The Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF) is pleased to welcome Dr. Matthew H. Kulke and Dr. Daniel M. Halperin to its Board of Scientific Advisors (BOSA), a volunteer council of highly distinguished medical and research leaders who share NETRF’s commitment to advancing the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of neuroendocrine cancer. Although these renowned physicians may be new to the BOSA, they are not new to NETs or NETRF. In fact, they are both recognized as leading experts for their care of NET patients and research.
“NETRF is honored to have Drs. Kulke and Halperin, two recognized leaders in NET research, join the Board of Scientific Advisors,” said Elyse Gellerman, NETRF Chief Executive Officer. “Their expertise, and that of their fellow BOSA members, is invaluable as NETRF advances the field through our funding.”
Matthew Kulke, MD
BU-BMC Cancer Center
Dr. Matthew Kulke currently serves as the Chief of Hematology/Oncology, Co-Director of the BU/BMC Cancer Center and Zoltan Kohn Professor at the Boston University School of Medicine. In his prior position, he was a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Neuroendocrine Tumor Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
“While we have seen a number of advances in the field of neuroendocrine tumors in recent years, both the biology and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors remain understudied,” said Dr. Kulke. “I am honored to participate in the NETRF BOSA to help advance our understanding of this disease and further improve treatments for our patients.”
Daniel M. Halperin, MD
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Dr. Halperin is a medical oncologist, clinical investigator and assistant professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He is recognized for his clinical care and research into the development of novel treatments for patients with NETs.
“I was incredibly fortunate to encounter NETRF very early in my career. The organization not only provided me with my first peer-reviewed funding, but also gave me the opportunity to interact with amazing scientists at the annual symposium and beyond,” explained Halperin. “Joining the BOSA gives me an opportunity to serve our community at the very cutting edge, while advancing NETRFs mission of continuing to develop scientists of all backgrounds and career stages who will help us make progress for patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms. I couldn’t be happier to contribute.”
The BOSA is vital to the rigorous scientific review that allows NETRF to quickly identify the most promising grant applications and fund projects that have the most potential to transform the NET landscape.
“Both Drs. Kulke and Halperin have extensive experience in NET research and have received funding from NETRF to conduct their own studies in the past,” said John Kanki, PhD, NETRF Director of Research. “While Dr. Kulke has made significant discoveries regarding the molecular genetics and cellular pathways critical to NETs, Dr. Halperin has focused on the immunology and immunotherapies to treat NETs. Both have participated in establishing the clinical treatment guidelines for NET patients and have led clinical trials dedicated to developing novel and improved treatment therapies.”
All members of the NETRF Board of Scientific Advisors are recognized experts in medical research, published authors in the top peer-reviewed medical journals, and principal investigators of collaborative research projects at top-ranked universities and institutes.