NCCN Releases Patient Guidelines for Neuroendocrine Tumors

This week, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) published a new set of guidelines for patients centered around neuroendocrine tumors (NET).

NET can occur in many different parts of the body, varies in symptom presentation, and can require individualized and oftentimes complicated treatment approaches. These updated guidelines offer the latest information in order to assist patients and caregivers in making knowledgeable, shared medical decisions with the help of their provider.

“Neuroendocrine tumors are complicated and the treatment paths are varied because the disease presents and behaves different in each patient. The NCCN Patient Guidelines offer a common ground of understanding so patients and providers can work as a team to achieve the best possible care,” said Cindy Lovelace, patient and co-founder of The Healing NET Foundation in a statement.

The information provided in the guidelines is based on evidence and expert consensus in clinical practice guidelines created by NCCN’s multidisciplinary panels from 27 leading academic cancer centers throughout the United States. The guidelines cover all aspects of NET, including tests used to diagnose the tumors, an overview of the different treatments offered, and specific treatment guides depending on where the tumors occur in the body.

Formatted specifically for patients, the guidelines and treatment recommendations are presented in user-friendly terms and include illustrations and a glossary to make the information easily digestible.

“It really takes a multidisciplinary team to treat these tumors. Everybody plays a different role in the care of NETs, including endocrinologists, medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and sometimes nuclear medicine radiologists,” said Whitney Goldner, MD, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. “These guidelines help prepare patients for the group of people who will comprise their treatment team, and ensure they understand the need for specific testing and therapies for their tumor.”