Neuroendocrine Tumors Outcomes

The five-year neuroendocrine cancer survival rate for early-stage neuroendocrine tumors in the gastorintestinal tract is very good; for advanced cancers that have spread to distant parts of the body, the survival rate is not as good. The most aggressive form known as poorly differentiated, high grade neuroendocrine carcinomas have poor outcomes and are treated like small cell lung cancer.

What’s important to keep in mind, though, is statistics don’t tell the whole story. First, it’s difficult to see in a snapshot, but survival rates are improving every day for advanced-stage cancers, thanks to new treatment options like targeted therapy and nuclear medicine. Second, neuroendocrine cancer survival rates are highly individualized, so averages tend to be misleading. Your chances of survival depend greatly on your specific cancer and where you go for diagnosis and treatment.

At Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Georgia’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we are a leader in neuroendocrine tumor treatment and research. We develop and deliver the latest, most effective neuroendocrine cancer treatments with the fewest side effects. And as a result, our outcomes — including survival rates, recurrence rates and management of long-term side effects — are better than most other cancer centers in the U.S.

Winship is the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Georgia, and one of only a few dozen nationwide. Comprehensive Cancer Centers must meet rigorous standards that prove they have state-of-the-art facilities, offer cutting-edge treatments, deliver breakthrough research and conduct lifesaving clinical trials.

Because NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers like Winship represent the most innovative cancer centers in the nation, it’s no surprise they also have the best survival rates. They are, on average, 20% to 50% higher than non-NCI-designated centers, depending on the cancer type. Researchers attribute these higher survival rates to surgical expertise, guideline compliance, access to clinical trials and team approaches to treatment planning, all of which are paramount at Winship.

While many patients will go into remission following surgical removal of a neuroendocrine cancer and never have the disease again, some will face a recurrence. That’s why we consider neuroendocrine tumor recurrence rates from your very first visit. At Winship, we’re dedicated to offering long-lasting treatment and post-treatment follow-up care and surveillance. We analyze your specific neuroendocrine tumor and the genomic components driving it to help us determine which treatment is most likely to ensure the best possible neuroendocrine tumor prognosis — and prevent it from returning.

After successful treatment, we have quality measures in place to confirm you are cancer-free, such as testing surrounding tissue after surgery to ensure there’s no remaining cancer. And once you’ve completed treatment at Winship, we will continue to monitor your condition, and follow you for at least five years to ensure you remain cancer-free and assist you with the management of any long-term side effects of your treatment.

When it comes to neuroendocrine cancer outcomes, it’s important to consider the side effects associated with the cancer itself and the treatment. This is especially important for patients with functional tumors (tumors that release extra hormones into the body), as they are likely to experience chronic diarrhea and uncomfortable facial flushing. At Winship, we’ll address your symptoms every step of the way — it’s a part of your treatment plan we take very seriously.

We’ll also provide you the most powerful and precise treatments available, with the least adverse side effects. You’ll receive minimally invasive surgery whenever possible to minimize the risks associated with open procedures and reduce your recovery time. And we will work with you on coping with the psychological and emotional aspects of neuroendocrine cancer treatment for as long as you need us.