Understanding Functional NETs and Their Symptoms
WATCH
When Hormones Interfere With Quality of Life in Neuroendocrine Cancers
Aug 27, 2026
When hormones are out of balance, the symptoms can have a significant impact on quality of life for people living with neuroendocrine cancer.
In this Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation (NCF) educational webinar, Dr. Jaydira Del Rivero, medical oncologist at the National Cancer Institute, explores how hormone excess, hormone deficiencies, and cancer treatments can affect the endocrine system—and what patients and caregivers should know.
Topics covered include:
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How hormone excess and hormone deficiency can affect the body
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Hormone-related symptoms associated with neuroendocrine tumors
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Carcinoid syndrome vs. serotonin syndrome
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How immunotherapy may affect the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas
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Adrenal insufficiency and cortisol deficiency
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Thyroid dysfunction associated with cancer therapies
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Endocrine effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and somatostatin analogs
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Changes in blood glucose and insulin production
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Sex hormone changes during treatment
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Flushing related to carcinoid syndrome and menopause
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GLP-1 agonists in the setting of neuroendocrine tumors
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Symptoms and patterns patients should discuss with their healthcare team
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Warning signs that may require urgent medical attention
The goal of this session is to help patients and caregivers recognize symptoms earlier, understand when hormone testing may be appropriate, and have more informed conversations with their oncology and endocrinology teams.
The Latest in the Management of Functional Neuroendocrine Cancers
Jan 21, 2026
Join us for an easy-to-understand overview of functional neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) with Dr. Jaydira Del Rivero, a medical oncologist and endocrinologist at the National Cancer Institute.
Functional NETs can cause the body to produce too many hormones, leading to challenging symptoms such as low blood sugar (often seen in insulinoma), high blood sugar (glucagonoma), carcinoid syndrome (excess serotonin), and other hormone-related issues and symptoms. Dr. Del Rivero will explain what these syndromes are, how they’re diagnosed, and the latest updates in treatment.
She will also discuss conditions that can occur because of NETs or their treatments such as adrenal insufficiency. She will help patients understand why symptoms like hypoglycemia are more common in some NET types.
Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or simply want to better understand functional NETs, this webinar will offer practical, up-to-date information to help you feel more informed and empowered.
Symptom Management
David Metz, MD
October 10, 2023
Neuroendocrinologist Dr. David Metz from the University of Pennsylvania discusses symptom management. The presentation covers carcinoid syndrome, pancreatic enzymes, bile acid secretion, and short bowel syndrome. He explains current treatments, supplements, and diets that might be helpful to control NET-related symptoms.
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Gastric NET, Gastrinomas & Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (ZES)
David Metz, MD
Gastroenterologist and Neuroendocrinologist Dr. David C. Metz discusses important concepts in Gastric NET, Gastrinomas and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, including detection, treatments, associated risks and monitoring. He also lends valuable insight on ulcers, MEN and proton pump inhibitors.
Understanding Carcinoid Syndrome & GLP-1 Drugs in Neuroendocrine Tumors
Joseph DIllon, MD
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 somatostatin analogs and telotristat—and discusses how to distinguish carcinoid syndrome from other causes of diarrhea and flushing.
