Treatment of neuroendocrine tumors

There are almost as many treatments as tumor types, so the treatment regimen is highly complex and tailored to each patient. Patients are advised to seek out a recognized treatment center that is part of RENATEN, France’s national network for treatment of rare, malignant, sporadic, and hereditary NETs, of which Institut Curie is a member. The RENATEN network, which is certified by the French National Cancer Institute (INCa), ensures that each patient receives an expert diagnosis, a treatment regimen approved in a multidisciplinary consultation meeting (MCM), and a personalized care plan.

Active monitoring of neuroendocrine tumors

For early-stage, slow-growing NETs, patients may simply be monitored for signs of any changes in the tumor. The treatment can be adjusted if the cancer progresses.

Surgery for neuroendocrine tumors

When the tumor is localized, surgery is the only curative option. The surgeon will aim to remove the tumor completely. Small NETs in the stomach or rectum can sometimes be removed endoscopically.
Surgery may also be considered on a case-by-case basis for local recurrences or metastases.
Institut Curie works with partner hospitals for digestive and thoracic surgery.

To learn more about surgery

Antisecretory treatment for neuroendocrine tumors

Treatment with somatostatin analogs (a hormone that regulates numerous other hormone secretions) can be used in specific cases to reduce the NET’s secretion of hormones and slow its growth. This treatment is often prescribed as first-line therapy.

Chemotherapy for neuroendocrine tumors

The purpose of chemotherapy, administered orally or intravenously, is to stop cancer cell growth. It is mainly used when metastases are present. The drug regimen for the chemotherapy will depend on the NET and its differentiation and location.

To learn more about chemotherapy 

Targeted therapy for neuroendocrine tumors

Recent studies have shown the efficacy of targeted therapy. One such treatment is everolimus, a drug that has proven especially effective against digestive and pulmonary NETs.

To learn more about targeted therapy

Internal vectorized radiotherapy for neuroendocrine tumors

Also called metabolic radiotherapy, internal vectorized radiotherapy (IVR) specifically targets somatostatin receptors on disseminated tumor cells throughout the body. Lutathera® is a form of IVR performed at Institut Curie in which a radioactive chemical, Lutetium-177, is attached to a somatostatin analog and injected intravenously.

To learn more about internal vectorized radiotherapy