Different Molecular Profiles Characterize Well-Differentiated Endocrine Tumors and Poorly Differentiated Endocrine Carcinomas of the Gastroenteropancreatic Tract

Abstract

The malignant progression of endocrine tumors seems to be associated with complex allelotypes and chromosomal instability. Although no specific molecular markers of malignancy can be defined with certainty, the ploidy status and the degree of chromosomal derangements appear to be the most informative genetic factors with prognostic significance.