Arden Neuroendocrine Tumour Centre
Specialist care for patients with neuroendocrine tumours, accredited by the European Neuroendocrine Tumour Society
About the Arden NET Centre
Specialist diagnosis, treatment and care for neuroendocrine tumours
What are NETs?
Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are rare cancers that start in neuroendocrine cells. These cells are found throughout the body and help control how your body works by releasing hormones.
NETs can grow in many places, most commonly the digestive system, pancreas, and lungs. Some grow slowly over many years, while others can grow more quickly.
Centre of Excellence
We are accredited by the European Neuroendocrine Tumour Society (ENETS) as a Centre of Excellence for:
- Gastro-entero-pancreatic NETs
- Lung neuroendocrine tumours
First accredited in 2015 and re-accredited since, demonstrating our commitment to high-quality care.
Regional Centre
As the regional specialist centre, we see patients from Coventry and Warwickshire and accept referrals from hospitals across the wider region.
Because NETs are rare, you need specialist care from a team with expert knowledge. That's what we provide.
Conditions We Treat
We diagnose, treat and care for patients with many types of neuroendocrine tumour
Digestive System NETs
NETs that start in the digestive tract (gastrointestinal or GI tract)
- Small bowel NETs – most common GI NET type
- Appendix NETs – often found during surgery
- Colon and rectum NETs – found during bowel screening
- Stomach NETs – less common
Pancreatic NETs
Tumours that start in the pancreas
- Functioning NETs – insulinoma, gastrinoma, glucagonoma
- Non-functioning NETs – do not produce excess hormones
Lung and Chest NETs
Neuroendocrine tumours that start in the lungs
- May cause cough, breathlessness
- Sometimes found on scans for other reasons
- Specialist chest team available
Adrenal and Rare NETs
NETs in other parts of the body
- Phaeochromocytoma – adrenal gland tumour
- NETs in thymus, kidneys, other organs
Genetic Conditions
Inherited conditions that increase NET risk
- MEN syndromes – Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia
- Genetic testing available
- Family screening where appropriate
Whatever type of NET you have, your case will be reviewed by our specialist multidisciplinary team (MDT) to plan the best care for you.
How to Get Referred
Information for patients and healthcare professionals
Getting referred to us
Most patients are referred by their GP or hospital doctor. You cannot usually refer yourself directly.
Speak to your GP
They can arrange initial tests and refer you to a specialist if needed.
Referral is made
Your GP or hospital doctor sends us your details and test results.
We review your case
Our team reviews your referral and decides how quickly you need to be seen.
Appointment letter
We contact you with an appointment, usually by letter or text message.
Making a referral
We welcome referrals from GPs, hospital specialists, and other NHS trusts across the region.
When to refer
- Confirmed or suspected neuroendocrine tumour (any site)
- Patients requiring specialist MDT input for diagnosis, staging, or treatment planning
- Patients who may benefit from treatments only available at a specialist centre (e.g. PRRT)
- Patients with inherited conditions associated with NETs (e.g. MEN syndromes)
Information to include
- Relevant imaging reports and histopathology
- Biochemistry results (chromogranin A, gut hormones, 24-hour urinary 5-HIAA)
- Brief clinical history and current symptoms
- Any genetic testing results
Advice and guidance
To discuss a patient before making a formal referral, contact our team.
Your Appointment
What to expect before, during and after your visit
Before Your Appointment
- You'll receive an appointment letter or text
- Bring a list of your current medicines
- Bring any recent test results or letters
- Write down questions you want to ask
- You can bring a family member or friend
On the Day
- Clinics are usually at the Wisdem Centre
- You may see a consultant, nurse specialist, or trainee
- We'll ask about your symptoms and medical history
- We'll explain test results and discuss next steps
- First appointments: 30-45 minutes
After Your Appointment
- Your case is discussed at our weekly MDT meeting
- We'll contact you with recommendations
- Results are sent to your GP
- Most patients have regular follow-ups
- Contact our nurses if symptoms change
In an emergency, go to your nearest Emergency Department or call 999.
We Offer
Your treatment plan will be decided by our multidisciplinary team and discussed with you
Investigations & Tests
- CT scan – detailed X-ray images
- MRI scan – magnetic imaging
- PET-CT scan – with Gallium-68 tracer
- MIBG scan – for certain NET types
- Endoscopy – camera and biopsy
- Blood & urine tests – hormone markers
All scans available on site at UHCW
Surgery
- Removal of primary tumour
- Liver surgery including ablation
- Pancreatic surgery
- Bowel surgery
- Lung surgery
Advanced robotic surgery available for suitable patients
Radiological Treatments
- Ablative Therapy – targeted destruction of tumour tissue
- Trans-arterial Embolisation – blocking blood supply to tumours
- SIRT – Selective Internal Radiation Therapy
- Interventional Venous Sampling – to locate hormone-secreting tumours
Performed by specialist interventional radiologists
Nuclear Medicine (PRRT)
Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy delivers targeted radiation directly to NET cells.
Available at UHCW since 2019. Your team will discuss if this may be an option for you.
Medicines
- Somatostatin analogues – monthly injections to slow growth and control symptoms
- Targeted therapies – medicines targeting NET growth pathways
- Chemotherapy – for faster-growing NETs
All medicine decisions made by your MDT
Supportive Care
- Dietary advice – tailored nutrition support
- Pain management – specialist pain control
- Psychological support – for patients and families
- Palliative care – symptom control at any stage
Our Team
Expert multidisciplinary care from over 30 specialists
Our multidisciplinary team (MDT) meets every week to discuss each patient's care and plan the best treatment. The team includes specialists from many areas.
Clinical Leadership
Specialist Nursing
Gastroenterology
Surgery
Oncology
Nuclear Medicine & Radiology
Other Specialists
Our team also includes pathologists, dietitians, pharmacists, radiographers, and administrative staff who all play a vital role in your care.
Information & Support
Resources to help you and your family
Contact Our Nurses
Our specialist nurses can answer questions and provide advice throughout your journey.
024 7696 5976Cancer Information Centre
A quiet space at the hospital where you can talk to someone, get practical advice, and find local support.
Psychological Support
Our clinical psychology team can offer support to patients and families at any time – you don't need to wait until you're in crisis.
National NET Organisations
Information in Other Formats
If you need information in large print, audio, easy read, another language, or Braille, please tell your specialist nurse or the Cancer Information Centre.
Patient Resources
Helpful information, videos and links for patients and families
Patient Information Leaflets
- Understanding Neuroendocrine Tumours (PDF)
- Living with a NET - Practical Advice (PDF)
- Preparing for Your Appointment (PDF)
- Somatostatin Analogue Treatment (PDF)
- PRRT Treatment Information (PDF)
Additional leaflets to be added
Educational Videos
Video resources coming soon
YouTube video links to be added here
Useful Websites
- Neuroendocrine Cancer UK
- UK & Ireland NET Society
- European NET Society (ENETS)
- Macmillan - NETs Information
- Cancer Research UK - NETs
Additional links to be added
Support Groups
Local support group details to be added
Contact Us
NET Specialist Nurses
For questions about your care, symptoms, or appointments
024 7696 5976 louise.davies2@uhcw.nhs.ukClinic Location
Wisdem CentreUniversity Hospital Coventry
Clifford Bridge Road
Coventry
CV2 2DX
Getting Here
Research & Clinical Trials
Contributing to better treatments for NET patients
Patients can opt to participate in phase 3 clinical trials and NET-related research; the team is actively participating in NET related research and publishing regularly in renowned articles in the field.
Our Research Areas
- Improving diagnosis of NETs
- Understanding how NETs develop and grow
- Evaluating new treatments
- Improving quality of life
- Service evaluation and patient experience
Clinical Trials
Taking part in a clinical trial can give you access to new treatments. Participation is always your choice and won't affect your care if you decline.
Interested? Speak to your consultant or specialist nurse about trials that might be suitable for you.
Education & Conferences
- Annual exchange and updates at UKINETS and ENETS conferences
- Annual exchange within the Trust on newest developments within the field of NET
Publications & Presentations
Recent publications and conference presentations to be added here
Feedback & Quality
Our Quality Standards
As an ENETS Centre of Excellence, we are assessed against strict standards and re-accredited every five years.
We regularly audit our practice, monitor outcomes, and use patient surveys including the ENETS PatSat survey.
Share Your Experience
Your feedback helps us improve. You can share your experience by speaking to the team, completing a feedback form, or using the NHS Friends and Family Test.
Have concerns? Contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) or speak to a member of the team.