Neuroendocrine Tumor of the Lung: Latest Research

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 02/2023

ON THIS PAGE: You will read about the scientific research being done to learn more about neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the lung and how to treat them. Use the menu to see other pages.

Doctors are working to learn more about lung NETs, ways to prevent them, how to best treat them, and how to provide the best care to people diagnosed with this type of tumor. The following areas of research may include new options for patients through clinical trials. Always talk with your doctor about the diagnostic and treatment options that are best for you.

  • New treatment approaches. Currently, many clinical trials for lung NETs are studying new drugs and different drug combinations. New approaches to drug treatment include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) as described in Types of Treatment. There have been recent small studies of immunotherapy that show some responses in patients with lung NETs (mostly grade 2), although there have been no biomarkers to identify the tumors most likely to respond to this treatment.

  • Genetics. As outlined in Risk Factors, family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) may play a role in an individual’s risk for developing a lung NET. Researchers are studying MEN1 to learn more about this hereditary risk factor.

  • Palliative and supportive care. Clinical trials are underway to find better ways of reducing symptoms and side effects of current treatments for a lung NET to improve comfort and quality of life for patients.

Looking for More About the Latest Research?

If you would like additional information about the latest areas of research regarding lung NETs, explore these related items that take you outside of this guide:

The next section in this guide is Coping with Treatment. It offers some guidance on how to cope with the physical, emotional, social, and financial changes that a lung NET and its treatment can bring. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.