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.

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Patients' Rights and Responsibilities

Patients' Rights

1. Right to receive medical care

Patients have the right to receive proper care in a safe setting without discrimination nor should their right to care be violated regardless of their gender, age, religion, social status, nationality, language, race, or physical/mental/financial status. Medical teams shall not refuse to provide care without justifiable reason.

2. Right to be informed and to make an autonomous decision

Patients have the right to obtain full and complete information from their medical team, to ask questions, and to determine their agreement or refusal concerning: diagnosis, treatment (purpose, plans and methods), outcomes of care (including unanticipated outcomes), discharge plan, participation in medical research studies, organ transplantation/donation, etc. Within ethical boundaries, patients may discontinue or refuse treatment, request that the medical team explain and suggest alternative treatments, and reserve the right to make their own decisions.

3. Right to confidentiality

Patients' rights to confidentiality regarding their physical/health status and privacy will not be violated. Patients can expect that all medical records/reports and their personal privacy will be kept confidential unless the patient has given consent or disclosure is permitted by law. To ensure their privacy, patients may be informed that Individuals not directly involved in their care may not be present and that the number of guardians accompanying patients to consultation rooms may be limited.

4. Right to request consultation and mediation

In the event of a medical dispute, patients may request consultation and mediation from an internal or external agency (Korea Consumer Agency, Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency).

5. Right to have values and beliefs respected

Patients will not be discriminated against because of their culture, religious values, or beliefs, and their rights will not be violated.

6. Right to receive care in a safe setting

Patients have the right to receive hospital-provided care where the patient’s medical information is protected and patient safety can be assured. In addition, patients have the right to be protected from possible dangers that can occur in a hospital and to have stability of mind and body.

Patients' Responsibilities

1. Responsibility to trust and respect the medical team

Patients must accurately inform the medical team of their health condition and must trust and respect the medical team's treatment plan. Patients may be responsible for consequences that result from not following instructions.

2. Responsibility to not use dishonest methods for medical treatment

Patients must reveal their identity before receiving any medical care and must not use false or dishonest methods, such as seeking medical care under disguised ownership.

3. Responsibility to abide by all hospital regulations

Patients are expected to treat all hospital staff and other patients with courtesy and respect; to abide by all hospital rules; and to earnestly fulfill their financial obligation to the hospital. Also, patients and their family members are expected to participate in all safety regulations.