At the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF), we are dedicated to transforming the future of neuroendocrine cancer care. As the world’s leading funder of neuroendocrine cancer research, our mission is clear: drive groundbreaking science, foster collaboration, and fuel the discovery of improved treatments and curative therapies that save lives.
Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), including both neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs), are a diverse and complex group of cancers. Their heterogeneity means patients often face delayed diagnoses, limited treatment options, and therapies that stabilize rather than cure. At NETRF, we believe this challenge is an opportunity to advance science where it’s most needed, accelerate discovery, and improve patient outcomes worldwide.
That’s why we developed the NETRF Research Roadmap, a strategic guide that defines the next frontier of research in neuroendocrine cancer. This plan focuses on three interconnected areas of discovery: Early Detection, New Therapeutic Development, and Precision Medicine. Together, these pillars chart a path toward earlier diagnoses, more effective treatments, and ultimately, cures.
Early Detection: Advancing Tools for Timely Intervention
The earlier neuroendocrine cancers are detected, the better the chances for intervention and survival. Unfortunately, NENs are often asymptomatic or present with vague symptoms, leading to delayed diagnoses.
NETRF is investing in research to:
- Develop and refine detection tools such as biomarkers, AI-based risk prediction, and advanced imaging technologies.
- Understand disease epidemiology by studying trends in incidence and prevalence, as well as the social and environmental factors that may influence disease risk.
- Illuminate the natural history of NENs to better understand survival patterns, treatment sequencing, and quality-of-life impacts.
Through early detection research, we aim to transform the diagnostic journey, giving patients answers sooner and improving chances for timely, life-saving care.
New Therapeutic Development: Pioneering Next-Generation Treatments
For many patients with advanced or resistant neuroendocrine cancers, current therapies are not enough. NETRF is committed to fueling innovation that pushes beyond today’s limitations.
Our roadmap prioritizes:
- Overcoming therapy resistance by identifying new drug targets and understanding resistance mechanisms.
- Exploring immunotherapy strategies to harness the immune system against neuroendocrine cancers.
- Enhancing radioligand therapies like PRRT, by improving ligands, modifying radioisotopes, and developing combination approaches.
- Investigating the tumor microenvironment to uncover new therapeutic targets hidden in the interactions between cancer cells and their surroundings.
- Building stronger experimental models, including cell lines, organoids, and animal models that reflect the true biology of NENs.
By advancing therapeutic development, NETRF is giving patients with few options renewed hope for effective, innovative treatments.
Precision Medicine: Tailoring Care to Every Patient
No two neuroendocrine cancers are alike. That’s why precision medicine, matching the right treatment to the right patient, is central to our research roadmap.
NETRF is supporting studies to:
- Unlock molecular and genetic insights into tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis.
- Advance biomarker research to predict treatment response and guide individualized therapy choices.
- Study hereditary and rare subtypes of NENs, overcoming data challenges to develop targeted care strategies.
Precision medicine holds the promise of maximizing effectiveness while minimizing side effects, empowering patients with treatment plans designed uniquely for them.
Leading the Way Forward
At NETRF, we are more than funders—we are catalysts for change. By investing in these three priority areas, we aim to accelerate the pace of discovery, bridge critical knowledge gaps, and deliver meaningful progress for patients and families affected by neuroendocrine cancers.
The NETRF Research Roadmap is a bold commitment: to push the boundaries of science, foster collaboration across disciplines, and bring us closer to a future where neuroendocrine cancers can be detected earlier, treated more effectively, and ultimately cured.
Together, with researchers, clinicians, patients, and supporters, we are charting the path forward.
Learn more about how NETRF is advancing and strengthening neuroendocrine cancer research in this video segment from our 2025 Know Your NETs conference.