Overview:
Extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas (EP-NECs) are rare, aggressive malignancies. Pathologists face challenges due to heterogeneous morphology, complex biopsy samples, and evolving WHO classifications that complicate accurate diagnosis and risk stratification. Clinicians and pathologists often encounter persistent gaps in distinguishing neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) from NECs, incorporating RB/p53 and Ki-67 into grading and risk stratification, and leveraging emerging biomarkers such as DLL3 and molecular profiling to inform prognosis, guide eligibility for biomarker-driven trial, and anticipate potential targeted therapies.
The CME
certified hybrid symposium features an expert panel of pathologists and medical
oncologists using a Medical Crossfire® format to dissect real-world diagnostic
dilemmas in EP-NECs, including grading pitfalls, mixed/amphicrine tumors, and
differences between pulmonary and extrapulmonary disease. Through guideline-
and WHO-focused discussions, case-based debate, and integration of contemporary
IHC and next-generation sequencing data, participants will learn to apply
current diagnostic criteria, key biomarker panels, and emerging therapeutic
markers to improve the classification and management of patients with
high-grade neuroendocrine neoplasms.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this activity, learners will be better able to:
- Apply current guideline-recommended criteria and diagnostic methods to accurately distinguish NECs from NETs
- Evaluate the emerging role of biomarkers, including DLL3, in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of EP-NECs
- Integrate molecular profiling and NGS into pathology workflows to support patient stratification for clinical trials evaluating novel targeted therapies