Jl. Pasieka et al., Carcinoid syndrome symposium on treatment modalities for gastrointestinal carcinoid tumours: symposium summary, CAN J SURG, 44(1), 2001, pp. 25-32
Objective: To develop a collaborative approach for the treatment of gastroi
ntestinal carcinoid tumours and carcinoid syndrome. Participants: Leaders i
n the medical, endocrine, radiologic and surgical treatment of carcinoid di
sease were selected to present papers at the Carcinoid Syndrome Symposium o
n Treatment Modalities for Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumours and participa
te in the workshop that followed. Evidence: A multidisciplinary symposium w
ith experts in the field of carcinoid syndrome was organized at the Univers
ity of Calgary. Data presented, participation of the attendees and a review
of the literature were used in the workshop to develop a collaborative app
roach to the management of carcinoid tumours. Benefits: Carcinoid tumours a
re rare and few centres have large experiences in their treatment. Before t
he development of this collaboration, patients with carcinoid tumours recei
ved a unidisciplinary approach depending on referral patterns. The developm
ent of a multidisciplinary neuroendocrine clinic helped to unify the approa
ch to these patients, yet a consensus on the treatment of carcinoid tumours
was lacking. The expertise at the symposium allowed for consensus and the
development of treatment algorithms, including biochemical screening, radio
graphic localization and surgical intervention, for gastrointestinal carcin
oid tumours. The role of medical and hormonal therapy after cytoreduction i
s presented. Recommendation: Patients with carcinoid rumours require a mult
idisciplinary approach to their care.