Neuroendocrine tumors are malignant growths that originate in the endocrine organs — the glands responsible for producing hormones that regulate vital body functions.
Neuroendocrine tumors in Israel are diagnosed in approximately 2% of all cancer patients. Around 350 new cases are registered annually in the country, with similar incidence rates among men and women. These tumors can appear at any age.
Neuroendocrine tumors are typically classified by two key factors that determine the treatment approach:
The majority of neuroendocrine tumors develop in the gastrointestinal tract, and are categorized by their origin — either in the intestines or the pancreas. In some cases, the disease is associated with genetic mutations such as MEN1 and MEN2.
Historically considered a rare cancer, the number of diagnosed cases is growing due to improved diagnostic tools. Early-stage detection remains difficult because symptoms are non-specific, often delaying diagnosis until metastasis has begun. At that stage, a full cure is usually not possible. Symptoms may include facial flushing, wheezing, skin rash, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
The primary method of neuroendocrine tumor treatment in Israel is surgery. However, for inoperable cases, several alternatives are available, including:
Both healthy neuroendocrine cells and cancerous cells have receptors for somatostatin — a hormone that naturally inhibits the secretion of other hormones in the body.
Today, there are drugs that mimic the effects of somatostatin — including Somatuline and Sandostatin. These are used in patients who cannot undergo surgery and whose KI-67 index is relatively low. About 70% of patients with neuroendocrine tumors can benefit from somatostatin analog therapy. Those whose tumors express somatostatin receptors may also be candidates for radioisotope therapy as a first-line treatment.
Initially, somatostatin analogs were prescribed mainly to alleviate hormone-related symptoms. However, the PROMID study was the first to demonstrate the actual clinical benefit of Sandostatin.
Another pivotal study, CLARINET, presented at the ENET (European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society) conference, showed that Somatuline not only reduced symptoms but also delayed tumor progression significantly. The two-year trial involved 200 patients across 14 international medical centers with gastrointestinal and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. After two years, over 50% of those treated with Somatuline had no disease progression, compared to the placebo group, where progression occurred in 50% of cases within 18 months.
These findings provide strong evidence that well-tolerated therapy can offer patients extended progression-free survival and improve quality of life.
These studies confirm what doctors in Israel already observe: thanks to advanced therapies, patients with endocrine tumors in Israel now have the opportunity to live full lives for many years. Early diagnosis and immediate access to proper treatment are crucial. Tailored care based on the tumor’s characteristics and the patient’s condition can help turn an aggressive disease into a manageable chronic condition.
Endocrine oncology treatment in Israel is accessible through the international patient department at Ichilov Hospital (Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center).
You can:
Upon receiving your request, Ichilov’s doctors will review your diagnostic results within 24 to 48 hours and let you know whether treatment of endocrine cancer without queues is possible. You’ll also receive a preliminary quote for diagnostics or treatment.
This process helps treat endocrine cancer without waiting, avoiding unnecessary procedures and saving patients time and money upon arrival.
For more information, please contact us.
We are here to help you every step of the way.
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