Matthew Kulke, MD

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Nominated by: Caring for Carcinoid Foundation

Dr. Matthew Kulke, of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, will collaborate with leading cancer research centers as part of the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation Neuroendocrine Tumor Bioconsortium. This bioconsortium will link the biobanks at five centers that specialize in carcinoid and related neuroendocrine tumor research.

Dr. Kulke says of the initiative: "The systematic collection of tissue and associated clinical data within the CFCF neuroendocrine tumor bioconsortium will be an enormous advantage to neuroendocrine tumor research. The analysis of tissue and associated clinical information will allow us to discover the molecular and genetic changes in neuroendocrine tumors, identify novel drug targets, and tailor treatment programs to the needs of patients. We are delighted that the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation is supporting this effort, and are proud to be a part of the consortium."

Dr. Kulke recently published, in Clinical Cancer Research, a study describing MGMT deficiency and response to temozolomide-based therapy. The publication is timely, as it serves as an example of how the study of biospecimens and associated clinical data can help advance current understanding of neuroendocrine tumors and lead to improved treatments for patients.
This project is exciting not only for the future of carcinoid and neuroendocrine tumor patients, but also for others in the cancer community. Research into this rare form of cancer offers tremendous potential for the treatment of other diseases. Greater insight into carcinoid and neuroendocrine tumors will result in greater insight into other cancer