Neuroendocrine tumor treatment options include alternative therapy options. Treatment options may include natural therapies, surgery, radiation, and medications. These options are tailored to the type of neuroendocrine tumor, its location, and size. Each option is further broken down by the type of tumor, its stage, and its risk for recurrence after treatment. Neuroendocrine tumor treatment options include alternative therapies
Typically used for localized, first-stage neuroendocrine tumors, surgery is used for resection of tissue and scarring. Excision of spinal cord extensor muscles is used in most cases. After surgery, lymph nodes or vessels may be removed. Medications may be prescribed to control pain during recovery. Radiation therapy, or a combination of radiotherapy and surgery is used for patients who do not respond well to chemotherapy.
A medication used in combination with surgery is commonly used for successful neuroendocrine tumor treatment. It is an anti-antigenic agent that kills cancer cells and prevents cancerous cells from forming in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Azathioprine (Imuran) is the most commonly prescribed drug in this class. Patients who do not respond to one or more standard therapies can receive an additional dose of azathioprine. Alimta (Purinethol) is another commonly used drug to prevent and reduce the spread of tumors.
For some types of neuroendocrine tumor treatment, surgery is performed to remove diseased tissue or to help remove tumors. Common procedures used include endoscopic sympathectomy, prophylactic pneumonectomy, and percutaneous prophylaxis. Depending on the type of cancer and the extent of its spread, the doctor will decide whether surgery is indicated. For instance, in September 2021, a major biopharmaceutical firm in the U.S., Provectus Biopharmaceuticals, received an approval from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to use its intralesional (intratumoral) PV-10 in combination with PV-10+ for the treatment of solid tumor cancers in adults.
Medications are not always effective in all patients. Chemotherapy often has side effects and can be very expensive. Another drug, gemcitabine, is also used as a drug for neuroendocrine tumor treatment. It is a good antineoplastic that prevents tumors from growing. Some of the symptoms that are common with this type of cancer include weight loss, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and jaundice.