Collaborative Practice in the Management of Neuroendocrine Tumors

Management of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) requires a multidisciplinary approach, as many modalities are useful in this malignancy. Somatostatin receptor analogues (SSAs) are a mainstay of treatment, both for ameliorating symptoms and slowing disease progression, but novel approaches are emerging. At 2015 JADPRO Live, Jennifer A. Chan, MD, MPH, and Robin Sommers, DNP, ANP-BC, AOCNP, both of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, brought attendees up to date on management strategies for NETs. NETs arise from cells in the diffuse neuroendocrine system throughout the body. Traditionally, NETs have been divided into pancreatic NETs and NETs originating in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, lungs, and other nonpancreatic sites, previously referred to as “carcinoid” tumors.