The Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation announced eight new grants totaling $2.5 million, aimed at neuroendocrine cancer research. With this newest round of funding, NETRF expands its portfolio to include research into lung neuroendocrine tumors, which affect about one in four NET patients.
The eight new projects explore some of the latest advancements in cancer:
CAR T-cell therapy combined with antibody-drug conjugates
Photodynamic therapy
Deciphering the impact of mutations in key genes in NETs
Improving outcomes by combining biomarkers and radiomics
“Smart” chemotherapy
Novel SSTR2 radioligands
Alpha-particle emitting agents for the treatment of lung NETs
Testing new cancer vaccine on NETs
NETs occur in hormone-producing cells, most commonly forming in the lung, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract. Despite appearing in different sites, tumors forming in this cell type are classified as neuroendocrine and require different tests and treatments.
Two U.S. cancer centers will receive their first NETRF grant: Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and Moffitt Cancer Center. Two international organizations will also receive their first NETRF grant: BC Canada, Vancouver, Canada, and Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
Other institutions funded in this grant cycle include the University of Pennsylvania, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Stanford University, and the University of California.
The NETRF grant process is a competitive and structured peer-review process, which starts with an annual call for letters-of-intent in late spring.
