NETRF Awards Eleven New Research Grants U.S. & international scientists to focus on drug therapies, radiopharmaceuticals, and progression of NETs
On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, NETRF announced its newest NETRF Research Grant awardees. These grantees – and the growing alumni network of NETRF grantees worldwide – are dedicated and keenly focused on better understanding NETs and developing effective treatments, therapies and, eventually, a cure.
The 11 investigators represent some of the most promising NET research projects worldwide with diverse approaches to better understand neuroendocrine cancer and improve treatments. Eight of the eleven are first-time NETRF grant recipients, evidence of NETRF’s ability to grow and accelerate the field of NET research. Read more about this exciting class of scientists here.
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NETTER-2 Trial: Lutathera Reduces Disease Progression
Lutathera®, when given with long-acting release octreotide, reduces the risk of disease progression or death in those with newly diagnosed Grade 2 and 3 advanced gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs), according to the results of the NETTER-2 clinical trial. The trial is the first positive Phase 3 study for a radioligand therapy in a first-line setting (i.e., as a first treatment option).
Novartis presented the results of the study at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium on January 19, 2024. Read more here.
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Growth Factor Dependence in Lung NETs An update on NETRF-funded work by Talya Dayton, PhD & Hans Clevers, MD, PhD
Lung neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are graded as typical or atypical carcinoids based on how quickly the tumor cells divide. They exhibit diverse clinical behaviors and represent 25% of all NETs. Molecular analyses have identified different groups, ranging from less aggressive to more aggressive forms, including a group termed 'supra-carcinoids' that combine low-grade histopathological features with a high-grade molecular profile, leading to poorer survival outcomes. Read more here.
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Exploring Midgut NETs Through the Lens of the Microbiome
Midgut neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), such as small intestinal NETs, originate in the neuroendocrine cells of the midgut, a part of the digestive system, and have increased dramatically in incidence over the past four decades. This phenomenon is partially attributed to enhanced diagnostic methods and increased awareness, but environmental factors may also play a role, as evidenced by the primary site distribution of NETs varying globally, with different regions showing differing prevalences of foregut, midgut, and hindgut NETs. Read more here.
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NETWise Episode 32: An Update on Pheos & Paras
Some of the rarest, most complex, and difficult NETs are known as pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas. NETWise episode 32 is an updated episode that first aired in 2021. A special thank you to Dr. Erik Mittra, chief of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging at Oregon Health and Science University for his expert assistance with this episode update.
In this updated podcast, we address some changes in the treatment of pheos and paras. Between 2018 and 2023, an FDA-approved treatment called Azedra was used for unresectable, metastatic pheos and paras. Azedra was similar to PRRT, delivering radioactive isotopes to the tumors with a synthetic analog of the hormone norepinephrine. But in 2023, the company that manufactured Azedra removed it from the market. This episode covers all you need to know about pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas.
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Depression & NETs
In this month's NETRF NET Thrivership Series, we explore the dynamic between NETs and emotional well-being, with a particular focus on addressing challenges like depression that may be significant to your NET cancer journey. In our initial episode of 2024, we share tools designed to assist you in managing symptoms of depression and underscore the significance of staying ahead in treating this emotional aspect linked to NETs.
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Miami Patient Education Event
If you're living near southern Florida, NETRF's Director of Patient Education, Jessica Thomas, will join the FLaNET Carcinoid Community on Saturday, January 27th, for a patient advocacy event.
Jessica will talk about NET Thrivership and how to foster resilience and emotional wellness in one's NET journey. NET Thrivership promotes a holistic approach to well-being and encourages one to reclaim control over their lives, fostering a mindset of empowerment, hope, and gratitude. This perspective supports emotional healing and wellness and improves quality of life in one's NET journey. Register to attend here.
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Become a NETRF Monthly Donor
Start the new year on a positive note by becoming a NETRF monthly donor. A monthly recurring donation is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make a meaningful impact in the lives of NET patients and their families. Recurring giving makes it easy to fit charitable giving into your monthly budget. And recurring donations are sustainable; your consistent support ensures ongoing advancements in research and brings us closer to finding effective treatments for neuroendocrine tumors. Join us in making a lasting impact on the journey towards a cure. Become a monthly donor here.
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Dancin' Our Way to a Cure
Join Brittany Holzhauer and The CureNET Project at their Second Annual Winter Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, March 2, 2024, in Toledo, Ohio. Featuring entertainment by Piano Wars! dueling pianos, event proceeds will benefit NETRF and provide grants to families to help ease the financial burden of NETs. For more information and to register, please click here.
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A Note of Thanks
We at NETRF are deeply grateful for your partnership and generosity throughout 2023. Your support fuels the innovations of this year’s class of NETRF grantees and contributes to our education resources, helping patients and their loved ones thrive.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment. We look forward to another bright year ahead.
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Many thanks to ITM for sponsoring this E-Update.
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