Shaping the Future of Care for Neuroendocrine Tumors

Fox Chase Cancer Center's Namrata 'Neena' Vijayvergia, MD, an expert in gastrointestinal cancers and rare neuroendocrine tumors, was recently recognized by two neuroendocrine tumor advocacy groups for her contributions to the field.

Neuroendocrine tumors, or NETs, have become more common over the last 50 years, with the incidence rising from 1 in 100,000 to 8 in 100,000 people. At Fox Chase Cancer Center, Namrata "Neena" Vijayvergia, MD, brings more than a decade of experience in treating gastrointestinal cancers, with a specialization in NETs.

^{What are NETs?}

NETs are rare, developing in hormone-producing neuroendocrine cells found throughout the body. They most often appear in the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and lungs but can occur in almost any organ. Because they grow slowly and can produce subtle symptoms, NETs may remain undiagnosed for years. This makes expert, coordinated care crucial for effective treatment.

Monday, November 10 marks NET Cancer Day, which highlights the importance of clinical research in this specialized field. As the number of diagnoses increases, so do treatment successes, along with advances in clinical trials and therapies.

"For the past decade, I've studied the nuances of NETs - how they behave, how they respond, and how we can make treatment more precise," Vijayvergia said.

^{The Importance of the NET Community}

Vijayvergia' s dedication to specialized care was recognized in October when she received a Distinguished Clinician Award from the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society, or NANETS, an honor reserved for physicians who have made exceptional contributions to NET care.

She was also invited to join the Scientific Advisory Committee for the Healing NET Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports research, education, and patient advocacy. As a member of the committee, Vijayvergia will help identify research priorities, develop educational programs, and ensure patient perspectives are represented in every discussion.

"NET patients are such an informed, engaged community. Listening to them helps us understand what truly matters in their daily lives, and that's how we make care more meaningful," said Vijayvergia.

^{The Fox Chase Difference}

Her career began as a resident at Temple University Hospital, where she discovered her passion for cancer medicine. Today, she is the Medical Director for Medical Oncology and Section Chief for Gastrointestinal Oncology at Fox Chase.

She credits success to her mentors, Paul Engstrom, MD, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Hematology/Oncology at Fox Chase, and Pamela Kunz, MD, an international leader in gastrointestinal and NET research at the Yale Cancer Center, who she said are key influences who shaped her clinical approach and leadership.

"They taught me that in rare cancers, progress happens when we share knowledge," she said. "This community thrives on collaboration and Fox Chase is a place where scientists and clinicians talk to each other every day. That kind of collaboration makes discoveries move faster - from the lab to the clinic and ultimately to the patient."

For all her accolades, Vijayvergia remains deeply connected to the human side of her work. "Because NETs can grow slowly, I often follow patients for years," she said. "I see their families, their milestones, their resilience. You become part of their lives."

That long-term bond continues to inspire her to conduct research, mentor young physicians, and advocate for patients beyond the clinic.