NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia (NECA) was proud to attend the 5th Neuroendocrine Tumour (NET) Preceptorship held 13 & 14th June at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne .
Organised by the multidisciplinary NET Service, bringing together leading experts from Peter Mac and the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the preceptorship provided a vital platform to explore the optimal care and management of patients with neuroendocrine tumours.
Over two days, 19 expert speakers addressed patient care from multiple perspectives, including diagnosis, pathology, imaging, surgery, medical therapies (oncology, endocrinology, and nuclear medicine), and nursing.
A key theme of the event, as highlighted by Associate Professor Grace Kong (co-chair of the NET Service alongside Professor Michael Michael), was the importance of tailoring treatment based on the biology, characteristics, and extent of the disease. The need for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to management was consistently emphasised throughout the preceptorship.
The event featured 19 expert speakers, including Dr HuiLi Wong, Dr Louise Jackett, Dr Javad Saghebi, Dr Rajeev Ravi, Dr Lewis Au, Dr Andrew Trinh, Dr Geertje Noe, Dr Mark Nolan, Dr Nirupa Sachithanandan, and Dr Emma Boehm. Also presenting were Associate Professors Cherie Chiang, Alison Trainer, Ben Loveday, and Hilmy Ismail, as well as PRRT coordinator Leah Neeson, Dietitian Jessica Jong, and NET Nurse Consultant Kate Wakelin.
A special highlight of the Preceptorship was a guest speaker who shared her personal journey with neuroendocrine tumours—from diagnosis through treatment—and the vital role that external support networks played in her experience. She expressed that both she and her family received exceptional, ongoing support and a wealth of valuable information from Neuroendocrine Cancer Australia (NECA), which greatly helped them navigate the challenges of living with NETs. Her story brought a powerful and human perspective to the clinical discussions serving as a poignant reminder of why our work matters and the life-changing difference NECA can make for patients and their loved ones.
Participation in events like the NET Preceptorship ensures NECA remains at the forefront of clinical advances, strengthening our ability to support patients through our national NET Nurse Service and ensuring they have access to the latest evidence-based information and care pathways.
We thank the NET Service team for their commitment to improving care and outcomes for NET patients across Australia and for including the voice of patients and NECA in this vital education initiative.
