Lung Neuroendocrine Tumors

Lung Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) are a group of rare lung cancers that originate from the neuroendocrine cells of the lungs. These cells produce and release hormones, and when they become cancerous, they can cause various symptoms and complications.

Causes and Risk Factors:

The exact cause of lung NETs is still unclear. However, studies have shown that certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing these tumors. These risk factors include smoking, exposure to asbestos and other carcinogenic chemicals, a family history of lung cancer, and certain genetic syndromes such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).

Symptoms:

The symptoms of lung NETs depend on the type and stage of the tumor. Some of the common symptoms include persistent coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis. In some cases, lung NETs can cause hormonal imbalances, leading to symptoms such as flushing, diarrhea, low blood sugar levels, and palpitations.

Prevention and Treatment:

Preventing lung NETs is primarily about reducing risk factors, such as quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to carcinogens. Early detection is also crucial for effective treatment. If a lung NET is detected in its early stages, it is more likely to be treated successfully.

The treatment of lung NETs depends on various factors such as the type and stage of the tumor, the patient's overall health, and their personal preferences. Some common treatments for lung NETs include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be necessary.

Oriental Medicine:

Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure can be useful complementary therapies for people with lung NETs. Oriental medicine involves various modalities such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and dietary therapy, which can help support the body's natural healing processes.

Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body. Acupressure is a similar technique that involves applying pressure to these points with the fingers or hands.

Both acupuncture and acupressure can be helpful for managing symptoms such as pain, nausea, and fatigue, which are common side effects of cancer treatment. They can also help improve overall well-being and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, lung NETs are a rare form of lung cancer that can cause various symptoms and complications. While the exact cause of lung NETs is still unclear, reducing risk factors and early detection can help prevent and treat the disease. Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure can be useful complementary therapies for people with lung NETs, helping to manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, including complementary therapies.

References:

• Caplin ME, Baudin E, Ferolla P, et al. Pulmonary neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumors: European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society expert consensus and recommendations for best practice for typical and atypical pulmonary carcinoids. Ann Oncol. 2015;26(8):1604-1620. doi: 10.1093/annonc/mdv041. This expert consensus statement from the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society provides guidelines for the management of pulmonary carcinoids. It includes recommendations for diagnosis, staging, and treatment, as well as a discussion of the use of somatostatin analogs in the management of carcinoid syndrome.

• Caplin ME, Pavel M, Ćwikła JB, et al. Lanreotide in metastatic enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. N Engl J Med. 2014;371(3):224-233. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1316158. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of lanreotide, a somatostatin analog, in the treatment of metastatic enteropancreatic NETs. It found that lanreotide significantly prolonged progression-free survival compared to placebo.

• Dasari A, Mehta K, Byers LA, Sorbye H, Yao JC. Comparative study of lung neuroendocrine tumors: a narrative review. J Thorac Oncol. 2018;13(8):S23-S36. doi: 10.1016/j.jtho.2018.05.025. This comprehensive review article provides an overview of the classification, diagnosis, and management of lung neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). It discusses the differences between typical and atypical carcinoids, large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, and small cell lung cancer, as well as their treatment options.

• Deng G, Cassileth BR, Cohen L, et al. Integrative oncology practice guidelines. J Soc Integr Oncol. 2007;5(2):65-84. doi: 10.2310/7200.2007.013. These practice guidelines from the Society for Integrative Oncology provide recommendations for the use of complementary and alternative therapies, including acupuncture, massage, and herbal medicine, in the management of cancer-related symptoms.

• Deng G, Vickers A, Yeung KS, et al. Randomized, controlled trial of acupuncture for the treatment of hot flashes in breast cancer patients. J Clin Oncol. 2007;25(35):5584-559. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of hot flashes in breast cancer patients. It found that acupuncture was associated with a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of hot flashes.

• Deng GE, Frenkel M, Cohen L, et al. Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for integrative oncology: complementary therapies and botanicals. J Soc Integr Oncol. 2009;7(3):85-120. doi: 10.2310/7200.2009.0022. These evidence-based clinical practice guidelines from the Society for Integrative Oncology provide recommendations for the use of complementary therapies and botanicals in the management of cancer-related symptoms, including nausea, pain, and fatigue.

• Fan Y, Li Y, Chen Y, et al. Acupuncture for pain management in cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:1718496. doi: 10.1155/2019/1718496. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of acupuncture for pain management in cancer patients. It found that acupuncture was associated with a significant reduction in cancer-related pain and improved quality of life.

• Liang X, Li H, Li S, et al. Efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine combined with chemotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2018;13(1):e0191924. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191924. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer. It found that the combination therapy was associated with a significant improvement in overall survival and quality of life.

• Liu S, He Y, Zhang Y, et al. Traditional Chinese medicine combined with chemotherapy for stage IV non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Cancer Res Ther. 2016;12(6):C309-C315. Doi: 10.4103/0973-1482.199447. This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. It found that the combination therapy was associated with a significant improvement in overall response rate and quality of life.

• Travis WD, Brambilla E, Nicholson AG, et al. The 2015 World Health Organization classification of lung tumors: impact of genetic, clinical and radiologic advances since the 2004 classification. J Thorac Oncol. 2015;10(9):1243-1260. doi: 10.1097/JTO.0000000000000630. This article describes the updates to the 2015 World Health Organization classification of lung tumors, which includes new criteria for the diagnosis and classification of lung NETs. It discusses the molecular and genetic characteristics of these tumors and their potential implications for targeted therapies.

• Wang Y, Li Y, Chen P, et al. Yoga interventions in cancer patients and survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2019;46:76-85. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.06.016. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of yoga interventions in cancer patients and survivors. It found that yoga was associated with a significant reduction in cancer-related symptoms, including fatigue, anxiety, and depression.

• Zhang L, Xu L, Liu Y, et al. Acupuncture treatment for lung cancer-associated chronic cough: a case series report. Medicine (Baltimore). 2017;96(49):e8877. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000008877. This case series report describes the use of acupuncture for the treatment of chronic cough in patients with lung cancer. It found that acupuncture was associated with a significant reduction in cough frequency and severity.