Project title: Targeting lipid metabolism in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

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What critical neuroendocrine cancer problem/question will researchers try to answer?
We seek to improve treatment response for Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (GEP-NETs) by targeting the unique metabolism of tumors. Unlike many cancers that are primarily studied through genetics, this research examines how NETs rely on fats and cholesterol to fuel their growth. The team discovered that a protein called PIKfyve plays a central role in this process, enabling tumors to manage fat utilization and survive treatment. 

Why is this important?
Because GEP-NETs are highly adaptable and often activate alternative survival pathways, this project focuses on shutting down these escape routes to make treatment more effective. 

What will the researchers do?
We identified a protein, PIKfyve, that is overexpressed in GEP-NETs and found that blocking it can significantly enhance the effectiveness of existing mTOR therapies. By blocking PIKfyve, especially in combination with the standard mTOR inhibitor drug everolimus, we can disrupt both fat metabolism and iron balance in tumor cells, making them more vulnerable.

How might this improve the treatment of neuroendocrine cancer?
Studying and exploiting tumor metabolism could lead to treatments that are not only more effective but also longer-lasting, offering new hope for patients with NETs and possibly other cancers. 

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