NET models meeting 2024: the current state of neuroendocrine tumour research models and our future aspirations

Current models for the study of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are severely limited. While in vitro (e.g. cell lines), ex vivo (e.g. organoids), and in vivo (e.g. mice) models all exist, each has limitations. To address these limitations and collectively identify strategies to move the NET models field forward, we held an inaugural NET Models meeting, hosted by our founding group: Dr. Lines (Oxford); Prof. Quelle (Iowa); Dr. Dayton (Barcelona); Dr. Ear (Iowa); Dr. Marinoni (Bern); and Dr. Guenter (Alabama). This 2-day meeting in Oxford (UK) was organised and supported by Bioscientifica Ltd and was solely dedicated to the discussion of NET models. The meeting was attended by 30 international researchers (from UK, EU, Israel, USA and Canada). Plenary talks were given by Prof. Thakker who summarised NET research over the last few decades, and Dr. Schrader who described the process and pitfalls of generating new cell lines. Eight researchers also presented their work on topics ranging from human cell 3D bioprinting, to zebrafish models, and included novel ideas as well as improvements on current concepts. This was followed by an interactive workshop where discussion topics included, a summary of currently available NET models, limitations of these models, barriers to developing new models, and how we can address these issues going forward. This white paper summarises the key points raised in these discussions, as well as the future aspirations of the NET Models Consortium. The next meeting will take place in Oxford (UK) in 2025, contact contact@netcancerfoundation.com for more information.