EPISODE 23: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT HINDGUT & APPENDICEAL NETS

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ABOUT THIS EPISODE

What are Hindgut NETs (distal colon and rectum) and how are they treated? How is rectal NET different from rectal cancer? What makes appendiceal NETs difficult to diagnose? Dr. Hagen Kennecke from Providence Cancer Institute in Portland, Oregon shares insights on the diagnosis and management of Hindgut NETs and appendix NET.

MEET DR. HAGEN KENNECKE

Dr. Hagen Kennecke is a Medical Oncologist and Medical Director of GI Oncology at Providence Cancer Institute and Associate Member of the Chiles Research Institute in Portland, Oregon. He has worked passionately to improve the treatment, education and outcomes of those affected by neuroendocrine tumors. 

Dr. Kennecke is an active clinician researcher, the recipient of numerous research awards and has authored numerous guidelines on the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors. He is a member of the US NCI GI Steering Committee and is a prior member of the NCI-NET Task Force, and has worked extensively within the neuroendocrine community including NANETS, Carcinoid Cancer Foundation, LACNETS and Healing NETS.

TOP 10 QUESTIONS

1. What are hindgut NETs? Where are they located? What are the different types of hindgut NETs?

2. How are hindgut NETs found? What are the symptoms of a hindgut NET?

3. What types of labs, scans, or testing is done to determine if someone has a hindgut NET?

   1. Could you discuss why people with appendix NET often have a challenging time getting a diagnosis. 

4. How is rectal NET different from rectal cancer? What are some ways that hindgut NETs differ from other types of NETs? What makes rectal NET unique? 

5. How do you decide if the hindgut NET(s) can be surgically removed? What type of surgeon would make that determination?

   1. There are people diagnosed with appendix NET who have been told by their doctor to have a hemicolectomy. What is your opinion about this?

6. How are hindgut NETs treated medically or nonsurgically? 

7. How are treatments sequenced?

8. How are the treatments different from other NETs?

9. How are hindgut NETs monitored 

   1. What types of bloodwork or tests should be done and how often should they be done? 

   2. What is the best type of scan for hindgut NETs?

10. What are clinical trials we should be aware of or exciting new treatments in the pipeline for hindgut NETs? And what words of hope would you like to share with the NET community?

RESOURCES 

WATCH

Bob Shares His NET Journey

READ

• An Update on Appendiceal Neuroendocrine Tumors

• Management of Appendix Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Insights on the Current Guidelines - December 2022

• Are Hemicolectomies Justified for Appendiceal Neuroendocrine Tumours Smaller Than 2 CM?

• Hemicolectomy Versus Appendectomy for Patients with Appendiceal Neuroendocrine Tumours 1-2 CM in Size: A Retrospective, Europe-Wide, Pooled Cohort Study

• NANETS Guidelines Library

DISCLAIMER

LACNETS Podcasts are created for educational purposes only and do not substitute for medical advice. The views shared in this Podcast are the personal opinions of the experts and do not necessarily reflect the views of LACNETS. Please contact your medical team with questions or concerns about your individual care or treatment.

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