With the end of 2018 just weeks away, life has moved into high-gear with holidays fast approaching and the many tasks that come with making the holidays special for family and friends. Along with holiday festivities, many of us are considering our year-end charitable gifts. Here at NETRF, our year-end is typically the busiest time of year for receiving donations and we are fortunate that so many include us when making their year-end gifts. We are preparing for a fun #GivingTuesday on November 27th and other year-end activities to entice our supporters, old and new, to once again give to NET research and we continue to fund the most promising and innovative NET science around the globe.

There are many ways to make your year-end gifts and here are just a few ways that will not only benefit NETRF but also provide tax benefits to you and your family.

Gifts of Securities

By donating long-term, appreciated securities directly to NETRF, you will receive a tax deduction for the full, fair market value of the stock and not incur capital gains tax on the stock’s growth. Oftentimes you can use appreciated securities to make a larger donation and receive an immediate tax deduction. We recommend that you contact your financial advisor to decide if you want to make this type of donation.

Donor Advised Funds (DAF)

A donor-advised fund is a philanthropic fund established at a financial institution and an easy way to distribute your annual donations to the charities of your choice. DAFs are the fastest-growing charitable giving vehicle in the United States because they are one of the easiest and most tax-advantageous ways to give to charity. You can make a charitable contribution to your DAF, receive an immediate tax-benefit, and then can recommend grants from the fund throughout the year.

Corporate Matching Gifts

NETRF has been fortunate to benefit from many corporate match gifts over the years. You can multiply the value of your donation by linking to your company’s matching gift program. Many companies match the charitable contributions made by their employees dollar-for-dollar. This is an excellent way to increase your gift’s impact. Connect with your Human Resources department to inquire about their matching gifts program. Your company will handle all the processing and require only minimal effort by you. Inquire today and see how you can multiply the value of your donation!

Memorial or Tribute Gifts

These gifts are a thoughtful way to recognize and celebrate life events. When you make a tribute donation honoring a loved one, we will swiftly notify the individual or family that you have chosen to honor, informing them of your thoughtfulness.

Additionally, all gifts to NETRF during the end-of-year will be matched dollar-for-dollar through our Spark Hope campaign. Consider making your gift today!

Ready to Answer your Gift-Giving Questions, please get in touch:

Susan Payson, Chief Development Officer
(617) 946-1782
susan.payson@netrf.org

The Gallium-68 Dotatate PET/CT scan

If you’ve ever been tested for eyeglasses, you know how one lens can create grainy, foggy images and the next crisp, clear letters. That’s the kind of difference you can see between the Gallium-68 PET/CT scan and prior technology. But are these newer imaging techniques better? And who stands to benefit most from them?

Gallium 68 (Ga-68) dotatate is a radiopharmaceutical tracer used during PET (positron emission tomography) scans. Some PET/CT combination scanners also run a CT (computed tomography) scan in the same session and then merge the images together. The Ga-68 PET/CT full-body scan can capture neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) that overexpress somatostatin receptors and show where the tumors are in the body.

< 1111In-DTPA-octreotide SPECT/CT (A) and 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT (B) (maximum-intensity projections shown) of patient with suspected recurrence of small bowel NET in liver. Stephen A. Deppen et al. J Nucl Med 2016;57:872-878 (c)copyright 2014 SNMMI http://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/57/6/872/F3.expansion.html

What is a Gallium-68 PET/CT scan?

“The Gallium-68 PET/CT scan is a tool for the care of low or intermediate grade neuroendocrine tumors, primarily for making treatment decisions with early detection of small lesions that impact treatment plans,” said Renuka Iyer, MD, Co-Director of the Liver and Pancreas Tumor Center at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY.

Dr. Iyer considers the Gallium-68 dotatate PET/CT scan to be superior to an octreotide scan—that uses Indium-pentetreotide—which has been the standard of care. “The octreotide scan is less sensitive, and for many more disease is detected with Ga-68 PET/CT.”

The results inform treatment planning. “Having a Gallium-68 PET/CT scan that shows no signs of disease beyond a primary tumor and resectable metastatic cancer would support an aggressive surgery approach as opposed to using systemic therapies if more disease is seen, according to Dr. Iyer. She also said Ga-68 PET/CT scan results may help predict response to treatments that rely on somatostatin receptors.

This newer scan, however, is not always the best scan in every situation. “Gallium-68 can replace octreotide-based full-body scans, but it does not replace the essential role of conventional CT and MRI scanning for monitoring disease and for those who are not receptor positive,” said Josh Mailman, NETRF treasurer, and a contributing author to the paper “Appropriate Use Criteria for Somatostatin-receptor Imaging” published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

How does a Gallium-68 PET/CT scan work?

Published reports show about 70-90 percent of neuroendocrine tumors have somatostatin receptors. Think of this receptor as a docking station for the hormone somatostatin. It’s a place for it to land and connect to the cell. In healthy cells, these receptors are part of signaling system to regulate hormone secretions. For NETs that overexpress hormones, somatostatin receptors serve as a target for therapy given by oncologists and nuclear radiologists. Synthetic somatostatin analogs, paired with radioactive agents, can bind to somatostatin receptors. This radiopharmaceutical can light up neuroendocrine cancer cells in a nuclear scan.

The more uptake in a Ga-68 PET/CT scan, the better the outcome may be with other therapies that target somatostatin receptors. “PRRT is well correlated with activity and uptake of Gallium-68 in scans,” said Dr. Iyer.

What is it like to have a Gallium-68 scan?

Paul underwent a Gallium-68 scan at Roswell Park. He asked his doctor for the scan because he had adverse reactions to traditional CT scans. For three to four days after a CT scan, he would experience chills, shakes, stiffness, and soreness. He also didn’t like the taste of the contrast material he had to drink for CT scans.

“I was worried they would see more cancer, but that wasn’t the case,” he said.

Paul’s results showed good uptake of Ga-68 and helped confirm he was a candidate for PRRT. He underwent PRRT over the summer. “I’ve been great, feeling better than last year,” said Paul. At 63 he is now riding his bike and swimming regularly.

Where can you get a Gallium-68 scan?

The Gallium-68 scan is not offered at every cancer center. Northern California CarciNET Community, a NET patient support and advocacy group, offers a searchable database to help patients find centers.

Even centers with the scan have had challenges keeping pace with demand. This summer, NETRF reported on a shortage in Gallium-68 generators. Just this month, an additional manufacturer has started producing approved Gallium-68 generators, which may slightly reduce shortages by the end of the year.

Roswell Park began offering the Gallium-68 PET scan in 2017. According to Dr. Iyer, Roswell Park has not had any access issues. “We don’t have a waiting list or any delays for Ga-68 PET scans or PRRT,” she says.

Is the Gallium-68 scan covered by insurance?

Though Paul said he didn’t have trouble getting insurance coverage for his Gallium-68 scan, other patients have faced challenges. Aetna announced coverage in August of 2018, following a recommendation by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. NorCal CarciNet offers tips to help patients and families obtain insurance coverage.

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Learn more about NET imaging

• Hear Sumeet Virmani, MD, Rush University, give a good overview of Gallium-68 https://youtu.be/W-BMSkOpQTU
• Hear Richard Wahl, MD, Washington University (St. Louis), presents an overview of the most promising nuclear medicine diagnostic and therapeutic approaches including Gallium-68. https://youtu.be/AIjAE1p-5F8
• Hear Andre Iagaru, MD, Stanford University, talk about his institution’s experience with Ga-68 since 2013. https://youtu.be/FOUg3t7llms
• Not all NETs have somatostatin receptors. Learn about an innovative approach using amino acids to image NETs under investigation by NETRF-funded researcher Babak Behnam Azad, PhD, Johns Hopkins https://netrf.org/a-novel-agent-for-imaging-nets/
• Read about appropriate use criteria for somatostatin-receptor imaging in NETs. http://www.snmmi.org/ClinicalPractice/content.aspx?ItemNumber=23260

Many patients and families facing a neuroendocrine tumor (NET) diagnosis wonder if they inherited the disease from their parents or if they can pass it down to their children.

Most cases of NETs are not associated with hereditary risk factors. Researchers estimate that inherited factors may be associated in 17% of PNETs¹ and 25% of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas². Other rates vary by primary site and subtypes of tumors.

Knowing you have an inherited genetic risk factor won’t always have an impact on your treatment plan, but it can affect a surveillance plan. If a genetic risk factor is confirmed, your doctor may order additional testing on a regular basis to monitor for other associated risks.

Inherited Risk Factors for NETs

Name	Associated Syndromes and conditions	Affected Gene(s)	Related NETs
Name MEN1: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 13	Associated Syndrome(s) and conditions Wermer syndrome4 Zollinger-Ellison syndrome 5 Pituitary adenoma Parathyroid adenoma Adrenocortical tumors Lipomas	Affected Gene(s) MEN1	Related NETs Gastrinomas Insulinomas VIPomas Glucagonomas Somatostatinomas Carcinoid (bronchopulmonary, gastric, thymic)
Name MEN2: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 21	Associated Syndrome(s) and conditions MEN2A Syndrome (Familial medullary thyroid cancer, hyperparathyroidism) MEN2B Syndrome (Cutaneous lichen amyloidosis, Hirschsprung disease)	Affected Gene(s) RET	Related NETs Pheochromocytoma
Name MEN4: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 41	Associated Syndrome(s) and conditions Overlaps with other MEN syndromes, pituitary adenoma, primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT)	Affected Gene(s) CDKN1B	Related NETs Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Name VHL6	Associated Syndrome(s) and conditions von Hippel-Lindau Disease (Renal cell carcinoma and hemangioblastomas)	Affected Gene(s) VHL	Related NETs Pheochromocytomas Paragangliomas Pancreatic NETs
Name CGA: Glucagon Cell Adenomatosis7	Associated Syndrome(s) and conditions Mahvash disease	Affected Gene(s) GCCR	Related NETs Pancreatic NETs
Name SDG: Succinate Dehydrogenase1	Associated Syndrome(s) and conditions Hereditary Paraganglioma Syndrome Carney-Stratakis syndrome Pituitary adenoma, GIST, renal cell carcinoma	Affected Gene(s) SDHD, SDHAF2, SDHC, SDHB	Related NETs Paraganglioma
Name TSC: Tuberous Sclerosis Complex4	Associated Syndrome(s) and conditions A wide spectrum of benign tumors, skin abnormalities, and behavioral/ cognitive problems	Affected Gene(s) TSC1, TSC2	Related NETs Pheochromocytoma Pancreatic NETs4
Name NF1: Neurofibromatosis type 11	Associated Syndrome(s) and conditions von Recklinghausen disease Neurofibromas Peripheral nerve sheath tumors Optic glioma	Affected Gene(s) NF-1	Related NETs Paragangliomas Pheochromocytomas Gastrointestinal tract and pancreatic NETs3

Justin Annes, MD, PhD, Stanford University, is a physician-scientist with a long-standing interest in hereditary neuroendocrine tumors. He gave a talk on the subject at a NETRF patient and caregiver conference. View his presentation now:

How do you know if you have an inherited mutation?

The route to a clinical diagnosis for an inherited genetic mutation varies. In some cases, the presence of two or more associated medical conditions or syndromes can meet the criteria. A patient’s medical history, as well as their family’s medical history, is part of the evaluation process. Having a first-degree relative with a known mutation also plays an important role in establishing a clinical diagnosis. 

If a genetic mutation is suspected or known, your doctor may conduct a clinical evaluation that could include:

• Blood or urine tests
• Imaging test
• Gene tests

There are many different types of gene tests using a range of technology. The types of gene testing kits advertised on TV or sold in the drug store will probably not help someone learn about their risk factors for NETs.  The type of genetic test your doctor would order would screen for a specific set of mutations, which may not be included on the panels of the tests available commercially.

If you are thinking about genetic testing

If you are thinking about genetic testing for yourself or a family member, speak with a professional who is trained in genetics. These professionals can include doctors, genetic counselors, and other health care providers (such as nurses, psychologists, or social workers). Genetic counseling can help people consider the risks, benefits, and limitations of genetic testing. Sometimes the genetic professional finds that testing is not needed.

Genetic counseling includes a detailed review of the individual’s personal and family medical history related to possible cancer risk. Counseling also includes discussions about such issues as:

• Whether genetic testing is appropriate
• Which specific test(s) might be used
• The technical accuracy of the test(s)
• The usefulness of the test in making health care decisions.
• The psychological risks and benefits of learning one’s genetic test results

Genetic tests may not be covered by all insurance plans. Or tests may only be covered under strict criteria. It’s important to contact your health insurance plan to learn more about your coverage and to ask about the costs for genetic testing in advance of making any decisions.

Look for a genetic counselor https://www.nsgc.org/page/find-a-genetic-counselor

• ¹Schernthaner-Reiter MH, Trivellin G, Stratakis CA. (2016). MEN1, MEN4, and Carney complex: pathology and molecular genetics. Neuroendocrinology, 103: 18e31.
• ²National Cancer Institute. Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version. https://www.cancer.gov/types/pheochromocytoma/hp/pheochromocytoma-treatment-pdq Accessed October 9, 2018.
• ³National Cancer Institute. Genetics of Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Neoplasias (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version. https://www.cancer.gov/types/thyroid/hp/medullary-thyroid-genetics-pdq#link/_767 Accessed October 9, 2018.
• ⁴Cancer.NET, (ASCO® Patient Information). Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/multiple-endocrine-neoplasia-type-1 Accessed October 10,2018.
• ⁵National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/zollinger-ellison-syndrome Accessed October 10, 2018.
• ⁶National Cancer Institute. Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version. https://www.cancer.gov/types/pheochromocytoma/hp/pheochromocytoma-treatment-pdq Accessed October 9, 2018.
• ⁷Mete O, Chetty R. (2017). Pancreatic endocrine neoplasia: familial syndromes. Diagn Histopathol, 23:8, 378.
• ⁸Cives M, Strosberg JR. (2018). Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors. CA Cancer J Clinical, 1-17.

Despite a gusty, northerly breeze and temperatures in the high 30s, 177 walkers, 18 volunteers, and many family dogs turned out for the first-ever DC Walk for Carcinoid Cancer on Saturday, November 10th, World Net Cancer Awareness Day in Arlington, VA.

Earlier this year, Sanjiv Jain, CEO, eGlobalTech partnered with NETRF to organize a 2-mile fundraising walk to honor his late wife, Sonya Jain, and to promote awareness about neuroendocrine cancers. Sonya Jain, founder, and former CEO, eGlobalTech, passed from neuroendocrine cancer in December 2017, after a long battle with the disease. According to her husband, ‘In spite of fighting cancer for almost 15 years, Sonya lived life to the fullest – she founded eGlobalTech, raised two beautiful daughters, played sports, enjoyed yoga and traveled worldwide during her short life.”

A total of 188 walkers, including 11 virtual walkers and nearly a dozen sponsors collectively exceeded the goal by raising more than $40,000 for NET research. Additionally, thanks to NETRF’s Spark Hope campaign, all donations will be matched to fund innovative research to better understand the disease and for improved treatments. The top fundraiser was David Leibowitz of Rockville, MD, raising over $12,000 in honor of his daughter, Erin, who is currently battling the disease. Corporate sponsors included local Arlington-area businesses CVP, Lohfeld Consulting Group, Chainbridge Solutions, Omniforce, MacroView Investment Management, Punita Group, Shivish Entertainment, Array, Inc., Criterion Systems and GovSmart.

Following the walk, all enjoyed hot coffee, snacks, and a brief speaking program. Sanjiv Jain, eGlobalTech, Branko Primetica, eGlobalTech, Susan Payson, NETRF, and Josh Mailman, President, Northern CA CarciNET Community and NETRF Board Member thanked the walkers and volunteers in their brief comments. A special thanks to event organizer Anna Patsel-Powers, Marketing Manager at eGlobalTech for her many months of leadership and organizing the event!

Congratulations to all who participated and supported the DC Walk for Carcinoid Cancer!

What is the difference between a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and a pancreatic tumor?

A few high profile celebrities, Aretha Franklin and Steve Jobs, have died from pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Following their deaths, their cancer was often called “pancreatic cancer” because it was cancer and it occurred in the pancreas. Why is this wrong?

Though they occur in the same organ, these are two different types of cancers. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine cancers have different:

• Causes
• Signs and symptoms
• Tests
• Treatments
• Outlooks

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is often referred to as “pancreatic cancer.” It starts in the exocrine cells, which produces enzymes to support digestion.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma 

• More common
• Poorer chance of recovery
• May not cause early symptoms. Advanced signs and late symptoms include:
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
  • Light-colored stools
  • Dark urine
  • Pain in the upper or middle abdomen and back
  • Weight loss 
  • Loss of appetite
  • Feeling very tired 

Pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer

Pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer is sometimes called islet cell carcinoma. It starts in the endocrine cells, which produce hormones to regulate blood sugar. 

Pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer

• Less common
• Better chance of recovery
• Tumors may produce hormones and cause early symptoms, such as:
  • Diarrhea
  • Indigestion
  • Blood sugar changes
  • Weight loss
  • Stomach pain  
  • Jaundice (Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
  • Skin rash on face, stomach, or legs

Where is the pancreas?

The pancreas is in the upper abdomen behind other organs such as the stomach, small intestine, liver, gallbladder, spleen, and bile ducts. It is about 6 inches long and shaped like a thin pear lying on its side. 

What does the pancreas do?

The pancreas has two components:

• Exocrine pancreas produces enzymes that break down food in the small intestine
• Endocrine pancreas produces hormones that regulate blood sugar

Endocrine cells of the pancreas

The endocrine pancreas consists of endocrine cells that are arranged in “islets” and release hormones into the bloodstream. Neuroendocrine tumors arise from endocrine cells in the pancreas, which cluster together like an island and are called islet cells. These cells play an important role in regulating the body’s blood sugar. 

 

One type of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, insulinoma, may lead to too much insulin and cause blurred vision, headache, fast heartbeat, and feeling lightheaded, tired, weak, shaky, nervous, irritable, sweaty, confused, or hungry. 

Another type, called glucagonoma, can cause high blood sugar and cause headaches, frequent urination, dry skin and mouth, or feeling hungry, thirsty, tired, or weak.

What is a neuroendocrine tumor?

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are an uncommon cancer of the neuroendocrine cells, which receive messages from the nervous system and then release hormones into the bloodstream. When a neuroendocrine cell becomes cancerous, it divides uncontrollably, without stopping, forming tumors.

Primary sites for neuroendocrine tumors 

 NETs can occur throughout the body, but most commonly form in the:

• Gastrointestinal tract 
• Pancreas 
• Lungs 

Since they arise in hormone-producing cells, a neuroendocrine tumor can overproduce hormones and release them into the bloodstream, causing a range of symptoms. These symptoms are commonly mistaken for other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, asthma, or menopause. One in two neuroendocrine tumor patients is misdiagnosed. On average, people have symptoms for five years before learning they have a neuroendocrine tumor. When it takes that long to obtain an accurate diagnosis, cancer can spread to other organs. More than half of NETs spread beyond the primary site before they are diagnosed.

Why does it matter? Raising awareness

Given delays in diagnosis, rates of metastases, and misdiagnosis, those affected by NETs advocate for increased education and awareness.  Advocates for improvements in NET diagnosis and treatment stress the importance of referring to the cancer type, not site. No matter where it occurs, refer to this cancer as a neuroendocrine tumor to increase awareness for a misunderstood cancer.

Read more about pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
Browse NET patient videos on our YouTube channel.
Stay updated on neuroendocrine cancer. Subscribe to our newsletter. 

 

 

 

Early Research on Targeting Single Cancer Cells to Prevent Metastasis

Despite the effectiveness of Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) to prolong survival of those with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), many patients will see their cancer spread a few years later.

To help discover technology capable of more accurately killing individual neuroendocrine cancer cells, NETRF granted a 2018 Petersen Investigator award to Roger Schibli, PhD, Paul Scherrer Institut, Zurich Switzerland. His study will explore the safety of a novel radionuclide for PRRT to reduce risks of recurrence. Schibli will study terbium radionuclides (Tb-161), which have distinct radioactive properties, compared to existing radionuclides, such as lutetium 177 dotatate (Lu-177) or Yttrium-90 (Y-90). According to Schibli, Tb-161’s properties may help to kill single cancer cells, which may be left lingering on the margins of a tumor and then continue to grow, leading to recurrence or metastases.

Testing Tb-161 for neuroendocrine tumors

Tb-161 kills tumor cells at short and long ranges. Schibli’s study evaluates the ability of Tb-161 dotatoc to kill single cancer cells and tiny metastases in a pre-clinical setting before they proceed with the first-in-man study. Schibli’s proof-of-concept clinical testing of Tb-161 is planned to be done in collaboration with Richard Baum, MD, PhD, in Bad Berka, Germany

What is the role of radionuclides in PRRT?

In PRRT, radionuclides are attached to octreotide to create radiopeptides like Y-90 or Lu-177. Radiopeptides differ in the type of radiation they emit as well as the depth of tissue into which they penetrate. Tissue penetration is an important factor since a certain range of radiation is necessary to kill tumor cells but not damage surrounding, healthy tissues. Learn more about PRRT https://netrf.org/peptide-receptor-radionuclide-therapy-prrt/

Schibli’s study is made possible by a generous gift from the Margie and Robert E Petersen Foundation. If would like to support research like this donate here.  To explore named research awards, contact us at info@netrf.org.

The Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF) gratefully received a $35,000 donation for NET research from the CarGurus Charitable Giving Fund. NETRF was nominated by a CarGurus employee to receive a grant and this grant was one of the first given by the recently established CarGurus Charitable Giving Committee. 

“We are honored to be the beneficiary of a CarGurus grant and will direct their gift toward research to investigate this poorly understood cancer.” said Elyse Gellerman, Chief Executive Officer, NETRF. Since 2005, NETRF has funded more than $20 million in NET research grants to leading scientists at renowned institutions in the U.S. and throughout the world. NETRF solely relies on private donations from corporations, foundations, patients, families, and friends to move the research field forward, closer to the goal of cures for neuroendocrine tumors. 

“We love the work that NETRF has been doing. This cause is very close to the CarGurus community and we couldn’t be happier to support its mission,” said Kathleen Patton, chair, CarGurus Charitable Giving Committee.  

Located in Cambridge, MA, CarGurus is the largest online automotive marketplace in the U.S.  Earlier this year CarGurus established the CarGurus Charitable Giving Fund with the intention to donate one percent of the company’s profits to charitable causes that are meaningful to its employees. Integrity is one of the CarGurus core values, and corporate citizenship and social responsibility are part of how they define this value. 

 

Antibody-drug conjugate aims to combine the benefits of targeted therapy and chemotherapy

Renata Jaskula-Sztul, PhD, Assistant Professor of Surgical Oncology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine has been awarded the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (NANETS) Basic/Translational Science Investigator (BTSI) Award, which is funded by NETRF. 

Dr. Jaskula-Sztul’s study, Novel antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PanNET) Targeted Therapy, will explore a novel delivery system for therapy, using an approach designed to increase precision and efficacy while reducing risks.  

Dr. Jaskula-Sztul’s project addresses the critical need for new therapeutic options for pancreatic NETs. She will be using a natural cytotoxic agent bound to an antibody that specifically targets the surface receptor SSTR2 on pancreatic NETs. “This is an exciting project that employs a targeting approach to killing NET cells while limiting systemic toxicities,” said Effie Tzameli, Director of Research. “If successful, this ADC will help reduce tumor burden of SSTR2 positive NETs.”

“Dr. Jaskula-Sztul’s project on testing antibody-drug conjugates as a potential drug for NET will generate new and exciting information that will form the foundation for future grants,” said NANETS Chair James Howe, MD.

Dr. Jaskula-Sztul has published more than 40 papers, and as a co-investigator, she has received funding for five research grants on targeted drug delivery to neuroendocrine tumors.

Learn about ADCs

Like a missile carries an explosive warhead, an antibody-drug conjugate (ACC) uses an antibody to carry a cytotoxic agent to cancer cells.  

 

Living with cancer increases your risk for complications from influenza (“flu”). If you have cancer now, have had cancer in the past, or live with someone who has a cancer history, it’s important to protect yourself and your family from the flu.

The flu vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control recommends cancer patients, cancer survivors, and their families be vaccinated against seasonal flu by the end of October. Don’t delay. Your body needs a few weeks to develop the antibodies that protect you against the flu.

You may face increased risks for the flu

Cancer treatment can lower your ability to fight infection from viruses and bacteria. Some medications can also affect how a flu vaccine works. That’s why it’s important that you talk to your doctor about which type of flu vaccine is best for you. (You may need to avoid a nasal spray vaccine with a live virus.)

Many people who are at increased risk for flu are also at increased risk for pneumococcal disease. It’s a good idea to also ask your doctor if pneumococcal shots are also needed.

Make a plan with your doctor about what to do if you get sick. The plan should include when you should call your doctor and how to get a prescription for antiviral medication quickly if needed.

Lookout for signs of the flu

Be on the lookout for signs of the flu. Keep a working thermometer in a convenient location at home. If you feel warm, feverish, or chilled, take your temperature. It’s important for people with cancer to notify their doctor immediately if they get a fever.

Symptoms of the flu

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (tiredness)
•  Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea

Serious complications from the flu can affect those with cancer according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s patient information website, including:

• Dehydration
• Bronchitis or pneumonia
• Worsening lung and heart problem

Source: Centers for Disease Control