Reflections from the Neuroendocrine Cancer Patient Conference in Santa Monica on May 17, 2025

NCF Team
May 23
3 min read

Updated: May 24

On May 17th, nearly 70 neuroendocrine cancer patients, their loved ones, clinicians, and industry representatives gathered at the Sandbourne hotel in Santa Monica for an evening of learning, connection, and community. Attendees came from across North America and the greater Los Angeles area, united by a shared commitment to understanding and navigating life with neuroendocrine tumor (NET).

The evening opened with a moving personal story—one patient’s account of learning to live in “The Messy Middle.” Her reflections on embracing uncertainty and finding perspective and peace resonated powerfully with the audience, setting a thoughtful and hopeful tone.

We then heard from four distinguished NET experts who presented on key areas of care: liver-directed therapies, systemic treatments, PRRT (Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy), and clinical trials. Their presentations were both informative and accessible, helping patients and caregivers better understand current treatment options and the direction of ongoing research.

Cohosts Dr. Alexandra Gangi and Dr. Andrew Hendifar moderated two valuable Q&A sessions, where a panel of seven NET specialists answered around 40 questions from those attending. The panelists’ openness, insight, and compassion added tremendous value for those seeking clarity and guidance in their care journey.

But education was only part of what made the evening special. The event also offered something rare and vital: the opportunity to connect with others who truly understand the challenges of living with a chronic disease. Conversations flowed freely and stories were exchanged. There was a shared sense of solidarity and strength. Many attendees shared how meaningful it was to be surrounded by people who “get it”—leaving them feeling more inspired, empowered, and less alone.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to NANETS (North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society), whose Regional Educational Event for the medical community, earlier that day, laid the foundation for our gathering. Their expert speakers graciously extended their long Saturday to participate in our session for patients, and we’re grateful for their commitment to the Neuroendocrine Cancer community as a whole. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to share NANETS.net with your medical team—so they can learn more about the intricacies of neuroendocrine cancer and the latest in NET research and care.

As the evening concluded, one message stood out: we move forward with hope. Hope grounded in community, strengthened by knowledge, and fueled by the ongoing efforts of the brilliant, compassionate minds working toward better outcomes for all affected by neuroendocrine cancer.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Santa Monica. Again a very special thanks to NANETS and our hosts and moderators, Dr. Alexandra Gangi and Dr. Andrew Hendifar from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and our Supporters who made this event possible.

We are grateful for our 9 wonderful speakers:

Amoret, NET patient
Gabriel Lipshutz, MD, Interventional Radiologist, Cedars-Sinai
J. Randolph Hecht, MD, UCLA
Callisia Clarke, MD, Chief of MCW Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin (Milwaukee Wisconsin)
Julie Hallet, MD, MSc., FRCSC, Surgical Oncologist, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center (Toronto, Canada)
Thorvardur Halfdanarson, MD, Medical Oncologist, Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota)
Heloisa Soares, MD, Huntsman Cancer Institute (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Linda Gardner, MSN, RN, VA-BC, UCLA