Neuroendocrine Tumours

Neuroendocrine tumours, NET for short, are rare heterogeneous tumours causing a number of non-specific and variable symptoms.

They are predominantly found in the gastrointestinal tract, but may also occur in the lung and many other organs. The tumours originate from neuroendocrine cells that share characteristics of endocrine cells and cells of the nervous system; they secrete hormones or other transmitters.

The reasons for the development of these tumours are still largely unknown. Most occur sporadically. In some cases, it has been shown that NETs are caused by genetic conditions.


 

Symptoms are very unspecific and vary greatly depending on the tumour.

 

Up to now, immunotherapy is not an established therapy for NET.

Due to the heterogeneous nature of the NET and the wide range of available therapeutic measures, an interdisciplinary approach is taken, involving endocrinologists, radiologists, oncologists, surgeons and gastroenterologists. Once a week, the interdisciplinary neuroendocrine tumour board convenes to discuss current cases.

So far, only a limited number of prospective clinical studies have been conducted due to the rareness of the NET diseases. Accordingly, the number of approved medications is low. Right now, a number of clinical studies based on new and innovative molecular therapies are envisaged.

The DZI offers patients to participate in clinical studies.


In recent years, considerable advances have been made in the area of immunotherapy for the treatment of NET. Thus, we can offer individual treatments for a certain subgroup of neuroendocrine tumours beyond the scope of clinical studies.

Do you have any questions on the treatment of neuroendocrine tumours? Please feel free to get in touch with us by phone, e-mail or via our contact form.