The neuroendocrine system consists of individual cells and neuroendocrine cells that are located in both endocrine glands and other organs of the human body. This system regulates such processes as heart contractions, blood pressure, secretion of digestive juices, muscle and bone growth, etc.
About neuroendocrine tumors
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) have been considered rare conditions, but according to the recent statistical information, the prevalence of neuroendocrine cancer has increased significantly over the past 30 years. As a rule, patients are diagnosed quite late, because these tumors have no specific symptoms and there are no sensitive and specific methods for early detection. As a consequence, most patients do not receive the necessary medical care at an early stage. Most available therapies prolong life but do not cure the disease.
Malignant NETs originate from progenitor cells, which later differentiate into different types of neuroendocrine structures. The cells can produce different hormones as the tumor proliferates. Proliferating metastases differ in function from the “original” neoplasm. Therefore, the clinical symptoms of neuroendocrine neoplasms are very diverse.
Stages and treatment of NETs
Currently, there is no clear description of the neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) staging. It is known that masses grow slowly and pass through four stages of development, which are usual for all tumors.
If the formation is single and has no metastases yet, surgical removal is performed. In the presence of multiple tumor foci substances suppressing hormone production are used, which significantly improve the patient’s quality of life. Further on, chemotherapy is used, which destroys the neoplasm. Another option is targeted therapy that acts only on the mutated cells, causing their death.
New therapy for the treatment of NETs
The goal of the innovative therapy is to selectively irradiate highly differentiated carcinoid cells which have a large number of somatostatin receptors on their surface, thus inhibiting the angiogenic response during treatment.
During peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, somatostatins connected with radioactive material bind to the somatostatin receptors of cancer cells and block their growth. Unlike chemotherapy, this treatment does not cause side effects such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and pain. A new form of targeted radiation therapy using Lutetium-177 as a radioactive element increases the effectiveness of neuroendocrine tumors treatment.
The therapy uses a somatostatin analog, which is combined with the radioactive isotope Lutetium-177 and injected into a patient’s vein. Cancer cells receive a lethal dose of radiation with minimal impact on other vital organs that contain fewer or no receptors. In addition, the research suggests that repeated imaging immediately after the administration of PRRT allows better control over the distribution of Lutetium-177 in the body. This makes it possible to measure the amount of radiation reaching the tumor and other vital organs after each treatment.
Best cancer hospitals in Europe
Not every hospital is ready to provide the treatment for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), so many patients are forced to undergo therapy abroad, and the best place for this is Europe.
The list of the best hospitals for treatment of all cancer types includes:
- Helios Hospital Berlin-Buch
- St. Vincentius Hospital Karlsruhe ? Academic Hospital of the University of Freiburg
- HELIOS Clinic Krefeld
- MediClin Robert Janker Clinic
- Medias Cancer Clinic Burghausen
To know more about the best cancer hospitals in Europe, visit the Booking Health website.
Treatment in Europe during a lockdown
Booking Health provides services of treatment organization that includes all of the paperwork, communication with the chosen hospital about the examination and treatment program, helping to issue a medical visa during the lockdown, booking the tickets and accommodation, and many other aspects that are covered by our leadership for the arrangement of the treatment for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).
