As we turn the page on a new year, the neuroendocrine cancer community isn’t just reflecting on progress—we’re looking ahead. This episode of NETWise explores where the field is going next, and what that future means for patients, caregivers, and clinicians alike.

Recorded in connection with the 2025 NETRF Neuroendocrine Cancer Research Symposium, this conversation brings together researchers, physicians, patient advocates, and NETRF leaders to examine the momentum shaping the years ahead.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• How emerging therapies—from PRRT advances to immune-based and cell therapies—are changing care
• Why precision medicine, surface targeting, and biomarkers are defining the next era of research
• NETRF’s research roadmap, focused on early detection, improved treatments, and precision medicine.
• The growing role of patient education, self-advocacy, and “thrivership” in living well with NETs and Neuroendocrine Carcinoma
• How collaboration across institutions and disciplines is accelerating progress toward better outcomes

This isn’t just a vision of the future—it’s the work already underway, and the direction the field is moving next.

Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, clinician, or advocate, this episode offers clear, accessible insights into the breakthroughs that’s driving the research forward.

Please like, share, and subscribe. Your engagement helps us reach more patients and caregivers seeking reliable neuroendocrine cancer information—and supports NETRF’s mission to expand research, awareness, and hope across the NET community.

NET specialists included in this episodeUse our episode infographics to get a visual picture of some of the things we have discussed.

Po-Hien Ear, PhD
Assistant Professor of Surgery (Surgical Oncology & Endocrine Surgery), University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine

Martyn Caplin, MD, PhD, FRCP
Professor of Gastroenterology & Tumour Neuroendocrinology, Royal Free Hospital & University College London (UCL)

Carl Gay, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology
Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Pamela L. Kunz, MD
Director, Center for Gastrointestinal Cancers, Smilow Cancer Hospital & Yale Cancer Center
Chief, GI Medical Oncology, Yale School of Medicine

Neil Renwick, MD, PhD, FRCPC
Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, Queen’s University
(SEAMO New Clinician-Scientist Program)

Nancy Joseph, MD, PhD
Professor of Surgical Pathology, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)

Iacovos Michael, PhD

Sunnybrook Research institute and University of Toronto

Elsa Hadj Bachir, PhD

Research Fellow in Medicine Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Thank you to NETRF staff members Elyse Gellerman and Anna Greene, PhD, and NETRF Board Members Josh Mailman, and Todd Gillman for their contributions to this episode.

A special thank you to Jake Dawson and Nancy Lewis for sharing their neuroendocrine cancer journeys.

Download a transcript of this episode.

The post Episode 51: A New Year— Where We’re Going appeared first on NETRF.

Research has been at the heart of NETRF’s mission for 20 years—and patients are the
reason that work matters. Every study we fund is designed to move the field forward
and improve how people with neuroendocrine cancer live, feel, and are treated.
In this special episode of NETWise, we’re bringing the 2025 NETRF Neuroendocrine
Cancer Research Symposium directly to the patient and caregiver community. You’ll
hear from leading researchers and clinicians as they explain:

• What’s changed in neuroendocrine cancer research over the past year
• How new discoveries impact diagnosis, treatment, and everyday patient care
• Why NETRF’s 20 years of progress is shaping the future of NETs
• Where the field is headed next—scientifically and clinically

Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, clinician, or advocate, this Year-in-Review episode
offers clear, accessible insights into the breakthroughs driving NET research forward.
Please like, share, and subscribe. Your engagement helps us reach more patients and
caregivers seeking reliable neuroendocrine cancer information—and supports
NETRF’s mission to expand research, awareness, and hope across the NET
community.

NET specialists included in this episodeUse our episode infographics to get a visual picture of some of the things we have discussed.

Po-Hien Ear, PhD
Assistant Professor of Surgery (Surgical Oncology & Endocrine Surgery), University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine

Martyn Caplin, MD, PhD, FRCP
Professor of Gastroenterology & Tumour Neuroendocrinology, Royal Free Hospital & University College London (UCL)

Carl Gay, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology
Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Pamela L. Kunz, MD
Director, Center for Gastrointestinal Cancers, Smilow Cancer Hospital & Yale Cancer Center
Chief, GI Medical Oncology, Yale School of Medicine

Neil Renwick, MD, PhD, FRCPC
Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, Queen’s University
(SEAMO New Clinician-Scientist Program)

Nancy Joseph, MD, PhD
Professor of Surgical Pathology, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)

Anassuya Ramachandran, PhD
Research Fellow at The University of Auckland

Thank you to NETRF staff members Elyse Gellerman and Anna Greene, PhD, and NETRF Board Members Josh Mailman, Todd Gillman, and Suzie Ludlow for their contributions to this episode.

A special thank you to Jake Dawson, Taylor Dawson and Nancy Lewis for sharing their neuroendocrine cancer journeys.

Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

The post NETWise Episode 50: The Year in Review 2025: Neuroendocrine Cancer Research and Clinical Progress appeared first on NETRF.

En este episodio de NETWise, continuamos centrándonos en el carcinoma neuroendocrino, una forma rara y agresiva de cáncer neuroendocrino. Si bien en el episodio anterior exploramos el diagnóstico y el tratamiento, este debate se centra en los desafíos únicos que enfrentan los cuidadores. Cuidar a una persona con carcinoma neuroendocrino puede ser increíblemente intenso debido a la rápida progresión del cáncer y las limitadas opciones de tratamiento. Este episodio destaca el impacto emocional y físico del cuidado y enfatiza la importancia vital del autocuidado para quienes apoyan a un ser querido en esta difícil etapa.

Reconocimientos profesionales:

Jodi Kolada, MA, es Directora de Extensión para Cuidadores y Educación para Miembros del Equipo No Clínico en Well-Spring Solutions en Greensboro, Carolina del Norte. Jodi cuenta con una amplia experiencia en educación y autocuidado para cuidadores.

La Dra. Robin Lockridge, Ph.D., es neuropsicóloga en el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer de los Institutos Nacionales de la Salud. Trabaja frecuentemente con cuidadores.

Un sincero agradecimiento a Holly Jensen Corte y Shannon Page por compartir sus experiencias con el carcinoma neuroendocrino, y a Jean Carney y Susan Meckler Plummer por compartir sus experiencias de cuidado de carcinoma neuroendocrino.

Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

The post NETWise Episodio 3: Cuidando al Cuidador del Carcinoma Neuroendocrino appeared first on NETRF.

En este episodio de NETWise, profundizamos en uno de los tipos más agresivos de cáncer neuroendocrino: el carcinoma neuroendocrino. Si bien muchos tumores neuroendocrinos son de crecimiento lento y controlables con el tiempo, el carcinoma neuroendocrino es diferente: se desarrolla rápidamente y requiere atención especializada inmediata. Le guiaremos a través de la información esencial sobre el el carcinoma neuroendocrino, incluyendo:

• Qué es el carcinoma neuroendocrino y en qué se diferencia de otros tumor neuroendocrino
• El proceso de diagnóstico: qué esperar y cómo los médicos identifican esta enfermedad
• Opciones de tratamiento actuales y qué deben saber los pacientes y cuidadores

Si usted o un ser querido ha recibido recientemente un diagnóstico de carcinoma neuroendocrino, este episodio está diseñado para ayudarle a comprender el camino a seguir.

Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

The post NETWise Episodio 2: Carcinoma Neuroendócrino 101 appeared first on NETRF.

In this episode of NETWise, we continue our focus on neuroendocrine carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of neuroendocrine cancer. While our previous episode explored diagnosis and treatment, this discussion centers on the unique challenges faced by caregivers. Caring for someone with neuroendocrine carcinoma can be incredibly intense due to the cancer’s rapid progression and limited treatment options. This episode highlights the emotional and physical toll of caregiving—and emphasizes the vital importance of self-care for those supporting a loved one through this difficult journey.

Resources:

• https://www.thehealingnet.org/high-grade-neuroendocrine
• https://www.helpforcancercaregivers.org
• High Grade Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Group

Professional acknowledgements:

Jodi Kolada, MA, is the Director of Caregiver Outreach and Non-Clinical Team Member Education at Well-Spring Solutions in Greensboro, NC. Jodi has extensive work in caregiver education and caregiver self-care.

Dr. Robin Lockridge, Ph.D. is a neuropsychologist at the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health. She frequently works with caregivers.

A sincere thank you to Holly Jensen Corte and Shannon Page for sharing their neuroendocrine carcinoma experiences, and Jean Carney and Susan Meckler Plummer for sharing their neuroendocrine carcinoma caregiving experiences.

Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

The post NETWise Episode 47: Care for the Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Caregiver appeared first on NETRF.

In this episode of NETWise, we’re diving into one of the more aggressive forms of neuroendocrine cancer: neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC). While many neuroendocrine tumors are slow-growing and manageable over time, NEC is different—fast-moving and requiring swift, specialized care.

• We’ll guide you through the essential information about NEC, including:
  What neuroendocrine carcinoma is and how it differs from other NETs
• The diagnostic process: what to expect and how doctors identify this disease
• Current treatment options and what patients and caregivers should know

If you or a loved one has recently received an NEC diagnosis, this episode is designed to help you start understanding the road ahead.

Resources

https://www.thehealingnet.org/high-grade-neuroendocrine

High Grade Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Group

 

Acknowledgements

Dr. Carl Gay, MD, PhD, is a thoracic medical oncologist and research scientist at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Dr. Aman Chauhan, MD, is a medical oncologist at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami, where he leads the neuroendocrine cancer program.

Dr. Renuka Iyer is a medical oncologist at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York.

Susan Meckler Plummer, RN, runs an online support group for patients with neuroendocrine carcinoma.

Patient Acknowledgements

A special thank you to Deb Roberston and Lori Dolnick for sharing their stories.

Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

The post NETWise Episode 46: Understanding Neuroendocrine Carcinoma appeared first on NETRF.

This episode is part of a collaboration with the FlaNET Carcinoid Community, focusing on financial toxicity. We explore some of the major costs that can arise throughout the neuroendocrine cancer journey and share guidance on how to find helpful resources.

NET specialists included in this episodeUse our episode infographics to get a visual picture of some of the things we have discussed.

Joanna Doran, JD, is the CEO of Triage Cancer, a national nonprofit that provides free education on legal issues that may impact people diagnosed with cancer.

Mysti Motz, BNS, RN, is a nurse who previously worked at the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she provided care and support to patients in the Neuroendocrine Cancer Program.

Samantha Powell, LCSW, is a social worker licensed in Utah and Iowa who has worked with neuroendocrine cancer patients.

Sasha Watson, Pharm.D.,is a clinical pharmacist at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Thank you to Matt Skinner for sharing his neuroendocrine cancer journey.

Additional Resources:

Thank you to Triage Cancer for sharing the following resources:

Practical Guide to Cancer Rights: https://triagecancer.org/guide

Cancer Finances: https://triagecancer.org/cancer-finances

Free medical flights:
https://www.angelflight.com/
https://angelflightwest.org/angel-flight-services/
https://www.mercymedical.org/free-medical-flights
https://skyhope.org/

Cancer and Careers: https://www.cancerandcareers.org/en

For veterans diagnosed with cancer: https://www.cancercare.org/publications/340-building_connections_as_a_veteran_resources_and_support

American Cancer Society:

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/financial-insurance-matters/managing-health-insurance/programs-and-resources-to-help-with-cancer-related-expenses.html

Hope Lodge Housing Information: https://www.cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/patient-lodging/hope-lodge.html

Nancy’s list: https://nancyslist.org/financial-assistance/

Cancer Care: https://www.cancercare.org/financial_assistance

Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

The post NETWise Episode 45: Managing the Financial Burden of Neuroendocrine Cancer appeared first on NETRF.

When it comes to PRRT (Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy), patients often have big questions and concerns. In this episode, we dive into the most common questions surrounding PRRT and the broader field of radiopharmaceutical treatments for neuroendocrine cancer. This is an exciting field as there is much more research being done into radiopharmaceuticals for neuroendocrine cancer. Tune in as we break down key insights from doctors and researchers to help you better understand this important treatment option.

NET specialists included in this episodeUse our episode infographics to get a visual picture of some of the things we have discussed.

Beth Chasen, MD, is a Professor, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Division of Diagnostic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Victor Fernandes, PHD is a researcher at the University of Wisconsin Madison and a medical physicist by training, I work with radiopharmaceutical therapies and with neuroendocrine tumor patients and patient data. Victor was awarded a research grant by NANETS funded through NETFRF that focuses on Modeling to predict the benefit of PRRT in NET patients.

Heather Jacene, MD, is a Clinical Director, Nuclear Medicine/PET-CT
Associate Program Director at Brigham and Women’s Joint Program in Nuclear Medicine. In addition, she is an Associate Professor of Radiology Harvard Medical School

Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

The post NETWise Episode 44: Radiopharmaceutical Treatment – FAQs & Insights appeared first on NETRF.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a hot topic, making its way into everyday conversations and industries worldwide. While AI technologies have been around for years, recent advancements are accelerating their impact—especially in healthcare. From improving cancer research to enhancing diagnosis and treatment, AI is reshaping the future of medicine. In this episode of NETWise, we dive into how AI is driving progress in neuroendocrine cancer research and explore its potential applications in the clinic. Could AI revolutionize the way NETs are diagnosed and managed? Join us as we uncover the possibilities.

To access the NET Clinical Trial Finder mentioned in this episode: https://netrf.org/for-patients/trial-finder/

NET specialists included in this episodeUse our episode infographics to get a visual picture of some of the things we have discussed.

Danielle Ralic is the CEO/CTO and founder of Ancora.ai, a health tech company dedicated to accelerating innovation in medicine by democratizing clinical trial access. Her service uses AI to help neuroendocrine cancer patients find clinical trials.

Matthieu Foll, PHD is a researcher at  the International Agency for Research and Cancer, part of the World Health Organization.

Emilie Mathian, PHD is a postdoctoral researcher at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC-WHO)

Dr.  Aman Chauhan, MD, is a medical oncologist at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, where he leads the neuroendocrine oncology program and co-directs theranostic drug development.

Special Thank you

A special thank you to Hector Perez for sharing his neuroendocrine cancer story.

Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

The post NETWise Episode 43: How Could AI Change Neuroendocrine Cancer? appeared first on NETRF.

Happiness is something that can be difficult to find in life, no matter what. Having an uncommon cancer can make it infinitely harder. In this episode of NETWise, we’re going to talk about what happiness means, and how cancer can affect the way we think about it. We’ll also talk about the things we all can do to be more resilient.

NET specialists included in this episodeUse our episode infographics to get a visual picture of some of the things we have discussed.

James A. Bibb, PhD is a researcher at the University of Arizona College of Health Sciences.   Dr. Bibb’s research focuses on basic and translational research exploring the molecular mechanisms of intracellular signal transduction in health and disease. His work on the regulation of dopamine neurotransmission was cited in the Nobel Prize in Physiology for Medicine in 2000. 

Robin Lockridge, Ph.D. is a neuropsychologist at the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health with expertise in the clinical assessment of pediatric cognitive, neurodevelopmental, and neuropsychological disorders as well as children and youth program development. Dr. Lockridge works with the Adult Rare Tumor Network.  

Kevin Payne, Ph.D. is a social psychologist and is the founder of an organization,  Your Life Lived Well, LLC.,  dedicated to helping people thrive with the challenges of chronic illness.

Lori Wiener, Ph.D., DCSW, LCSW-C is a clinical social worker. She directs the psychosocial support and research program at the National Cancer Institute.

Thank you to Burt Rosen and Nancy Lewis for sharing their neuroendocrine cancer stories and personal perspectives.

Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

The post NETWise Episode 42: Finding Happiness While Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer appeared first on NETRF.