Inclusion Criteria:

- histological diagnosis of well-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma according to
the World Health Organization (WHO) classification;

- locally advanced or metastatic disease not amenable to surgery with radical intent;

- at least one measurable target lesion;

- radiological documentation of progressive disease;

- ECOG performance status grade <=2;

- life expectancy >12 weeks;

- adequate bone marrow reserve;

- adequate hepatic and renal function;

- ability to comply with the protocol procedures (including geographic accessibility);

- written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

- non-malignant systemic disease or conditions that precluded patients from receiving
the study therapy;

- second primary malignancies and previous systemic antineoplastic treatment including
somatostatin analogues;

- history of prior malignancy, excepted for cured non-melanoma skin cancer, and cured
in situ cervical carcinoma.