EPISODE 49 - Understanding Carcinoid Syndrome & GLP-1 Drugs in Neuroendocrine Tumors
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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 somatostatin analogs and telotristat—and discusses how to distinguish carcinoid syndrome from other causes of diarrhea and flushing.
In the second half of the episode, Dr. Dillon shares insights from his separate line of research on GLP-1 receptor agonist weight-loss drugs (such as Ozempic® and Mounjaro®) and their potential implications for neuroendocrine tumor patients. (Note: this topic is unrelated to carcinoid syndrome.)
MEET DR. JOSEPH DILLON
Dr. Dillon is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He directs the University of Iowa Neuroendocrine Multidisciplinary Tumor Clinic. This was the first and only US NET Clinic to be recognized as a Center of Excellence by the European NET Society. He is also the Director of the PheoPara Alliance Center of Excellence at University of Iowa. His clinical practice is entirely focused on the care of people with neuroendocrine tumors, both carcinoid type and paraganglioma. He has participated in clinical trials and publications related to diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear agents and drug therapies in this population. Prior to focusing on NET he made important discoveries in the field of GLP-1 which are now becoming of importance to NET patients taking popular weight loss drugs.
TOP TEN QUESTIONS:
What is carcinoid syndrome?Â
Who is affected by carcinoid syndrome? How does someone know if they have carcinoid syndrome? 3.What are the tests for carcinoid syndrome? How is carcinoid syndrome distinguished from other causes of my symptoms?Â
*Could the tests be negative but someone still have carcinoid syndrome?
Can someone have no evidence of neuroendocrine tumors and still have carcinoid syndrome?
For those who have carcinoid syndrome, what additional tests should they have?
Why should carcinoid syndrome be treated? What are the possible issues if it is not treated?
How is carcinoid syndrome treated?Â
*What is on the horizon for carcinoid syndrome treatment?
Can carcinoid syndrome be prevented or detected early?Â
Is there anything people can do to prevent or lessen carcinoid syndrome symptoms?
Are there any factors that worsen carcinoid syndrome such as age, weight or other diseases?Â
You recently published a study discussing possible risks of using certain weight loss drugs in people with neuroendocrine cancer. Could you tell us more about this study? What was the drug and what did you find? What does it mean? What do you want the NET patient community to understand about your recent findings?
RESOURCES
WATCH
Educational Videos on Diarrhea
Watch Dr. Dillon’s video (3:41min) - "How Do GLP-1 Agents Factor Into Neuroendocrine Tumor Care Strategies?" (Nov 5, 2025)
LISTEN
EXPLORE
Carcinoid Heart Disease Resources
Somatostatin Analogue (SSA) Resources
Paltusotine in Carcinoid Syndrome Clinical TrialÂ
READ
Shilyansky J. et al. (2025). "GLP-1R agonist promotes proliferation of neuroendocrine neoplasm cells expressing GLP-1 receptors"
DISCLAIMER
The Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation Podcasts are created for educational purposes only and do not substitute for medical advice. The views shared in this Podcast are the personal opinions of the experts and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation. Please contact your medical team with questions or concerns about your individual care or treatment.
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