UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
Radiologist Daniel Appelbaum, MD, left, and endocrine surgeon Xavier Keutgen, MD
Sophisticated non-invasive imaging gives our neuroendocrine tumor experts a better view of tumors to inform treatment planning. Here, radiologist Daniel Appelbaum, MD, left, meets with endocrine surgeon Xavier Keutgen, MD.

Offering a Full Range of Treatment Options for Neuroendocrine Tumors 

At the University of Chicago Medicine, patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) receive innovative treatments from internationally-renowned specialists in the field, including the newest targeted therapies and surgical techniques that can destroy, remove or shrink even the most advanced tumors. Physicians in our NET program design individual treatment plans for each patient based on several objective, evidence-based factors, as well as on the wishes of the patient. Our specialists follow and reassess patients rigorously during and after their treatments, with the constant aim of improving patient care through the discovery and application of novel diagnostic tools and treatments. Numerous options exist for treating neuroendocrine tumors, and your doctor will help you decide which one will be most effective.

Surgery

Surgically removing a neuroendocrine tumor is almost always the preferred option and can often be done even if your cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Depending on where the tumor is located, surgeons may remove all or part of the organ that harbors it—for instance, for NETs in the stomach, your doctor may remove all or part of the stomach. 

UChicago Medicine physicians emphasize surgical techniques that are proven to minimize the time it takes patients to recover, such as minimally invasive or robotic techniques. When required, they may also use open surgery to remove NETs.

Surgery for NETs That Have Spread to the Liver

When neuroendocrine tumors spread outside of their original location, they most commonly seed to the liver. The amount of tumor in the liver is directly proportionate to your prognosis, which is why NET specialists at UChicago Medicine design a comprehensive treatment plan to destroy and remove NETs using the following techniques: 

Systemic Therapy

When other treatments may not be suitable, cancer cell-killing drugs may be recommended. The newest advances in targeted therapy for NETs are available at UChicago Medicine. These medications are increasingly taken by mouth and have less side effects when compared to older chemotherapy courses.

Radiation

Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT)

PRRT is an innovative theranostics treatment in which synthetic proteins capable of targeting specific cells are combined with radioactive material. This creates radiopeptides, which are then injected into a patient’s bloodstream to deliver targeted radiation to NET cells. PRRT takes a total of eight months, with patients receiving infusions every two months. UChicago was one of the first centers in the nation to offer this therapy and has since developed a very robust and experienced PRRT treatment program. The FDA-approved drug used in PRRT is lutetium Lu 177 dotatate (Lutathera®).

 

Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Comprehensive Center of Excellence

Comprehensive Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Center of Excellence

UChicago Medicine is the first and only hospital in Illinois to earn the Comprehensive Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Center of Excellence designation from the Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging. This achievement recognizes UChicago Medicine as a leader in this growing field, and our commitment to providing the highest level of care and research.

Learn more about this important designation

Intra-Arterial Therapies and Histotripsy

When surgical removal of liver metastases is not indicated or desired, liver-directed therapies can help treat patients with NET and liver involvement. These therapies include:

Clinical Trials

UChicago Medicine is at the forefront of medical and surgical discoveries. If you’re seeking a clinical trial targeting neuroendocrine tumors, please check our trials database or speak with your doctor about whether participating in a study is right for you.

Understanding Neuroendocrine Tumors

UChicago Medicine was one of the first hospitals to offer peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) to treat neuroendocrine tumors. Learn more about these tumors and how they can be treated.

Request an Appointment for Cancer Care

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-855-702-8222 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

For Referring Physicians

To refer a patient for cancer care, please call UCM Physician Connect at 1-800-824-2282

 
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By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.
Andy Liao, MD, medical oncologist

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Xavier Keutgen, MD, meets with resident Jelani Williams, MD

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