Radiation Therapy for Neuroendocrine Tumors
Radiation therapy for neuroendocrine tumors may be recommended for treating cancerous cells that have spread, as well as tumors in locations that would complicate surgical removal. For instance, neuroendocrine tumors can form in far-reaching areas of the body, such as the lungs, brain, stomach, intestines and pancreas (islet cell tumors). While the treatment approach can vary for each patient depending on many individual factors, the format is usually multimodal. For localized, operable tumors, surgery is often the first option considered. Many patients receive chemotherapy and radiation therapy as well in order to shrink tumors prior to surgery or prevent recurrence afterward.
At Moffitt Cancer Center, we are committed to providing individualized, comprehensive cancer treatment, no matter the stage or location of a tumor. If radiation treatment is recommended to destroy cancerous cells, our radiation oncologists work collaboratively with a multispecialty team of experts to determine the precise radiation therapy protocol for the patient. Several factors can impact this decision, including the type, location and stage of a patient's cancer and his or her overall health.
Moffitt offers several types of radiation therapy for neuroendocrine tumors, including:
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Standard external beam radiation therapy
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Other advanced radiation therapies
Each radiation treatment technique is different and each patient's reaction to it can vary. To help see our patients through treatment and manage any side effects that might develop, Moffitt’s multispecialty team includes supportive care professionals who can provide acupuncture, massage therapy and other relaxation techniques designed to help alleviate pain and improve quality of life.
As a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Moffitt is nationally recognized for its extensive research efforts, groundbreaking discoveries and robust portfolio of clinical trials. Our goal is to make promising new treatment options available to our patients as soon as possible, and we are often able to do so before those treatments are made available elsewhere.
If you'd like to learn more about radiation therapy for neuroendocrine tumors, the experts at Moffitt can help. Call 1-888-663-3488 or complete a new patient registration form online. Referrals are not required.