177Lu Dotatate (Lutathera) is a radiolabeled somatostatin analog peptide approved by the FDA for the treatment of somatostatin receptor-positive gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) in adults. Specifically, it is indicated for:
- Treatment of somatostatin receptor-positive GEP-NETs including foregut, midgut, and hindgut neuroendocrine tumors in adults
- Used in patients with inoperable, locoregional, progressive disease
Key details:
- 177Lu Dotatate binds to somatostatin receptors (particularly sst2 receptors) found on the surface of neuroendocrine tumor cells
- This allows targeted delivery of the radioisotope lutetium-177 to tumor cells to damage their DNA and cause cell death
- Lutetium-177 is a beta-emitting radioisotope with a maximum particle range of 2 mm, allowing very localized tumor cell damage
The
approval of 177Lu Dotatate was based on the pivotal
NETTER-1 phase III trial which demonstrated:
- Significantly improved progression-free survival compared to high-dose octreotide LAR (hazard ratio 0.21; p < 0.0001)
- Objective response rates of 18% with 177Lu Dotatate vs 3% with octreotide LAR
- Acceptable safety profile with low rates of severe myelosuppression
Other key points:
- Administered intravenously, typically in 4 treatment cycles every 8 weeks
- Patients should receive amino acid solutions before and after infusion to protect kidneys
- Most common severe adverse effects are lymphopenia, vomiting, nausea
In summary,
177Lu Dotatate enables targeted radionuclide treatment of inoperable, progressive
somatostatin receptor-positive gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Its approval provides an important new therapeutic option for these patients.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor, the caring physicians at
Hormone Harmony Clinic offer cutting-edge services including advanced imaging, pathology reviews, genetic testing, and personalized treatment plans involving surgery, radiologic procedures, and systemic therapies. Speak to our specialists today to discuss your individual needs and health goals.