INFO & BLOG
About diagnosis, treatment and recovery
What is a neuroendocrine tumor (NET)?
A group of tumors arising from hormone-producing neuroendocrine cells, occurring in organs such as the pancreas, GI tract and lung, ranging from slow-growing to aggressive.
What is the difference between functional and non-functional NET?
Functional tumors secrete hormones and cause symptoms such as carcinoid syndrome; non-functional tumors do not cause hormonal symptoms and are often silent.
What does tumor grade (G1/G2/G3) mean?
The grade, defined by the Ki-67 index, indicates how fast the tumor proliferates and directly affects treatment choice.
Why is Ga-68 DOTATATE PET performed?
It shows whether the tumor carries somatostatin receptors; this both assesses spread and determines eligibility for PRRT (Lu-177) therapy.
What is PRRT (Lu-177 DOTATATE)?
A tumor-targeting radionuclide therapy in advanced receptor-positive NET; it is called theranostic because it uses the same target as imaging.
What do somatostatin analogues (octreotide/lanreotide) do?
In receptor-positive tumors they both control tumor growth and suppress hormonal symptoms such as carcinoid syndrome.
What is done in NET that has spread to the liver?
In addition to systemic therapy, liver-directed interventional methods such as ablation (RFA/microwave), TACE or TARE are considered; the decision is made in the council.
What is MEN1 syndrome, is there a risk for my family?
MEN1 is a hereditary syndrome predisposing to certain endocrine tumors including NET; where risk exists, genetic counseling and screening are recommended.
How and by whom is treatment decided?
The decision rests with the multidisciplinary oncology council, not a single physician; the sequence is set according to grade, functionality, receptor status and spread.
I am coming from abroad, how does the process work?
Your file is evaluated remotely, the council decision and a transparent offer are shared; visa, transfer, accommodation and medical interpreter support are provided.