Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) clinical guidelines

To facilitate a strategic and collaborative approach to diagnosis and management of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP NETs), a group of uncommon and clinically heterogenous diseases, the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) has formed a NETs interest group, currently chaired by Dr Yu Jo Chua. COSA, in partnership with the Australian and New Zealand Hepatic, Pancreatic & Biliary Association (ANZHPBA), the Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group (AGITG) and the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine (ANZSNM), convened the first Australian GEP NETs consensus workshop in July 2008.

The workshop identified the need for the development and publication of Australasian guidelines for the clinical management of GEP NETs. Given the limited availability of high level randomised trials evidence in these diseases, it was agreed to develop recommendations based on currently available international guidelines, but ensuring relevance and appropriateness to local practice.