The Role of Patient Support Groups in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to establish the role patient support groups play in NENs. RECENT FINDINGS: Published data on the role and work done by these groups is extremely sparse, so the review references publications in the wider cancer advocacy context. For the purposes of the review, a survey was carried out among the members of a global umbrella organization to ascertain the level of activities undertaken in support of the NEN patient community. SUMMARY: The concept of “support groups” has changed significantly, as these groups have evolved from patient peer-to-peer support provision to a strategic focus on improving awareness and education among all stakeholders, generating patient evidence to influence policies for access to optimal diagnostics, treatment, and care, and setting the research agenda. Today, NEN patient organizations have an instrumental role of catalysts of change across the healthcare spectrum—especially relevant in a setting of less common and not well-understood diseases, where clear pathways and guidelines are still a challenge.