Identification of metabolite biomarkers for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours using a metabolomic approach
Authors' conclusion
This study highlights the distinct plasma metabolic signatures of pNETs, including the critical role of FAO and elevated glutamate levels in metastasis, supporting the energy and biosynthetic needs of rapidly proliferating tumour cells. Mapping of these dysregulated metabolites may facilitate the identification of new therapeutic targets for pNETs management.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with pNETs and non-cancerous individuals
- Participants
- 76 vs 38
- Comparison
- Patients with pNET vs non-cancerous individuals
- pNETn = 76
- Non-cancerous individualsn = 38reference
- Outcome
- Plasma metabolomic profiles
Methodological detailsplasma metabolomics, LC-MS/MS and FIA-MS/MS (Biocrates AbsoluteIDQ p180 kit)
- Plasma metabolomics
- LC-MS/MS and FIA-MS/MS (Biocrates AbsoluteIDQ p180 kit)
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Plasma metabolites, pNET vs non-cancerous individuals
- Elevated phosphoglyceride metabolites and reduced acylcarnitine levels in pNET vs non-cancerous individuals, indicating upregulated fatty acid oxidation (FAO)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Metastatic pNETs
- Elevated glutamate and decreased lipid metabolite levels in metastatic pNETs
Germline MEN1 mutation vs non-MEN1 mutated patients
- Lower amino acid metabolites and FAO, increased leucine catabolism and lipid metabolism metabolites with MEN1 mutations
- Highest AUC in pNET with MEN1 mutations
Original publication
Identification of metabolite biomarkers for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours using a metabolomic approach. Eur J Endocrinol. Published 19 March 2025. doi:10.
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