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Lu-177 DOTATATE + Olaparib in GEP-NETs << Back Lu-177-DOTATATE in Combination With Olaparib in Inoperable Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (GEP-NETs) CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT04086485 DRUG/TREATMENT: Lu-177 DOTATATE + OLAPARIB PHASE I / II STATUS: Recruiting SPONSOR: National Cancer Institute (NCI) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CC2NXP21R24 Dr. Del Rivero discusses Lu177-Dotatate + OLAPARIB DESCRIPTION: This phase 1-2 trial tests Lu-177-DOTATATE (Lutathera) in combination With olaparib (PARP inhibitor) in inoperable gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (GEP-NET). The objective is to learn if people with certain neuroendocrine tumors can take a combination of 2 drugs, Lu-177 DOTATATE and Olaparib, without having severe side effects, and if this treatment makes the tumors shrink. For more information on eligibility criteria, trial locations, study details, etc., go to ClinicalTrials.gov to view this trial here. PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Frank Lin, MD CONTACT: National Cancer Institute Joy Zou, RN EMAIL: joy.zou@nih.gov PHONE: 240-760-6153

<< Back Pancreatic NET (PNET) Insulinoma upLIFT: Ersodetug in Insulinoma/Tumor Hyperinsulinism PRRT/RLT Trials Alpha PRRT with Pb-212 (all NET) Alpha PRRT with Ac-225 (GEP-NETs only) Alpha PRRT with Pb-212 VMT Alpha PRRT with RYZ401 in PRRT-naive Solid Tumors Expressing SSTRs Lu-177 DOTATATE + M3814 (Peposertib) (GEP-NETs) Lu-177 DOTATATE + Olaparib (GEP-NETs) Lu-177 DOTATATE + Triapine (GEP-NETs) Lu-177 DOTATATE + Cabozantanib (all NET) Lu-177 DOTATATE + Sunitinib in PNETs COMPOSE (GEP-NETS) ComPareNET Lu-177 vs CAPTEM in PNETs Lu-177 DOTATATE vs Everolimus in Lung NETs NETTER-P: Lutathera in Adolescent Patients Oral Treatment SWOG S2104: Adjuvant CAPTEM for High Risk pNET Belzutifan/MK-6482 in PNET + PPGL + VHL CDK4/6 Abemaciclib Other Trials Antibody Drug Conjugate ADCT-701 in Neuroendocrine Tumors and Carcinomas BRAVESST2: CRN09682 in SST2-Expressing NENs and Other Solid Tumors IL13Rα2 CAR T Cell Study for Solid Tumor Cancers SORENTO™: Subcutaneous Octreotide for GEP-NETs Nab-sirolimus in Patients With Well-differentiated Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) SORENTO™: Subcutaneous Octreotide for GEP-NETs STELLAR-311: Zanzalintinib Versus Everolimus in pNET and epNET with Locally Advanced or Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Survivin Long Peptide Vaccine (SurVaxM) in Metastatic NETs Tarlatamab in DLL3-Expressing Tumors Including Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

Lu-177 DOTATATE + M3814 (Peposertib) in GEP-NETs << Back Testing the Addition of An Anti-cancer Drug, M3814 (Peposertib), to the Usual Radiation-Based Treatment (Lutetium Lu-177 Dotatate) for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT04750954 DRUG/TREATMENT: lutetium Lu-177 dotatate in combination with M3814 (peposertib) PHASE: 1b STATUS: Recruiting SPONSOR: National Cancer Institute (NCI) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pfbNMs9sZA Dr. Aman Chauhan discusses Lu-177 Dotatate + M3814 DESCRIPTION: This phase Ib trial is to find out the best dose, possible benefits and/or side effects of peposertib when given together with lutetium Lu-177 dotatate in treating patients with neuroendocrine tumors. For more information on eligibility criteria, trial locations, study details, etc., go to ClinicalTrials.gov to view this trial here. CONTACT/Principal Investigator: Aman Chauhan, MD EMAIL: axc3268@med.miami.edu

<< Back Immunotherapy DLL3 DAREON™- 5: DLL-3 BiTE for Neuroendocrine Cancers DAREON™-7: DLL-3 for Advanced Neuroendocrine Cancers DAREON™-9: DLL-3 BiTE + Topotecan in Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) Tarlatamab in DLL3-Expressing Tumors Including Neuroendocrine Neoplasms CAR T CHM-2101 CAR-T cell for GI Cancers IL13Rα2 CAR T Cell Study for Solid Tumor Cancers Cancer Vaccine Survivin Long Peptide Vaccine (SurVaxM) in Metastatic NETs Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Combination Studies IDE849 (DLL3-Targeted ADC) ± Durvalumab in DLL3+ Tumors SWOG S2012: Immunotherapy (Atezolizumab) + Standard Platinum Systemic VSV-IFNβ-NIS and Pembrolizumab in Refractory NSCLC and NEC Oncolytic Virus SVV-001 + Ipi-Nivo in Patients With Poorly Differentiated (NEC) or Well-Differentiated High-Grade (NET)

<< Go back to the Podcast page EPISODE 31: CLINICAL TRIALS: EXPECTATIONS VS. REALITIES (PART I & II) Download a Transcript of Part 1 >> Download a Transcript of Part 2 >> ABOUT THIS EPISODE In this 2-part series, we reprise “Navigating Clinical Trials: Expectations vs Realities” with Taymeyah Al-Toubah. This was previously broadcast on August 19th, 2023, as a LACNETS monthly educational webinar. In Part 1, Taymeyah discusses clinical trial terminology, timeline, questions to ask, and misconceptions. In Part 2, Taymeyah answers questions about logistics and practical aspects of clinical trials, such as costs, response time, and follow-up. She also answers frequently asked questions about PRRT trials, including alpha trials. MEET TAYMEYAH AL-TOUBAH, MPH Taymeyah Al-Toubah is a clinical researcher, currently at Moffitt Cancer Center, who has been in the research field for 10 years. She began her career in 2013 while obtaining her bachelors degrees in biomedical sciences and psychology, working in pediatric and neonatal research at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. In 2016, she shifted her career focus to oncology, beginning with phase I trials and working in all solid tumors. She completed her Master of Public health in epidemiology in 2017 and focused her graduate thesis on neuroendocrine tumors. In 2018, she switched departments to focus exclusively on NETs. From 2018 – 2023, she was the primary NET coordinator in the GI department, managing all clinical trials while leading the GI team, managing the NET clinic coordination amongst the ancillary departments, and working on all retrospective and non-interventional NET research. She has worked on protocol development, database analysis, and manuscript writing, resulting in over 30 published manuscripts and presented her research at several national and international oncology and NET conferences, with oral abstracts at several ENETS and NANETS conferences. In April 2023, she formally transitioned to a new position as a project manager of the NET program where she will continue to mentor new coordinators, while working on protocol development and writing, manuscript writing, non-interventional clinical trials, and retrospective NET research. One of her first major projects will be to curate and develop a master database of all NET patients seen at her institution that will provide the basis for all future NET research to be published at Moffitt. She is currently on the board of one of the first NET patient advocacy groups in Florida (FLaNET Carcinoid Community), which kicked off alongside the Tampa Regional NANETS meeting in November 2022. She is an active member in NANETS on the Continuing Education and Symposium Planning committees. She plans to dedicate the remainder of her career to this disease and community. Her ultimate plan is to attend medical school, specialize in medical oncology, and continue to serve the academic NET community and patient base as a physician and clinical investigator. RESOURCES READ Glossary: Common Terms in Clinical Trials Navigating Clinical Trials: Expectations vs Realities - Slides from August 19, 2023 LACNETS Educational Event "How to Prepare for Clinical Trials" Info Sheet WATCH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXW71vedhIw DISCLAIMER LACNETS 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 LACNETS. Please contact your medical team with questions or concerns about your individual care or treatment. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

<< Back Lung/Bronchial NETs PRRT/RLT Trials 225Ac-ABD147 to Establish Optimal Dose in Patients With SCLC and LCNEC of the Lung That Previously Received Platinum-based Chemotherapy Alpha PRRT with RYZ401 in PRRT-naive Solid Tumors Expressing SSTRs Alpha PRRT with Pb-212 (all NET) Alpha PRRT with Ac-225 + Standard of Care in SSTR+ SCLC Alpha PRRT with Pb-212 VMT Lu-177 + Carboplatin, Etoposide, and Atezolizumab in SCLC Lu-177 DOTATATE + Cabozantanib (all NET) Lu-177 DOTATATE vs Everolimus in Lung NETs Immunotherapies DAREON™- 5: DLL-3 BiTE for Neuroendocrine Cancers DAREON™-9: DLL-3 BiTE + Topotecan in Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) IL13Rα2 CAR T Cell Study for Solid Tumor Cancers Survivin Long Peptide Vaccine (SurVaxM) in Metastatic NETs Tarlatamab in DLL3-Expressing Tumors Including Neuroendocrine Neoplasms Targeted Therapies Antibody Drug Conjugate ADCT-701 in Neuroendocrine Tumors and Carcinomas BRAVESST2: CRN09682 in SST2-Expressing NENs and Other Solid Tumors IDE849 (DLL3-Targeted ADC) ± Durvalumab in DLL3+ Tumors Nab-sirolimus in Patients With Well-differentiated Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) STELLAR-311: Zanzalintinib Versus Everolimus in pNET and epNET with Locally Advanced or Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Tarlatamab in DLL3-Expressing Tumors Including Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

<< Back NIH/NCI Natural History Study for Neuroendocrine Neoplasms Tissue Procurement and Natural History Study of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NENs) Including Adrenocortical Carcinoma (ACC)

Join NCF for July2026. Explore event details, dates, times, and discover opportunities to connect, learn, and get involved. < Back to the upcoming events page https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTlGH2gbmcE ABOUT Caregivers share their experiences supporting a loved one with neuroendocrine cancer, including navigating treatment decisions, managing uncertainty, balancing caregiving responsibilities, and caring for themselves along the way. Through candid conversations about challenges, lessons learned, relationships, resilience, and hope, this session offers valuable insight into the realities of the caregiving journey. Interested in hearing the patient perspective as well? View our July 2025 webinar, Living with NET: The Patient Perspective: Living with NET: The Patient Perspective . SPEAKERS ALYSE KEFELI Caregiver Alyse Kefeli lives in Rhode Island with her husband and works as an Information Technology Program Manager in the financial industry. She enjoys gardening, cooking, biking, playing pickleball, walking by the ocean, and spending time with family. She is also active in her faith and values the sense of community and support it provides. Alyse's daughter, Serra, was diagnosed with a metastatic neuroendocrine tumor (NET) that originated in the small bowel at just 32 years old. Since then, Alyse has supported Serra through two major surgeries, ongoing treatment, and the many emotional and practical challenges that come with living with NET. Along the way, she has found strength through education, faith, and connecting with other caregivers. Alyse is a member of the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation's monthly Caregiver Support Group, where she meets with fellow caregivers to share experiences, learn from one another, and offer mutual encouragement. She hopes that sharing her family's journey will help other caregivers feel less alone, better informed, and more hopeful as they navigate life with NET. Patient & Caregiver Journey - Sara & Quintin CYNTHIA MUELLER CROCKER Caregiver Cynthia Mueller Crocker lives in Houston with her husband, Charlie, where they gladly trade icy winters for Texas heat and humidity. After caring for and advocating for both of her aging parents, Cynthia stepped into Charlie’s NET journey with compassion and hard-earned perspective. While neuroendocrine cancer was new to her, she found education, connection, and support through LACNETS, now NCF, in 2020 and has been an active part of its weekly support groups and monthly caregiver groups ever since. Her professional background is in organization and talent development, where she has found great satisfaction in recognizing potential, identifying opportunities, and creating strategies to support the success of organizations, teams, and individuals. Charlie and Cynthia share a love of college football and happily count football season as “the best time of the year,” especially when cheering on Charlie’s Crimson Tide and Cynthia’s beloved Texas Longhorns. But their favorite seats in the bleachers is the front row cheering section as they watch their large, coast-to-coast family grow and thrive! SHANE PETERS Caregiver and Advocate Shane has been walking alongside his mother through her neuroendocrine cancer journey that started in 2020 with a diagnosis of stage four pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor that had already spread to the liver. Shane hopes to continue to give back to the NET community by sharing all he’s learned through his mother’s experiences with lanreotide, surgeries, embolizations and PRRT. Watch "The Strength of Support: the Shane and Ilka Peters Story." Watch Shane and his mother share their NET journey. Read Shane Peters' blog post 'Scan Results: To Check or Not to Check' MODERATOR: HEATHER DAVIS Director of Community Engagement Heather was a medical advocate and caregiver for 12 years for her mother, Shaunie, who was diagnosed with pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer in 2012. The efforts required to navigate and manage a rare disease, with complications of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, motivated Heather to shift her 20-year marketing career to patient engagement. After learning from and volunteering for LACNETS, she was pleased to join the LACNETS Team in the Fall of 2022. Heather is passionate about supporting those affected by NET. She aspires to bridge the information gap between patients, physicians and healthcare resources. Spending time with her nephews, friends & family brings her levity and joy. Watch Heather and her mother share about their experience with PRRT. T he opinions expressed by the guest presenters, as well as the questions asked by the audience, have not been created or suggested by the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation or the sponsors of this program. The Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation does not endorse or promote any of the views, opinions or information provided in this presentation. Audience members should not rely on the opinions or information expressed by the guest presenter and should seek guidance and direction from their own medical advisors regarding any choices they make about their health or treatments. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

< Go Back to the Resource Guide CARCINOID HEART DISEASE WATCH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jU1HE38G8JQ Learn from Cardiologist and Congenital Heart Disease Specialist, Dr. Prashanth Venkatesh from Cedars-Sinai Smidt Heart Institute in a virtual educational event on carcinoid heart disease. Dr. Venkatesh demystifies the topic and shares the latest developments in its diagnosis and treatment, including a novel minimally invasive approach to replace heart valves damaged by carcinoid heart disease. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcewKhYm8uY Learn about Carcinoid Heart Disease from Cardiologist Dr. S. Allen Luis at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He will describe the cause and symptoms of carcinoid heart disease and discuss diagnosis, treatment and surveillance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5PGL8-kFR4 Guests: Juan A. Crestanello, MD and Thor R. Halfdanarson, MD Host: S. Allen Luis, MBBS, PhD Join Mayo Clinic Cardiologist S. Allen Luis, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., surgeon Juan A. Crestanello, M.D. and oncologist Thor R. Halfdanarson, M.D. for up-to-date knowledge and information on Carcinoid Heart Disease. Recognize the natural history of patients with carcinoid heart disease. Identify treatment strategies for patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors and its impact on the heart Identify the medical and surgical treatment of patients with carcinoid heart disease. PATIENT STORIES https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TU4WMGd4lc Watch Jesse & Ellen share their story of living with Carcinoid Heart Disease. https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLPAgUIq-85n9gMW_Majhts3lqzoIaIQbx&v=tMBDhGT5lmI Watch Gwendolyn’s story of living with metastatic NET and Carcinoid Heart Disease. LISTEN What is Carcinoid Heart Disease (CHD)? Which NET patients develop CHD? Retired cardiologist and carcinoid heart disease specialist Dr. Jerome Zacks provides an overview of CHD and describes the appropriate screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Visit the Podcast Episode 43 webpage for more information and resources. READ Davar et al (2017). "Diagnosing and Managing Carcinoid Heart Disease in Patients With Neuroendocrine Tumors: An Expert Statement". J Am Coll Cardiol.; 69 (10) 1288–1304 Jin et al (2021). "Carcinoid Heart Disease: Pathophysiology, Pathology, Clinical Manifestations, and Management". Cardiology;146:65–73 Ram et al (2019). "Carcinoid Heart Disease:Review of Current Knowledge". Texas Heart Institute Journal February 2019, Vol. 46, No. 1

<< Go back to the Podcast page EPISODE 22: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT PANCREATIC NETS Download a Transcript of this Episode >> ABOUT THIS EPISODE What is the difference between Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor (PNET) and Pancreatic Cancer? Where exactly is the pancreas located and why is the tumor location important? NET Oncologist Dr. Jennifer Chan from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute takes us through how some treatments, imaging and blood work are unique to PNETs. She also expounds on several ongoing and active trials. MEET DR. JENNIFER CHAN Jennifer Chan, MD, MPH is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Institute Physician in the Division of Medical Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA. She focuses her clinical practice on the care of patients with neuroendocrine tumors and gastrointestinal cancers. Dr. Chan is the Director of the Program in Neuroendocrine and Carcinoid Tumors and Clinical Director for the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center at the Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center. She has been principal investigator of multiple clinical trials investigating novel therapies for neuroendocrine tumors and has been involved in studies examining factors associated with clinical outcomes in patients with neuroendocrine tumors. Dr. Chan is a past chair of the Guidelines Committee of the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (NANETS) and serves on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Neuroendocrine Tumors Guidelines Panel. She is a member of the Neuroendocrine Tumor Taskforce of the National Cancer Institute and the Board of Directors of NANETS. TOP 10 QUESTIONS 1. What are pancreatic NETs? Where are they located? 2. How are pancreatic NETs found? What are the symptoms of a pancreatic NET? 3. How is pancreatic NETs different from “pancreatic cancer?” How is it different from a pancreatic cyst? 4. What types of labs, scans, or testing is done to determine if someone has a pancreatic NET? 5. What are some ways that pancreatic NETs differ from other types of NETs? What makes it unique? 6. How do you decide if the pancreatic NET can be surgically removed? What type of surgeon would make that determination? 7. How are pancreatic NETs treated medically (or nonsurgically)? How are treatments sequenced? 8. How are the treatments different from other NETs? 9. How are pancreatic NETs monitored? What types of bloodwork or tests should be done and how often should they be done? What is the best type of scan for pancreatic NETs? 10. What are clinical trials we should be aware of or exciting new treatments in the pipeline for pancreatic NETs? RESOURCES https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H_SChk3gxw "CABINET Trial - Cabozantinib in Advanced Pancreatic Neuroendocrine and Carcinoid Tumors Video Introduction" - Jennifer Chan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHtDAQzDj9E "Update on NET Clinical Trials" with Dr. Heloisa Soares (Recorded March 10, 2023) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozTjElpHiyQ "NET Medical Therapies & Clinical Trials" with Dr. Reidy-Lagunes - LACNETS 2022 LACNETS Annual Conference (Recorded June 18, 2022 ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZIVip3CIxI Systemic Therapy: GI, Lung, PNETS & Unknown Primary" - LACNETS 2020 Virtual NET Conference ( Recorded June 20, 2020 ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9-iTXz8G2Y NET Patient Mary's Story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncemqQ_vhMI NET Patient Tom's Story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mm7tQpqoxBU NET Caregiver Gilda's Story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZtVzVO-JO0 NET Patient Federico's Story LISTEN LACNETS Podcast Episode 5: "Treatment for NETs" with Dr. Randy Hecht LACNETS Podcast Episode 7: "Imaging of NETs" with Dr. Gary Ulaner LACNETS Podcast Episode 11: "Pathology for NETs" with Dr. Sue Chang LACNETS Podcast Episode 19: "Beyond the Basics: The Pathology of NET" with Dr. Andrew M. Bellizzi NETWise Podcast Episode 10: Pancreatic NETs + Take the Quiz READ 2020 The North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society Consensus Guidelines for Surveillance and Medical Management of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors 2020 The North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society Consensus Paper on the Surgical Management of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors CABINET Trial - Cabozantinib in Advanced Pancreatic Neuroendocrine and Carcinoid Tumors DISCLAIMER LACNETS 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 LACNETS. Please contact your medical team with questions or concerns about your individual care or treatment. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Join NCF for Feb2026. Explore event details, dates, times, and discover opportunities to connect, learn, and get involved. < Back to the upcoming events page https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrbsUI54nEM Some Topics Covered: Neuroendocrine, NET, clinical trials, PRRT, RLT, neoadjuvant trials, adjuvant trials, metastatic NET, symptom control Download the slides >>> ABOUT Join us for an overview of the latest clinical trials in neuroendocrine cancer with Dr. Heloisa Soares, a medical oncologist and physician-scientist at the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) in Salt Lake City. Dr. Soares will walk through key neuroendocrine cancer clinical trials including what they are studying, what makes them exciting, and how they may shape future treatment options. She will also explain why clinical trials matter, how they benefit patients, and what to consider when exploring whether a trial might be right for you. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or simply trying to stay informed, this webinar will provide clear, practical insights to help you better understand emerging research and what it means for the neuroendocrine cancer community. The presentation will focus on current NET clinical trials. For information on NEC clinical trials, go to our high grade resources page: https://www.ncf.net/high-grade-nen-resources . ABOUT DR. HELOISA P. SOARES Medical Oncologist Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) University of Utah Dr. Heloisa Soares is a medical oncologist who focuses on neuroendocrine cancers. She is an associate professor at the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the University of Utah, where she is also the Medical Director for the Clinical Trials Office. Nationally, she serves as the NCI NET task force co-chair and the chair of the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (NANETS) inaugural NET Patient Action Team of the NETPact Committee. She also recently served as a member of the directors for NANETS. Dr. Soares is a passionate advocate for patients. You can follow her on Twitter at @helops79 RESOURCES https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmKEuKfOcGw The Latest on Immunotherapy for Neuroendocrine Cancer with Dr. Aman Chauhan (Dec 2025) Additional Clinical Trials Resources: https://www.ncf.net/clinical-trials/additional-resources https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXW71vedhIw "Navigating Clinical Trials: Expectations vs. Realities" with Taymeyah Al-Toubah • Aug 2023 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf3p_j5tFVU Clinical Trials: Why, What & How • Josh Mailman • 2023 Patient Education Conference THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS T he opinions expressed by the guest presenters, as well as the questions asked by the audience, have not been created or suggested by the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation or the sponsors of this program. The Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation does not endorse or promote any of the views, opinions or information provided in this presentation. Audience members should not rely on the opinions or information expressed by the guest presenter and should seek guidance and direction from their own medical advisors regarding any choices they make about their health or treatments.

<< Go back to the Podcast page EPISODE 40: NEN TREATMENTS: FOCUS ON EXTERNAL RADIATION THERAPY Download a Transcript of this Episode >>> ABOUT THIS EPISODE What is radiation oncology, and how is it used for neuroendocrine cancer? UCSF radiation oncologists Dr. Will Chen and Dr. Alexandra Hotca-Cho describe external radiation therapy (SBRT) and how, when, and where it may be used for select patients with neuroendocrine cancers. They address common concerns about the planning process, safety concerns, and treatment sequencing. MEET DR. WILLIAM C. CHEN Dr. William C. Chen is a radiation oncologist and translational researcher. Dr. Chen received his undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University and completed medical school at the University of California, San Francisco. He completed his internal medicine preliminary internship at Kaiser San Francisco, followed by a residency in Radiation Oncology at UCSF. He is a Chan Zuckerburg Biohub Physician Scientist Fellow and a Helen Diller Family Cancer Center Physician Scientist Program in Clinical Oncology (PSPCO) Fellow. His research focuses on biomarker development, informatics, and clinical trial development with a focus on meningiomas and other malignancies of the central nervous system and beyond. MEET DR. ALEXANDRA HOTCA-CHO Dr. Hotca specializes in treating gastrointestinal cancers, with expertise in advanced radiation therapy techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and respiratory gating. These approaches are designed to optimize treatment outcomes and minimize side effects. Her research focuses on enhancing patient quality of life through preventive strategies and identifying predictive biomarkers for radiation-induced toxicities. Dr. Hotca is dedicated to providing exceptional care to the diverse patient community at UCSF. TOP TEN QUESTIONS ABOUT EXTERNAL RADIATION THERAPY: 1. What is radiation oncology? How does it work? How is it different from other types of radiation? 2. What are the types of radiation therapies used for neuroendocrine cancer? 3. Which neuroendocrine cancers are they used for, and when are they used? How do you decide who is a good candidate and if it will be effective? Where in the body can SBRT be used? (bone, liver, pancreas, rectal?) Where can it not be used in the body, and when is SBRT NOT used? Is there a number or size limit of the tumor(s)? 4. For Bone: How do NETs affect the bones? Are they “on” or “in” the bone, and does the tumor tend to weaken it? If given to the bone, does SBRT weaken the bone? What are the chances of fracture with radiation to the bone? Does it matter which area of the bone/body is treated? What other factors influence fracture risk? (age, dose, number of treatments)? Should patients have a bone density scan before SBRT? If bone lesions are causing pain, how soon after treatment might a patient expect to have pain alleviated? How common is increased pain after treatment to the bone? What causes that? 5. Safety: How much radiation is given with these procedures? Is there a concern about radiation safety following the procedures? (Do patients need to avoid others in the hours or days after the treatment?) Is there a lifetime limit to the amount of radiation one can receive, especially considering surveillance CT & PET scans? How often can these procedures be repeated? Does it damage other tissues or organs? How common are secondary cancers? What types and how treatable are they? Is there a risk with fertility? What other risks are there? 6. How do these therapies compare to PRRT or radioembolization in terms of safety? If someone has had PRRT or radioembolization, can they also receive radiation therapy to the liver or bones? Is there increased risks if someone has had PRRT, radioembolization or CAPTEM or alkylating agents? 7. Is there an optimal sequence for treatments? 8. What is SBRT like for patients? What is the planning and preparation process? How do you determine how many treatments and what dose to give? 9. What does the patient experience during and after the procedure? Does it hurt? What are the side effects? How much time do I need to take off of work? 10. How effective is SBRT in terms of managing symptoms? How effective is SBRT in controlling or destroying the tumor? How do you know if the treatment “worked”? Bonus: What is the future of radiation therapy in neuroendocrine cancer treatment? RESOURCES READ Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy for the Management of Liver Metastases from Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Preliminary Study DISCLAIMER LACNETS 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 LACNETS. Please contact your medical team with questions or concerns about your individual care or treatment. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS