Papotti M, de Herder WW, eds. Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Karger; 2015; 280 pp; $254.00
This book, an “authoritative overview of the epidemiological, clinical, genetic, molecular and pathological characteristics of neuroendocrine tumors and highlights the most relevant controversial issues in their classification, diagnosis and therapy” comprises a collection of review articles pertaining to neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). The editors hail from the University of Turin (M. Papotti) and Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam (W.W. de Herder), and most of the papers are written by European authors.
There are a total of 17 papers and 270 pages. As the title suggests, this book incorporates all facets of neuroendocrine tumors, from epidemiology, genetics, clinical presentations, radiology and molecular imaging, surgical treatments, and medical treatments. Each paper is well written and researched. Many papers are, however, rather dry and photopenic and thus will struggle to contain the interest of a general radiologist in search of a quick read.
Of the 17 papers in the book, there are 3 papers that focus on the radiology/nuclear medicine aspect of neuroendocrine tumors. The first, “Radiological Imaging: Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Ultrasonography”, by Sudin A et al is a short, easily readable summary article on the typical imaging features of NETs. In view of its brevity, I would recommend it as a quick read for anybody interested in brushing up on general radiologic features imaging of NETs. This paper also discusses the key role of endoscopic ultrasound in the diagnosis and staging of gastrointestinal tract NETs, which is further elaborated on in a standalone paper entitled “Endoscopy and Endoscopic Ultrasound in Assessing and Managing Neuroendocrine Neoplasms”, by Dermot O’ Toole and Laurent Palazzo.
The second paper of reference for radiology is a nuclear medicine paper called “Nuclear Medicine Imaging of Neuroendocrine Tumors”, by Brabander T et al. It too is a short paper describing the main imaging utility of nuclear medicine for NETs. It discusses primarily the current standard imaging for NETs (Octreoscan) and the increasing role of positron emission using gallium-68, with the potential for this technology to replace gamma scintigraphy in the future. It also briefly describes the use of other nuclear medicine agents in current use (MIBG, F18) and newer radiotracers (18F DOPA and 11C-5-HPT). While more specialized a paper, it is a high-yield read in expanding one’s knowledge base.
The last paper of nuclear medicine significance, titled “Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy of Neuroendocrine Tumors”, by Bodei L et al, describes the use of radiolabeled peptides, mainly yttrium-octreotide and lutetium-octreatate in the treatment of inoperable or metastatic gastroenteropancreatic cancers. It is a much heavier text than the other two papers, and is much more subspecialized, and less relevant to the general radiologist.
The remaining papers revolve around the pathology, clinical manifestations, and medical and surgical treatments of NETs. These papers are well written but text-heavy, and are probably of low interest for general radiologists, and even more so for neuroradiologists. Allowing for this, these papers, particularly the surgical papers, would be of help for academic-body radiologists who work closely with surgical oncologists, or for radiologists who frequently end up sending cases to surgeons.
Ultimately, after reading this book, I feel like I have sat through a 12-hour multidisciplinary tumor board devoted entirely to NETs. As every tumor board is a learning experience, this is a positive outcome, and thus the book successfully achieved its primary description. Its scope however is very narrow, and thus, I would recommend this book only if one works frequently with NETs or if they are of specific interest to the reader. The three papers mentioned above—particularly the first two, however—would prove useful to any radiologist who may come across a NET from time to time (in other words, all radiologists), and I recommend reading them if one can find 5 minutes to spare.
