Biochemical responses in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with neuroendocrine tumors: Pooled analysis of two phase 3 trials

Beloo Mirakhur, Marianne E. Pavel, Rodney F. Pommier, George A. Fisher, Alexandria T. Phan, Christine Massien, Nilani Liyanage, Susan Pitman Lowenthal, Aaron I. Vinik

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are associated with elevated 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and chromogranin A (CgA) levels. This study aimed to analyze relationships between urinary 5-HIAA and plasma CgA levels and clinical outcomes. Methods: Centrally assessed biomarker levels and correlations with progression-free survival (PFS) and carcinoid syndrome (CS) symptom control were evaluated in a pooled analysis of CLARINET (96-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled) and ELECT (16-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 32-week initial open label and ≥2 year long-term extension open label) studies of adults with NETs, with (ELECT) or without (CLARINET) CS at 97 institutions. Patients were treated with subcutaneous lanreotide depot 120 mg monthly. Results: Of 319 pooled patients, 86% and 95% had baseline 5-HIAA and CgA data, respectively, with 47% and 74% having levels greater than the upper limit of normal (ULN). PFS was longer among patients who experienced a decrease in biomarker levels at week 12, with statistical significance reached in the CgA cohort (not reached vs. 14.4 months; P<.0001). A large proportion (87%) of patients without symptoms of CS in the CLARINET study had detectable levels of 5-HIAA (48% >ULN). In ELECT, patients with CS who received lanreotide and experienced a biochemical response (≥50% decrease from baseline) achieved greater symptom control. Conclusion: This pooled analysis of two randomized, placebo-controlled trials demonstrated that 5-HIAA and CgA are secreted as biochemical biomarkers in many patients with NETs, regardless of clinical syndromes. Significant biochemical response was associated with improved clinical outcomes, as measured by improved PFS or improved CS symptom control.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)948-962
Number of pages15
JournalEndocrine Practice
Volume24
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2018

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Endocrinology

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