Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), sometimes known as carcinoid tumors, develop in neuroendocrine cells found throughout the body but are most common in the digestive tract, lungs and pancreas.  

NETs are a rare type of cancer, causing symptoms that may vary widely based on the tumor’s location, size and type, and whether the cancer has spread. Because neuroendocrine cells release hormones into the blood, patients with neuroendocrine tumors may experience hormone problems if the tumor produces excess hormones. But many patients do not have symptoms until the tumor grows large enough to impair organ function.

Though neuroendocrine tumors are rare, the number of NETs diagnosed annually in the United States is gradually increasing, likely attributable to better detection. Because of their complexity and diversity, NETs require the kind of specialized care that patients in and around Georgia deserve and City of Hope^® Cancer Center Atlanta is known for delivering. 

From diagnosis to treatment, our multidisciplinary experts provide comprehensive, personalized neuroendocrine tumor care with a sense of urgency you can count on. That means speed to leading-edge diagnostics, including Detectnet™, and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (with Lutathera^®).

Access to rare disease expertise matters. That’s why the Neuroendocrine Tumor Clinical Program at City of Hope Atlanta is home to surgical, medical and radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, interventional radiologists, endocrinologists, pathologists, pain management physicians, dietitians, naturopathic providers, behavioral health therapists and other clinicians — all under one roof.

Our experts are equipped with a variety of tests and procedures to accurately diagnose and stage NETs, including blood and urine tests, biopsy and imaging scans, such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) scan. 

The Detectnet^™ Difference

Within our leading-edge diagnostic suite is Detectnet^™ (copper Cu 64 dotatate injection), a radioactive imaging agent used by City of Hope Atlanta doctors to detect and visualize neuroendocrine tumors that express somatostatin receptors — distinctive markers found on the surface of NET cells. Injected prior to a dotatate PET scan, Detectnet binds to somatostatin receptors, enabling greater accuracy in diagnosis, staging and treatment planning. Another important benefit: Detectnet exposes patients to less radiation than standard procedures.

Treatment for NETs depends on factors such as tumor location, aggressiveness, stage and the patient's overall health. Options include surgery, including minimally invasive procedures; immunotherapy; targeted therapy; chemotherapy; interventional radiology; and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (with Lutathera®), which enables intravenous delivery of radioactivity directly to NET cancer cells, with minimal damage to healthy cells.  

Our Neuroendocrine Tumor Clinical Program offers rare disease specialization — when and where you need it. Patients benefit from high-tech, high-touch care delivered by experts who collaborate locally at City of Hope Atlanta and across City of Hope’s coast-to-coast clinical network to share information on complex cases.

Click the links below to learn more about our Neuroendocrine Tumor Clinical Program experts.

You don’t have to wait to experience comprehensive neuroendocrine tumor care. We’re available 24/7 to help handle the details, from insurance verification and medical records collection to appointment scheduling and arrangements for travel and lodging. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or seeking a second opinion, call us at (877) 524-4673 to make an appointment.

City of Hope Atlanta is conveniently located in historic Newnan, Georgia, just 30 minutes southwest of Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and a short drive from the metro Atlanta area.