April 2025

As the Director of Research at the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF), I’ve dedicated my career to advancing science that gives patients and families more time, options, and hope. But last September, that mission took on a profound new urgency when I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. In an instant, I found myself depending on the very system of funded science we’ve worked for years to strengthen. Read more from Dr. Anna Greene here. 

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are complex cancers that can originate in various organs, including the ovaries. While primary ovarian NETs (PON) are uncommon, distinguishing them from neuroendocrine ovarian metastases (NOM) has posed a significant challenge for doctors and researchers.

A recent study published in The Journal of Pathology: Clinical Research by NETRF Pilot Award recipient Hans Hofland, MD, PhD, provides valuable insights into the clinicopathological and epigenetic differences between these two tumor types.

Read more about this research, which is crucial to improve diagnostic accuracy. 

At NETRF, our annual Request for Applications (RFA) is a vital part of our mission to fund groundbreaking research in neuroendocrine cancer. The RFA process is designed in two stages to identify the most promising and impactful projects.

In the first stage, researchers submit Letters of Intent (LOIs) outlining their project’s aims, significance, and alignment with our mission. These LOIs are now under review by our scientific reviewers. Based on these submissions, a select group is invited to move to the second stage, which involves submitting full grant applications to ensure that each project meets the highest standards of scientific excellence and has the potential to make a significant impact in the field.

For the 2025 grant cycle, we’re excited to share that we received 30% more LOIs than in 2024—a testament to the innovation and growing interest in neuroendocrine cancer research. 

Stay tuned as NETRF’s grant review process continues and read more about our grant process here.

“The role that NETRF plays in the funding of neuroendocrine tumor research is really important because it's difficult to find funding for the work that
we do.”
- Dr. Talya Dayton, NETRF Grantee

With a 70% surge in funding requests since 2023, scientists are more ready than ever to make breakthroughs in neuroendocrine cancer—but they can’t do it without us. NETRF is often the only source of support for this work, and your gift helps ensure that bold, life-changing research moves forward.

Thank you for standing with us and fueling hope.

Cancer doesn’t just take a toll on the body—it can also hit hard financially. In this episode of NETRF’s NETWise, we explore the economic impact of a neuroendocrine cancer diagnosis. From treatment costs to hidden expenses, we break down the major financial challenges patients and families often face—and highlight practical resources and strategies to help manage the burden. Listen here.

Did you know that you can sign up to have NETRF notify you of the next NETWise podcast? Or subscribe to NETWise on your favorite podcast service. 

April is Stress Awareness Month, and in our latest Thrivership Series, we’re diving into the Mind-Body Connection: Reducing Stress on Your Healing Journey. This short, impactful talk explores how chronic stress affects the body—especially for individuals living with neuroendocrine cancer. We’ll highlight the biological stress response, its impact on hormone-regulated tumors, and introduce five practical, evidence-based tools like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery. It’s a powerful reminder that small, daily practices can improve the quality of life and support healing—a little bit at a time.

Join NETRF and the neuroendocrine cancer community on July 26, 2025 for the 2025 NETRF Know Your NETs Virtual Patient and Caregiver Conference—a day dedicated to hope, education and empowerment.

We are planning a program that will feature information on the newest treatments, latest research, and practical strategies to thrive with neuroendocrine cancer. We want to thank everyone who responded to our recent survey to tell us what you wanted to learn more about.  

Registration will open soon. Watch your email for more information. 

Bennett Raphel ran the 2025 Boston Marathon in memory of his aunt, taking every step toward a future with better treatments—and hope for a cure. He finished in 3 hours, 43 minutes and has raised more than $2,600 for NETRF.  

Thank you Bennett for your commitment to support neuroendocrine cancer research!

On Saturday, June 14, the Katherine’s Light Foundation will host an all-day music festival at Severna Park Taphouse in Severna Park, Maryland to raise funds for NETRF and other causes close to Katherine’s heart.

Katherine’s Light Foundation is proudly sponsoring the work of Dr. Tanya Stoyanova, a talented researcher whose NETRF-funded project is focused on developing new, non-invasive biomarkers to improve the early detection and treatment of neuroendocrine cancers. Her innovative work could lead to faster diagnoses and more personalized care for patients. Watch Dr. Stoyanova’s video message below.

Whether you join in person or from afar, your support makes a difference. Come celebrate Katherine’s light, enjoy great music, and help fund lifesaving research.

Get your ticket or make a donation today. Click here.

Thank you to the entire community for honoring Katherine’s legacy and helping to bring hope to so many.

NETRF is excited to announce that Valorie Seyfert and Elaine Nord have joined the Board of Directors.  

Valorie Seyfert is the retired CEO and co-founder of CUSO Financial Services and Sorrento Pacific Financial in San Diego. She led company strategy, operations, and financial performance, driving growth and innovation. The companies provide investment services for credit unions and banks, respectively. Before she founded CUSO, Ms. Seyfert was a business attorney practicing in the areas of business transactions, securities and regulatory matters. “I have been impressed by the organization and the commitment of the NETRF Staff to inspire the scientific community to find new avenues for the treatment and cure of neuroendocrine tumors,” she says.

Elaine Nord is a fine art photographer in Jupiter, Florida. With several jury awards for her prints, she uses her love of action and textures in her work. Early in her career, as a female sports photographer, Elaine broke barriers by photographing sports teams and individual athletes at the amateur and professional levels. Her images were often published and featured in print and online. At the 2024 NETRF Research Symposium, Elaine spoke about her experience as a neuroendocrine cancer patient and used her photography to illustrate her journey. “I was moved by the number of researchers who took the time to talk to me about my presentation and how it resonated with them,” she said. Ms. Nord also serves on the Board of Directors for Big Dog Ranch Rescue, the largest no-kill and cage-free dog shelter in the United States located in Florida.

NETRF has moved. Our new home is:

100 Hancock Street, Third Floor
Quincy, Massachusetts 02171

Please make a note of our new address!

NET Research Foundation
100 Hancock Street,
Third floor
Quincy, MA 02171
(617) 946-1780 info@netrf.org

The mission of the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation is to fund research to discover cures and more effective treatments for neuroendocrine cancer. NETRF is the largest global funder of neuroendocrine research and a preeminent resource for expert patient education and support.



NETRF is a 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.