Neuroendocrine tumor treatment with targeted therapy

Targeted therapy for neuroendocrine tumors aims to control further growth and development of tumors by preventing certain substances (protein, hormone, or other vital components) from reaching the cancer tissues. Different types of neuroendocrine tumors require varying approaches to target therapy. As a result, oncologists often might need to conduct additional examinations before prescribing any further treatment. Nowadays, plenty of various medications are available to use during targeted therapy, including mTOR inhibitors (e. g. , everolimus), tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e. g. , sunitinib), and somatostatin analogs (e. g. , lanreotide). In addition, along with targeted therapy, patients often receive additional symptomatic treatment that helps decrease the severity of NETs symptoms and prevent some of the adverse effects. Targeted therapy medications mostly deliver via intravenous injections and droppers, but other administration forms are also available. A single procedure might take up to a few hours. In addition, the patient usually gets up to 4 weeks of rest before the next treatment session. Usually, patients need at least four courses of targeted therapy to obtain sustainable positive results.