The contribution of genetic and epigenetic pathways in the molecular pathogenesis in neuroendocrine cancers of the gastro-entero-pancreatic system

Introduction: Very little is known about the mechanisms contributing to the molecular pathogenesis of neuroendocrine tumors of the gastro-entero-pancreatic system. Apart from tumors belonging to the MEN1-syndrome knowledge of genetic events in sporadic neuroendocrine tumors is scarce. We aimed to investigate the role of genetic and epigenetic events leading to the formation of these rare tumors. Methods: Allelic losses, microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumor specific promoter methylation were assessed in 127 tumors. MSI testing was performed by PCR using 5 microsatellite markers. The promoter methylation sta…