Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma
The riddle.For many years, I've been reading and blogging about Neuroendocrine Neoplasms, NENs for short. NEN is a relatively new term which came after my diagnosis. Nomenclature is still evolving and there is always something to learn. It's also true to say the term 'Neuroendocrine Neoplasms' is the same as saying 'Neuroendocrine Cancer'. These neoplasms are cancers that begin in specialised cells called 'neuroendocrine cells'. Neuroendocrine cells have traits similar to those of nerve cells and hormone-producing cells, particularly the latter. In face one NET specialist said "While the name “neuroendocrine” implies that these tumors involve both nerve cells and…
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in the treatment of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
What is Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)? External beam radiotherapy has been around for a while. But the next generation equipment and techniques are gradually being deployed. It's a confusing area with many synonyms which I found when I wrote about the subject in a treatment summary for patients. Some of the sub-components/synonyms may be familiar to you and are often used interchangeably with SBRT; but are actually a brand name (e.g. Cyberknife) or a type (e.g. Proton Beam). You will not find SBRT mentioned in any Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NENs) guidelines and that's because it is not a "standard of…
Paraneoplastic Syndromes – the NET Effect
Spectrum of paraneoplastic humoral syndromes secondary to NETs. CT, calcitonin; PTHrP, parathyroid hormone related peptide; CGRP, calcitonin gene related peptide; GLP, glucagon like peptide; ANP, atrial natriuretic peptide; VIP, vasointestinal peptide (*). Citation: Endocrine-Related Cancer 17, 3; 10.1677/ERC-10-0024 (* Author's note: not the usual description of VIP indicating a potential ectopic context) Although several hypotheses have been proposed regarding the pathogenesis of PNSs, the precise mechanism that leads to the development of PNS remains largely unknown. (In simple terms, pathogenesis means "the manner of development of a disease"Disclaimer. I read widely and noted various papers where there was clearly confusion…