Practical recommendations for the management of patients with gastroenteropancreatic and thoracic (carcinoid) neuroendocrine neoplasms in the COVID-19 era

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a heterogeneous family of uncommon tumours with challenging diagnosis, clinical management and unique needs that almost always requires a multidisciplinary approach. In the absence of guidance from the scientific literature, along with the rapidly changing data available on the effect of COVID-19, we report how 12 high-volume NEN centres of expertise in 10 countries at different stages of the evolving COVID-19 global pandemic along with members of international neuroendocrine cancer patient societies have suggested to preserve high standards of care for patients with NENs. We review the multidisciplinary management of neuroendocrine neoplasms during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we suggest potential strategies to reduce risk and aid multidisciplinary treatment decision-making. By sharing our joint experiences, we aim to generate recommendations for proceeding to other institutions facing the same challenges. •Neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) management requires a multidisciplinary approach.•Evidence is lacking to guide adjustments to standard-of-care during the COVID-19 era.•Multiple countries are now experiencing diverse trajectories of the COVID-19 pandemic.•NEN centres worldwide have shared experiences to preserve high standards of care.•We suggest potential strategies to reduce risk and aid multidisciplinary approach.