SATB.2 is a sensityive for well differentiated neuroendocrine tumors

Abstract

Introduction: Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) constitute a heterogeneous group of rare neoplasms, with a sustained increase in incidence in recent years. They originate in neuroendocrine cells, the most common are those of the gastrointestinal system and most are sporadic, although they can be part of hereditary syndromes. Neuroendocrine neoplasms are divided into well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (WDNET) and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (PDNEC). Material and methods: We retrospectively evaluated 78 WDNET of the anterior, middle and posterior intestine, in a period of 20 years (01/01/2000 to 07/31/2020), with the SATB2 antibody, in which it is considered a diagnostic marker for WDNET of the hindgut tract. Results: Of the 40 WDNET of the anterior intestine, 2 (5%) tumors showed reactivity with SATB 2. Positive staining with SATB2 was observed in 1/17 (5.88%) of WDNET of the midgut. Among the 21 WDNET of the hindgut, we observed SATB2 staining in 19 (90.57%) of the tumors. Conclusion: Our results indicate that SATB2 is a sensitive marker for hindgut WDNET, although it is not specific.

Keywords: STAB2 protein; Carcinoid tumors; Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors; Neuroendocrine tumor; Colorectal neuroendocrine tumors.