NCF's Patient Education Event Brings Neuroendocrine Cancer Community Together in Atlanta
- NCF Team
- Jun 4
- 4 min read
On Saturday, May 16, approximately 110 people, including neuroendocrine cancer patients, caregivers, clinicians, scientists, advocates, and industry partners, gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, for the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation Patient Education Event. Designed specifically for individuals living with neuroendocrine cancer (or NET) and their loved ones, this full-day program brought together leading regional experts from Emory University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and Vanderbilt University Medical Center to provide practical, up-to-date education on the diagnosis and management of neuroendocrine cancer.
Attendees traveled from across the Southeast and beyond to learn more about their disease, connect with others who understand the NET journey, and gain hope through education and community. For many, this was their very first NET patient education event. Notably, none of the attendees had previously participated in clinical trials or research, underscoring the importance of continuing efforts to improve patient education and awareness around emerging treatment opportunities. Participants remained highly engaged throughout the day, asking thoughtful questions and sharing meaningful conversations with both experts and fellow attendees.
Prior to the event, Dr. Daniel Halperin shared his thoughts on the value of attending in-person educational programs during this rapidly evolving time in neuroendocrine cancer care:
The day opened with an inspiring patient story from Jay, who shared his experience living with neuroendocrine cancer and his perspective on learning to live “symbiotically” with the disease. He spoke candidly about refusing to let NET define or limit his life and about maintaining emotional steadiness even during moments of tumor progression or treatment changes. His honesty, humor, and optimism resonated deeply with attendees and helped set the tone for a patient-centered day grounded in resilience and hope.
Eight outstanding speakers covered a broad range of clinical and practical topics, including surgery, liver-directed therapy, systemic treatments, imaging, PRRT, and clinical trials. Attendees also learned about emerging research exploring GLP-1 agents and neuroendocrine tumors from a leading scientist in the field.
Event Recording
To help attendees continue learning and revisit the information shared during the program, watch the full event recording below. To download speaker slides, click the link beneath each presentation title.
Two Q&A panel discussions gave attendees the opportunity to ask questions spanning a wide range of topics, from preparing for a first NET appointment and navigating treatment decisions to understanding clinical trials and the growing role of artificial intelligence in research and clinical care.
Liver-Directed Therapy: Understanding Minimally Invasive Options to Treat Liver Tumors |
Understanding Your Scans and PRRT: How Imaging Guides Treatment |
Systemic Therapy for Neuroendocrine Cancer: What Patients Need to Know |
How Do GLP-1 Agents Factor Into Neuroendocrine Tumor Care Strategies? |
Whether newly diagnosed or living with NET for more than 20 years, participants consistently shared that the information was practical, understandable, and highly relevant to their daily lives. Beyond the educational sessions, attendees valued the opportunity to connect personally with speakers, patient advocates, and industry supporters. Many especially enjoyed learning fun and humanizing facts about the clinicians’ hobbies and interests outside of medicine. Participants were also treated to a moving reading of healing poetry by Dr. Saima Muzahir, which brought an especially meaningful and reflective moment to the day.
By the close of the program, attendees left with new knowledge, new connections, and renewed hope. The event highlighted not only the tremendous progress being made in neuroendocrine cancer research and treatment, but also the collective commitment across the NET community to help people live longer and better with this uncommon disease.
The post-event survey, completed by approximately 15% of the attendees, highlighted the success of the conference:
Conference Success Highlights
100% of respondents said the event was worthwhile
100% would recommend the conference to others
100% said they visited Supporter's Exhibit Tables
100% of the respondents said they have an increased knowledge of various procedures and/or treatments specific to my diagnosis.
Attendees rated the event an average of 4.75 out of 5 overall
More than 91% reported a better understanding of neuroendocrine cancer
Participants rated their increased awareness of NCF resources at an average of 4.7 out of 5
Participants described the event as:
“Terrific”
“Very informative”
“Helpful in understanding treatment options.”
“A wonderful opportunity to connect with experts and other patients”
Following the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation’s Patient Education Conference in Atlanta, Drs. Seth Concors and Udhay Grewal of Emory University discussed the value of multidisciplinary care for people living with neuroendocrine cancer. They highlighted how bringing multiple specialists together in a coordinated team approach helps patients better understand their options, streamline care, and develop comprehensive treatment plans closer to home.
Special thanks to Dr. Udhayvir Grewal for his collaboration and partnership with the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation in making this event possible.
To learn more about upcoming Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation in-person and virtual programs, visit the NCF Upcoming Events & Meetings page.
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