More than one thousand neuroendocrine cancer researchers, physicians, and patient advocates from over 50 countries gathered this month in Krakow, Poland, for the 23rd Annual Conference of the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS). Numerous NETRF grantees presented their work at this meeting, underscoring the organization’s central role in advancing innovative research in the field. CEO Elyse Gellerman and Chief Scientific Officer Anna Greene, PhD, represented NETRF, meeting with investigators and highlighting the importance of sustained investment in scientific discovery to improve outcomes for patients with neuroendocrine cancers.
The meeting featured presentations on the latest developments in neuroendocrine cancer research, ranging from basic science discoveries to clinical trials and evolving standards of care. Meetings like ENETS are an important way for scientists and physicians from around the world to share ideas, build collaborations, and advance promising discoveries toward real treatments. Many of the studies presented were made possible through support from NETRF, whose funding helps investigators pursue cutting-edge ideas that can ultimately lead to better diagnostics and therapies.
Ramesh Shivdasani, MD, PhD, a NETRF grantee and former chair of NETRF’s Board of Scientific Advisors, delivered the keynote address and discussed his work to identify the cell of origin in small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors. Understanding where these tumors begin at the cellular level is an important step toward developing more precise approaches to prevention, detection, and treatment. Dr. Shivdasani’s work illustrates the long-term impact of investing in fundamental research that deepens our understanding of neuroendocrine tumor biology.
Two additional NETRF-funded researchers, Alexandra Sexton-Oates, PhD, from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and Heleen Jungen of EMBL in Barcelona, presented research on the molecular classification of lung NETs, with Jungen focusing on lung NET tumor evolution using organoid models. Their work is helping scientists better understand how these tumors develop and change over time, knowledge that may ultimately guide the development of more targeted therapies. Jungen received the award for best oral basic science presentation, highlighting the significance and quality of her research.
Talya Dayton, PhD, a NETRF grantee and member of NETRF’s Board of Scientific Advisors, was invited to present the basic science segment of the session “Best NEN Publications – What’s New in the Field?” In this session, Dayton highlighted recent studies advancing understanding of neuroendocrine cancer biology and identifying new directions for research and therapeutic development. Her participation in this featured session reflects the central role NETRF-supported investigators play in advancing the neuroendocrine cancer research field.
Jaume Capdevila, MD, PhD, presented new Phase I data from the DAREON-7 trial evaluating obrixtamig, a DLL3/CD3 T-cell engager, in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy plus etoposide as first-line therapy for DLL3-positive neuroendocrine carcinomas. Early results were encouraging, with an objective response rate (ORR) of 75% and a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 7.7 months. These findings are promising for a patient population with limited treatment options, though further study will be needed to determine the therapy’s full clinical potential.
Beyond individual study results, ENETS 2026 highlighted several broader themes shaping the field, including the continued evolution of PRRT strategies, growing interest in combination therapies, and increasing attention to treatment toxicity, quality of life, and patient-centered care. The meeting also reflected emerging priorities in neuroendocrine cancer research, including the use of artificial intelligence in clinical care and research, as well as ongoing advances in the diagnosis and management of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma.
Overall, the research presented at this year’s conference demonstrates the growing momentum in the neuroendocrine cancer field. Through its support of innovative scientists and new ideas, NETRF continues to help drive discoveries that bring us closer to better treatments—and ultimately cures—for people living with neuroendocrine cancers.