Tag: TNM staging system

A system to describe the amount and spread of cancer in a patient’s body, using TNM.

T describes the size of the tumor and any spread of cancer into nearby tissue;

N describes spread of cancer to nearby lymph nodes;

M describes metastasis (spread of cancer to other parts of the body).

This system was created and is updated by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and the International Union Against Cancer (UICC), ENETS also has definitions.

The TNM staging system is used to describe most types of cancer.

27Oct 2015 by Ronny Allan 25 Comments

Grading and Staging Staging Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (incorporating WHO 2021 changes)

Patient Advocacy

One of the most discussed and sometimes confusing subjects on forums is the staging and grading of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NENs). Mixing them up is a common error and so it's important to understand the difference despite the apparent complexity. If I was to make a list of questions for my specialist/Oncologist at diagnosis, it would include "What is the stage, grade and differentiation of my cancer". To enable me to synchronise with the documented guidance, I'm going to use the following WHO 2019 approved terms in this post and then provide an update of the key WHO 2019 changes below.Neuroendocrine Neoplasm (NEN) - all types of Neuroendocrine tumour of whatever grade (please note Neoplasm is another word for tumour)Neuroendocrine Tumour (NET) - all well-differentiated tumours, Grade 1,2 or 3 (an…

After a few months of introducing C-19 vaccines, many cases of false-positive lymph nodes were reported on nuclear PET scans, some of which led to unnecessary biopsies and unnecessary worry for the patients concerned. According to Mayo Clinic, the positive nodes were on the same side as the vaccine shot in the cases where the […]

Clinical Trial: Triapine and Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate for Neuroendocrine Tumors

What is PRRT? I’m guessing most of my readers know what Peptide Receptor Radiotherapy (PRRT) is. But for those new to this field, read more here What is Triapine? Triapine is a ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) inhibitor, I.e. it helps repair DNA. When I research this drug, I can see it is used in numerous examples […]

CAPTEM for Neuroendocrine Tumours

What is CAPTEM? Capecitabine is an oral drug used alone or with other drugs to treat certain types of colorectal cancer and breast cancer. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer including in combination with a second drug. Capecitabine is taken up by cancer cells and breaks down into […]

Living with Cancer: Don’t cross the bridge until you come to it

When I read comments in my private Facebook community group, I can see that many people do get concerned about upcoming scans and other rest results. I think the imaging results cause the most angst because those are probably the most telling results someone with Neuroendocrine Cancer will get. Has it grown, has it shrunk? […]

Clinical Trial: Dostarlimab, anti–PD-1 monoclonal antibody in Neuroendocrine Carcinoma

Whenever I post about a new trial or study, some people get excited without understanding that these new treatments and capabilities can very often take years to come to fruition and it’s also possible that clinical trials can be halted, or that national approval agencies will not approve the final product. Please bear that in […]