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Date Submitted: 11/06/2015 12:19 AM
Melissa Mathison Loses Battle with Neuroendocrine Cancer
1888 PressRelease Melissa Mathison, screenwriter best known for "E.T. the ExtraTerrestrial," dies of
neuroendocrine cancer at 65.
The Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation mourns the passing of Melissa Mathison, a creative
visionary and writer of some of our bestloved movies. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and
loved ones.
Melissa Mathison's untimely passing reminds us that finding cures is the ultimate weapon in the battle
against cancer. Now is the time to shine the spotlight on neuroendocrine cancers and accelerate funding
for research in pursuit of cures and effective treatments.
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare and originate from specialized cells called neuroendocrine cells.
These cells, which have features like nerve cells and hormoneproducing cells, release hormones into the
blood in response to signals from the nervous system. Neuroendocrine tumors can occur throughout the
body, but primary sites include the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, rectum, lungs, and appendix.
Over 100,000 people in the U.S. are living with neuroendocrine cancers. It is estimated that over 12,000
people are diagnosed each year, and the number of those diagnosed is increasing by more than five
percent annually. The majority of all NET patients are initially misdiagnosed, and the time from onset of
symptoms to proper diagnosis often exceeds five years. Many physicians and specialists are not aware of
current diagnostic and treatment options. Too often, doctors still believe NETS are benign, slow growing,
and do not metastasize. The most prevalent symptoms are diarrhea, constipation, flushing, abdominal
pain, wheezing, heart palpitations, and blood pressure fluctuations.
The Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF) is the most focused and deliberate funder of ...