Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide secreting islet cell tumors: A 15-year experience and review of the literature

Background. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-secreting tumors of the pancreas represent a rare subtype of pancreatic islet cell tumors with an estimated incidence of 0.2 to 0.5 per million per year. We provide data on a relatively large series of patients with VIP-secreting tumors and review current literature regarding this specific entity. Methods. A retrospective review was performed of all patients with VIP-secr eting- tumors of the pancreas treated from 1977 to 1992 at our institution. Presenting signs, symptoms, mode of diagnosis, extent of disease, surgical resectability, tumor size, treatments, hormone levels, and survival were a ssessed. Results. Eighteen patients were identified, 9 male and 9 female. Ages range d from 23 to 74 years (mean 51 years). Secretory diarrhea was the most comm on symptom, occurring in 16 of 18 patients (89%). The mast common tumor loc ation was the tail of the pancreas (9 patients). Fourteen patients (78 %) h ad liver metastasis at diagnosis. Curative resections were attempted in onl y 5 patients (28 %). The mean survival was 3.6 years with the longest disea se-free survival being 15 years and longest overall survival 15 years. Conclusions. VIP-secreting tumors are extremely rare entities and usually m etastatic at the time of diagnosis. Despite advanced disease, these patient s can have extended survival.