (LTB; <10%, 10-25%), tumour grade based on the WHO 2022 classification (G1, G2), and treatment response on baseline as defined by RECIST 1.1 criteria (SD – stable disease, PD – progressive disease). Every patient underwent treatment with somatostatin analogues during the study period.
RESULTS: Elevated AFP concentrations showed a continuous upward trend across all participants and were significantly associated with indicators of more aggressive disease: greater liver tumour burden (10-25%, p < 0.001), higher tumour grade (G2, p < 0.001), and progression of disease (PD, p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences in AFP levels were observed in relation to age or sex.
CONCLUSION: AFP consistently increases in patients with progressive pancreatic NETs compared to patients with stable disease on baseline. Potential utility of AFP measurements requires further follow-up studies, especially as a prognostic biomarker.
PMID:40880168 | DOI:10.1530/EC-25-0350
