Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (891 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
A gastrin-secreting neuroendocrine tumor of the non-beta islet cells, the gastrin-secreting cells. This type of tumor is primarily located in the pancreas or the duodenum. Majority of gastrinomas are malignant. They metastasize to the liver; lymph nodes; and BONE but rarely elsewhere. The presence of gastrinoma is one of three requirements to be met for identification of zollinger-ellison syndrome, which sometimes occurs in families with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1; (MEN 1).
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Gastrinomas; Gastrin-Producing Tumor; Gastrin Producing Tumor; Gastrin-Producing Tumors; Tumor, Gastrin-Producing; Tumors, Gastrin-Producing; Islet Cell Tumor, Ulcerogenic; Ulcerogenic Islet Cell Tumor.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Carcinoma, Islet Cell
- See also
- Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome; Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1
Related concepts
- Gastrin-
- Islets of Langerhans
- Gastrin-Secreting Cells
- Pancreas
- Duodenum
- Liver
- Lymph Nodes
- Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 1,020 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Gastrinoma” (counts retrieved 2026-10-29). 62 of them (6.1%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 468 records.
Reviews account for 266 records (26.1%) and meta-analyses for 1. Randomized controlled trials number 0 (0.0%) as a share of all records on the topic. Randomized trials make up only a small share of this literature, so much of what is known comes from laboratory, observational or descriptive work.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 468 |
| 2000-2009 | 324 |
| 2010-2019 | 166 |
| 2020 onward | 62 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 266 | 26.1% |
| Meta-analyses | 1 | 0.1% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 0 | 0.0% |
Method: PubMed query "Gastrinoma"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-29.
Reading the evidence in cancer and oncology
Cancer research spans very different kinds of evidence. Laboratory studies in cell lines and animal models reveal mechanisms but often do not translate to patients. Early-phase trials mainly test safety and dosing, while phase 3 randomized trials and their meta-analyses are the usual basis for treatment conclusions. Outcomes also differ in meaning: tumour shrinkage, progression-free survival and overall survival are not interchangeable, and screening studies can be distorted by lead-time and overdiagnosis. When reading a result, check the cancer type and stage studied, the comparison treatment, and which outcome was measured.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
Prognostic factors and survival in MEN1 patients with gastrinomas: Results from the DutchMEN study group (DMSG) [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Background and objectivesGastrinomas are the most prevalent functioning neuroendocrine tumors (NET) in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1).
- Closing excerpt
- FSG levels might guide surveillance intensity, step-up to additional diagnostics, or provide arguments in selecting patients who might benefit from surgery.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (199 words)
Background and objectivesGastrinomas are the most prevalent functioning neuroendocrine tumors (NET) in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). Guidelines suggest medical therapy in most patients, but surgery may be considered in a subgroup. Currently, factors to guide management are necessary. This population-based cohort study assessed prognostic factors of survival in patients with MEN1-related gastrinomas.MethodsPatients with MEN1 having gastrinomas were identified in the Dutch MEN1 database from 1990 to 2014 based on fasting serum gastrin (FSG) levels and/or pathology. Predictors of overall survival were assessed using Cox regression.ResultsSixty-three patients with gastrinoma (16% of the MEN1 population) were identified. Five- and 10-year overall survival rates were 83% and 65%, respectively. Prognostic factors associated with overall survival were initial FSG levels ≥20x upper limit of normal (ULN) (hazard ratio [HR], 6.2 [95% confidence interval, 1.7-23.0]), pancreatic NET ≥2 cm (HR 4.5; [1.5-13.1]), synchronous liver metastases (HR 8.9; [2.1-36.7]), gastroduodenoscopy suspicious for gastric NETs (HR 12.7; [1.4-115.6]), and multiple concurrent NETs (HR 5.9; [1.2-27.7]).ConclusionLife expectancy of patients with MEN1 gastrinoma is reduced. FSG levels and pancreatic NETs ≥2 cm are prognostic factors. FSG levels might guide surveillance intensity, step-up to additional diagnostics, or provide arguments in selecting patients who might benefit from surgery.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 31401809 · DOI · PMC6852496
Sporadic and MEN1-related gastrinoma and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: differences in clinical characteristics and survival outcomes [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- PurposeGastrinoma with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) may occur sporadically (Sp) or as part of the inherited syndrome of multiple endocrine neoplasia 1 (MEN-1).
- Closing excerpt
- ConclusionMEN-1/ZES patients generally show better OS and PFS than Sp-ZES as well as better SSAs response.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (291 words)
PurposeGastrinoma with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) may occur sporadically (Sp) or as part of the inherited syndrome of multiple endocrine neoplasia 1 (MEN-1). Data comparing Sp and MEN-1/ZES are scanty. We aimed to identify and compare their clinical features.MethodsConsecutive patients with ZES were evaluated between 1992 and 2020 among a monocentric Italian patient cohort.ResultsOf 76 MEN-1 patients, 41 had gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm (GEP-NEN), 18 of whom had ZES; of 320 Sp-GEP-NEN, 19 had Sp-ZES. MEN-1/ZES patients were younger (p = 0.035) and the primary MEN-1/ZES gastrinoma was smaller than Sp-ZES (p = 0.030). Liver metastases occurred in both groups, but only Sp-ZES developed extrahepatic metastases. 13 Sp-ZES and 8 MEN-1/ZES underwent surgery. 8 Sp-ZES and 7 MEN-1/ZES received somatostatin analogs (SSAs). Median overall survival (OS) was higher in MEN-1/ZES than in Sp-ZES (310 vs 168 months, p = 0.034). At univariate-logistic regression, age at diagnosis (p = 0.01, OR = 1.1), G3 grading (p = 0.003, OR = 21.3), Sp-ZES (p = 0.02, OR = 0.3) and presence of extrahepatic metastases (p = 0.001, OR = 7.2) showed a significant association with OS. At multivariate-COX-analysis, none of the variables resulted significantly related to OS. At univariate-logistic regression, age (p = 0.04, OR = 1.0), size (p = 0.039, OR = 1.0), G3 grade (p = 0.008, OR = 14.6) and extrahepatic metastases (p = 0.005, OR = 4.6) were independently associated with progression-free survival (PFS). In multivariate-COX-analysis, only extrahepatic metastases (p = 0.05, OR = 3.4) showed a significant association with PFS. Among SSAs-treated patients, MEN-1/ZES showed better PFS (p = 0.0227). After surgery, the median PFS was 126 and 96 months in MEN-1 and Sp, respectively.ConclusionMEN-1/ZES patients generally show better OS and PFS than Sp-ZES as well as better SSAs response.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 36436191 · DOI · PMC10105668
Comparison study of gastrinomas between gastric and non-gastric origins [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundGastrinomas are one of the neuroendocrine tumors with potential distant metastasis.
- Closing excerpt
- The long-term outcome was probably better than non-gastric origin because of lower grading and less lymph node and liver involvement.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (241 words)
BackgroundGastrinomas are one of the neuroendocrine tumors with potential distant metastasis. Most gastrinomas are originated from pancreas and duodenum, but those of gastric origin have been much less reported. The aim of the study is to compare gastrinomas of gastric and non-gastric origins.MethodsFour hundred twenty-four patients with neuroendocrine tumor by histological proof in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou branch in the past 10 years were included. A total of 109 (25.7 %) cases were identified of upper gastrointestinal origins, of which 20 (18.3 %) were proven gastrinomas. The clinical characteristics were collected and analyzed retrospectively.ResultsIn our study, 21 tumors of the 20 cases were identified by pathologic proof, 11 (55 %) had resection or endoscopic mucosa resection, 9 of gastric origins, 9 of duodenal origins, 2 of pancreatic origins, and 1 of hepatic origins. One case had multiple lesions. Patients with gastric gastrinomas had older age, higher levels of gastrin, seemingly smaller tumor size (p = 0.024, 0.030, and 0.065, respectively), and usually lower grade in differentiation (p = 0.035). Though gastric gastrinomas had a high recurrent rate (80 %), the lymph node and liver involvement was less common. Gastrinomas with liver involvement/metastasis had a high mortality rate where 80 % died of liver dysfunction.ConclusionsGastrinomas originating from stomach had higher gastrin level and lower tumor grading and presented at older age. The long-term outcome was probably better than non-gastric origin because of lower grading and less lymph node and liver involvement.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 26077245 · DOI · PMC4478711
Surgical Management of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome in Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 an AFCE and GTE Cohort Study. (Association Francophone de Chirurgie Endocrinienne and Groupe d'étude des Tumeurs Endocrines) [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- ObjectiveTo describe surgical indications, procedures and outcomes in patients operated for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) using a large nationwide cohort.
- Closing excerpt
- Gastrinoma removal is justified when associated with large pNETs.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (160 words)
ObjectiveTo describe surgical indications, procedures and outcomes in patients operated for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) using a large nationwide cohort.BackgroundManagement of ZES in MEN1 remains controversial.MethodsAll patients with ZES diagnosed through the MEN1 AFCE/GTE network from 1985 to 2015.ResultsAmong 233 ZES patients, 66 (28%) were operated for ZES-related gastrinomas. Thirty-three (51%) procedures aimed to remove gastrinomas and associated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET(s)) with appropriate resection. Thirty-two procedures (49%) aimed to remove gastrinomas alone (ZES group). Survival was decreased in patients metastatic at ZES diagnosis (p 0.001), leading to more frequent lymphadenectomies (p ConclusionThe high rate of invaded nodes in lymphadenectomies in MEN1 patients operated for ZES, the absence of operative mortality, and the decreased survival in metastatic patients are indirect arguments for surgery. Pancreaticoduodenectomy may be indicated in young and fit individuals to better control hypergastrinemia and to prevent metastatic progression in the ZES group. Gastrinoma removal is justified when associated with large pNETs.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41862416 · DOI · PMC13206476
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: a prospective study of 107 cases and comparison with 1009 cases from the literature [5]
- Research article Serum gastrin in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: I. Prospective study of fasting serum gastrin in 309 patients from the National Institutes of Health and comparison with 2229 cases from the literature [6]
- Research article Sporadic versus hereditary gastrinomas of the duodenum and pancreas: distinct clinico-pathological and epidemiological features [7]
- Research article Endoscopic ultrasound in the localisation of pancreatic islet cell tumours [8]
- Research article Consequences of long-term proton pump blockade: insights from studies of patients with gastrinomas [9]
- Research article Pathologic aspects of gastrinomas in patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome with and without multiple endocrine neoplasia type I [10]
References
- van Beek DJ, Nell S, Pieterman CRC, de Herder WW, van de Ven AC, Dekkers OM, et al.. Prognostic factors and survival in MEN1 patients with gastrinomas: Results from the DutchMEN study group (DMSG). . 2019. PMID 31401809 · DOI · PMC6852496
- Massironi S, Rossi RE, Laffusa A, Eller-Vainicher C, Cavalcoli F, Zilli A, et al.. Sporadic and MEN1-related gastrinoma and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: differences in clinical characteristics and survival outcomes. . 2023. PMID 36436191 · DOI · PMC10105668
- Huang SF, Kuo IM, Lee CW, Pan KT, Chen TC, Lin CJ, et al.. Comparison study of gastrinomas between gastric and non-gastric origins. . 2015. PMID 26077245 · DOI · PMC4478711
- Gaujoux S, Pattou F, Cadiot G, Adham M, Bachellier P, Bail JP, et al.. Surgical Management of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome in Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 an AFCE and GTE Cohort Study. (Association Francophone de Chirurgie Endocrinienne and Groupe d'étude des Tumeurs Endocrines). . 2026. PMID 41862416 · DOI · PMC13206476
- Gibril F, Schumann M, Pace A, Jensen RT. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: a prospective study of 107 cases and comparison with 1009 cases from the literature. Medicine (Baltimore). 2004. PMID 14747767 · DOI
- Berna MJ, Hoffmann KM, Serrano J, Gibril F, Jensen RT. Serum gastrin in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: I. Prospective study of fasting serum gastrin in 309 patients from the National Institutes of Health and comparison with 2229 cases from the literature. Medicine (Baltimore). 2006. PMID 17108778 · DOI · PMC9806863
- Anlauf M, Garbrecht N, Henopp T, Schmitt A, Schlenger R, Raffel A, et al.. Sporadic versus hereditary gastrinomas of the duodenum and pancreas: distinct clinico-pathological and epidemiological features. World J Gastroenterol. 2006. PMID 17006979 · DOI · PMC4088224
- McLean AM, Fairclough PD. Endoscopic ultrasound in the localisation of pancreatic islet cell tumours. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2005. PMID 15763694 · DOI
- Jensen RT. Consequences of long-term proton pump blockade: insights from studies of patients with gastrinomas. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2006. PMID 16433886 · DOI
- Pipeleers-Marichal M, Donow C, Heitz PU, Klöppel G. Pathologic aspects of gastrinomas in patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome with and without multiple endocrine neoplasia type I. World J Surg. 1993. PMID 8103250 · DOI
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-10-29.
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