Uncommon Cancer Center
To lead uncommon cancer treatment, Uncommon cancer Center at SMC operates the Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET) Clinic. The Clinic brings together specialists in hematology and oncology, gastroenterology, gastrointestinal surgery, radiation oncology, and radiology under its multi-disciplinary system to provide accurate diagnoses and regimens along with quick treatment. To help palliate symptoms and improve our patients’ quality of life, we cooperate with other specialized clinics and deliver diet, stress, and pain management services.
Major areas of treatment / Clinics
Neuroendocrine tumors
Diagnostic tests
We conduct hormone and urine (5-HIAA) tests, imaging (e.g. CT, MRI, PET, Octreoscan, etc.) and biopsies.
Latest treatment methods
The primary treatment for NETs is radical resection. Depending on individual conditions, it is combined with targeted therapies and chemotherapies using octreotide, lanreotide, pasireotide, interfereon-α, everolimus, and sunitinib. In case of liver metastasis, transcathter arterial chemoembolization or radiation therapies may be considered. Recently, the latest drugs are also adopted to treat NETs as part of clinical trials.
Recent trends in clinical research
NETs are very rare and intractable. Still, the patients can enjoy a longer life when they are properly and actively treated with radical resection by skilled doctors, a variety of newly approved drugs, and palliative care.
Our center is the only institute in Korea dedicated to uncommon cancer research and treatment. To lay the foundation of NET treatment, we are focusing on clinical and translational research of new medicine, targeted agents, and medical procedures.
Depending on the location and the pathological and molecular characters, NETs develop differently and thus, should be treated differently. To find appropriate treatment for each unique condition, research is extensively conducted.
Here in the NET Clinic, we also carry out research actively to adopt the best treatment for each patient.