Junaid Arshad, MD, MS
University of Arizona Cancer Center
NCIS
The North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (NANETS) congratulates Junaid Arshad, MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, as the 2025 recipient of NANETS Clinical Investigator Scholarship (NCIS). Dr. Arshad was awarded this scholarship for his proposal: The TROP2 Reveal; Validating the Role and Reach in a Prospective Study of Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors.
Dr. Junaid Arshad, a recognized expert in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), has launched a dedicated NET clinical and research program at the University of Arizona Cancer Center, marking an historic milestone for Southern Arizona. This initiative brings cutting-edge therapies, including radioligand treatments, closer to home, advancing both patient care and scientific discovery. This NET program not only offered patients access to novel therapies but also positioned University of Arizona as a regional NET research and treatment center. Dr. Del Rivero, MD from the National Cancer Institute and Dr. Rachna Shroff, MD, MS, FASCO from the University of Arizona Cancer Center are Dr. Arshad’s mentors.
Dr. Del Rivero states that Dr. Arshad is a thoughtful, driven and enthusiastic colleague who has demonstrated a remarkable degree of initiative. He approached me proactively with a research concept related to TROP2 expression in NETs, and within a matter of weeks, we were able to generate preliminary data with encouraging results. The work garnered notable interest and laid a strong foundation for further investigation. “We are very excited to work together and complete this project with impactful results.”
The University of Arizona Cancer Center is fully committed to supporting Dr. Arshad’s career development and his mentors. The institution has provided Dr. Arshad protected time and the available resources for the duration of this project, ensuring a conducive environment for research and scholarly productivity. Dr. Arshad will have access to UACC’s robust research infrastructure, including biostatistics, regulatory, data management and grant support services,” said Dr. Rachna Shroff. “He will also participate in institutional multidisciplinary NET tumor board, which offers valuable exposure to real-world clinical decision-making and promotes translational research opportunities.”
Dr. Shroff further adds” “We are appreciative of NANETS for supporting rising stars like Dr. Arshad as they develop into prolific clinical investigators. The University of Arizona Cancer Center has seen his remarkable growth as a bright, talented and driven scholar and we look forward to watching his commitment to and expertise in neuroendocrine cancer continue to thrive under the auspices of this prestigious award”.
Dr. Arshad’s long-term goal is to study the targeting of TROP2 as a novel therapeutic treatment in advanced GEP-NETs. His current project has two aims:
- Validate TROP2 expression in GEP-NETs through a multi-institutional prospective study (NCT05237934) involving transcriptomic analysis of 300 samples. Additionally, we will assess membranous TROP2 expression via immunohistochemistry (IHC) using an anti-TROP2 monoclonal antibody in an institutional cohort.
- Investigate the correlation between TROP2 expression and overall survival, as well as other biomarkers such as Ki-67, DLL3, and PD-L1. We will conduct univariable and multivariable analyses to identify relationships between TROP2 and these additional variables.
NANETS is pleased to support Dr. Arshad’s work on this research proposal. The NCIS award is a two-year, $50,000 grant supported by an educational grant from Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
NANETS is grateful to Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, whose generous investment and support of this annual research grant will make a difference in the NET medical community and the patients we serve. The NANETS Scientific Review & Research Committee establishes the award criteria, reviews process and independently selects the recipient.