Symptoms for neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) include fatigue, flushing, heart palpitations, an upset stomach and bowel symptoms.
Unfortunately NETs are difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are common across many illnesses, and treatments vary depending on where the tumour is located, how many there are, pace of growth and more.
The Hospital Research Foundation Group is proud to support the Nuclear Medicine Department at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital as a leader in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumours by providing patients access to world-leading clinical trials and research.
Neuroendocrine Tumour Support
Supporting The Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s nuclear medicine and oncology teams offer new therapies such as Lutate Therapy (also known as Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy) and Rose Bengal.
1. Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) is a targeted internal radiotherapy treatment for NETs, given intravenously (via a drip) to help deliver a targeted high dose of radiation directly to the cancer cells.
2. Rose Bengal is an option for NET patients who have not responded to other treatments, which involves a chemical red dye being injected directly into the patient’s tumour and shown to both alleviate symptoms and stop the tumour from growing.
Establishing a local data registry to capture clinical and quality-of-life data on recipients of Lutate Therapy, evaluating treatment success, toxicity, late complications, overall survival and quality of life.
2021 marks 10 years of Lutetium Octreotate (Lutate) being available in South Australia, with more than 177 treatments delivered to patients with progressive NETs.
Coordinating a wellness and survivorship program tailored around each patient’s unique circumstances, ensuring there is concise communication about the services available to patients, personalised patient schedules and education around self-management and wellbeing.
Dr Gabrielle Cehic AM (left) and her team are passionate about supporting patients through their NET journey and improving future care.
