Baseline chromogranin A and its dynamics are prognostic markers in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Aim: This study assessed whether absolute chromogranin A (CgA) values at various stages of treatment have prognostic value in patients with pancreatic and midgut neuroendocrine tumors, subjected to peptide receptor radionuclide therapy with Y-90-[DOTA(0), D-Phe(1), Tyr(3)]octreotate. Patients & methods: CgA was determined before peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, 6 weeks, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after the last dose of Y-90-[DOTA(0), D-Phe(1), Tyr(3)]octreotate. The primary end point was overall survival. Results: Elevated baseline CgA concentrations and their relative increase within the first year of observation were unfavorable predictors of overall survival, but not progression. Conclusion: Even a single baseline measurement of CgA can be useful in establishing prognosis in this group, if this parameter exceeds its upper normal limit more than tenfold.