Is it possible to cure neuroendocrine tumors?

Our Research Road Map explains our perspective in detail.  To summarize, there are three reasons why we firmly believe we can cure neuroendocrine tumors:

• The completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 and the arrival of the genetic research paradigm marked a watershed by enabling scientists to study cancer at the genetic level.
• Gleevec is a highly effective, genetically-targeted therapy for cancer patients with chronic myeloid leukemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.  According to Dr. Brian Druker, Gleevec represents a "monumental leap forward" in cancer treatment:

"The success of Gleevec will not have made it easier, but it has proven that the concept of targeting specific molecular genetic events in cancer can result in remarkably effective therapies."

• We crafted our Research Road Map with our Board of Scientific Advisors based on the Gleevec model of genetically-targeted therapy.  Our Scientific Advisors are pioneers in genetically-based research for neuroendorine tumors and other cancers, including pancreatic endocrine cancer, lung cancer, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.  For example, successful research by Dr. George Demetri and Dr. Thomas Lynch led to the launch of several new genetically-targeted cancer drugs, including Gleevec and Tarceva.

These three reasons give the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation tremendous confidence that we can cure neuroendocrine tumors.