Background:Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) represent a heterogeneous group of malignancies arising from neuroendocrine cells and are most commonly localized in the gastroenteropancreatic and pulmonary systems. Overall, most NENs are characterized by a low mutational burden. Consequently, increasing research attention has focused on epigenetic mechanisms and the tumor microenvironment, which may actively contribute to tumor pathogenesis. Moreover, epigenetic modifications represent plausible mediators of communication in the crosstalk between neuroendocrine cancer cells and components of the tumor microenvironment, as observed in other non-neuroendocrine malignancies.Objectives:The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge on the role of epigenetic regulation and the tumor microenvironment in the pathogenesis of neuroendocrine tumors and to discuss their potential as targets for more effective therapeutic strategies.Methods: We reviewed research articles published over the past decades that investigated the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms and the tumor microenvironment in NENs.Results:Several studies highlight the pivotal role of epigenetic alterations and tumor microenvironment interactions in NEN biology, influencing tumor development, progression, and therapeutic response.Conclusions:Further studies are warranted to deepen understanding in this field, as this may lead to the development of more effective therapies and improved clinical outcomes for patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms.
背景：神经内分泌肿瘤是一组起源于神经内分泌细胞的异质性恶性肿瘤，最常见于胃肠胰腺系统和肺部。总体而言，大多数神经内分泌肿瘤具有低突变负荷的特征。因此，越来越多的研究关注表观遗传机制和肿瘤微环境，这些因素可能在肿瘤发病机制中发挥重要作用。此外，正如在其他非神经内分泌恶性肿瘤中所观察到的，表观遗传修饰可能是神经内分泌癌细胞与肿瘤微环境成分之间信号交流的重要媒介。 目的：本综述旨在总结当前关于表观遗传调控和肿瘤微环境在神经内分泌肿瘤发病机制中作用的研究进展，并探讨其作为更有效治疗策略靶点的潜力。 方法：我们回顾了过去几十年来发表的关于表观遗传机制和肿瘤微环境在神经内分泌肿瘤中作用的研究文章。 结果：多项研究强调了表观遗传改变和肿瘤微环境相互作用在神经内分泌肿瘤生物学中的关键作用，这些因素影响着肿瘤的发生、发展及治疗反应。 结论：需要进一步深入研究该领域，这可能有助于开发更有效的治疗方法，从而改善神经内分泌肿瘤患者的临床预后。
Epigenetics and the Tumor Microenvironment in Neuroendocrine Tumors
肿瘤(癌症)患者之家