23Jul 2023 by Ronny Allan No Comments
A tumour-finding probe improves the ‘effectiveness of surgery in Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumours

A tumour-finding probe improves the ‘effectiveness of surgery in Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumours

Clinical Trials and Research, Patient Advocacy, Treatment
A major challenge that cancer surgeons face currently is that there are no reliable methods to identify the tissue type during surgery (other than fast tracking tissue sampling). The surgical procedures, therefore, rely extensively on the experience and judgment of the surgeon to decide on how much tissue to remove around the tumor margins.  Sometimes this can result in the removal of excessive healthy tissue. On the other hand, not removing some tumour cells can often need a follow-up surgery to remove residual cancer tissue. This just adds to patient morbidity and long-term detrimental effects on the patient’s outcome. The use of tumour finding probes is not new and scientists have been looking at this for a number of years. Some healthcare commentators described some of these tools as working in…
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17Sep 2018 by Ronny Allan 2 Comments
Don’t worry, it’s benign!

Don’t worry, it’s benign!

Awareness, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Patient Advocacy
OPINIONOne of the most controversial aspects of Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) is the ‘benign vs malignant’ question. It’s been widely debated, and it frequently patrols the various patient forums and other social media platforms. It raises emotions and it triggers many responses ….. at least from those willing to engage in the conversation. At best, this issue can cause confusion, at worst, it might contradict what new patients have been told by their physicians (….or not been told). This post will not cover Neuroendocrine Carcinoma which by standard cancer nomenclature definition is malignant.Any standard cancer nomenclature definition of the word 'tumour' will confirm the definition of the word tumour means it can either be benign or malignant. However, and while I'm sure there are benign NETs, the key statement to explain…
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21Feb 2017 by Ronny Allan No Comments
Recent Progress in NET Management – Positive presentation from Jonathan R Strosberg MD

Recent Progress in NET Management – Positive presentation from Jonathan R Strosberg MD

Awareness, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Patient Advocacy, Treatment
I recently wrote a blog called Neuroendocrine Cancer – Exciting Times Ahead! I wrote that on a day I was feeling particularly positive and at the time, I wanted to share that positivity with you. I genuinely believe there's a lot of great things happening. Don't get me wrong, there's a lot still to be done, particularly in the area of diagnosis and quality of life after being diagnosed. However, this is a really great message from a well-known NET expert. In an interview with OncLive, Jonathan R. Strosberg, MD, associate professor at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida, discussed his presentation on NETs at a recent 2016 Symposium, and shed light on the progress that has been made in this treatment landscape. OncLive: Please highlight some of the main points from your…
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22Apr 2015 by Ronny Allan 41 Comments
Carcinoid vs Neuroendocrine

Carcinoid vs Neuroendocrine

Awareness, Patient Advocacy
OPINION  There's a constant debate regarding the validity of the term 'Carcinoid'.  I've posted about this a few times and as far as I know, the debate has been raging for some years. EDIT MARCH 2022.  The latest classification system for Lung Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NEN) confirms the word "carcinoid" is now a choice - the WHO Lung Committee bottled it.  I made my choice some years ago, I hope others follow suit.  Read more about changes to Lung NEN by clicking here. EDIT APRIL 2020.  The latest classification system for Neuroendocrine Neoplasms confirms the word "carcinoid" no longer forms part of the terminology used in Digestive System tumours (effectively removing the term from GEP NETs) - read more - click here Edit May 2020.  So, what about other areas not included in…
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