Arden NET Centre (European Neuroendocrine Centre of Excellence)

What are NETs?

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are rare cancers that start in neuroendocrine cells. These cells are found throughout the body and help control how your body works by releasing hormones.

NETs can grow in many places, most commonly the digestive system, pancreas, and lungs. Some grow slowly over many years, while others can grow more quickly.

Centre of Excellence

We are accredited by the European Neuroendocrine Tumour Society (ENETS) as a Centre of Excellence for:

• Gastro-entero-pancreatic NETs
• Lung neuroendocrine tumours

First accredited in 2015 and re-accredited since, demonstrating our commitment to high-quality care.

Regional Centre

As the regional specialist centre, we see patients from Coventry and Warwickshire and accept referrals from hospitals across the wider region. Because NETs are rare, you need specialist care from a team with expert knowledge. That's what we provide.

For patients

1. Speak to your GP: They can arrange initial tests and refer you to a specialist if needed.
2. Referral is made: Your GP or hospital doctor sends us your details and test results.
3. We review your case: Our team reviews your referral and decides how quickly you need to be seen.
4. Appointment letter: We contact you with an appointment, usually by letter or text message.

For GPs and doctors

We welcome referrals from GPs, hospital specialists and other NHS trusts across the region.Complete this form and email it to Nicola Gilmore at NET.MDT@uhcw.nhs.uk

When to refer

• Confirmed or suspected neuroendocrine tumour (any site)
• Patients requiring specialist MDT input for diagnosis, staging, or treatment planning
• Patients who may benefit from treatments only available at a specialist centre (e.g. PRRT)
• Patients with inherited conditions associated with NETs (e.g. MEN syndromes)

Information to include

• Relevant imaging reports and histopathology
• Biochemistry results (chromogranin A, gut hormones, 24-hour urinary 5-HIAA)
• Brief clinical history and current symptoms
• Any genetic testing results

Investigations and Tests

• CT scan – detailed X-ray images
• MRI scan – magnetic imaging
• PET-CT scan – with Gallium-68 tracer
• MIBG scan – for certain NET types
• Endoscopy – camera and biopsy
• Blood & urine tests – hormone markers

All scans available on site at UHCW

Surgery

• Removal of primary tumour
• Liver surgery including ablation
• Pancreatic surgery
• Bowel surgery
• Lung surgery

Advanced robotic surgery available for suitable patients

Radiological Treatments

• Ablative Therapy – targeted destruction of tumour tissue
• Trans-arterial Embolisation – blocking blood supply to tumours
• SIRT – Selective Internal Radiation Therapy
• Interventional Venous Sampling – to locate hormone-secreting tumours

Performed by specialist Interventional Radiologists

Nuclear Medicine

Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy delivers targeted radiation directly to NET cells.

Available at UHCW since 2019. Your team will discuss if this may be an option for you.

Medicines

• Somatostatin analogues – monthly injections to slow growth and control symptoms
• Targeted therapies – medicines targeting NET growth pathways
• Chemotherapy – for faster-growing NETs

All medicine decisions made by your MDT

Supportive Care

• Dietary advice – tailored nutrition support
• Pain management – specialist pain control
• Psychological support – for patients and families
• Palliative care – symptom control at any stage