Optimizing Risk Assessment Through cfDNA in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors for Clinical Evaluation

Non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PanNETs) are heterogeneous neoplasms of the pancreatic endocrine tissue, displaying variable clinical behavior from indolent to highly aggressive forms. Their often asymptomatic nature and lack of reliable preoperative biomarkers make clinical management particularly challenging. This exploratory study will investigate cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as a potential non-invasive biomarker in NF-PanNETs. cfDNA samples from approximately 30 patients, representing distinct clinical courses (active surveillance, indolent post-surgical, and aggressive post-surgical cases), will be analyzed using advanced methylome and nucleosome footprinting techniques. The aim is to evaluate cfDNA's diagnostic and prognostic potential to improve disease monitoring and support personalized therapeutic strategies in NF-PanNET patients.

Sex

All

Minimum age

18 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18 years.
* Diagnosis of sporadic, well-differentiated, non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (NF-PanNET).
* Signed informed consent for the use of plasma samples stored in the "NETbank" biobank.
* Availability of pre-operative or surveillance plasma samples.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Genetic syndromes associated with NF-PanNETs (e.g., MEN1, VHL).
* Functioning PanNETs.
* Inadequate quality or quantity of circulating-free DNA (cfDNA) extracted from plasma samples.

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