Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumor (GI-NET) Treatment in India

Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors (GI-NETs) are uncommon but increasingly diagnosed cancers that originate from hormone-producing cells in the digestive tract. These tumors require specialized diagnostics and long-term treatment. India offers comprehensive and advanced treatment options such as surgery, PRRT, and systemic therapies at an affordable cost. While treatment in India ranges from $6,000–$12,000, similar care can cost $40,000–$80,000 in the U.S. and $18,000–$30,000 in Thailand, making India a globally preferred destination for GI-NET care.

What Are Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors?

GI-NETs are a group of rare tumors that form in the cells of the neuroendocrine system, which are found throughout the digestive tract. These cells produce hormones that regulate digestion and other bodily functions.

Classification of GI-NETs:

50. Functioning tumors: Produce hormones that cause symptoms like flushing or diarrhea.
50. Non-functioning tumors: Do not cause noticeable symptoms early on.

Grading:

50. Low-grade (G1/G2): Slow-growing, more common.
50. High-grade (G3): Aggressive and fast-spreading, requiring chemotherapy.

The grade and location of the tumor play a critical role in determining treatment.

Where Do These Tumors Develop and What Causes Them?

GI-NETs may arise in:

50. Small intestine (most common)
50. Rectum
50. Stomach
50. Pancreas
50. Appendix
50. Colon

Risk Factors Include:

50. Genetic syndromes (e.g., MEN1, Neurofibromatosis, Von Hippel–Lindau)
50. Chronic gastritis or inflammation
50. Smoking and alcohol use
50. Diets rich in red meat and processed food
50. Family history of cancer

What Are the Symptoms and How Is GI-NET Diagnosed?

GI-NETs often go undetected in early stages due to vague symptoms. However, specific signs can appear depending on hormone secretion.

Common Symptoms:

50. Abdominal pain or cramping
50. Flushing (redness of skin)
50. Persistent diarrhea or constipation
50. Unexplained weight loss
50. Wheezing or asthma-like symptoms (in functioning tumors)
50. Fatigue

Diagnostic Approach in India:

Blood Tests: Chromogranin A, serotonin, and urinary 5-HIAA

Imaging:

50. PET-CT or MRI for tumor detection
50. Gallium-68 DOTATATE PET-CT: Best scan for identifying NETs
50. Octreotide Scan: Assesses somatostatin receptor presence
50. Endoscopy + Biopsy: Essential for histological confirmatio

India’s top cancer hospitals complete all evaluations within 48–72 hours of patient arrival.

What Is the Standard Treatment Protocol for GI-NETs in India?

India follows a structured, evidence-based, and multidisciplinary treatment approach for managing Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors (GI-NETs), tailored to tumor type, grade, and staging.

Step 1: Multidisciplinary Evaluation

Upon arrival or during virtual pre-arrival consult, the patient’s records are evaluated by a multidisciplinary tumor board consisting of:

50. Medical oncologist
50. Surgical oncologist
50. Nuclear medicine specialist
50. Gastroenterologist
50. Radiologist
50. Pathologist

This ensures a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan.

Step 2: Diagnostic Confirmation and Staging

50. Blood tests: Chromogranin A, serotonin levels, 5-HIAA
50. Imaging: PET-CT, MRI, or Gallium-68 DOTATATE scan
50. Histopathology: Endoscopic or image-guided biopsy to confirm tumor type and grade
50. Staging: Using TNM system to assess spread (localized, regional, or metastatic)

Step 3: Initial Therapy Selection Based on Tumor Grade and Spread

Step 4: Surgical Treatment

Performed for resectable tumors or those causing obstruction.

Types of surgery:

50. Small bowel resection
50. Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple)
50. Rectal NET excision
50. Liver metastasectomy (if metastatic burden is limited)

Surgeries are performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) techniques wherever feasible.

Step 5: Somatostatin Analogs

Monthly injections of Octreotide LAR or Lanreotide

Used for:

50. Symptom relief in functioning tumors
50. Slowing disease progression in well-differentiated tumors

Step 6: PRRT (Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy)

50. Recommended for advanced, unresectable, or metastatic NETs with somatostatin receptor positivity
50. Involves intravenous infusion of radiolabeled Lutetium-177 DOTA-TATE
50. Administered every 8–12 weeks, typically 4 cycles

Step 7: Chemotherapy

Indicated for high-grade or rapidly progressive tumors

Common regimens:

50. CAPTEM (Capecitabine + Temozolomide)
50. Cisplatin + Etoposide (for neuroendocrine carcinomas)

Step 8: Targeted Therapy

Everolimus: mTOR inhibitor used in pancreatic NETs and metastatic GI-NETs

Sunitinib: Tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting angiogenesis in pancreatic NETs

Prescribed when patients are ineligible for PRRT or surgery

Step 9: Monitoring & Follow-Up

50. Every 3–6 months: Blood markers (Chromogranin A, serotonin), CT/PET scans
50. Patien Education: Diet, exercise, lifestyle
50. Remote follow-up: Via teleconsultation for international patients

What Are the Treatment Options in India?

India follows global oncology protocols and offers advanced multimodal therapies for NETs:

1. Surgery

50. Recommended when tumors are localized or can be partially removed.
50. Common surgeries include small bowel resection, pancreatic surgery (Whipple), or hepatic metastasectomy.

2. Somatostatin Analog Injections

50. Octreotide or Lanreotide used for symptom control and slowing tumor growth.
50. Administered every 4 weeks.

3. PRRT (Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy)

50. Targeted radiation delivered via a radiolabeled somatostatin analog.
50. Commonly used in metastatic or unresectable NETs.
50. Available in leading Indian nuclear medicine departments.

4. Chemotherapy

50. High-grade NETs (NECs) are treated with drugs like Cisplatin, Etoposide, and Temozolomide.

5. Targeted Therapy

50. Everolimus and Sunitinib are used in pancreatic NETs and advanced GI-NETs.
50. Helps in disease control when surgery isn’t viable.

Why Choose Dr. Ankur Bahl for GI-NET Treatment?

50. Senior medical oncologist with over two decades of experience
50. Specialist in gastrointestinal and neuroendocrine tumors
50. Strong reputation among international patients
50. Works in India’s top JCI- and NABH-accredited hospitals
50. Provides personalized care plans and end-to-end patient support

What Medical Devices and Technologies Are Used?

Indian hospitals use the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies including:

50. Ga-68 PET-CT scanners
50. Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery
50. PRRT Delivery Equipment
50. Drug Infusion Ports and Chemo Pumps
50. Targeted therapy drug protocols with genomic profiling

What Is the Cost of GI-NET Treatment in India?

Total Cost Range: $6,000 to $12,000

How Does India Compare with Other Countries?

India offers 60–80% savings with the same technology and internationally trained doctors.

What Is the Treatment Journey for Foreign Patients?

50. Pre-Arrival Virtual Consult
50. Visa & Travel Assistance
50. Airport Pickup and Lodging Help
50. Diagnosis in 48–72 Hours
50. Treatment Plan Finalized by Tumor Board
50. Surgery, PRRT, Chemo, or Combination
50. Recovery and Discharge
50. Telemedicine Follow-Up from Home

What Travel and Visa Support Will I Receive?

50. Medical Visa Invitation Letters
50. Airport Transfers & Translators
50. Assistance with Booking Hotels or Guest Houses
50. Patient Coordinators for International Visitors
50. Nutrition and post-discharge planning

Indian hospitals provide end-to-end support to make your medical trip smooth and stress-free.

Realistic Case Study (Fictional Example)

Patient: 54-year-old woman from UAE
Symptoms: Chronic diarrhea and flushing
Diagnosis: Rectal NET with liver metastasis confirmed via Ga-68 scan
Treatment in India:

50. Surgery for primary tumor
50. Two cycles of PRRT
50. Somatostatin therapy initiated

Outcome: Excellent symptom control, reduction in tumor burden, and stable long-term follow-up remotely.
Total Cost: Around $10,500
Stay Duration: 5 weeks

Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors are complex, but with the right treatment approach, patients can live long, healthy lives. India offers all major global treatment modalities—PRRT, surgery, somatostatin analogs, and targeted therapies—at a fraction of the cost.

With expert oncologists like Dr. Ankur Bahl, world-class infrastructure, and dedicated international patient support, India is one of the best destinations globally for GI-NET care.

Ready to take the next step? Book a virtual consultation today and begin your journey toward effective, compassionate, and affordable cancer care.