The science and art of diagnosing and treating neuroendocrine tumors

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) pose unique obstacles for oncologists and radiologists. Many people with this rare condition often do not experience symptoms. Others show signs similar to other diseases, making diagnosis difficult. And treatment requires carefully calibrated techniques to achieve the best possible outcomes.

That is where Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) radiologist Dr. Delphine Chen and oncologist Dr. David Zhen are helping to make a difference. Among the nation’s top NET experts, Dr. Chen and Dr. Zhen combine leading-edge science and deep clinical experience to artfully navigate the care of patients with these complex tumors.

“We see neuroendocrine tumors that range from slow growing, indolent tumors to aggressive carcinomas. Managing them can be very nuanced,” says Dr. Chen.

Along with their SCCA colleagues, they provide:

• Expertise that spans the NET spectrum
• Advanced imaging techniques, including dotatate PET imaging
• Innovative therapies, such as off-label PRRT for patients with non-GI NETs 
• Access to emerging treatments through clinical trials 
• Making a difficult diagnosis 

Though NETs are considered a rare cancer, their incidence is rising. Between 1973 and 2012, the number of NET diagnoses increased more than sixfold. Researchers attribute this rise to an increase in screening colonoscopies and improved imaging technologies, and yet many cases of NETs still go undiagnosed.

In many cases, radiologists detect tumors while imaging for other conditions. Research also shows NETs are often found more than two years after symptoms develop. "Finding these tumors can be difficult and is frequently delayed," says Dr. Zhen.

As a specialized cancer center, SCCA has advanced tools to evaluate neuroendocrine tumors, and physicians are learning what works best. NETs don’t always show up well on CT scans, especially using standard venous phase contrast. CT scans that capture the arterial phase of contrast are more likely to detect tumors.

“Even without the extra phases of CT, you can sometimes see the tumors in certain areas of the body if you know what to look for. This is where experience comes in,” Dr. Chen says.

Delaying treatment in well differentiated NETs

For low grade NETs that are slow growing, Dr. Zhen discusses that close observation over immediate treatment may be an option. Hormone-producing tumors respond well to somatostatin analogs (octreotide and lanreotide) and help alleviate symptoms. If the tumor is not producing hormones, he counsels patients that a watch and wait may be appropriate but considers each patient’s personal goals as well “In medicine, we're trained to intervene,” says Dr. Zhen.

“But with some NETs, immediate treatment may not provide a benefit. Considering this, as well as the cost, time and potential side effects of treatment, I may counsel patients that close monitoring may be the best option.”

New treatments for neuroendocrine tumors

Treatment options for metastatic NETs range from surgery and chemotherapy to newer targeted therapies and nuclear medicine options.

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), for instance, is an exciting new systemic radiation treatment that delivers radiation directly to the tumor. SCCA is one of only a few centers in the Northwest that offers PRRT, including LutatheraÒ. This PPRT combines dotatate that binds to the cancer cells, with lutetium 177, that delivers radiation to destroy them.

FDA approval of PRRT is for gastrointestinal (GI) NETs. However, Dr. Chen uses PRRT off label for other tumors based on results from smaller studies that suggest it is effective.

SCCA interventional radiologists also have extensive experience with liver-directed therapies for patients with NETs. These include:

• Hepatic artery embolization
• Radioembolization
• Radiofrequency ablation

The future of neuroendocrine tumor treatment

Knowing when to deliver treatments is part of the challenge of any treatment plan. Ongoing research at SCCA means physicians are learning more and more about these latest advances.

“Even though we have standards of care, the bigger question is often which treatment to give up front and which to reserve for later," says Dr. Zhen. "Through our research, we are trying to better understand the fine distinctions of all these available treatments.”

SCCA physicians belong to an active community of NET researchers worldwide. They are involved in current initiatives such as:

• An upcoming clinical trial aimed at improving treatment options for patients with poorly differentiated extrapulmonary small cell NEC. The trial will evaluate the addition of the immunotherapy drug atezolizumab to standard chemotherapy.
• A clinical trial investigating whether abemaciclib, a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor used in breast cancer treatment, slows cell growth in well differentiated NET.

Dr. Chen and Dr. Zhen are currently evaluating SCCA patient data to determine whether PRRT drug doses can be tailored to a patient’s tumor burden. SCCA is also a lead site for a repository of NET patient data from major centers across the U.S. aimed at developing guidelines for improved care.

Partnering with SCCA in neuroendocrine tumor care

As leaders in the field of NET research and clinical care, SCCA doctors partner with clinicians across the northwestern U.S., Alaska and Hawaii. They consult on diagnosis and treatment while also offering patients access to the latest NET therapies and clinical trials.

SCCA seeks to advance the understanding of these rare and complex tumors and improve patient care. Learn more about neuroendocrine tumor care at SCCA.

To refer a patient, 206.606.1024, or use the referral tools available on the SCCA website.