The Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation Podcast - Top 10 FAQs with neuroendocrine cancer experts

In this episode, surgical oncologist Dr. Seth Concors of Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute discusses the role of the surgical oncologist within the multidisciplinary care team for neuroendocrine cancer. We explore what surgical oncologists do, why NET-specific experience matters, how surgical decisions are made, and what patients can expect during a surgical consultation. The conversation highlight...

ABOUT THIS EPISODE Who is a genetic counselor, and who should see one? How do they fit into the neuroendocrine cancer care team? In this episode, Samantha Greenberg, PhD, MS, MPH, CGC, Director of the UT Southwestern Genetic Counseling Program, demystifies genetic counseling and testing for NET patients and their families. She explains what to expect before, during, and after a consultation—and ho...

ABOUT THIS EPISODE In this special annual episode, OHSU medical oncologist Dr. Guillaume (“Will”) Pegna joins us once again to break down the highlights from the 2025 North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (NANETS) Multidisciplinary NET Medical Symposium. He walks us through the latest clinical trial results and emerging research—covering PRRT, non-PRRT therapies, liver-directed treatments, a...

ABOUT THIS EPISODE  Who is a pharmacist, and how are they involved in the care of neuroendocrine cancer patients? In this episode, Dr. Amanda Cass, a clinical pharmacist in the Thoracic Oncology Clinic at Vanderbilt Medical Center, explains the unique role pharmacists play—why they’re sometimes called “doctor,” how they support patients starting treatments such as cabozantinib and CAPTEM, and prac...

ABOUT THIS EPISODE  Carcinoid syndrome can be confusing and often difficult to diagnose. In this episode, Dr. Joseph Dillon, Endocrinologist and Director of the University of Iowa Neuroendocrine Multidisciplinary Tumor Clinic, explains what carcinoid syndrome is, how it’s diagnosed, and the various ways it can be treated. He highlights key symptoms, testing, and treatment approaches—including soma...

ABOUT THIS EPISODE DLL3 is emerging as a promising new target for neuroendocrine cancers. In this episode, Dr. Rohit Thummalapalli, medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, explains what DLL3 is, how it works, who might benefit, and what current clinical trials are teaching us. He breaks down the science, treatment options, and future directions in a way that is clear, approac...

ABOUT THIS EPISODE Every provider on a multidisciplinary neuroendocrine cancer (NET) team brings a distinct and valuable perspective. In this episode, UCLA endocrinologist Dr. Run Yu sheds light on the unique role of the endocrinologist. He explains what endocrinology is, which types of NETs may require an endocrinologist's care, and how endocrine issues intersect with NET management. Dr. Yu...

ABOUT THIS EPISODE Neuroendocrine cancer care typically involves a multidisciplinary team which sometimes involves an Advanced Practice Provider (APP). In this episode, Moffitt Physician Assistant Tiffany Valone clarifies the role of an APP in neuroendocrine cancer. TOP TEN QUESTIONS  What is a NP/PA/APP? -Are you a doctor? How are you different from or similar to a doctor? - How is your role simi...

One of the key aspects of one’s neuroendocrine cancer care is building your medical team, which typically includes a medical oncologist. In this episode, Medical Oncologist Dr. Sandy Kotiah from Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore expounds on the role of a medical oncologist. She sheds light on the first appointment, communication, and care coordination.  TOP TEN QUESTIONS What is your role in the n...

When in one’s neuroendocrine cancer journey might a clinical trial be considered? What factors influence treatment decisions, including whether to pursue a clinical trial? Dr. Alexandria Phan, medical oncologist at the Medical College of Wisconsin, offers thoughtful guidance on when and how clinical trials fit into the neuroendocrine cancer journey. This episode helps demystify the clinical trial...

What is Carcinoid Heart Disease (CHD)? Which NET patients develop CHD?  Retired cardiologist and carcinoid heart disease specialist Dr. Jerome Zacks provides an overview of CHD and describes the appropriate screening, diagnosis, and treatment.  MEET DR. JEROME ZACKS Dr. Jerome Zacks is a Cardiologist/Carcinoid Heart Disease Specialist; retired since December of 2021; but remain active as Associate...

In this special episode, medical oncologist and NET expert Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes engages in an open and honest discussion on sensitive topics, including sexual health, family planning and end-of-life discussions. She also answers common questions regarding cannabis use with cancer, as well as the relationship between sugar and cancer. Dr. Reidy shares information and insights from her decades of...

In this special episode, Oregon Health & Sciences University (OHSU) Medical oncologist Dr. Guillaume (Will) Pegna recaps the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (NANETS) 2024 Multidisciplinary NET Medical Symposium. He shares the latest developments in NET research and medical advances from the conference and how they matter to the NET patient community. MEET DR. GUILLAUME PEGNA Dr. Pe...

ABOUT THIS EPISODE What is radiation oncology, and how is it used for neuroendocrine cancer? UCSF radiation oncologists Dr. Will Chen and Dr. Alexandra Hotca-Cho describe external radiation therapy (SBRT) and how, when, and where it may be used for select patients with neuroendocrine cancers. They address common concerns about the planning process, safety concerns, and treatment sequencing. TOP TE...

ABOUT THIS EPISODE In this 2-part series, Dr. Osman Ahmed from the University of Chicago covers liver-directed therapies for neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs or neuroendocrine cancer). In this second episode, he details the embolization techniques, including bland embolization (TAE), chemoembolization (TACE), and radioembolization (TARE, SIRT, y90). He discusses decision-making, sequencing, and foll...

ABOUT THIS EPISODE In this 2-part series, Dr. Osman Ahmed from University of Chicago covers liver-directed therapies for neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs or neuroendocrine cancer). In this first episode, he outlines the types of liver-directed therapies and elaborates on ablative techniques including the newest technique, histotripsy. Listen to a frank discussion of how histotripsy works, when it mi...

What is supportive care or supportive oncology? What is cancer-related distress? How might NET patients benefit from supportive care? Yale oncologist Dr. Maryam Lustberg suggests strategies to manage cancer-related fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, mouth sores, peripheral neuropathy, distress, anxiety, and anxiety. She also addresses considerations for fertility and sexual health. MEET DR. MARYAM LUSTBER...

ABOUT THIS EPISODE What is immunotherapy? How effective are they for neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs)? Dr. Jennifer Eads from Penn Medicine answers common questions about immunotherapy. She discusses the latest in CAR T therapy, DLL3, and vaccine therapy for NENs.  TOP TEN QUESTIONS ABOUT IMMUNOTHERAPY FOR NENS: What is immunotherapy? How does it work?  How does immunotherapy differ from other trea...

What is chemotherapy? When are they used for neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs)? Dr. Pamela Kunz from Yale Medicine discusses the benefits, potential side effects and latest advances in chemotherapy for NENs. She explains how it differs from other treatments for NENs and how she counsels patients as they consider chemotherapy. TOP TEN QUESTIONS ABOUT CHEMOTHERAPY FOR NENS: What is chemotherapy? How d...

What is PRRT? How is it different from the more commonly used radiation treatment? What are the possible side effects? Dr. Riham El Khouli from the University of Kentucky in Lexington discusses common questions and concerns about PRRT and shares some of the latest advances. MEET DR. RIHAM EL KHOULI, MD, PHD Associate Professor of Radiology, UK College of Medicine Chief, Division of Nuclear Medicin...

ABOUT THIS EPISODE What are Targeted Therapies and how do they work? How and when would they be used in NETs? Dr. Scott Paulson from Baylor Cancer Center in Dallas discusses common questions and concerns about targeted therapies including side effects, dosing and treatment sequencing. Bonus: Dr. Paulson shares how we can learn from Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak in understanding treatment goals...

How do SSAs work? Should all NET patients be on one? What are the side effects? Dr. Edward Wolin from Mount Sinai Health System answers several common questions about the current and future role of somatostatin analogues in NET treatment.  MEET Dr. EDWARD M. WOLIN Professor of Medicine, Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine Director, Center for Carcinoid and Neuroendocrine Tumors Tisch Cancer...

In this two-part series, we reprise “Navigating Clinical Trials: Expectations vs. Realities” with Taymeyah Al-Toubah. This was previously broadcast on August 19th, 2023, as a LACNETS monthly educational webinar. In Part 1, Taymeyah discusses clinical trial terminology, timeline, questions to ask, and misconceptions. In Part 2, Taymeyah answers questions about logistics and practical aspects of cli...

In this two-part series, we reprise “Navigating Clinical Trials: Expectations vs. Realities” with Taymeyah Al-Toubah. This was previously broadcast on August 19th, 2023, as a LACNETS monthly educational webinar. In Part 1, Taymeyah discusses clinical trial terminology, timeline, questions to ask, and misconceptions. In Part 2, Taymeyah answers questions about logistics and practical aspects of cli...

When and how often do NETs spread to the bones or brain? How are they found? What is the treatment? Dr. Robert Ramirez of Vanderbilt University addresses concerns surrounding bone metastases (or “mets”) as well as rare brain metastases. MEET DR. ROBERT RAMIREZ, DO, FACP  Dr. Robert Ramirez is a medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of thoracic and neuroendocrine malignancies and an Asso...