EPISODE 53 - Spotlight on Surgical Oncology

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ABOUT THIS EPISODE

In this episode, surgical oncologist Dr. Seth Concors of Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute discusses the role of the surgical oncologist within the multidisciplinary care team for neuroendocrine cancer. We explore what surgical oncologists do, why NET-specific experience matters, how surgical decisions are made, and what patients can expect during a surgical consultation. The conversation highlights coordination across care teams, common patient concerns, and the importance of informed decision-making and second opinions, offering practical guidance for patients and caregivers navigating surgical care in neuroendocrine cancer.

TOP TEN QUESTIONS

Understanding the Surgeon’s Role

1. Who is a surgical oncologist, and what kind of training does that involve?

   
   

   How is a surgical oncologist similar to—or different from—other types of surgeons?

   
   

   Patients may hear the term “HPB surgeon.” What does that mean, and how can a patient tell if their surgeon is an HPB surgeon? 

   
   

2. When a patient is looking for a surgeon, how can they find someone who is the “right fit” for them?

   
   

   How can patients know whether a surgeon has experience with the specific operation they may need—such as a Whipple procedure, liver surgery, or lung surgery?

   
   

   How important is it for a surgeon to be familiar with neuroendocrine tumors specifically?

   
   

3. What should patients expect at their first appointment with a surgical oncologist? What key information are you usually trying to communicate during that first visit? What questions do you encourage patients and caregivers to ask their surgeon?

4. How often should patients expect to see their surgical oncologist, and at what points in their care?

Surgical Decision-Making

5. How do you determine whether someone is a surgical candidate? What is the typical goal of surgery for neuroendocrine tumors?

   
   

6. If someone is not a surgical candidate initially, does that mean surgery is off the table forever? Are there treatments that can help make surgery possible in the future? How many NET surgeries can someone safely have over their lifetime? Can major surgeries—such as extensive liver resections—affect eligibility for future treatment options?

Multidisciplinary and Coordinated Care

7. How do surgical oncologists work within a multidisciplinary care team for NET patients?How do you collaborate with providers at different institutions, such as a local oncologist working with a NET specialty center?

8. What is your perspective on second opinions, specifically for neuroendocrine cancer?

   
   

9. Many patients worry about carcinoid crisis during surgery. How do you address and manage those concerns?

Preparing for Surgery

10. Patients often ask how they can best prepare—physically and emotionally—for surgery. What guidance do you typically offer?

    
    

BONUS: What research is currently being done involving neuroendocrine surgery?

MEET DR. SETH J. CONCORS

Seth J. Concors, MD

Surgical Oncologist

Winship Cancer Institute

Emory University

Seth Concors, MD is an academic surgical oncologist at Emory University and the Winship Cancer Institute, where he serves as Associate Program Director for both the General Surgery Residency and the Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship, and Director of the Surgical Oncology Research Fellowship. He leads Emory’s Peritoneal Surface Malignancy and Neuroendocrine Tumor surgical programs, with clinical and research interests focused on gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors, cytoreductive surgery/HIPEC, and survivorship outcomes. Dr. Concors is actively involved in national surgical societies including SSO, SSAT, NANETS, ACS, and ECOG-ACRIN, and his work emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, prospective outcomes research, and surgical education. He is committed to advancing patient-centered cancer care while mentoring the next generation of surgical oncologists.

RESOURCES

QUESTIONS FOR THE CARE TEAM

In this podcast episode, Dr. Concors shares questions that are both appropriate and encouraged for patients and caregivers to ask their care team.

Provider Experience & Expertise

• What is your level of familiarity with neuroendocrine tumors?

• How engaged are you in this field, including research and ongoing work?

• How familiar are you with managing patients who have had multiple prior operations?

Patient Volume

• How many patients with neuroendocrine tumors do you take care of in a given year?

Procedure-Specific Experience

• How much experience do you have performing this operation?

• How many times have you done this operation?

• How familiar are you with the complications of this operation?

Institutional Experience

• How commonly is this operation performed at this hospital or cancer center? 

  
  

Questions for Your Anesthesiologist

• What is your expertise in taking care of patients with neuroendocrine tumors who are undergoing surgery?

• What is your experience managing changes in blood pressure while I am under anesthesia?

• What strategies will you use to monitor my heart and lungs during surgery?

CLINICAL TRIALS

Clinical trials mentioned in this podcast episode:

• SWOG 2104: Adjuvant CAPTEM for pancreatic NET

• SWOG 2408: Lanreotide vs Placebo Before Surgery to Prevent Pancreatic Fistula

  
  

DISCLAIMER

The Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation Podcasts are created for educational purposes only and do not substitute for medical advice. The views shared in this Podcast are the personal opinions of the experts and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation. Please contact your medical team with questions or concerns about your individual care or treatment.

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