Neuroendocrine Tumors

Look to UC San Diego Health for highly specialized, coordinated care for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).

Feel confident knowing you will receive timely, convenient access to the region's best cancer doctors and the most innovative treatment approaches at our clinic at Moores Cancer Center in La Jolla.

Your UC San Diego Health doctors have experience with this rare tumor type and may even successfully manage stage IV cancer as a chronic condition. Many of our patients are referred to us by doctors at other health systems because of our expertise in treating neuroendocrine tumors.

Nationally Ranked Cancer Care

UC San Diego Health is repeatedly ranked among the top 50 in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report. We are also the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in San Diego County. This is the highest possible rating for a U.S. cancer center, and it means you’ll receive the best possible care and support. Studies show patient outcomes are better at NCI-designated cancer centers.

Graphic with U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” badge for top-ranked cancer care

What Are Neuroendocrine Tumors?

The term "neuroendocrine tumors," or NETs, refers to a group of malignant tumors arising from cells in the body’s endocrine glands. These kinds of tumors usually occur in the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, small and large intestine, pancreas and appendix) and lungs. Neuroendocrine tumors may also be called neuroendocrine carcinoma, carcinoid tumors or neuroendocrine cancer. They are considered a rare tumor type. Learn more about UC San Diego Health's expertise in rare cancers.

Treatments for Neuroendocrine Tumors

UC San Diego Health has more treatment options for NETs than any other hospital system in San Diego.

Immunotherapy and targeted therapy Recurring or metastatic cancer may be treated with systemic therapies (such as immunotherapy), which travel throughout the body to kill or weaken cancer cells.

Chemotherapy This refers to drugs administered orally or intravenously to kill or weaken cancer cells.

Surgical resection Surgery to remove tumors, while leaving healthy tissue intact. In some cases, surgery may be performed through minimally invasive laparoscopy.

Radioembolization This treatment uses tiny beads containing the radioactive isotope yttrium Y-90, which are placed inside the tumor’s blood vessels.

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) This targeted therapy involves infusions of a radiotherapy, known as Lutathera or lutetium Lu 177 dotatate.

Liver transplantation We are a regional referral center for these life-saving transplant surgeries.

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) Chemotherapeutics are injected directly into tumors.

Microwave ablation Tumor tissue is destroyed with microwaves.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) Concentrated doses of radiation are precisely delivered to cancer cells using 3D imaging.

What to Expect: Your First Appointment

On your first visit, you will usually see two specialists and receive a list of treatment options on the same day. Please provide your doctor with any imaging or lab work prior to your first appointment.

1. Your first appointment will likely be scheduled on a Thursday afternoon. You will see both a medical oncologist and interventional radiologist to discuss your medical history, and review your labs and imaging studies.

2. You may have blood work or other tests to confirm your diagnosis or determine the stage of cancer.

3. Your doctor reviews your health information with other specialists to weigh treatment options. A care plan is usually developed by the end of the day.

Neuroendocrine Cancer Care Team

At UC San Diego Health, your oncology care is led by a multidisciplinary team of doctors who specialize in your type of cancer. Highly specialized multidisciplinary teams are a hallmark of top-tier academic medical centers such as UC San Diego Health. For patients like you, it means you receive the highest level of care. Find a neuroendocrine cancer specialist.

Medical oncologists

Surgical oncologists

Interventional radiologists

Radiation oncologists

Endocrinologists

Gastroenterologists

Hepatologist

Clinical Trials

Advancing Cancer Prevention and Care

UC San Diego Health is the region's only health system actively researching ways to improve care for those with neuroendocrine tumors. By joining a clinical trial, you may receive a new cancer treatment before it is available to the public. If your cancer has not responded to standard therapies, talk to your doctor about whether a clinical trial could be right for you.

Find a Clinical Trial

Second Opinion Services

When you have a diagnosis as serious as cancer, you deserve a second opinion on your treatment options.

How to Get a Second Opinion

Patient & Family Support Services

At UC San Diego Health, your care goes beyond treating disease. It also includes supporting you and your loved ones emotionally throughout your cancer journey. Most of our support services are free.

Browse All Support Services

Counseling & Therapy

Support Groups & Classes

Nutrition Counseling & Classes

Financial Counseling