In late September the Unicorn Foundation joined with 20 NET patient groups in Oxford for the annual International Neuroendocrine Cancer Alliance (INCA) summit.
On the first day following the AGM, Kathy Redmond did a fantastic job guiding the full members in a strategic planning session. The Unicorn Foundation welcomes the ideas and goals discussed for INCA and look forward to reporting back on this very soon.
The Centre of Expertise visit at Oxford Churchill Hospital was a highlight and we were grateful to the Dr Andrew Weaver, Prof Denis Talbot in the Radiopharmaceutical, Nuclear Medicine and Oncology department for showing us how Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) is administered in their centre. Prof Ashley Grossman from the Centre for Diabetes Endocrinology & Metabolism presented an informative presentation on Familial Syndromes and NETs which was appreciated by all.
Michael Tadman the Advanced NET Nurse Practitioner gave us so much time and the tour of the Maggie's Cancer Centre was fantastic, what an incredible resource for all cancer patients as they go through their difficult journey. We look forward to our specialist NET Nurse learning from Michael and sharing ideas across the pond.
A big topic of conversation over the three days was global access to PRRT, however, we were heartened to see the trials being funded including our own CONTROL NETs and the incredible research being funded by Caring for Carcinoid especially in immunotherapy. We look forward to INCA providing a united voice in improving access to treatments around the world incluing PRRT and basic needs such as PET Scans.
Thank you to Jo Grey (AMEND UK), Teodora Kolarova (President of INCA) the board and the organising committee for putting together such an insightful summit. We look forward to joining together again with our INCA friends in the lead up to World NET Cancer Day on November 10. Thank you also to the Sponsors for providing funds to make such a summit a reality.