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The LACNETS Podcast is a monthly series where we interview neuroendocrine tumor (NET) experts on various NET topics. Each expert will answer the top 10 FAQs in their area of expertise. Whether a listener is newly diagnosed, a longtime NET survivor, or a family member or loved one, the LACNETS Podcast serves as a tool to help anyone better understand NET.
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The LACNETS Podcast is also available on Apple Music, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
A new episode will be released on the 15th of every month.
Be sure to subscribe to our podcast to receive notifications when new episodes are released!
EPISODE 39: NEN TREATMENTS: FOCUS ON LIVER-DIRECTED THERAPIES (Part II: Intra-Arterial Techniques & Sequencing)
In this 2-part series, Dr. Osman Ahmed from University of Chicago covers liver-directed therapies for neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs or neuroendocrine cancer). In this second episode, he details the embolization techniques including bland embolization (TAE), chemoembolization (TACE), and radioembolization (TARE, SIRT, y90). He discusses decision-making, sequencing, and follow-up after these procedures.
EPISODE 38: NEN TREATMENTS: FOCUS ON LIVER-DIRECTED THERAPIES (Part I: Overview and Ablative Techniques Including Histotripsy)
In this 2-part series, Dr. Osman Ahmed from University of Chicago covers liver-directed therapies for neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs or neuroendocrine cancer). In this first episode, he outlines the types of liver-directed therapies and elaborates on ablative techniques including the newest technique, histotripsy. Listen to a frank discussion of how histotripsy works, when it might be used, and what its current limitations are.
EPISODE 37:
SUPPORTIVE ONCOLOGY FOR NEUROENDOCRINE CANCER
What is supportive care or supportive oncology? What is cancer-related distress? How might NET patients benefit from supportive care? Yale oncologist Dr. Maryam Lustberg suggests strategies to manage cancer-related fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, mouth sores, peripheral neuropathy, distress, anxiety, and anxiety. She also addresses considerations for fertility and sexual health.
EPISODE 35:
NEN TREATMENTS: FOCUS ON CHEMOTHERAPY
What is chemotherapy? When are they used for neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs)? Dr. Pamela Kunz from Yale Medicine discusses the benefits, potential side effects and latest advances in chemotherapy for NENs. She explains how it differs from other treatments for NENs and how she counsels patients as they consider chemotherapy.
EPISODE 34:
NET TREATMENTS: FOCUS ON PRRT
What is PRRT? How is it different from the more commonly used radiation treatment? What are the possible side effects? Dr. Riham El Khouli from the University of Kentucky in Lexington discusses common questions and concerns about PRRT and shares some of the latest advances.
EPISODE 33:
FOCUS ON TARGETED THERAPIES
What are Targeted Therapies and how do they work? How and when would they be used in NETs? Dr. Scott Paulson from Baylor Cancer Center in Dallas discusses common questions and concerns about targeted therapies including side effects, dosing and treatment sequencing. Bonus: Dr. Paulson shares how we can learn from Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak in understanding treatment goals with NETs.
EPISODE 31:
CLINICAL TRIALS: EXPECTATIONS VS. REALITIES (PART I & II)
In this 2-part series, we reprise “Navigating Clinical Trials: Expectations vs Realities” with Taymeyah Al-Toubah. This was previously broadcast on August 19th, 2023, as a LACNETS monthly educational webinar. In Part 1, Taymeyah discusses clinical trial terminology, timeline, questions to ask, and misconceptions. In Part 2, Taymeyah answers questions about logistics and practical aspects of clinical trials, such as costs, response time, and follow-up. She also answers frequently asked questions about PRRT trials, including alpha trials.
EPISODE 29:
NUTRITION & DIET CONSIDERATIONS FOR NET
NET dietician Sina Teskey from the Medical College of Wisconsin answers common questions about diet and nutrition raised among NET patients and caregivers. She addresses special diets, food restrictions, and whether sugar “feeds” cancer. Sina also speaks to diarrhea, and digestive enzymes and shares tips on how to maintain nutrition and weight.
EPISODE 28:
TOP 10 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2023 NANETS SYMPOSIUM
In this special episode, Oregon Health & Sciences University (OHSU) Medical oncologist, Dr. Guillaume (Will) Pegna, recaps the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (NANETS) 2023 Multidisciplinary NET Medical Symposium. He shares the latest developments in NET research and medical advances from the conference and discusses why they matter to the NET patient community.
EPISODE 27:
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT NEUROENDOCRINE TUMOR LIVER METASTASES
What do you call NETs in the liver? How often do NETs spread and what causes NETs to spread? How do you determine if surgery is an option? Dr Xavier Keutgen from University of Chicago brings clarity to NET tumors found in the liver and describes how surgery fits in with other treatments for metastatic NETs.
EPISODE 26:
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT LUNG NETS
What are lung NETs? What is DIPNECH? How is lung NET similar or different from lung cancer? Dr. Vineeth Sukrithan from Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center gives a comprehensive overview of lung NET and DIPNECH, including the work-up and treatment options. He also discusses open clinical trials and exciting advances in lung NET research on the horizon.
EPISODE 25:
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT GRADE 3 POORLY DIFFERENTIATED NEUROENDOCRINE CARCINOMA (NEC)
What are Grade 3 Poorly Differentiated Neuroendocrine Carcinoma (NEC)? What makes NEC unique? Can a NET transform to NEC? Dr. Nitya Raj from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City explains NEC tumor biology and how it guides treatment strategy. She also discusses current clinical trials and research.
EPISODE 24:
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT GRADE 3 WELL-DIFFERENTIATED NETS
What are grade 3 NETs and how is it different from grade 3 NEC and other types of NETs? Dr. Mohamad (Bassam) Sonbol from Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, enlightens us on this fairly new entity, including treatment options, treatment sequencing and clinical trials.
EPISODE 23:
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT HINDGUT & APPENDICEAL NETS
What are Hindgut NETs (distal colon and rectum) and how are they treated? How is rectal NET different from rectal cancer? What makes appendiceal NETs difficult to diagnose? Dr. Hagen Kennecke from Providence Cancer Institute in Portland, Oregon shares insights on the diagnosis and management of hindgut NETs and appendix NET.
EPISODE 22:
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT PANCREATIC NETS
What is the difference between Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor (PNET) and Pancreatic Cancer? Where exactly is the pancreas located and why is the tumor location important? NET Oncologist Dr. Jennifer Chan from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute takes us through how some treatments, imaging and blood work are unique to PNETs. She also expounds on several ongoing and active trials.
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EPISODE 21:
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SMALL BOWEL NETs
How are small bowel NETs diagnosed, treated, and monitored? How is it different from other types of NETs? What are some exciting new treatments for small bowel NETs? NET oncologist Dr. David Zhen of Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle answers 10 common questions about small bowel NETs.
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EPISODE 20:
GASTRIC NET, GASTRINOMAS & ZOLLINGER-ELLISON SYMDROME (ZES)
Gastroenterologist and Neuroendocrinologist Dr. David C. Metz discusses important concepts in Gastric NET, Gastrinomas and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, including detection, treatments, associated risks and monitoring. He also lends valuable insight on ulcers, MEN and proton pump inhibitors.
EPISODE 19:
BEYOND THE BASICS: THE PATHOLOGY OF NET
Take a glimpse through the microscope and learn how pathology determines your NET diagnosis and guides treatment. How does one interpret differing Ki-67 results from the same specimen? Why might a patient have two different Ki-67 results from different specimens? How does pathology distinguish G3 well-differentiated NET from NEC? How does pathology help with NET tumors of unknown origin? NET pathologist Dr. Andrew M. Bellizzi from the University of Iowa sheds light on just how much information a tiny tissue sample may contain.
EPISODE 18:
MENTAL HEALTH & NETS
What are the common mental health issues associated with NET? How can they be managed? How does NET impact young adults, NET patients and children of NET patients? Health psychologist Dr. Kersting of the Medical College of Wisconsin elaborates on mental health challenges facing NET patients and their loved ones. Hear coping strategies for anxiety, eating and sleeping difficulties, fatigue and depression. Dr. Kersting discusses what you can expect when meeting a mental health professional and why supporting your mental health is an integral part of your overall care.
EPISODE 17:
KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR NET SURGERY
How do surgeons decide the type, extent, and approach of NET surgery? NET surgeon Dr. Alexandra Gangi of Cedars-Sinai answers 10 common questions about what to expect before, during, and after NET surgery. Gain insight on preparing for surgery and what is important for your surgeon to know about your recovery goals. Dr. Gangi’s comprehensive approach illustrates why surgeons are an integral part of your NET medical team.
EPISODE 16:
TOP 10 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2022 NANETS SYMPOSIUM
In this special episode, Dr. Will Pegna shares 10 new and exciting discoveries from the 2022 North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (NANETS) Multidisciplinary NET Medical Symposium. Each year, hundreds of medical professionals gather to share the latest in NET research and medical advances. LACNETS and Dr. Pegna discuss the Symposium highlights and why they matter to the NET community.
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What is psycho-oncology and how can it benefit those living with NET? Psychiatrist Dr. Mona Mojtahedzadeh of Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology discusses whole person care for cancer patients and caregivers. From “scanxiety” to sleep hygiene, she acknowledges the range of challenges of living with cancer and shares solutions to improve mental well-being and overall health.
EPISODE 13:
NET ONCOLOGY
Is it okay for NET patients to take “statin” medications to lower cholesterol or SSRI medication for depression? How often should full body scans be done? NET oncologist Dr. Jun Gong of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center addresses ten common questions you might ask your NET oncologist along your NET journey.
EPISODE 12:
PHEO & PARA
In honor of Pheo Para Awareness Week, NET endocrinologist and medical oncologist Dr. Jaydira Del Rivero of the National Cancer Institute answers ten common questions about pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL). Dr. Del Rivero defines PPGL and describes the unique symptoms, genetic testing, and treatment options for PPGL.
EPISODE 11:
PATHOLOGY FOR NETS
How do you understand your pathology report? What is tumor grade, differentiation, mitotic index, and ki67? How do you get a second opinion on your pathology? NET expert and pathologist Dr. Sue Chang of City of Hope answers ten common questions about pathology for neuroendocrine tumors. Dr. Chang defines important keywords to help you understand your pathology report which is instrumental in guiding treatment decisions.
EPISODE 10:
PRRT (PART III)
How can patients make decisions about where, when, and what kind of PRRT to receive? How does PRRT in the USA differ from other parts of the world? Why does each institution have different post-PRRT radiation safety precautions? Internationally recognized patient advocate and President of NorCal CarciNET Community, Josh Mailman, answers ten common questions about the past, present, and future of PRRT. Josh, whose journey has taken him from PRRT recipient to a seat on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Advisory Committee, shares from his years of patient advocacy work in nuclear medicine and clarifies some misunderstandings about PRRT
EPISODE 9:
PRRT (PART II)
Who is eligible for PRRT? What are the side effects? Should somatostatin analogues be continued? Can PRRT be repeated when there is disease progression? NET expert and Nuclear Medicine Physician Dr. Martin Auerbach of UCLA Health answers 10 common questions about the decision-making process of PRRT. Dr. Auerbach addresses how to manage side effects, carcinoid crisis, labs, and post-PRRT imaging.
EPISODE 8:
PRRT (PART I)
Curious about PRRT? Wondering what a PRRT day looks like, what side effects you might experience, and what precautions you should take? NET expert and Administrative Nurse Lindy Gardner of UCLA Health answers 10 common questions about the before, during and after of PRRT. Lindy explains how to prepare for your treatment day, what to expect on the day of the treatment, and radiation precautions following PRRT including travel, vaccinations, and fertility and breastfeeding recommendations.
EPISODE 7:
IMAGING OF NETS
Confused about scans? NET expert Dr. Gary Ulaner answers the top 10 questions about imaging for NETs. Dual board-certified in radiology and nuclear medicine, Dr. Ulaner explains different scans used in NET imaging including functional imaging scans such as Gallium-68 DOTATATE, Copper-64 DOTATATE, and FDG PET scans and anatomical scans such as MRI and CT scans. He addresses common questions about radiation safety, contrasts, and SUV.
EPISODE 6:
DECISION-MAKING FOR NETS
How do NET experts decide what treatments are right for you? How do I learn about current clinical trials? In our sixth episode, NET expert and medical oncologist Dr. Daneng (Dan) Li of City of Hope answers 10 common questions about decision-making for NETs including finding the primary tumor site, bone mets, tumor grades, and the role of adjuvant therapy.
EPISODE 5:
TREATMENT FOR NETS
What are the current treatment options for NETs? How do I know what treatments I should be on? In our fifth episode, NET expert and Medical Oncologist Dr. Randy Hecht of UCLA Health answers 10 common questions about current NET treatment options (including lanreotide, octreotide, everolimus, and PRRT), as well as future treatment options.
SPECIAL EPISODE:
THE LACNETS STORY
In this special episode, we share the history of LACNETS – the who, what, and when. We journey down memory lane with eight special guests from before the birth of LACNETS to where it is today. This episode is dedicated to Giovanna Joyce Imbesi, the LACNETS Founder, whose vision and dedication inspires us all.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
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