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  • Neuroendocrine Tumors

Neuroendocrine Tumour Treatment | I D Cancer Center Lucknow

Overview

Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) are rare cancers that arise from neuroendocrine cells—specialized cells found throughout the body, especially in the lungs, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, and adrenal glands.
These tumours can be slow-growing (low grade) or aggressive (high grade), and often produce hormones, leading to unique symptoms.

At I D Cancer Center, our multidisciplinary team offers expert evaluation, state-of-the-art imaging, and individualized treatment plans to ensure the best outcomes for NET patients.


Types of Neuroendocrine Tumours

NETs differ based on their origin and behaviour. Common types include:

  • Gastrointestinal NETs (stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum)

  • Pancreatic NETs

  • Pulmonary NETs (lung NETs)

  • Adrenal NETs

  • Carcinoid Tumours

  • High-grade Neuroendocrine Carcinomas


Risk Factors

Although NETs can occur without obvious cause, certain factors increase risk:

  • Genetic syndromes (e.g., MEN1VHLNF1)

  • Family history of endocrine tumours

  • Chronic gastritis or stomach conditions

  • Smoking (lung NETs)

  • Age (more common between 40–70 years)


Common Symptoms

NET symptoms often depend on hormone production and tumour location.
General symptoms:

  • Abdominal pain or discomfort

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Fatigue or weakness

  • Feeling of fullness after small meals

Hormone-producing NET symptoms:

  • Facial flushing

  • Persistent diarrhoea

  • Wheezing or breathing difficulty

  • Rapid heartbeat

  • Low blood sugar episodes

If symptoms persist, timely evaluation is essential.


Diagnosis at I D Cancer Center

NETs require precise imaging and laboratory testing. We provide:

  • Clinical examination by experienced oncologists

  • CT / MRI scans for tumour localization

  • PET-CT (including Ga-68 DOTATATE when required)

  • Endoscopy / colonoscopy based on symptoms

  • Hormonal tests (chromogranin A, serotonin, 5-HIAA)

  • Biopsy & immunohistochemistry for confirmation

  • Genetic testing for hereditary NET syndromes

Our advanced diagnostic ability ensures accurate staging and treatment planning.


Treatment Options

Treatment depends on NET type, stage, hormone activity, and tumour grade.
At I D Cancer Center, all plans are developed through a multidisciplinary tumour board.

1. Surgery

Used when the tumour is operable.

  • Removal of primary tumour

  • Debulking surgery

  • Minimally invasive approaches when appropriate

2. Radiation Therapy

For selected cases of localized or metastatic NETs:

  • IMRT, IGRT, and VMAT for precision

  • Protects surrounding organs

  • Effective for pain control in bone metastases

3. Chemotherapy

High-grade and aggressive NETs often require chemotherapy.

  • Systemic regimens tailored to tumour biology

4. Targeted Therapy

Modern drugs that act on specific tumour pathways:

  • EverolimusSunitinib, and others used based on tumour type

5. Somatostatin Analogues

(Octreotide, Lanreotide)

  • Control hormone-related symptoms

  • Slow tumour progression

6. Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT)

For advanced NETs expressing somatostatin receptors.
(Coordinated care or referral to specialized centers if needed.)

7. Immunotherapy

Used in selected high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas.


Supportive & Holistic Care

Because NET patients often live with long-term symptoms, we offer:

  • Nutritional counselling

  • Hormone-related symptom management

  • Pain and supportive care

  • Psychological and emotional support

  • Long-term follow-up and surveillance


Life After Treatment

NETs often require lifelong monitoring due to their variable behaviour.
We offer a structured survivorship program that includes:

  • Routine imaging

  • Hormonal evaluation

  • Chronic symptom management

  • Guidance on lifestyle and diet

Our goal is to help patients maintain a healthy and meaningful life during and after treatment.


Why Choose I D Cancer Center?

  • Multidisciplinary expertise led by Dr. Sunil Kumar, Radiation Oncologist

  • Advanced radiotherapy technology (IMRT, IGRT, VMAT)

  • Evidence-based management of rare tumours

  • Personalized treatment plans

  • Compassionate counselling and family support

  • Convenient location in Sushant Golf City, Lucknow