Yeonghwan Kim Wins NETRF Research Award

The Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF) has announced its latest round of neuroendocrine cancer research grant recipients. Thirteen investigators were selected for their innovative and promising research aimed at improving the lives of people living with neuroendocrine cancer. 

Among this year’s awardees is Yeonghwan Kim, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in the Kim Laboratory within the Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, who received an NETRF Mentored Research Award for his project, “Elucidating the Mechanisms of Resistance to Antiangiogenic Therapy and Metastasis in PanNETs.” 

A primary strategy for advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) involves blocking the growth of new blood vessels that tumors rely on for growth. Using a specialized mouse model that closely mimics human disease, Dr. Kim’s team discovered that a protein known as VEGF-C may enable tumors to grow new blood vessels, making it a powerful new target for treatment and expanding possibilities for personalized therapies that slow tumor growth, reduce liver metastases, and ultimately improve survival and quality of life for patients with PanNETs. 

NETRF is the largest global funder of neuroendocrine cancer research and the leading resource for patient education and support, with a mission to fund research that leads to cures and more effective treatments for neuroendocrine cancers.

Read more at NETRF News.