PURPOSE:
The objectives of the study are to recruit patients with GI NETs and to develop an annotated database
including biosamples for use by our research group including biosamples to facilitate better
understanding of the genetics and biochemical signaling pathways leading to tumor formation and
malignancy. Our first project is to examine the prevalence of MEN type I gene abnormalities in the
tissues of patients with and without MEN 1 in both tumor and other locations as well as other genetic
abnormalities using techniques that have been developed by Xianxin Hua, MD, PhD an associate
professor in the department of cancer biology and associate investigator for the Abramson Family
Cancer Research Institute. The major focus of Dr. Hua's research program is to elucidate the molecular
mechanism for neuroendocrine tumors, especially for multiple endocrine neoplasia and menin-related
tumors. Dr. Hua has previously identified a number of genetic abnormalities in bench based cell
cultures and mouse models but has not yet examined these features in patients. Our hope is to obtain
sufficient tissue in order for him to do these studies in patients. N/A N/A
