The INTERNET STUDY: A phase II study of everolimus in patients with fluorodeoxyglucose (18F) positron-emission tomography positive intermediate grade pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Abstract

Aims: This multicenter phase II trial evaluates the efficacy of everolimus in poor prognosis grade 2 (G2) pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs), defined by 2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) positron-emission tomography (PET) avidity. FDG–PET avidity in NETs is associated with a significantly higher risk of death, outperforming Ki-67 index or liver metastases as a poor prognostic factor. We hypothesized that everolimus has efficacy in patients with FDG–PET-avid G2 PNETs and prospectively evaluated progression-free survival (PFS) and response in the first-line setting. Methods: Patients with FDG–PET-avid G2 advanced PNET received everolimus 10 mg daily until disease progression...