Managing side effects of NETs

Here we look at the different side effects of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) and treatment, and ways to manage these.

Learn more about:

• Side effects of treatment
• Complementary therapies and integrative oncology
• Nutrition and exercise

Side effects of treatment

All treatments can have side effects. The type of side effects that you may have will depend on the type of treatment and where in your body the cancer is. Some people have very few side effects and others have more. Your specialist team will discuss all possible side effects, both short and long-term (including those that have a late effect and may not start immediately), with you before treatment begins.

One issue that is important to discuss before you undergo treatment is fertility, particularly if you want to have children in the future.

For more on this, see Fertility and cancer.

Common side effects

Complementary therapies and integrative oncology

Complementary therapies are designed to be used alongside conventional medical treatments (such as surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and radiation therapy) and can increase your sense of control, decrease stress and anxiety, and improve your mood.

Some Australian cancer centres have developed “integrative oncology” services where evidence-based complementary therapies are combined with conventional treatments to create patient-centred cancer care that aims to improve both wellbeing and clinical outcomes.

Let your doctor know about any therapies you are using or thinking about trying, as some may not be safe or evidence-based.

For more on this, see our general section on Complementary therapies.

Nutrition and exercise

If you have been diagnosed with a NET, both the cancer and treatment will place extra demands on your body. Research suggests that eating well and exercising can benefit people during and after cancer treatment. Eating well and being active can help you cope with some of the common side effects of cancer treatment, speed up recovery and improve quality of life by giving you more energy, keeping your muscles strong, helping you maintain a healthy weight and boosting your mood.

Some people with NETs, especially pancreatic NETs or those who have had bowel surgery, may need specific dietary advice. The symptoms of carcinoid syndrome (facial flushing, diarrhoea) may be triggered by certain foods and drinks, and some vitamin deficiency syndromes may be more common. You can discuss individual nutrition and exercise plans with health professionals such as dietitians, exercise physiologists and physiotherapists.

More information on the nutritional needs of people with NETs is available in the Nutrition and Neuroendocrine Tumours booklet available from NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia.