A Clinical Guide to Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy with 177Lu-DOTATATE in Neuroendocrine Tumor Patients

Abstract

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with [177Lu]Lu-[DOTA0,Tyr3]-octreotate (177Lu-DOTATATE) has become an established second- or third-line treatment option for patients with somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-positive advanced well-differentiated gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Clinical evidence of the efficacy of PRRT in tumor control has been proven and lower risks of disease progression or death are seen combined with an improved quality of life. When appropriate patient selection is performed, PRRT is accompanied by limited risks for renal and hematological toxicities. Treatment of NET patients with PRRT requires dedicated clinical expertise due to the biological characteristics of PRRT and specific characteristics of NET patients. This review provides an overview for clinicians dealing with NET on the history, molecular characteristics, efficacy, toxicity and relevant clinical specifics of PRRT.