This website is intended for an international audience, excluding the UK, United States, Canada and France
This website is intended for an international audience, excluding the UK, United States, Canada and France
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  • 5

  • 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) test
    5-HIAA is a substance that is broken down (metabolised) from serotonin. A high level of 5-HIAA in a 24-hour urine test sample can be used to confirm whether a person's symptoms, such as flushing of the skin (particularly the face) and diarrhoea, are due to carcinoid syndrome.
  • 1

  • 18F-dihydroxy-phenylalanine
    A radioactive substance or tracer that is used in a PET scan to detect the location of NETs. Also called flurodopa or 18F-DOPA.
  • a

  • Adrenaline
    A hormone and neurotransmitter. Also called epinephrine (USA).
  • Adverse events
    Another name for side effects. An adverse event in a clinical trial is an unfavourable change in a participant’s health. The two types of adverse events recorded in clinical trials are significant or serious adverse events - changes that put the participant’s life in danger, requires hospital treatment, interferes with living a normal life, or cause birth defects - and other adverse events, which are less serious.
  • b

  • Benign (tumour)
    A noncancerous growth that does not invade nearby tissue or spread from one part of the body to another.
  • Bone scintigraphy
    A bone scan. An imaging test that uses a very small amount of radioactive dye to help diagnose problems in the bones. It involves an injection with a radioactive substance called a radionuclide. A bone scan may also be called bone scintigraphy, a radionuclide scan, or a nuclear medicine scan.
  • Bronchial NETs
    NETs that develop in the lungs. There are two types depending on where they occur. Central bronchial NETs are located in trachea (windpipe) and around the main central area of the lungs. Peripheral bronchial NETs are in the outer areas of the lungs. Bronchial NETs are the second most common cause of carcinoid syndrome. Bronchial NETs may also be referred to as bronchial carcinoids or bronchial carcinoid tumours.
  • Bronchoscope
    A thin, flexible fibre-optic instrument that has a light source and a viewing device or camera on the end and is used to look inside the airways.
  • Bronchoscopy
    A nonsurgical procedure that is used to look inside a person's airways inside the lungs using a bronchoscope.
  • c

  • Carcinogenesis
    The process by which normal cells become cancer cells.
  • Carcinoid syndrome
    A group of symptoms that can occur together when NETs release hormones such as serotonin, histamine and bradykinin. These symptoms may include diarrhoea, flushing of the skin (particularly the face), wheezing, stomach pain and heart problems such as palpitations and high blood pressure, but vary from person to person.
  • Carcinoid tumours
    Carcinoid tumours or carcinoids are old terms for neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). The term is usually used to describe gastrointestinal NETs or gastroenteropancreatic NETs (GEP-NETs).
  • Carcinoids
    Carcinoids (or carcinoid tumors) are a previous name for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Today, carcinoid tumors are more accurately called gastroenteropancreatic NETs (GEP-NETs) because they often occur in the gastrointestinal (digestive) system or in the pancreas.
  • Carcinoma
    A type of cancer that begins in the cells that line the entire surface of the body as well as the internal structures and cavities. Carcinomas may affect the breast, lung, prostate and colon, and are among the most common types of cancer occurring in adults.
  • Cardiologist
    A doctor that specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the heart and circulatory system.
  • Catecholamines
    A type of neurohormone (a chemical that is made by nerve cells and used to send signals to other cells). Catecholamines are also a collective term for the hormones adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine. High levels of catecholamines in the urine or blood may indicate the presence of NETs.
  • Chemotherapy
    Drugs that kill cancer cells. Can be given by mouth or by injection into a vein or muscle to treat NETs.
  • Chromogranin A
    Chromogranin A or CgA is a protein that is secreted by neuroendocrine tissues. It may be used as a marker in blood tests or tissue samples to detect NETs. It is one of the most important tumour markers for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NETs).
  • Colonoscopy
    A test that examines of the inside of the colon (gut). During this test a thin, tube-like instrument called a colonoscope is inserted into the anus and passed up inside the gut. The colonoscope has a very small light and video camera at the end for viewing the inside of the gut.
  • Computed tomography (CT)
    Computed tomography scan. An imaging method that uses X-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. CT scans are one of the main imaging techniques used for diagnosing and monitoring NETs.
  • Crohn's disease
    A condition that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal (digestive system). It is one of a group of diseases called inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn’s can affect any area of the digestive system from the mouth to the anus
  • Cryoablation
    A procedure that involves freezing cancer cells to kill them. A thin surgical instrument called a cryoprobe is inserted through the skin, directly into tumours to freeze them. After treatment, the body’s immune system gets rid of the dead tissue over a few weeks. Also known as cryotherapy or cryosurgery.
  • Cryoprobe
    A long, thin pointed surgical instrument used, to apply extreme cold to tissues.
  • Cryosurgery
    Also known as cryoablation, a procedure that involves freezing cancer cells to kill them. A thin surgical instrument called a cryoprobe is inserted through the skin, directly into tumours to freeze them. After treatment, the body’s immune system gets rid of the dead tissue over a few weeks. Also known as cryotherapy or cryosurgery.
  • Cytotoxic therapy
    Any treatment or process that kills cells. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are two forms of cytotoxic therapy used to kill cancer cells.
  • d

  • Debulking
    A type of surgery that is used to remove as much of the cancer as possible to make chemotherapy or radiation possible or more effective. Debulking may be performed when it is not possible to remove all of a tumour such as when doing so may severely harm an organ.
  • Depression
    A persistent feeling of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, tiredness and poor concentration. Mild depression can often be treated without medicines but people with moderate or severe depression may need long-term treatment with medications, professional psychological counselling, or both.
  • Diarrhoea
    A general term that describes passing more frequent or looser stools than is normal for you.
  • Dietician
    A healthcare professional who is an expert in diet and nutrition and can advise patients on how to eat healthily.
  • Differentiated
    Describes how closely cancer cells resemble the normal cells of the body. ‘Well differentiated’ cancer cells look very similar to normal cells and tend to grow and spread more slowly than ‘poorly differentiated ‘ or ‘undifferentiated’ cancer cells that look and behave very differently to normal body cells.
  • DNA
    The molecules inside cells that carry genetic information and pass it from one generation to the next. Also called deoxyribonucleic acid.
  • Dopamine
    A hormone and neurotransmitter released by the brain. High levels of dopamine in the urine or blood may indicate the presence of NETs.
  • e

  • Echocardiogram
    An imaging test that uses ultrasound to produce moving images of the heart and blood flow through the heart’s valves and structures. Also called a cardiac echo or simply an echo.
  • Efficacy
    How well a treatment works. The measurements that determine efficacy are decided in advance of a clinical trial, and are constantly monitored as the trial progresses.
  • Embolisation
    Where a blood vessel becomes obstructed. In the case of treating liver NETs with radioembolisation, a radioactive material is placed inside the blood vessels that supply blood to the tumours. This cuts off the blood supply to the tumours and can help slow their further growth.
  • Endocrine system
    Consists of cells throughout the body that produce hormones. These are chemical substances that are carried through the bloodstream to have specific regulatory effects on the activity of other organs or cells in the body.
  • Endocrinologist
    A doctor that specialises in diagnosing and treating conditions caused by hormonal or endocrine imbalances in the body.
  • Endoscope
    A medical device consisting of a long, thin, flexible tube that has a light and a video camera at the end and is inserted into the body via the mouth. Endoscopes can be used to look for cancers that cause no symptoms. They can also be used to collect a sample of tissue (biopsy) for further examination.
  • Endoscopy
    A nonsurgical procedure that is used to look inside a person's digestive tract using an endoscope.
  • f

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose
    Usually abbreviated to FDG. This is a radioactive substance or tracer that is used in a PET scan to identify the presence of certain tumour types within the body.
  • Functioning tumours
    NETs that make extra amounts of hormones, such as gastrin, insulin, and glucagon, which can cause signs and symptoms. Also known as functional or functioning tumours - NETs that make extra amounts of hormones, such as gastrin, insulin, and glucagon, which can cause signs and symptoms.
  • g

  • Gallium-68
    A radioactive substance or tracer that is injected into the body and can be used to identify specific neuroendocrine cancer cells during a PET scan.
  • Gastrin
    A hormone released by the pancreas that causes the stomach to produce digestive acids and enzymes. Gastrin can be used as a marker in blood tests to detect and monitor NETs.
  • Gastritis
    Gastritis is an inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach. Some people with gastritis do not experience any symptoms. Common symptoms may include appetite loss, indigestion, black stools, nausea and vomiting
  • Gastroenterologist
    A doctor that specialises in diagnosing and treating disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (digestive system) – which includes the food pipe (oesophagus), stomach, and gut (intestines) – and the liver.
  • Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NETs)
    Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. NETs found in the gastrointestinal (digestive) system or the pancreas.
  • Gastrointestinal NETs (GI-NETs)
    Gastrointestinal NETs (GI-NETs). These are the most common type of NETs (previously called carcinoid tumours). They are found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and include tumours that develop in the small or large bowel, stomach or food pipe (oesophagus).
  • Gastrointestinal tract
    Also known as the GI tract or digestive system, it is the organ system that is responsible for consuming and digesting foods, absorbing nutrients from food and expelling waste. It includes the mouth, throat, oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum and anus.
  • Gastroscopy
    Examination of the inside of the stomach using a flexible fibre-optic tube called a gastroscope that is passed through the mouth and oesophagus and into the gut.
  • General Practitioner / Practice Nurse
    A general practitioner (GP) or primary care physician is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats all type of medical conditions. GPs are often the first healthcare professional a patient will see before they are referred for specialist care. A practice nurse works alongside the GP to assess, screen, treat, and educate patients on health and can help monitor those with long term conditions.
  • GEP-NET
    Also known as gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NETs) - a NET found in the gastrointestinal (digestive) system or the pancreas.
  • Glucagon
    A hormone produced by the pancreas that helps to increase blood sugar (glucose) levels and keep blood sugar levels balanced. Measuring the presence of glucagon in the blood can be used to detect and monitor NETs occurring in the pancreas.
  • Grade
    A description of how cancer cells look under a microscope and how quickly they are growing. Grades are used to help plan treatment and determine prognosis.
  • h

  • Hepatic chemoembolisation
    Also known as hepatic artery embolisation (HAE) or transarterial embolisation (TACE) - This is a therapeutic method used to treat primary liver tumours, and cancer tumours that have spread to the liver (metastatic liver tumours).
  • Histamine
    A natural hormone produced and stored within the body. It is a part of the body's immune response and is released during an allergic reaction. Symptoms of gastrointestinal NETs (GI-NETs) may be caused by an excessive release of histamine.
  • Hormones
    Chemicals that are carried through the bloodstream to have specific regulatory effect on the activity of other organs or cells in the body.
  • i

  • Insulin
    A hormone produced in the pancreas that regulates the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The lack of insulin causes a form of diabetes. Functioning tumours in the pancreas may make extra amounts of insulin.
  • Interferon
    A substance that can improve the body's natural response to infections and other diseases. Interferons can help stop cancer cells from diving to form new cancer cell and can slow down the growth of tumours. The body normally produces interferon. It can also be made in the laboratory to treat cancer and other diseases.
  • Irradiation
    Also called total body irradiation (TBI). This treatment method gives radiotherapy to the whole body. It uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumours.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
    A group of symptoms—including pain or discomfort in the abdomen and changes in bowel movement patterns—that occur together
  • k

  • Ki-67
    Ki-67 is a protein present in cancer cells that can be helpful to diagnose and assess the prognosis of tumours, including NETs. The Ki-67 index is a percentage indicating how much of this protein is present in cancer cells at any one time. The higher the index, the faster the cancer cells are growing. The results may allow doctors predict how likely the cancer is to grow or spread.
  • Ki-67 index
    Ki-67 is a protein used to diagnose and assess the prognosis of tumours including NETs. The Ki-67 index measures how much of this protein is present in cancer cells. The results may allow doctors to grade NETs, and predict how likely they are to grow or spread.
  • l

  • Linear accelerator
    A machine that uses electricity to form a stream of fast-moving subatomic particles. This creates high-energy radiation that may be used to treat cancer.
  • Localised
    A localised tumour is contained in one area of the body.
  • Lung function tests
    Tests that look at how well the lungs work, such as by measuring how much air a person can exhale after taking in a deep breath. Also called pulmonary function tests.
  • Lung NETs
    Lung neuroendocrine tumours - an uncommon form of lung cancer caused by NETs. There are two grades (grade 1 and grade 2) of lung NETs depending on how quickly they  grow.
  • Lung neuroendocrine tumours
    An uncommon form of lung cancer caused by NETs. There are two grades (grade 1 and grade 2) of lung NETs depending on how quickly they grow.
  • Lutetium-177
    A substance that emits radiation (radionuclide) and is one of most commonly used radionuclides for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) in treating NETs.
  • m

  • Malignant tumours
    Malignant tumours are made up of cells that grow out of control. Cells in these tumours can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.
  • Metabolically active tumour
    A term used to describe tumours that are actively growing and using the body’s energy resources.
  • Metastases
    Secondary cancer or tumours that have developed at a distance from the primary cancer site.
  • Metastasis
    A process that describes how cancer cells spread from one part of the body to another.
  • Metastasise
    To spread from one part of the body to another
  • Metastasised
    Past tense of metastasise, which means to spread from one part of the body to another.
  • Metastasize
    To spread from one part of the body to another
  • Metastasized
    See also metastasize - meaning to spread from one part of the body to another.
  • MIBG scan
    An imaging test that uses the radiopharmaceutical metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) to help locate and diagnose certain types of cancer in the body.
  • Molecules
    A group of two or more atoms linked together by sharing electrons in a chemical bond. Molecules are the fundamental components of chemical compounds and are the smallest part of a compound that can participate in a chemical reaction.
  • MRI scan
    Magnetic resonance imaging scan. An MRI scan uses a large magnet and radio waves to look at organs and structures inside the body. It is one of the main imaging techniques used for diagnosing and monitoring NETs.
  • Multidisciplinary NET team
    Healthcare professionals from various clinical areas who can help to advise patients about the different aspects of their NETs care.
  • Multiple endocrine neoplasia
    Abbreviated to MEN - a rare, genetic condition that causes tumours to develop in endocrine glands, most commonly in the parathyroid glands, pituitary gland and the pancreas. People with MEN 1 have a high risk of developing NETs.
  • n

  • NETs
    Neuroendocrine tumours that arise from cells of the body’s neuroendocrine system. You may also hear the term neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) which is a broader term for NETs and which also includes more aggressive neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). Another older, and generally superseded, term you may hear is carcinoid tumours. NETs most commonly occur in the digestive system (gastrointestinal or GI NETs) but they are also found in the pancreas (pancreatic NETs), lung (lung NETs) and the rest of the body. GI NETs can include 'mid-gut' or 'small intestinal' NETs, depending on where they are found in the GI (digestive) tract. When talking about a variety of NETs including from the GI system and the pancreas, the group term is(...)
  • Neuroendocrine cancer
    A malignant tumour that starts in neuroendocrine cells. Malignant means that it can spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body.
  • Neuroendocrine cells
    Cells that are distributed throughout a network in the body and make up the neuroendocrine system. Neuroendocrine cells release hormones into the blood that then regulate specific body functions, such as metabolism, growth and reproduction.
  • Neuroendocrine system
    This is made up of a network of neuroendocrine cells that are distributed throughout the body.
  • Neuroendocrine tumours
    Abbreviated to NETs - tumours that arise from cells of the endocrine (hormonal) and nervous systems. They most commonly occur in the gastrointestinal (digestive) system but they are also found in the pancreas, lung and the rest of the body.
  • Neurofibromatosis type 1
    A genetic condition characterised by changes in skin colouring (pigmentation) and the growth of tumours along nerves in the skin, brain, and other parts of the body. People with neurofibromatosis type 1 have a high risk of developing NETs.
  • Neurotensin
    A peptide neurotransmitter found in various parts of the brain. It is involved in vasodilation, hypotension, and pain perception. Levels of neurotensin in the blood can be used to detect and monitor NETs.
  • Non-functioning tumours
    Tumours that do not make extra amounts of hormones. Also known as nonfunctional tumours. Most nonfunctional tumours are malignant (cancerous). Signs and symptoms are caused by the tumour as it spreads and grows
  • Noradrenaline
    A chemical made by some nerve cells and in the adrenal gland. It can act as both a neurotransmitter and a hormone. Also called norepinephrine (USA).
  • NT proBNP
    A protein that can be measured in the blood and used to help detect and evaluate the risk of heart failure.
  • Nuclear Medicine Physician
    A specialist physician who used radioactive substances or radiopharmaceuticals to diagnose and treat disease. They perform techniques such as scintigraphy that is an imaging method used in the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs).
  • Nuclear medicine scan
    An imaging test that produces two-dimensional images of the distribution of radioactivity in tissues after the internal administration of a radiopharmaceutical imaging agent. Radioactive imaging tests include octreotide scan, bone scintigraphy and MIBG scan.
  • Nurse Specialist
    A nurse who has specifically trained to treat patients with a certain illness, such as neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), and can act as a consultant to help other medical professionals to treat patients.
  • o

  • Observational study
    A type of clinical trial in which researchers measure what participants are doing normally, instead of assigning them to receive a treatment. The results of observational studies are valuable but give researchers little information about cause and effect.
  • Octreotide scan
    An imaging test used to find certain tumours, including NETs. Radioactive octreotide is injected into a vein and travels through the blood. A radiation-measuring device (gamma camera) detects the radioactive octreotide (a medicine used to treat NETs), and creates pictures showing where the tumour cells are in the body. Also called somatostatin receptor scintigraphy or SRS.
  • Oncologist
    A doctor that specialises in treating people with cancer. Cancer doctors who specialise in treating patient surgically are known as surgical oncologists, those who treat patients with medications are called medical oncologists, and those who use radiation therapy are referred to as radiation oncologists.
  • p

  • Pain Team
    A specialist team of doctors and nurses who provide interventions and therapies for the management of pain, such as the pain associated with having neuroendocrine tumours (NETs).
  • Palliative Care Team
    A team of specialised doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who are trained to provide supportive care such as pain relief to people with long-term, terminal illnesses, particularly during the last days of life.
  • Pancreas
    A feather-shaped organ located in the abdomen between the stomach and the spine. It is about 6 inches long and releases substances that help the body to digest food. The pancreas also produces the hormone insulin, which helps control the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood.
  • Pancreatic enzyme insufficiency
    Develops when the pancreas does not work properly and cannot produce enough enzymes needed for digestion.
  • Pancreatic enzyme replacement
    The use of medications to replace enzymes that the pancreas is no longer able to make or release. These enzymes include those that help digest protein, carbohydrates and fat.
  • Pancreatic NETs
    Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (pNETs) - Tumours that form in hormone-making cells (islet cells) of the pancreas. These include functioning and non-functioning tumours.
  • Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (pNETs)
    Also known as pancreatic NETs or pNETs. Tumours that form in hormone-making cells (islet cells) of the pancreas. These include functioning and non-functioning tumours.
  • Pancreatic polypeptide
    A hormone produced by the pancreas.  Levels of pancreatic polypeptides are high in the blood of people with pancreatic NETs (pNETS). Blood levels can therefore be used to diagnose and monitor pNETs.
  • Pancreatic tumours
    Tumours that form in the pancreas. These tumours may include pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (pNETs).
  • Paraganglioma
    A rare type of neuroendocrine tumour that forms in nerve tissue in the adrenal glands and near certain blood vessels. Signs and symptoms include high blood pressure (hypertension) and headache.
  • Pathologist
    A physician who identifies diseases and conditions by studying the structure and characteristics of cells and tissues.
  • Peptic ulcer disease
    Also known as stomach ulcers. Peptic ulcer disease involves sores that develop in the lining of the stomach, lower oesophagus, or small intestine. Symptoms may include stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, and nausea or vomiting
  • Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT)
    A therapy that delivers a small protein joined to a radioactive substance (radionuclide) to the surface of cancer cells. Also called hormone-delivered radiotherapy.
  • Percutaneous alcohol injection
    Used to treat liver cancer. This therapy involves the injection of pure alcohol through the skin and directly into cancer in the liver. The alcohol then kills the cancer by dehydrating the tissue and stopping its blood supply. Also known as a percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI).
  • Percutaneous cryoablation
    Cryoablation is a procedure that involves freezing cancer cells to kill them. A thin surgical instrument called a cryoprobe is inserted through the skin, directly into tumours to freeze them. After treatment, the body’s immune system gets rid of the dead tissue over a few weeks. Also known as cryotherapy or cryosurgery.
  • Percutaneous ethanol injection
    (Percutaneous alcohol injection). Used to treat liver cancer. This therapy involves the injection of pure alcohol through the skin and directly into cancer in the liver. The alcohol then kills the cancer by dehydrating the tissue and stopping its blood supply. Also known as a percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI).
  • Phaechromocytoma
    A rare type of neuroendocrine tumour that forms in the centre of the adrenal glands. Signs and symptoms include high blood pressure (hypertension) and headache.
  • pNETs
    Pancreatic tumours that form in hormone-making cells (islet cells) of the pancreas. These include functioning and non-functioning tumours.
  • Positron emission tomography (PET)
    A PET scan is an imaging technique that can show how body tissues are working, as well as what they look like. It can help to diagnose and assess the severity of a cancer. In this scan, a radioactive tracer may be injected, swallowed or inhaled, depending on which organ or tissue is being studied by the PET scan.
  • Primary site
    The place in the body where a tumour starts.
  • Primary tumour
    The original, or first, tumour in the body. Cancer cells can spread from a primary tumour to other parts of the body and form secondary tumours. The place where a primary tumour starts in the body is called the primary site.
  • Probiotic supplements
    Probiotic supplements are live bacteria and yeasts that are good or helpful for your gastrointestinal (digestive) system.
  • Prognosis
    A medical prediction about the probable cause and outcome of a disease.
  • Proliferative index
    A measure of the number of cells in a tumour that are dividing (proliferating).
  • Prophylaxis
    Preventative treatment or action
  • Psychologist
    A healthcare professional that specialises in how the mind works and how it affects behaviour.
  • Psychologist / Counselling Staff
    Counselling staff are trained to provide psychological support to people and their families and help them talk about their problems and feelings.
  • r

  • Radiation therapy
    Also called radiotherapy, irradiation, or X-ray therapy. This procedure involves the use of high-energy radio waves, such as C-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, or protons, to destroy or damage cancer cells. Radiation therapy is one of the most common treatments for NETs.
  • Radioembolisation
    Uses radiation to treat NETs that have developed in the liver. It is similar to hepatic chemoembolisation but instead of chemotherapy it uses radiation to block the blood supply to NET cells in the liver. This process stops the tumour from releasing its hormones into the blood system. Also known as hepatic artery embolisation (HAE).
  • Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
    Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat made by radio waves to kill cancer cells. RFA is given using a probe (electrode) that is injected through the skin into the tumour. The electrical current from the probe heats the cancer cells to high temperatures, which destroys them.
  • Radiologist
    A medical doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating disease and injury through the use of medical imaging techniques, such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), fusion imaging, and ultrasound.
  • Radionuclide
    A radionuclide (sometimes called a radioisotope or isotope) is a chemical that emits a type of radioactivity called gamma rays.
  • Radiotherapy
    Also called radiation therapy, irradiation or X-ray therapy. This procedure involves the use of high-energy radio waves, such as C-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, or protons, to destroy or damage cancer cells. Radiation therapy is one of the most common treatments for NETs.
  • s

  • Safety
    A measure of a participant’s health and well-being during and after a clinical trial. Because safety is the top priority, members of the research team must closely monitor changes in participants’ health throughout the trial.
  • Secondary cancer
    Also known as a secondary tumour or metastasis. This is a tumour that forms from cancer cells that spread from a primary tumour to other parts of the body. The secondary tumour is the same type of cancer as the primary tumour.
  • Serotonin
    A hormone and neurotransmitter that is found in many tissues of the body. Symptoms of gastrointestinal NETs (GI-NETs) may be caused by an excessive release of serotonin.
  • Small bowel capsule endoscopy
    (digestive) system, especially the small intestine. It involves swallowing a small capsule about the size and shape of a pill. The capsule contains a very small video camera that takes pictures of the inside of the gut.
  • Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
    Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or SIBO is the presence of excessively more than normal levels of bacteria in the small intestine which can cause bloating, wind and diarrhoea.
  • Somatostatin
    A hormone that stops the release of other hormones, such as gastrin, insulin and glucagon. Symptoms of gastrointestinal NETs (GI NETs) may be caused by an excessive release of somatostatin.
  • Somatostatin analogue
    Medication that copies or mimics the action of the hormone somatostatin. Somatostatin analogues may reduce the symptoms of NETs by stopping the body from making too many hormones. They may lessen flushing of the skin and diarrhoea, and help slow tumour growth. Given by injection.
  • Somatostatin receptor nuclear medicine scan
    An imaging test used to find certain tumours, including NETs. A radiopharmaceutical imaging agent is injected into a vein and travels through the blood. A radiation-measuring device (gamma camera) detects the radioactive drug, and makes pictures showing where the tumour cells are in the body.
  • Sonography
    A procedure that uses high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) to look at tissues and organs inside the body. Ultrasound scans are one of the main imaging techniques used for diagnosing and monitoring NETs. Ultrasound is also known as sonography.
  • Stage
    The cancer stage gives an indication of where the cancer is located and how far it has spread within the body.
  • Steatorrhoea
    A term used to describe faeces that contain a large amount of fat. Stools will be pale, offensive smelling, may look greasy and might be difficult to flush away. If you experience steatorrhea you might need prescribed medication to aid digestion, so speak to a member of your NET team.
  • Surgeon
    A highly skilled doctor who preforms operations, such as the removal of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs).
  • Surgery
    Surgery for NETs involves the physical removal of tumours.
  • t

  • Targeted cancer therapies
    Drugs or other substances that block the growth, development and spread of cancer cells. These treatments are also known as molecularly targeted therapies.
  • Transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE)
    A procedure in which the blood supply to a tumour is blocked (embolised) and chemotherapy is administered directly into the tumour. TACE is used to treat liver cancer and is also called chemoembolization or hepatic artery embolisation (HAE).
  • u

  • Ultrasound
    A procedure that uses high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) to look at tissues and organs inside the body. Ultrasound scans are one of the main imaging techniques used for diagnosing and monitoring NETs. Ultrasound is also known as sonography.
  • Ultrasound scan
    A procedure that uses high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) to look at tissues and organs inside the body. Ultrasound scans are one of the main imaging techniques used for diagnosing and monitoring NETs. Ultrasound is also known as sonography.
  • v

  • Various Clinic Staff
    Staff who work at the clinic who are not necessarily healthcare professionals but are still involved in patient care, such as medical orderlies (also known as hospital orderlies or ward assistants) and administrative staff.
  • Vaso-intestinal peptide (VIP)
    A rare hormone found in the pancreas, intestine, and central nervous system. Also known as vasoactive intestinal polypeptide or VIPoma. This hormone stimulates insulin and glucagon release. Levels of vaso-intestinal peptide can be measured in the blood to detect and monitor NETs.
  • Volunteers
    People who participate in a clinical trial. A healthy volunteer is someone with no significant known health problems; this kind of volunteer is often needed in a trial to show comparisons with individuals who have a disease. Patients with a specific medical condition may also volunteer if they fit the specific eligibility criteria set for a given trial.
  • Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (VHL)
    A genetic condition that causes blood vessels to grow abnormally. People with Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (VHL) have a high risk of developing NETs.
  • w

  • Ward Staff
    Nurses and other staff, such as medical orderlies who help with the general care of patients, such as transportation within the clinic, preparing and serving meals, and generally assisting patients and nursing staff.
  • x

  • X-ray therapy
    A type of radiation therapy that uses high-energy radiation from X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours.
  • y

  • Yttrium-90 (Y-90)
    A substance that emits radiation (radionuclide) and is one of most commonly used radionuclides for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) in treating NETs.
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This website is intended for an international audience, excluding the UK, United States, Canada and France. This website has been developed by Ipsen in collaboration with those living with NETs and the healthcare professionals who care for them. Ipsen would like to thank everyone for their valuable insights and stories. All names used on this website are not necessarily real names. Visit www.ipsen.com for more information about us. Website design and development by Kanga Health Ltd. ALL-ALL-002300/November 2020