Dr. Kunz on Anticipated Trial Results for Patients with Neuroendocrine and Carcinoid Tumors

Pamela L. Kunz, assistant professor, Division of Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, discusses some anticipated trial results for patients with neuroendocrine and carcinoid tumors.

Kunz says she is eagerly awaiting the results of two randomized studies, both involving the use of bevacizumab. One of the them, a SWOG study, is aimed at patients with high-risk carcinoid tumors, compares interferon to bevacizumab. Though it was announced that the trial did not meet its primary endpoint, Kunz and other oncologists are interested in examining the trial’s data.

An ongoing CALGB study is examining everolimus plus or minus bevacizumab for patients with neuroendocrine tumors. Because these are such vascular tumors, Kunz says, there is rationale for the use of angiogenesis inhibitors.

Kunz mentions an ongoing, phase III study using telotristat etiprate for patients with carcinoid syndrome. Telotristat etiprate is an oral, TPH inhibitor in the serotonin synthesis pathway. This would be a valuable option for patients refractory to somatostatin analogs for hormone control, Kunz explains.

The fourth anticipated study, called Netter-1, compares the use of radiolabeled octreotides to high-dose octreotides.