About GEP-NET Patients

NETs are being diagnosed with increasing frequency

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) arise from neuroendocrine cells, which are specialized cells that secrete hormones and other substances and are found throughout the body. These cancers may or may not secrete hormones at levels high enough to cause symptoms.^1,2

Although classified as a rare disease, NETs are being diagnosed with increasing frequency.^3,4

The reported incidence of NETs has increased⁴:

Number of patients diagnosed by primary site over time⁶

Improvements in diagnosis at earlier disease stages is thought to be responsible for this increase, even though NETs are still often diagnosed at an advanced or metastatic stage.^7,8 

NETs are generally considered as indolent (slowly growing) tumors; however, the prognosis varies widely, according to³: 

• Primary tumor site 
• Tumor differentiation and grade 
• Stage 

From 1973 through 2012, the annual age-adjusted incidence of NETs has increased compared with that of other malignant neoplasms.³ 

GEP-NETs, gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

The classification of GEP-NETs

Although NETs can arise from a wide variety of organs and tissues, most NETs are GEP-NETs, originating in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas.³

GEP-NETs have traditionally been divided into⁹:

• Foregut tumors: Esophagus, stomach, proximal duodenum, liver, and pancreas
• Midgut tumors: Distal duodenum, ileum, jejunum, ascending colon, appendix, and proximal two-thirds of transverse colon 
• Hindgut tumors: Distal one-third of transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum

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