Refractory Neuroendocrine Tumour
Refractory Neuroendocrine Tumours
Refractory Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) are tumours that are formed in the cells of the neuroendocrine system. Neuroendocrine tumours can occur in any part of the body, but most commonly in the intestines or lungs. NETs can be benign, meaning they are non-cancerous, or malignant, meaning they can become cancerous. The treatment for NETs may vary depending on the type and size of the tumour, as well as the severity of symptoms.
In many cases, refractory NETs can respond to medical management and traditional forms of therapy such as chemotherapy and radiation. However, in some cases, the NETs may be resistant to traditional forms of treatment or continue to grow despite treatment. These tumours are referred to as refractory NETs or “resistant” NETs, and they require more advanced treatments.
Treatment Options for Refractory Neuroendocrine Tumours
Treatment options for refractory NETs include:
- Surgery to remove the tumour
- Radiofrequency Ablation, which uses extreme heat to destroy cancerous cells
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy, which uses drugs to attack specific molecules in cancer cells
- Immunotherapy, which uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer cells
- Hormone therapy, which uses hormones to treat NETs
In some cases, a combination of treatments may be used to treat refractory NETs. Your healthcare provider will work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.
Managing Side Effects
Treatments for refractory NETs may cause side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and anemia. It is important to talk to your doctor about ways to manage these side effects, as well as to report any other symptoms that you may experience during treatment.
Finding Support
Patients with refractory NETs may also benefit from emotional and psychological support. Joining a support group or speaking with a counselor may help to ease the emotional burden of living with NETs.
Your healthcare provider can help you find the support that you need. There are also a variety of resources available on the internet and through patient advocacy groups that can provide valuable information and support.