This page provides information and guidance on neuroendocrine cancers for health care professionals. Information for patients can be found on our patient hub.
Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are a heterogeneous group of generally slow growing tumours, mainly arising from the gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) tract, lung, but also from other less common sites. Patients diagnosed with NETs in South Wales should be discussed in the South Wales NET MDT meeting hosted in Cardiff. Due to the complex nature of this cancer, early contact with the MDT lead and nurse specialists is welcomed, in order to provide timely guidance. Management of patients with NETs should adhere to European NET Society (ENETS) guidelines.
After undergoing transformation, the South Wales service has been accredited as a European NET Society Centre of Excellence. The multi-award winning NET team across South Wales sees a proportion of patients or offers an advice-only service dependent on various factors. In addition to the NET MDT, the service includes a specialist gastroenterology-led NET clinic in Cardiff, oncology clinics in Velindre and Swansea and an endocrinology NET clinic in Cardiff. Some cases will require surgery or follow up in the local health board but the NET team is available to provide comprehensive advice, working with local teams.
Histological review is crucial. Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) behave aggressively and are managed similarly to adenocarcinomas in that body site. These are less common than well-differentiated slow growing NETs (with low Ki-67) and should continue to be managed by the oncology team for that anatomical site. Please do not hesitate to contact the team for clarification.
https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/our-services/neuroendocrine-cancer/