NETRF Fosters Learning and Community in Birmingham

By Anne-Marie Green, NETRF Director of Digital Communications

NETRF brought the NET Impact Thrivership & Research Education Program to Alabama for the first time on September 13th, welcoming patients and caregivers to the University of Alabama at Birmingham for an evening of learning and connection.

Building Connection

The program kicked off with a meet and greet, offering participants the chance to meet one another and share their common experiences while enjoying refreshments at the UAB Alumni House. Attendees traveled from seven different states to hear from clinicians specializing in neuroendocrine cancer, demonstrating the vital need for expert neuroendocrine education and peer support.

Insights from the Experts

The formal program delved deep into the latest treatments and emerging research in the field, including:

• Developments in clinical trials and emerging treatment options
• The evolving landscape of NET research and future therapeutic possibilities
• Nuclear medicine advances and PRRT (Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy)
• Comprehensive approaches to metastatic disease management and care
• Mental health and wellness strategies designed specifically for cancer thrivership

This holistic approach ensured attendees left with both medical knowledge and practical tools for managing life with neuroendocrine cancer. Nearly 90% of respondents to the post-program survey rated NET Impact as an outstanding/very good educational program.

Advancing the Conversation

One of the highlights of the evening was the panel Q&A, where patients and caregivers had the opportunity to ask the experts questions about the disease and treatment modalities. The questions sparked important conversations about timely topics, including the potential role of artificial intelligence in neuroendocrine cancer care and strategies for improving NET and NEC awareness and education among healthcare providers. 

Creating Community

Perhaps most meaningfully, many attendees lingered after the program to talk with one another, swapping contact details and promises to stay in touch. With many of the attendees newly diagnosed, these new bonds reinforce the strength of our community and the importance of support from others who understand the neuroendocrine cancer experience. 

With Gratitude

We are grateful to all our speakers and especially Dr. Dan Halperin, of the Winship Cancer Center at Emory University and Dr. J. Bart Rose of the University of Alabama at Birmingham for serving as physician co-chairs of the program. NETRF thanks NANETS (North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society) for its collaboration. (NANETS held a physician education program earlier in the day at the same location.) NETRF recognizes Crinetics, Curium, Exelixis, ITM, Lantheus, and Novartis for their support for NET Impact.