10 Highlights for the Carcinoid and Neuroendocrine Tumor Community

PET/CT using Gallium-68 DOTATOC captures hidden source of neuroendocrine cancer. “An investigational molecular imaging technique could be the key to finding the elusive primary tumor, say presenters at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).” Read more: http://medicalxpress.com/news/2015-06-petct-captures-hidden-source-neuroendocrine.html

Congratulations to Dr. Steven Libutti, Director of the Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care, upon being named President of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons. An internationally recognized surgical oncologist and endocrine surgeon, Dr. Libutti is developing targeted nanoparticle therapies for metastatic neuroendocrine tumors. Read more: http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/634835/?sc=rsmn. The American Association of Endocrine Surgeons has an excellent patient education section on their website, including extensive information on neuroendocrine tumors: http://endocrinediseases.org/index.shtml.

More exciting news for the neuroendocrine cancer community!! Ipsen is acquiring OctreoPharm Sciences, a company developing innovative radiopharmaceuticals for the diagnosis and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors. Read more: http://www.ipsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/PR-Ipsen-Octreopharm-EN-FINAL1.pdf. David Cox, PhD, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Ipsen, explains how they will develop next generation theranostics for imaging as well as peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, PRRT.

Dr. Matthew Kulke, a carcinoid/neuroendocrine tumor specialist from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Massachusetts, talks about why progression free survival (PFS) is a good outcome measure for neuroendocrine tumors.

If you are a patient working with a local physician who would like to learn more about neuroendocrine tumors, there’s a new CME (continuing medical education) opportunity that you can share with your doctor: New Frontiers and Treatment Advances for Metastatic Enteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors. Drs. Edward M. Wolin and Pamela L. Kunz are the Program Co-Chairs. Click here for more information: http://www.clinicalwebcasts.com/cvr/2015/237.htm. This CME was supported with an educational grant from Ipsen.

Meet Skyler Nash, a 17 year old, who is ready to return to the basketball court after surgery to remove a carcinoid tumor last month. His tumor was discovered following a trip to the ER because Skyler experienced excruciating pain – pain that he and his mom, Lori Holton, thought was appendicitis. We’re cheering you on, Skyler!! http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20150604/downtown/hs-hoops-star-skyler-nash-battles-cancer-but-ready-return-court

A potential treatment option for patients with advanced nonfuctional gastrointestinal or lung neuroendocrine tumors is Novartis’ Afinitor (everolimus). Results of the RADIANT-4 clinical trial were just announced — Afinitor plus best supportive care has significantly extended progression-free survival for these GI or lung NET patients. Read more: http://www.pharmoutsourcing.com/1315-News/174427-Novartis-Afinitor-Extended-Progression-Free-Survival-in-Phase-III-Trial-in-Advanced-Gastrointestinal-or-Lung-Neuroendocrine-Tumors/.

When Josh Mailman heard the words “you have cancer” he knew that his life and his family’s lives would be forever changed. “Little did I know that my life would be transformed into two of Dr. Seuss’ books – Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? And Oh, The Places You’ll Go,” writes Josh in his article “Living with a Rare Cancer – My Dr. Seuss World,” published in the ASCO Post. Click here to read the article: http://www.ascopost.com/issues/may-25,-2015/living-with-a-rare-cancer-my-dr-seuss-world.aspx

Lanreotide Depot – Current Indications and Future Research. David Cox, PhD, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals, says that one area they will be investigating is to see if patients with neuroendocrine tumors in their lung or thymus would benefit from lanreotide.

Special thanks to the NorCal CarciNET Community for sharing this video on Carcinoid and Your Heart with cardiologist Dr. Jerome Zacks from Mount Sinai Hospital and the Carcinoid Heart Center, both in New York City: