December 2024

Research is at the very core of what we do at the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF). We believe it is the key to discovering cures and more effective treatments for neuroendocrine cancers.

In the latest episode of NETWise, we will take you into one of our most exciting yearly events – NETRF’s 2024 Margie and Robert E. Petersen Neuroendocrine Cancer Research Symposium. You will hear ways the needle has been pushed in each area of research in the past year. We'll start with advances in basic research and move through the spectrum to finish with updates that have clinical applications.

NETRF is excited to share the recorded sessions from our 2024 Research Symposium in Boston in late October. This year's event brought together leading experts, researchers, and members of the global neuroendocrine cancer scientific community to share groundbreaking advancements and provide hope for new treatments for those affected by neuroendocrine cancer. Watch the symposium sessions here.

A research team for the University of Iowa is urging caution in the use of semaglutide, a common medication for type 2 diabetes and obesity, for patients with certain neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). Although semaglutide is effective in managing blood sugar and aiding weight loss, the team found it may also enhance the growth of certain neuroendocrine tumors that have high levels of GLP-1 receptors. Read more about this research here.

NETRF was well-represented at NANETS 2024, the annual meeting of the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society held in November. Several hundred physicians, researchers, and patient advocates attended the meeting in Chicago. CEO Elyse Gellerman and Director of Patient Education Jessica Thomas represented NETRF, along with Board members Josh Mailman and Carrie Camino. Read more here.

Participating in a clinical trial may be an option for many people living with neuroendocrine cancer. It is a way to gain access to new treatments. The NET Trial Finder, developed by Ancora.ai and available on NETRF’s website, makes the process of finding clinical trials easy and personalized. Now, this important tool has been expanded to include global radiopharmaceutical clinical trials. Radiopharmaceuticals have become an increasingly important treatment option for neuroendocrine cancer.

The NET Trial Finder is a clinical trial matching tool combining technology and a patient-first approach. When you enter data about your tumor site, stage, grade, and previous treatments, the NET Trial Finder will search multiple databases, including clinicaltrials.gov to suggest trials that may be appropriate for you. The tool simplifies what has been a complicated and often frustrating process.

Try the Net Trial Finder here.

Positive affirmations are a gift we can give ourselves. In this NETRF NET Thrivership episode, we discuss the multifaceted benefits of positive affirmations.

Positive affirmations can help foster a positive mindset during a journey with neuroendocrine cancer, serving as a valuable tool to navigate challenges with hope and resilience. They have the potential to reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, and cultivate a sense of empowerment. By integrating affirmations into daily life, patients and caregivers alike can nurture a mindset that supports healing and strength.  

Thank you for your incredible support during our Research Changes Lives Giving Tuesday campaign. Through your generosity, we raised $287,000 to fund groundbreaking neuroendocrine cancer research. A special thank you to the group of supporters and Board members who provided matching funds to double the impact of your gifts!

Thank you for your commitment to changing lives. The research we’re funding now is laying the foundation for a brighter future without neuroendocrine cancer.

If you missed the chance to donate, there’s still time to make a year-end gift. Join us in advancing the research that changes lives. Donate Today!

We are deeply grateful to Wayne Firsty, his children, and the extended Firsty and Seltzer families for their steadfast support. This year, they hosted the 15th Annual Moonlight Walk in Florida, commemorating the 10th anniversary of Julie Seltzer Firsty's passing. The walk, held on one of Julie's favorite places – the beach – brought together family and community, raising $12,000 to support neuroendocrine tumor research.

“To honor those 10 years since Julie passed, we are raising the game,” said Wayne. “In addition to the Moonlight Walk, our family is sponsoring a NETRF Mentored Research Award in her name."

The NETRF Mentored Research Award is a multi-year research project led by an early-career scientist. Thank you, Wayne and family, for turning remembrance into impactful action and inspiring others to support neuroendocrine cancer research.

A heartfelt thank you to Chris and Jessica Ochoa for hosting a fabulous golf tournament fundraiser on November 22 in Orlando, raising $6,300 for NETRF! Following Jessica’s diagnosis in 2023, the couple turned their determination into action to support neuroendocrine cancer research.

With three children, Jessica shared her motivation: “I want to be there for my kids in the future.”

We are so grateful for your hard work and the generosity of everyone who supported this effort. Together, you are helping to advance critical research for neuroendocrine cancer. Thank you, Chris and Jessica, for being champions of hope and progress!

Great news! Give Freely is now available on your iPhone so all of your mobile shopping can help support the NEUROENDOCRINE TUMOR RESEARCH FOUNDATION!

Give Freely, co-founded by NETRF board member Steve Kaufer, is a mission-driven company that harnesses the collective power of online commerce for charitable good. Give Freely’s coupon finder is a simple and automatic way to support NETRF every time you shop online at no cost to you. 

Just add Give Freely to your Chrome browser or iPhone, and it will automatically find coupons for your online shopping AND donate a percentage of the sale to NETRF. It's a win-win!

NET Research Foundation
31 St. James Avenue
Suite 365
Boston, MA 02116
(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.