Our program

The clinicians in the Neuroendocrine Tumor Clinical Program at Cancer Treatment Centers of America^® (CTCA), Atlanta, have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), sometimes known as carcinoid tumors. Our doctors work with referring physicians and their patients to help treat and manage this rare disease, which develops when abnormal growths begin to form in neuroendocrine cells. After staging NETs using diagnostics including Detectnet™, a diagnostic imaging agent that helps locate and identify NETs while exposing patients to less radiation than standard procedures, our cancer experts collaborate with one another, and with the patient, as part of a multidisciplinary team, to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s individual needs.

Our NET Clinical Program provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for patients with neuroendocrine tumors, bringing together clinicians from multiple disciplines, all focused on caring for patients with neuroendocrine tumors.

Meet our team

Arturo Loaiza-Bonilla, MD, CTCA^® National Gastrointestinal Program Director

Dr. Arturo Loaiza-Bonilla is dedicated to comprehensive care for patients suffering from gastrointestinal malignancies, including colon, esophagus, liver, pancreas and gastric tumors. He also has considerable experience in diagnosing NETs and has conducted extensive research on developing new treatments for this disease. In his other role as Medical Director of the CTCA Clinical Research program, he emphasizes our commitment to identifying new targeted therapies, diagnostics, molecules and immunotherapies and, whenever possible, incorporating these breakthroughs into treatment options. Dr. Bonilla is a recognized researcher, author and lecturer on NETS and other cancers. At CTCA, he applies his extensive background in the research of NETs and GI cancers to developing personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs and specific tumor type.

Surgical Oncologist Kevin Watkins, MD

Dr. Kevin Watkins, Surgical Oncologist at CTCA Atlanta, is experienced in treating upper gastrointestinal cancers with minimally invasive surgical techniques. He performs standard-of-care and advanced surgical techniques for patients with pancreatic cancer.

Jason Beland, MD, Chair of the CTCA Department of Radiology

Dr. Jason Beland, Chair of the CTCA Department of Radiology and Medical Director of Imaging Services at CTCA Atlanta, supports clinicians across the enterprise, helping to guide their choice of imaging and providing them with the information they need to diagnose and treat the patient. HIs primary certificate is in diagnostic radiology, but he has subspecialty certification in neuroradiology, which focuses on brain, spine, and head and neck imaging.

Interventional Radiologist Charles Fulp, MD

Dr. Charles Fulp is an Interventional Radiologist with three decades of clinical experience who has published research and other communications in prominent medical journals. He incorporates recent technologies into his treatment offerings, including Y-90 radioembolization, chemoembolization and thermoablative procedures.

Interventional Radiologist Henry Krebs, MD

Dr. Henry Krebs is an Interventional Radiologist with more than 30 years of clinical experience. He has particular expertise in image-guided procedures, including catheter- and needle-based therapies—such as microwave tumor ablation, cryotherapy, chemoembolization, bland embolization and radioembolization—to treat tumors throughout the body. 

Diagnosing NETs

An accurate diagnosis of your neuroendocrine tumor is important in determining your personalized treatment plan. To help arrive at an informed diagnosis as quickly as possible, the cancer experts at CTCA Atlanta use Detectnet (copper Cu 64 dotatate injection) for patients receiving a positron emission tomography (PET) scan.

What is Detectnet?

Detectnet is a radioactive substance injected prior to a PET scan to help our doctors better locate and identify neuroendocrine tumors in diagnostic images. Detectnet is more stable than most radioactive imaging agents, which allows for better scheduling flexibility. It also allows our doctors to perform PET scans onsite, rather than having to refer patients to other imaging facilities. Another important benefit is that it’s designed to expose patients to less radiation than other agents.

How does Detectnet work?

Here’s what to expect from your PET scan using Detectnet:

• Prior to your PET scan, you’ll receive a dose of Detectnet through an IV line.
• After 45-90 minutes, the time it takes the substance to circulate through the body, you’ll be brought in for your scan.
• A PET scan typically takes 20 minutes to an hour. It’s painless and doesn’t require any other medications or anesthesia.
• Detectnet is designed to attach itself to neuroendocrine tumors and allow the PET device to create more accurate 3-D images of your malignancy.
• After your scan, we’ll ask that you drink plenty of water.

Your PET scan results will be reviewed by a radiologist and other physicians. Your doctor will share the results with you and discuss options for treatment plans.

Are there side effects with Detecnet?

Patients have reported few side effects from Detectnet. In rare cases, patients have experienced nausea, vomiting or flushing. Talk to your doctor if you’re taking other medications, are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

NET treatment options

The NET Clinical Program provides patients a comprehensive array of treatment options. The type, location and extent of the disease dictate which treatments may be available.

Treatment options may include:

• Surgery, including minimally invasive procedures using laparoscopy or laparotomy, either to remove the entire tumor or to reduce its mass if it cannot be removed safely
• Immunotherapy, using the drug interferon, which helps stimulate the immune system
• Targeted therapy, which attacks certain areas of the cancer cell or its environment (including genes and proteins) that may be responsible for the tumor’s growth and/or survival
• Chemotherapy, using drugs designed to interfere with the growth of cancer cells in order to destroy them
• Interventional radiology, using both catheter- and needle-based therapies
• Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (with Lutathera^®), which combines a cell-targeting protein (or peptide) with a radionuclide (or radioactive material), and is given intravenously to deliver a high dose of radiation to the tumors

Because of the complexity and diversity of NETs, our experts collaborate daily, allowing them to recommend a personalized care plan.

Depending on each patient’s unique diagnosis and needs, members of the NET care team may include surgical, medical or radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, interventional radiologists, endocrinologists, pathologists, pain management physicians, dietitians, naturopathic providers, behavioral heath therapists and other trained clinicians.