The Education and Research Foundation for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (ERF) in partnership with NETRF is proud to announce Dr. Carolin Kitzberger of TUM University Hospital Rechts der Isar as the 2025 recipient of the Nuclear Medicine Pilot Research Grant in Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs). This $100,000 two-year award recognizes Dr. Kitzberger’s innovative approach to advancing NET treatment and diagnosis through cutting-edge molecular imaging and cellular therapy.
Revolutionizing Theranostic CAR T-Cell Therapy
Dr. Kitzberger’s project, titled “Theranostic anti-SSTR2 CAR T-cell Therapy for Neuroendocrine Tumors,” represents a significant step forward in NET research. The project explores a novel dual-function cellular therapy that merges imaging and treatment capabilities into one powerful platform.
Here’s how it works: Dr. Kitzberger is engineering chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells to recognize and bind to somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2)—a key marker found on many NET cells. This theranostic approach enables both precise molecular imaging to visualize the therapy’s activity and personalized therapeutic intervention to treat the cancer. By combining these functions, her research could minimize off-target effects, improve treatment monitoring, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.
Exploring New Possibilities for NET Treatment
Because treatment of neuroendocrine tumors can present unique clinical challenges, Dr. Kitzberger’s theranostic approach offers new possibilities by integrating molecular imaging with immunotherapy—a combination that could transform how NETs are managed and monitored.
“I am profoundly grateful to ERF and NETRF for this incredible opportunity,” Dr. Kitzberger said. “Cancer affects many of our families and loved ones, driving my commitment to develop more effective, personalized treatments. Within this project, we aim to visualize and boost the activity of CAR T-cells in combination with radioligand therapy for patients with neuroendocrine tumors—offering new hope where treatment options are still limited.”
Supporting Emerging Investigators
The Nuclear Medicine Pilot Research Grant in NETs is designed to support early-career investigators like Dr. Kitzberger who are pursuing novel and transformative research. These grants serve as launchpads for innovative studies that can lead to further funding, translational advancements, and ultimately, better patient care.
“This project exemplifies the innovative and translational potential that this grant was created to foster. Introducing a new, theranostic CAR T-cell approach to neuroendocrine tumors, Dr. Kitzberger’s work advances how we may integrate molecular imaging with immunotherapy,” said Dr. Anna Greene, Chief Scientific Officer.
Sharing Research Progress
As part of the award, Dr. Kitzberger will present her research progress annually at the NETRF Margie & Robert E. Petersen Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Symposium, where she’ll share insights with leading neuroendocrine cancer researchers and contribute to the broader scientific community’s understanding of neuroendocrine cancer treatment.
“The Nuclear Medicine Pilot Research Grant in NETs exemplifies ERF’s commitment to fostering innovation, supporting emerging investigators, and advancing molecular imaging research worldwide,” said Theresa Pinkham, ERF Executive Director. “We are deeply grateful to NETRF for their enduring partnership since 2016—a collaboration that strengthens both of our missions and drives progress in patient care through groundbreaking research like Dr. Kitzberger’s.”
This partnership between ERF and NETRF continues to fuel discoveries that hold real promise for patients living with neuroendocrine tumors. Dr. Kitzberger’s groundbreaking work is a testament to the power of supporting innovative research at the intersection of nuclear medicine and cancer treatment.
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