What are the treatment options for neuroendocrine tumours?

A specialist team considers where the tumour began, whether it can be removed, how quickly its cells are growing, and whether it has spread. Some neuroendocrine tumours release hormones that cause symptoms; treatment may also aim to control those effects. Surgery may remove a localised tumour or reduce the amount of tumour present. Targeted therapy uses medicine directed at features that help cancer cells grow. Targeted radioisotope therapy carries radiation to cells with a matching target, helping treat disease in selected situations.

Ask which tests define the tumour grade, its hormone activity and its spread before deciding between treatments. Bring a list of medicines and symptoms, especially flushing, diarrhoea, wheezing or changes in blood sugar. A treatment plan may combine local treatment with medicine, and it can be adjusted when scans or symptoms change. Read about Targeted Radioisotope Therapy, Tumour Removal Surgery and Targeted Therapy to understand what each approach involves.

Contact your oncology team promptly for worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, severe diarrhoea, new breathing difficulty, faintness or confusion. Seek emergency care for severe breathlessness, collapse or sudden chest pain. These symptoms can have several causes, but they need timely assessment during cancer treatment.

Which grade and stage describe my tumour? Is it producing hormones? Can surgery remove all visible disease? Does my tumour have the target needed for targeted or radioisotope therapy? What symptoms should I report between appointments?