Treatment of neuro-endocrine tumours
The neuro-endocrine tumours are a group of tumours which can arise in any part of the body. They are characterised by their hormone-secreting capacity. Various types are classified according to their embryological origin. These include: neuroectodermal tumours, medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, paraganglioma and phaeochromocytoma; and those originating in the endoderm, the commonest locations of which are the lung and the gastrointestinal tract. They can, however, be found in many other sites, such as the pancreas, ENT territory and the thymus, for example. Some neuroendocrine tumours are also known as carcinoid tumours when they are well-differentiated and secrete serotonin.
Neuro-endocrine tumours are rare (2 to 5 new cases per year per 100,000 of the population). They can be genetically determined.
Gustave Roussy, referral centre
Gustave Roussy is recognised by the National Institute of Cancer as a referral centre for treatment of endocrine cancer. In this context we participate in a number of consultative meetings of the network of recognised French centres such as RENATEN for the TNE.
Management relies on a number of specific therapeutic approaches. These include surgery, metabolic irradiation therapy (nuclear medicine), chemotherapy, targeted molecular therapy, radiotherapy radiofrequency ablation, chemo-embolisation and other local and regional treatment measures. These anti-cancer treatments may be administered in private practice outside the Institute, in the Day Hospital or in the Nuclear Medicine and Endocrine Cancer Department.
