Despite the change to a virtual meeting, NETRF’s annual Research Symposium held in November was a success. The Symposium reached more researchers than ever before and featured more than 70 presenters from 16 countries sharing their NET research. The Symposium is designed to drive NET research forward through collaboration and the sharing of data and new ideas. Read more about it in this summary from John Kanki, Ph.D., NETRF’s Director of Research. (MORE)

A neuroendocrine cancer diagnosis when you are a teenager or young adult presents different medical, social, and even financial challenges than for older adults. NETRF’s latest NETWise podcast focuses on “AYA”—adolescents and young adults—and how to navigate the NET journey. (MORE) 

While there are more options, treatment for PNETs needs to be individualized since these tumors can vary significantly in stage, grade, and their ability to cause hormonal symptoms.  Learn about all the treatment options in the NETWise podcast episode.

Then take the LACNETS quiz to test your knowledge of PNETs.

It is not unusual to find people with neuroendocrine tumors who have sought treatment outside the United States, especially prior to the approval of PRRT. Patients today still ask whether there are differences in what is available here and in Europe. Josh Mailman, NETRF Board member and NorCal CarciNET leader, shares his thoughts about this question and PRRT in this new blog post. (MORE)

If you are a NET patient who is having surgery, your excess tumor tissue is needed so scientists can grow cell lines for research. NETRF’s tissue donation program especially needs lungNET and PNET tissue. The more samples collected, the greater the chance for success and creation of diverse NET cell lines.

Scientists create models of tumors when cells multiply in the laboratory. These models are critical to cancer research and can be used to analyze the genetic composition of tumors and test the effects of drugs.

A small donation of tumor cells can have a big impact on NET research. A new NET cell line from an intestinal tissue sample donated through this program, has been created at the Broad Institute.

NETRF partners with Pattern.org to work with patients, collect the tissue, and send it to the lab. There is no cost to patients, physicians, or hospitals to donate tissue. (MORE)

Erica Roberts’ father taught her to give back, a lesson she has taken to heart to honor her father, William Preston Roberts, Jr. who died from neuroendocrine cancer. “I donate to remember him and in hopes that a cure will be found so that another daughter doesn’t have to lose her dad in the same way I lost mine,” she says. Meet Erica, a member of NETRF’s Champions Giving Society and learn how her monthly generosity makes a big impact. (MORE)