A recent review published in the Journal of Oncology Practice explores how patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) view the use and timing of radioligand therapy as part of their overall treatment journey.
The article emphasizes that while clinical outcomes such as tumor control and survival remain central, patients’ perspectives on communication, quality of life, and treatment sequencing are equally important in shaping their real-world care decisions.
Mark Lewis, MD, a widely recognized expert in neuroendocrine cancer with Intermountain Health and an emeritus member of NETRF’s Board of Directors, Jessica Thomas, LCSW, NETRF’s Director of Patient Education, and Lisa Yen, MSN, BSN, ACNO-BC, NBC-HWC, of the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation (formerly LACNETS), authored the article.
In their review, they highlight that patients often face uncertainty about when radioligand therapy should be introduced relative to other treatment options, such as somatostatin analogs, surgery, or systemic therapies. These decisions are strongly influenced by how information is presented, expectations about benefits and side effects, and prior treatment experiences.
The authors emphasize the importance of shared decision-making and clear communication between patients and their care teams, helping patients understand where radioligand therapy fits within their individual treatment plan and empowering them to make choices aligned with their personal goals and values.
The authors also call for more patient-centered research to complement clinical data, focusing on real-world outcomes and the lived experiences of people with neuroendocrine tumors. As new radioligand therapies and radionuclides continue to emerge, incorporating patient priorities into treatment planning will be essential to ensure these therapies deliver the best possible quality-of-life and survival benefits.