Neuroendocrine tumors constitute a rare and heterogeneous group of neoplasms. Little is known about spontaneous growth behaviour and prognostic parameters in well differentiated GEP-tumors. The purpose of this study was therefore to determine the growth behaviour of tumor lesions in patients with untreated GEP-tumors and to assess its influence on survival.
Although there seems to be some correlation between growth behaviour and proliferation index both parameters may be of prognostic value in patients with well differentiated GEP-tumors. Patients who do not develop tumor progression within 12.5 months represent a prognostic favourable subgroup. In these patients an expectant strategy may be justfied.
