Resources

Visit our guides to best cancer care webpage for consumer guides. Visit our OCP webpage for the optimal care pathway and instructions on how to import these guides into your GP software. Endorsed by: ALLG <www.allg.org.au> ANZCHOG <www.anzchog.org> ANZTCT <www.anztct.org.au> Cancer Council <www.cancer.org.au> Canteen <www.canteen.org.au> HSANZ <www.hsanz.org.au> Leukaemia Foundation <www.leukaemia.org.au> Redkite <www.redkite.org.au>

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STEP 7: End-of-life care

Palliative care Consider a referral to palliative care. Ensure an advance care directive is in place. Communication The lead clinician’s responsibilities include: being open about the prognosis and discussing palliative care options with the patient establishing transition plans to ensure the patient’s needs and goals are considered in the appropriate environment. Checklist Supportive care needs…

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STEP 5: Care after initial treatment and recovery

Provide a treatment and follow-up summary to the patient, carer and GP outlining: the diagnosis, including tests performed and results tumour characteristics treatment received (types and date) current toxicities (severity, management and expected outcomes) interventions and treatment plans from other health professionals potential long-term and late effects of treatment and care of these supportive care…

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STEP 4: Treatment

Establish intent of treatment Curative Anti-cancer therapy to improve quality of life and/or longevity without expectation of cure Symptom palliation Surgery: The surgical procedure undertaken will depend on the location(s) of the NET and treatment intent. Surgery may be curative, de-bulking for symptom control or palliative. No treatment / active surveillance (watch and wait): No…

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STEP 3: Diagnosis, staging and treatment planning

Diagnosis and staging Biochemical markers – measurement of serum chromogranin A may be appropriate. Specific hormonal assessment will depend on symptomology of the primary NET. Anatomical (e.g. CT, MRI) and functional imaging (68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT, 18F-FDG PET) as indicated. Biopsy – histopathological diagnosis (grade and differentiation). Biopsies should be reviewed by a pathologist with experience in…

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STEP 2: Presentation, initial investigations and referral

Signs and symptoms to investigate The following signs and symptoms should be investigated: abdominal pain bloating repeated dry flushing on the face and neck diarrhoea, even while not eating wheezing/bronchoconstriction (asthma-like symptoms) episodes of hypotension or palpitations unexplained right-sided heart disease unexplained weight loss fatigue. Refer to the optimal care pathway for people with NETs…

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STEP 1: Prevention and early detection

Prevention The causes of most NETs are not fully understood, and there is currently no clear prevention strategy. However, when there is a history of hereditary conditions, such as those listed below, the risk is greater, and genetic surveillance and regular reviews need to be in place to detect early asymptomatic cancers. Risk factors The…

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Neuroendocrine Tumours

Quick Reference Guide The optimal care pathways describe the standard of care that should be available to all cancer patients treated in Australia. The pathways support patients, families and/or carers, health systems, health professionals and services, and encourage consistent optimal treatment and supportive care at each stage of a patient’s journey. Seven key principles underpin…

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