08 Jun 2022
By Ronny Allan
0 Comments
Clinical Trial: Dostarlimab, anti–PD-1 monoclonal antibody in Neuroendocrine Carcinoma

Clinical Trial: Dostarlimab, anti–PD-1 monoclonal antibody in Neuroendocrine Carcinoma

Clinical Trials and Research, Treatment, , , , ,
BackgroundFollowing the Americal Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference in June 2022 (ASCO is the biggest Oncology event in the world), the media widely featured the results of the Phase 2 clinical trial of the drug Dostarlimab, an anti–PD-1 monoclonal antibody. The media often looks for headline-grabbing stories and this was one of them.  One UK TV outlet said they may have found the cure for cancer, which is a reckless statement when you look at the size and boundary of the clinical trial referenced.  The detail is, that this was a phase 2 trial for "rectal adenocarcinoma", but specifically…
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04 Jun 2022
By Ronny Allan
5 Comments
On the Cancer Journey, don’t forget to live your life

On the Cancer Journey, don’t forget to live your life

Inspiration, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Patient Advocacy, Survivorship,
Many things in life can seem like a bump in the road or a journey along a windy road not sure where the next turn is.  In some ways, a cancer diagnosis is another of these inopportune moments, albeit one with many facets.  With incurable Neuroendocrine Tumours, many people need to be prepared for a long journey.Beware of the common trap of thinking in terms of all or nothing; or rushing to conclusions. Even with localised NETs which have been removed with curative intent, the journey may continue for a while until your doctors, and you are sure the destination has…
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25 Apr 2022
By Ronny Allan
2 Comments
Histotripsy: A new technique that treats cancer using soundwaves

Histotripsy: A new technique that treats cancer using soundwaves

Clinical Trials and Research, Treatment, , ,
First published on April 25, 2022.   Updated regularly.  Last update 19th September 2025. If you just want to know what Histotripsy is, just head straight down to "Original Article" section 19th September 2025.  Australia Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia have taken the lead and are campaigning for access to this  innovative treatment.  As NET patients in Australia, you can help.  Read more by clicking here April 2025.  Singapore   Singapore's National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS)Search company and National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS). Company are set to begin clinical trials of a revolutionary cancer disease treatment called histotripsy in the second half…
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24 Apr 2022
By Ronny Allan
1 Comment
We are still here!

We are still here!

Inspiration, ,
I'm always amazed at the responses to my post "I'm still here" and it has become a bit of a catchphrase I use, even in response to a question in my private group.What I see is that many of us are still here and I wanted to dedicate this post to those who frequently join in with my "I'm still here" posts.I'm glad you're still here too.  Share or comment if you agree!We are still hereCheck out the fantastic response to my 5th year 'cancerversary' post.  Click here to be inspired. Missed out 6th!!!Check out the fantastic response to my 7th…
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08 Apr 2022
By Ronny Allan
1 Comment
My illness may be invisible, but I am not

My illness may be invisible, but I am not

Awareness, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Survivorship, , , , , , , , , ,
The term invisible illness refers to any medical condition that is not outwardly visible to others, even healthcare professionals. Invisible illnesses encompass a broad range of conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, dementia, psychiatric illness, autoimmune disorders, and even cancer. Many Neuroendocrine Cancer patients look outwardly healthy, and this can often lead to a lack of appreciation of the potential dangers lurking in their life, the person's actual capabilities, and how they cope with their condition. I am sure those reading who have a Neuroendocrine Cancer diagnosis will find something similar to their own experiences. Growing invisibly inside me for years…
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10 Mar 2022
By Ronny Allan
5 Comments
Clinical Trial: Mycapssa (octreotide capsules) for Neuroendocrine Tumours (drug discontinued, clinical trials cancelled – at least in EU countries)

Clinical Trial: Mycapssa (octreotide capsules) for Neuroendocrine Tumours (drug discontinued, clinical trials cancelled – at least in EU countries)

Clinical Trials and Research, Treatment, ,
UPDATE 26 February 2025 The European Commission withdrew the marketing authorisation for Mycapssa (octreotide) in the European Union (EU). The withdrawal was at the request of the marketing authorisation holder, Amryt Pharmaceuticals DAC, which notified the European Commission of its decision to permanently discontinue the marketing of the product for commercial reasons. Mycapssa was granted marketing authorisation in the EU on 2 December 2022 for the maintenance treatment in adult patients with acromegaly who have responded to and tolerated treatment with somatostatin analogues. The marketing authorisation was initially valid for a 5-year period. The marketing authorisation holder has committed to ensure that patients who are receiving treatment with…
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07 Mar 2022
By Ronny Allan
0 Comments
Clinical Trial: Testing the Use of Chemotherapy After Surgery for High-Risk Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Clinical Trial: Testing the Use of Chemotherapy After Surgery for High-Risk Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Clinical Trials and Research, Treatment, , , , ,
An interesting trial centred on SW USA.   The use of CAPTEM following surgery in high-risk pancreatic NETs (G2/G3 well-differentiated).  Also includes the use of NETest at 3 time points, which is very interesting considering the recent withdrawal of Chromogranin A from US NET Guidelines.  (Read about NETest here). Randomized Phase II Trial of Postoperative Adjuvant Capecitabine and Temozolomide versus Observation in High-Risk Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (S2104) is a recently activated National Clinical Trials Network randomized phase II trial designed to compare CAPTEM chemotherapy versus observation following resection of pNETs (see Figure 2). Patients with well-differentiated grade 2 or 3 (Ki-67 up…
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03 Mar 2022
By Ronny Allan
0 Comments
A Spotlight on Lung Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

A Spotlight on Lung Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

A spotlight on NENs - Types, Awareness, Patient Advocacy, Spotlight on NENs - Types Series, , , , , , , , , , ,
WHO Classification of Tumours, 5th Edition, Volume 5: Thoracic Tumours The aim of this spotlight is to provide a summary of the latest information on Lung Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NEN) including the latest terminology, epidemiology data, and guidelines.   This follows the publication of the Thoracic WHO classification 5th edition (2021): terminology and criteria for neuroendocrine neoplasms (Blue Book).  This book has been anticipated to see if the panel compiling this follows the lead of the Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (GEPNEN) editions issued in 2017 (Endocrine) and 2019 (Digestive systems) by removing the antiquated misnomer term ''Carcinoid" in line with the recommendations made…
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20 Jan 2022
By Ronny Allan
3 Comments
External Validation of a Clinical Score for Patients With Neuroendocrine Tumors Under Consideration for Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy

External Validation of a Clinical Score for Patients With Neuroendocrine Tumors Under Consideration for Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy

Patient Advocacy, Treatment, , , , ,
Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) has been around for a while and doctors are learning all the time about the most likely candidates. Selection of candidates and predictions on who will benefit most are still not an exact science (....and possibly never will be).  Neuroendocrine Neoplasms are a heterogenous grouping of cancers, and heterogeneity also includes (but is not limited to) age, stage, gender, functional/non-functional, and pre-existing condition constraints. All of this complicates the task of therapeutic decision-making and sequencing. The attached cohort study aims to bound the issue and describe a method of allocating a Clinical Score (CS) to…
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09 Jan 2022
By Ronny Allan
0 Comments
Clinical Trial: Lutathera and ASTX727 in Neuroendocrine Tumours (LANTana)

Clinical Trial: Lutathera and ASTX727 in Neuroendocrine Tumours (LANTana)

Clinical Trials and Research, Patient Advocacy, Treatment, , , , ,
What is the aim of this clinical trial?The aim of this single location trial in Imperial College London is to determine whether pre-treatment with ASTX727 results in re-expression of SSTR2 in patients with metastatic NETs, using 68Ga-DOTA-TATE to image epigenetic modification of the SSTR2 locus allowing subsequent treatment with Lutathera(i.e. PRRT).  Patients entered into the study will receive ASTX727 orally up to 3 to 8 days prior to receiving Lutathera treatment. What is ASTX727?Oral Decitabine and Cedazuridine (ASTX727) is a DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor currently being used in a trial to facilitate oral treatment of certain drugs for adults with intermediate…
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03 Jan 2022
By Ronny Allan
0 Comments
Blog review and top 10 for 2021: RonnyAllan.NET

Blog review and top 10 for 2021: RonnyAllan.NET

Awareness, Clinical Trials and Research, Diet and Nutrition, General, Humour, Inspiration, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Patient Advocacy, Survivorship, Treatment
I should be happy with over a quarter of a million views in 2021 but I'm not!  Like 2020, my figures are down on previous years as the pandemic seems to have changed viewing habits, not to mention my own bandwidth during this period. I created my private Facebook group not that long before the pandemic started, and I think that has been playing a part as huge chunks of my time has been taken up on that special project.  I also changed the nature and the type of posts on my "Ronny Allan" Facebook page, which led to fewer…
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05 Dec 2021
By Ronny Allan
5 Comments
Neuroendocrine Cancer Diarrhea- building the jigsaw: Bile Acid Malabsorption

Neuroendocrine Cancer Diarrhea- building the jigsaw: Bile Acid Malabsorption

Diet and Nutrition, Patient Advocacy, Treatment, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Before progressing, I wanted to emphasise this is not necessarily the same type of malabsorption caused by exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) which can potentially lead to something known as steatorrhea (amongst other things) but it can produce the same effect.  Steatorrhea is different from bile acid issues and is more related to fatty acids. But it's another piece of the diarrhea jigsaw. Bile Acid Malabsorption (BAM) and Bile Acid Diarrhea (BAD) Post-surgical diarrhea is probably something to expect in the early days and after time, adjustments can be made to cater for these side effects.  With NETs, particularly where there…
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23 Nov 2021
By Ronny Allan
2 Comments
177Lu-DOTA-LM3 – a novel radionuclide therapy proven safe and effective to treat neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN)

177Lu-DOTA-LM3 – a novel radionuclide therapy proven safe and effective to treat neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN)

Clinical Trials and Research, Treatment,
A new type of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) has been shown to control disease in 85 percent of patients with metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasms, achieving complete remission in some patients. The first-in-human study utilized 177Lu-DOTA-LM3 therapy, which was administered without severe adverse effects and was well tolerated by the majority of patients. This research was published in the November issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine (see citing below). Conclusion: The antagonist PRRT with 177Lu-DOTA-LM3 could be administered without severe adverse effects and was well tolerated by most patients, with thrombocytopenia occurring in only a few. No other severe adverse effects were observed; in…
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23 Nov 2021
By Ronny Allan
3 Comments
Small Intestine Neuroendocrine Tumours: “No other cancer really looks like this”

Small Intestine Neuroendocrine Tumours: “No other cancer really looks like this”

Patient Advocacy, Treatment,
It's known that Neuroendocrine Cancer is quite different in many ways from other cancers, notwithstanding the misnomer term carcinoid which is thankfully being slowly moved out of terminology.  As a few examples:It's a wide spectrum heterogeneous cancer group with indolent isolated small tumours at one end all the way across to extremely aggressive metastatic cases at the other end.It's a cancer type that can be syndromically functional or non-functional to add to diagnostic and management challenges.It's a cancer that can appear almost anywhere in the human body.One of it's less well-known traits is the ability to produce multiple primary tumours. …
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20 Nov 2021
By Ronny Allan
2 Comments
20th November 2010 – feeling perkier

20th November 2010 – feeling perkier

Patient Advocacy, Survivorship, Treatment, , , , , , , , , ,
Every year I cast my mind back to this time in 2010. Diagnosed on 26th July that year, I was in hospital from 8th - 26th November, an extended period due to complications.  At that point, I had been keeping my diagnosis within close family and friends and my manager at work.  People at work and my wider list of friends were probably wondering what was going on with me.  Cleary, I let my emotions slip by posting this on my personal Facebook profile on 20th November 2010. Perhaps this was my way of opening up.  To be honest, the first…
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25 Oct 2021
By Ronny Allan
1 Comment
Opinion: On World Neuroendocrine Cancer Day, what’s wrong with a bit of Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness?

Opinion: On World Neuroendocrine Cancer Day, what’s wrong with a bit of Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness?

Awareness, ,
On World Neuroendocrine Cancer Day, what's wrong with a bit of Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness? Where do I start ........  well, there are three main things wrong with Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness. Ancient Misnomers 1.  The community remains entrenched in 1907 terminology which needs to be brought into 2022. Things have moved on so much but the use of this ancient terminology and what it infers, just keeps us marking time in the last century. It does not do us any favours in awareness terms, nor does it do us any favours in clinical terms.  If clinicians, scientific organisations (including pharma and…
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17 Oct 2021
By Ronny Allan
0 Comments
In the land of small tumours, there is still a lot of work to do!

In the land of small tumours, there is still a lot of work to do!

Awareness, Clinical Trials and Research, Patient Advocacy, Treatment, ,
I like reading the words of Dr Mark Lewis, an Oncologist and a Neuroendocrine Tumour (NET) patient himself (with MEN1).  He always delivers with "enthusiastic vigour", a term he reduces to "brio" (which I had to google!)His article as usual sets a scene and he has form for looking back in the history of NETs. I'm sure he does this as it can often illustrate just how much clinical progress has been made since way back then. And that is the purpose of the recent article entitled "Continuing the Odyssey in the Land of Small Tumors".  He quotes from a…
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02 Oct 2021
By Ronny Allan
1 Comment
The psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on patients with neuroendocrine tumors: Between resilience and vulnerability

The psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on patients with neuroendocrine tumors: Between resilience and vulnerability

Patient Advocacy, Survivorship, , ,
I see a lot of emotional and anxiety issues in my private group.  I guess cancer diagnoses are involved in much of it adding to the daily issues faced in the general population.  Fears for quality of life, fears of dying, fears for how dependents will manage. For the first few years, I myself thought I might not make it.  I once wrote an article to help people with perspective and some structure to approaching ways of dealing, this was backed up with videos from psychology and healthcare professionals who deal with cancer patients.  February 2020 - boom!  Add in a global…
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21 Sep 2021
By Ronny Allan
0 Comments
Lutetium 177Lu-Edotreotide Versus Best Standard of Care in Well-differentiated Aggressive Grade-2 and Grade-3 GastroEnteroPancreatic NeuroEndocrine Tumors (GEP-NETs) – (COMPOSE)

Lutetium 177Lu-Edotreotide Versus Best Standard of Care in Well-differentiated Aggressive Grade-2 and Grade-3 GastroEnteroPancreatic NeuroEndocrine Tumors (GEP-NETs) – (COMPOSE)

Clinical Trials and Research, , , ,
Garching / Munich, October 27, 2022 ITM Isotope Technologies Munich SE (ITM), a leading radiopharmaceutical biotech company, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted the company Fast Track designation for ITM-11 (n.c.a. 177Lu-edotreotide), an investigational radiopharmaceutical for the treatment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). ITM-11 is being evaluated as a Targeted Radionuclide Therapy in two phase III clinical trials, COMPETE and COMPOSE. The FDA Fast Track is a process designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review of drugs to treat serious conditions and address an unmet medical need. The purpose is to bring new and promising medicines to patients sooner. The…
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18 Sep 2021
By Ronny Allan
0 Comments
New Clinical Trial – Testing Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate in Patients With Somatostatin Receptor Positive Advanced Bronchial Neuroendocrine Tumors

New Clinical Trial – Testing Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate in Patients With Somatostatin Receptor Positive Advanced Bronchial Neuroendocrine Tumors

Clinical Trials and Research, , , ,
When I see a trial for Gastroenteropancreatic NETs (GEPNETs), I know that BP (Bronchopulmonary) NETs (includes Lung) are not included.  When you look at the approval wording for the major treatments in use (PRRT Lutathera, Lanreotide), they appear to use the term GEPNETs making BP NETs the poor relative.  Clearly there’s highly complex reasons why NETs react differently in different parts of the body.  I can see that BP NET patients were involved in clinical trials for both of the mainstream treatments listed above.  The drug approval process is also highly complex, and I can see from the wording that functional…
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12 Sep 2021
By Ronny Allan
1 Comment
The GRAIL multi-cancer early detection test study

The GRAIL multi-cancer early detection test study

Clinical Trials and Research,
Updated 26 Apr 2025.  The GRAIL Test (Galleri)Update USA 26th Apr 2025 GRAIL to Present New Data on Galleri® and its Methylation Platform at American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting in Chicago, April 25-30, 2025.   Detail to follow - read announcement here.  Update UK 26th Apr 2025 The NHS-Galleri trial (NCT05611632) is a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of 140,000 participants being conducted in the NHS in England. The aim of the trial is to assess the clinical utility of the Galleri test to detect cancer early in a population of people who don’t have symptoms, when used alongside existing NHS…
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11 Sep 2021
By Ronny Allan
0 Comments
Neuroendocrine Tumors: Targeted Therapies – Update from NET Specialist Diane Reidy-Lagunes, MD, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center – August 2021

Neuroendocrine Tumors: Targeted Therapies – Update from NET Specialist Diane Reidy-Lagunes, MD, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center – August 2021

Clinical Trials and Research, Patient Advocacy, Survivorship, Treatment, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Background.  For those who want a quick run through of Neuroendocrine Tumors from diagnosis to selection of treatment, about the treatments themselves plus what is the Future Directions in the Management of Neuroendocrine Tumors.  There are 8 episodes, and each is around 3-5 minutes long. I personally found them very useful and in a language understandable to patients. Great job by OncLive and Dr Reidy-Lagunes!  Episode 1 - Understanding the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Neuroendocrine Tumors Diane Reidy-Lagunes, MD, provides an overview of neuroendocrine tumors, along with specific considerations for optimal diagnosis and prognostication. Understanding the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Neuroendocrine Tumors (onclive.com)…
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09 Sep 2021
By Ronny Allan
6 Comments
UK Travel Insurance – please give cancer patients a break!

UK Travel Insurance – please give cancer patients a break!

Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Patient Advocacy, Survivorship, Travel with Ronny
Updated and reviewed 20th February 2026 - UK travel insurance - opinion.  FOR UNITED KINGDOM (UK) NEUROENDOCRINE CANCER PATIENTS but some of my findings are potentially applicable in other countries although there will be different insurance underwriting rules for cancer patients.  One thing is common, cancer patients present risk, and increased risk is normally more expensive in the insurance business. Nothing in this article should be interpreted as a recommendation to travel or use any company or service mentioned.  This is based entirely on my own experience and decisions.  I also declare no interest in any of the companies listed,…
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02 Sep 2021
By Ronny Allan
6 Comments
In the early days, I thought I was going to die

In the early days, I thought I was going to die

Inspiration, Patient Advocacy, Survivorship, , , , , , ,
Opinion.  It can be extremely hard to face a diagnosis of cancer and with that, an uncertain future. After treatment, there's worry about the cancer growing or coming back after a period of stability.   BUT there is also the thought of dying of cancer.  I think as you get older, you tend to begin to accept death is inevitable, or at least that is how I feel today, aged 65.  I was diagnosed at the age of 54 which I guess in cancer terms, is still relatively young. I also suspect this fear must be multiplied in a much younger…
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08 Aug 2021
By Ronny Allan
1 Comment
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) – The NET Effect

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) – The NET Effect

Diet and Nutrition, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Patient Advocacy, Survivorship, The NET Effect Series, , , , , , , , , ,
In my patient support group of almost 10,000+, fatigue is very commonly discussed, and it certainly gets bags of empathy from the readers.  I remember being really tired in the first few years after my diagnosis and in the years preceding it. As I was very focused on my work in those days, I was putting it down to the rigours of my working practices, commuting, overnighting, and working far too many hours in a day.  In 2010, my diagnosis was triggered by symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia which was almost certainly connected to my cancer and feelings of fatigue for…
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04 Aug 2021
By Ronny Allan
8 Comments
Let’s Talk About NETs (#LetsTalkAboutNETs)

Let’s Talk About NETs (#LetsTalkAboutNETs)

Awareness, Diet and Nutrition, Inspiration, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Patient Advocacy, Survivorship, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
I do a lot of writing about NETs but I guess I've also done some talking too.  Some of these talks to patient groups and healthcare professionals were recorded and I have access to those recordings.  Others were not recorded but where possible and I am authorised to do so, I will attach the presentation slides.  Please note videos, presentation slides, and any Podcasts are in English. I'll list some of them below for your perusal.  I will keep adding them so they're all in one place. Published TalksAnn Edgar Trust - 31st August 2022I was invited by Gordon Mackay who runs…
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26 Jul 2021
By Ronny Allan
7 Comments
11 years – I’m still here!

11 years – I’m still here!

Awareness, Inspiration, Patient Advocacy, Survivorship, , , , , ,
I finally made 11 years since I was diagnosed on 26th July 2010.  A milestone I was not certain at the time I would reach.  However, as things progressed, as treatment was administered, and as I got used to living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, I eventually became more confident this was a possibility.  I was fortunate that my cancer was not that aggressive although it was aggressive enough over an unknown period of time (probably years) to have grown inside my small intestine and mesentery, reached an army of lymph nodes and settled in my liver and beyond including, strangely, in…
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25 Jul 2021
By Ronny Allan
2 Comments
Neuroendocrine Cancer: 48 hours before diagnosis

Neuroendocrine Cancer: 48 hours before diagnosis

Humour, Inspiration, , , , ,
A week before my formal diagnosis, I had a liver biopsy (19th July 2010), and I repeat what I said in this post, for me it wasn't exactly a walk in the park. I had a mild anesthetic, I felt extremely uncomfortable throughout, and I was in pain. In fact, they did call in another nurse to help and her only job was to hold my hand in reassurance, (from what I remember).  Most patients report no issues with their liver biopsy.  I was sent home on 20th July with some painkillers, but that pain was gone within 24 hours.…
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12 Jul 2021
By Ronny Allan
3 Comments
A person with Neuroendocrine Cancer fell into a hole and couldn’t get out……….

A person with Neuroendocrine Cancer fell into a hole and couldn’t get out……….

Inspiration, Patient Advocacy,
A person with Neuroendocrine Cancer fell into a hole and couldn’t get out. As a colleague walked by, the person called out for help, but the colleague yelled back, "Suck it up, dig deep and get on with it" then threw the person a shovel. The person accepted that advice and dug that hole deeper.A manager went by, and the person called out for help again. The manager shouted down "Use the tools your colleague has given you", but then threw down a bucket adding to the tools available. The person used the tools to dig the hole deeper still…
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01 Jul 2021
By Ronny Allan
1 Comment
A painting from America

A painting from America

Inspiration
Which one is the painting? (See separate originals below) I've always been one to keep an eye out for the postman (the postie as we say here). Even as a heavy user of computers, I still get excited about receiving 'paper' mail.  Other than birthday cards, I personally don't tend to see many handwritten letters nowadays. In today's internet connected world, handwritten letters are always exciting, always special. This time it was a parcel from USA but unlike the story "Letter from America" (see below), I was expecting this one.  One of the NET community had selected one of my walk…
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31 May 2021
By Ronny Allan
4 Comments
I have walked 500 miles and I will walk 500 more (….. sing along)

I have walked 500 miles and I will walk 500 more (….. sing along)

Inspiration, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Survivorship
https://youtu.be/VKyWLAaStwM?t=53 At the beginning of the year, I signed up to walk 1000 miles in 2021.  I can now confirm, I'm halfway there in 5 months.  I have buffer time ..... but only if I keep going.  By total coincidence it came on the anniversary of the completion of an 84 mile walk along Hadrian's Wall on 31st May 2014.  500 miles seems a lot more than that epic journey, but Chris and I did do around 300 miles in training to build up our stamina. Am I mad walking 1000 miles as a Stage 4 cancer patient? Not quite…
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22 May 2021
By Ronny Allan
2 Comments
Clinical Trial: Survivin Long Peptide Vaccine (SurVaxM) in Treating Patients With Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Clinical Trial: Survivin Long Peptide Vaccine (SurVaxM) in Treating Patients With Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Clinical Trials and Research, , , , , ,
What are cancer vaccines? I remember seeing a comment by a NET Specialist on twitter saying, "We need vaccines".  This was in response to a tweet from another NET Specialist reporting dismal data from an immunotherapy drug for Neuroendocrine Carcinomas. In 2020/2021, the word vaccine has been used a lot, but this specialist was not inferring anti-viral treatment, he was talking about "cancer vaccines", an emerging discipline in science where vaccines act as an immunostimulant to treat cancer.  This prompted me to look around and found this trial which may be of interest to you.  However, before anyone gets too…
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10 May 2021
By Ronny Allan
3 Comments
Clinical Trial: [212Pb]VMT-α-NET Alpha-emitter – Phase 1/2a Clinical Trial

Clinical Trial: [212Pb]VMT-α-NET Alpha-emitter – Phase 1/2a Clinical Trial

Clinical Trials and Research, , , , , ,
Update 21 June 2025. Perspective Therapeutics Commences Recruitment for [212Pb]VMT-α-NET in the Third Dose Escalation Cohort of its Ongoing Phase 1/2a Clinical Trial June 21, 2025 [212Pb]VMT-α-NET Phase 1/2a study is advancing into Cohort 3 with a fixed administered dose that is up to 20% higher (6 mCi) than the dose administered to patients in Cohort 2 Dosimetry sub-study analysis presented at the Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) 2025 Annual Meeting to advance utility of dosimetry in clinical development when considered with clinical data On track to submit further clinical updates to scientific congresses in 2H 2025,…
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30 Apr 2021
By Ronny Allan
1 Comment
Dual Tracer (68Ga-DOTATATE and 18F-FDG) PET Imaging in G2 & G3 Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours

Dual Tracer (68Ga-DOTATATE and 18F-FDG) PET Imaging in G2 & G3 Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours

Clinical Trials and Research, , , ,
For some time now, I've been watching the development of PET scans for Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NENs).  I use the term 'Neoplasms' because there are different strategies for well and poorly differentiated types, Neuroendocrine Tumour (NET) and Neuroendocrine Carcinoma (NEC) respectively.It's known that most NETs have somatostatin receptors which makes tumours be seen better on somatostatin receptor-based imaging e.g. 68Ga-DOTATATE or 64Cu DOTATATE, but more aggressive types tend not to have working somatostatin receptors and are better seen on regular PET, i.e. 18F-FDG PET/CT.   However, nothing in NENs is simple and there's always outliers.  This has been highlighted since the addition…
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22 Apr 2021
By Ronny Allan
10 Comments
Generic Somatostatin Analogues for Neuroendocrine Cancer

Generic Somatostatin Analogues for Neuroendocrine Cancer

Treatment, , , , , , , , ,
Generic Somatostatin Analogues.   I've covered a lot about somatostatin analogues, particularly the two predominant approved drugs Lanreotide and Octreotide.  Octreotide has many particularly in daily shots and more recently in long acting, but Lanreotide being a newer drug has taken a while for generics to appear.  I had to study what generic means and it's important to differentiated the brand from the actual drug name as the latter does not normally change. The reason for publication of this blog is because I was concerned to hear patients asking questions about generic lanreotide and octreotide in my private Facebook group where they…
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07 Mar 2021
By Ronny Allan
0 Comments
Treatment for Neuroendocrine Cancer – a summary for patients

Treatment for Neuroendocrine Cancer – a summary for patients

Treatment, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
1. Scope This summary provides an overview of the types of therapy known for treating Neuroendocrine Cancer. They will have been approved at least by one national or regional approval agency, may not be available or approved in your own country; and may appear in clinical guidelines for the treatment of Neuroendocrine Cancer. Clinical trials will not be covered, although it's noted that some of the approved treatments listed may be in follow on trials either to prove new coverage or used in combination with another drug.  For a list of clinical trials covered by the author, click here. This…
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01 Mar 2021
By Ronny Allan
0 Comments
Ronny Allan Newsletter – 1st March 2021

Ronny Allan Newsletter – 1st March 2021

Newsletters
Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on pinterest Pinterest Share on whatsapp WhatsApp Share on email Email OverviewMany thanks for the support in February both on public pages and in my group - in fact the group's statistics are totally booming - that is helping a lot of people.  My public sites still need some work and I'm hoping you can help with that.  Of course, it's not helped by my finger injury which is holding me back. Read more about that problem below.Monthly update followsThe newsletter is now divided into several sections:1. External news of interest. …
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27 Feb 2021
By Ronny Allan
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Opinion: On Rare Disease Day, what’s wrong with a bit of Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness?

Opinion: On Rare Disease Day, what’s wrong with a bit of Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness?

Awareness,
On Rare Disease Day, what's wrong with a bit of Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness?  Well, there are three main things wrong with Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness.  1. The incidence and prevalence of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (the combination of Neuroendocrine Tumours (NET) and Neuroendocrine Carcinomas (NEC)) have skyrocketed in the last 40 years to the point that many scientists, epidemiologists and Neuroendocrine specialists are starting to use different terminology, commensurate with the math. Two of many examples:   Read more - click on the picture above.  Let's do the math not the myth.   There are some in the community who will suggest that…
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25 Feb 2021
By Ronny Allan
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My treatment is a pain in the butt!

My treatment is a pain in the butt!

Treatment, , , ,
Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on pinterest Pinterest Share on whatsapp WhatsApp Share on email Email The post header is a bit ‘tongue in cheek’ (…. did you see what I did there?)  I’m very happy to have this treatment every 4 weeks – I can think of far worse scenarios. When I was first diagnosed, the dreaded word ‘Chemo‘ was discussed.  Chemo isn’t particularly effective in treating the lower grades of Neuroendocrine Cancer but it is used extensively at high grade and often in Grade 2 showing more effectiveness in pancreatic NETs.  Looking back though,…
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16 Feb 2021
By Ronny Allan
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Ronny Allan – Top 10 for 2020 – Neuroendocrine Cancer

Ronny Allan – Top 10 for 2020 – Neuroendocrine Cancer

Awareness
2020 was a different year due to the pandemic and it has spilled over into 2021 - this has had the effect of being slightly down on the 2019 figures.  I also changed tack on one of my pages adding a 'coping' theme rather than writing new blog posts.  This also had the effect of reducing blog hits for the year but very happy under the circumstances. Much of the effort in 2020 was directed in building up my private group, the fastest growing and biggest NET group on earth Of the approximately 336,000 views of my blog site in…
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13 Feb 2021
By Ronny Allan
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Neuroendocrine Cancer: Follow up tests and checks

Neuroendocrine Cancer: Follow up tests and checks

Diet and Nutrition, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Patient Advocacy, Survivorship,
Since 2010 I’ve had a lot of surveillance and testing. More than ordinary people can imagine. I can see from various comments on my public pages and posts within my private group, that some people get a lot more than I do and some get less. It’s not true to say we all get the same, there are many factors including stage, grade, type of Neuroendocrine Neoplasm, healthcare system, miscellaneous problems, therapy, and even age.I have metastatic small intestine NET.  In the first year or two after diagnosis, I seemed to be in an almost continuous testing phase but that…
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04 Feb 2021
By Ronny Allan
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On World Cancer Day, what’s wrong with a bit of Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness?

On World Cancer Day, what’s wrong with a bit of Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness?

Awareness, ,
On World Cancer Day, what's wrong with a bit of Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness?  Well, there are three main things wrong with Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness: If the community does not address these 3 issues, awareness will continue to fail and continue to flounder.  I standby to help with the change, in fact, my work started in 2015 and continues. 1.  To be told your cancer isn't really cancer is an insult. 2.  To be called an animal is to be dehumanised. 3.  To be rare when you're not, is a step back and is hindering access to clinical trial research. WE…
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31 Jan 2021
By Ronny Allan
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Ronny Allan Newsletter – 1st February 2021

Ronny Allan Newsletter – 1st February 2021

Newsletters
Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on pinterest Pinterest Share on whatsapp WhatsApp Share on email Email Overview 2021 is now underway and January has been an interesting month.  The highs are the approval of more vaccines and I had the first of my own vaccinations on 31st January - click here to see the announcement on my Facebook page. The lows are slightly depressing growth figures on my biggest Facebook public page and less than normal blog figures for the month of January. I'll need to work on that in February and with your help, I…
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04 Jan 2021
By Ronny Allan
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The Invisibility of Appendiceal and Colorectal NETs – do the math

The Invisibility of Appendiceal and Colorectal NETs – do the math

Patient Advocacy, , , , , , , , ,
Do the math not the myth In addition to my mountain of evidence against the so-called rarity of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms, a new study from US indicates that many NETs are hidden among colorectal cancer cases in cancer registries. The study reported extraordinary figures of NET cases found when analysing the data.  For years, doctors have been warning about the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer amongst younger people. For that reason, the American Cancer Society recommended people to start screening at a younger age (45 years instead of 50 years) in 2018. This would affect 22 million Americans who now are…
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31 Dec 2020
By Ronny Allan
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Ronny Allan Newsletter – 1st January 2021

Ronny Allan Newsletter – 1st January 2021

Newsletters
Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on pinterest Pinterest Share on whatsapp WhatsApp Share on email Email Happy new year everyone! OverviewJust when things couldn't get weirder, they get weirder.  At the beginning of the year, I started as I meant to go on, more advocacy work, more support for patients, grow my pages, grow my website, grow my private group.  I achieved most of it (and then some).  In February/March, it became obvious things were happening that would have serious consequences.  Nonetheless, I think most people thought it would all be over in a few months.…
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30 Dec 2020
By Ronny Allan
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A 2020 blog review (RonnyAllan.NET)

A 2020 blog review (RonnyAllan.NET)

Awareness
Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on pinterest Pinterest Share on whatsapp WhatsApp Share on email Email Click picture to view the A to Z of Neuroendocrine Cancer by Ronny Allan I should be happy with just over a third of a million views in 2020 but I'm not!   I had a target to beat 370,500 from 2019 but fell short by 35,000 (an average month).  However, you can see from the chart below, I was on track in Jan/Feb but knocked sideways by the COVID pandemic in March to August. I never got back above 30k…
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23 Dec 2020
By Ronny Allan
2 Comments
Genome methylation accurately predicts neuroendocrine tumor origin – finding Neuroendocrine Neoplasms of unknown primary

Genome methylation accurately predicts neuroendocrine tumor origin – finding Neuroendocrine Neoplasms of unknown primary

Clinical Trials and Research, Patient Advocacy, , , , , , , ,
It's estimated that around 5-10% of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NENs) have an unknown primary - what that means is cancer cells have been found in the body but the place cancer began remains unknown.  I wrote about this issue in more depth in my article "Needle in a haystack" - you can read that here.  In that article, you will note that NET specialists through their knowledge and understanding of the behaviour of these comped tumours, can often drill down and gather various pieces of evidence to help narrow down the primary location. However, this new study would indicate they could…
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17 Dec 2020
By Ronny Allan
4 Comments
The other Big C can be dangerous too

The other Big C can be dangerous too

Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, ,
I managed to avoid a C-19 infection all the way through several lockdowns, and I deployed a rigorous protection regime throughout. Ditto for Chris.  I have a chest infection history, so for me, it was a no-brainer to take advantage of the vaccines on offer.July 2022 - boom!  It slipped through the net (no pun).   I have to say it was not an enjoyable experience and I would not like to repeat it.   December 2023 - boom! Back to back COVID and chest infection.read more about that episode here:Ronny Allan - I delayed this post for two main reasons, firstly...…
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13 Dec 2020
By Ronny Allan
2 Comments
Selecting patients and the Challenges of Evaluating Response to PRRT in GEPNETs: The Present and the Future

Selecting patients and the Challenges of Evaluating Response to PRRT in GEPNETs: The Present and the Future

Clinical Trials and Research, Patient Advocacy, Treatment, , , , , , , , , , , ,
Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on pinterest Pinterest Share on whatsapp WhatsApp Share on email Email Fascinating article from the Italian NET scientific community.  This article is more than just what the title says, it provides overviews on many facets of NETs including markers, scans and PRRT itself. It covers how to select patients for PRRT in the first place, i.e. who is most likely to get a good response to this treatment and then look at how to track and assess that response. The important thing I gathered from reading is that none of this…
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08 Dec 2020
By Ronny Allan
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Lanreotide: Eleven more years please!

Lanreotide: Eleven more years please!

Inspiration, Treatment, , ,
Back in February 2015, I wrote an article called "Four more years" and the title came from an election campaign happening at the time when I had been on Lanreotide for approximately four years.  Inspired by this campaign slogan, I too wanted four more years and crafted the blog post. However, I was underselling myself as I've now hit 11 years of Lanreotide on 9th December 2021.  On that day in 2010, I was still recovering from major surgery and hadn't had any somatostatin analogues since leaving hospital on 26th Nov.  Prior to surgery, I had been taking daily shots…
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