ASO Author Reflections: How Important is Type in the Management of Gastric Neuroendocrine Tumors?

Abstract

Gastric neuroendocrine tumor (GNET) is a rare neoplasm of the stomach that arises from enterochromaffinlike cells. While its incidence remains low, it is increasingly diagnosed due to the ubiquitous use of endoscopy and cross-sectional imaging. Traditionally, GNETs are categorized as belonging to one of three types (type I, II, or III). Type I GNETs arise in the setting of atrophic gastritis and hypergastrinemia and can be multifocal; they are typically treated with endoscopic resection. In contrast, type III GNETs are often more aggressive lesions not associated with atrophic gastritis or hypergastrinemia. Gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy is the mainstay of treatment A type-based treatment paradigm has been frequently reinforced in the literature, but the evidence base underlying this approach is limited, with only small cohorts reported from the US.