In recent years, there has been a significant rise in neuroendocrine tumor incidence. For instance, they account for around 2% of all malignancies in the United States. Medical professionals employ various treatment approaches to combat these tumors. One such novel and effective treatment is the peptide receptor radionuclide therapy.
Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy has become a breakthrough treatment for NETs. It ensures targeted delivery of radiation to NET cells expressing somatostatin receptors. Lutetium-177 dotatate (Lutathera) is a widely used radiopharmaceutical in PRRT.
How PRRT Works in Neuroendocrine Tumors?
Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is a type of molecular radiotherapy that targets specific receptor molecules on particular cancer cells. It utilizes radioactive drugs to treat neuroendocrine tumors.
In PRRT, a radioactive chemical is attached to a peptide that targets cancer cells. It uses synthetic somatostatin analogs that are radiolabeled. These radiolabelled analogs bind to somatostatin receptors on the NET cells, delivering radiation directly to the tumor. The radioactive isotope emits radiation that damages DNA of NET cells, causing their destruction.
Role of PRRT in Neuroendocrine Tumor Treatment
PRRT is mostly used to treat advanced NETs like gastroenteropancreatic NETs. It has the potential to slow or stop tumor growth. By doing so, it can help to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients with advanced NETs.
PRRT is highly effective for NETs that overexpress somatostatin receptors. It only targets tumor cells without affecting normal tissues. This makes it ideal for NET management.
The NETTER-2 trial demonstrated that Lutathera can improve progression-free survival of patients with grade 2 or 3 advanced neuroendocrine tumors.
Certain NETs can cause hormonal syndromes like carcinoid syndrome. PRRT can help to combat this by reducing tumor growth and reproduction.
PRRT Side Effects and Benefits
There are various benefits of PRRT in treating neuroendocrine tumors. These include
- Tumor Control: PRRT has the tendency to slow down or stop NET growth.
- Symptom Relief: PRRT can effectively alleviate symptoms caused by hormonal overproduction.
- Improved Survival Rate: PRRT can improve survival in patients with NETs.
- Better Quality of Life: PRRT has the potential to improve the quality of life of patients with NETs.
Potential side effects of PRRT include nausea, fatigue, and low blood cell count. It can also cause kidney damage. However, these side effects are managed with supportive care.
Patient Eligibility for PRRT Treatment
- A key requirement is that NETs must express somatostatin receptors. This can be confirmed through different imaging techniques.
- PRRT is ideal for cancers that have spread or cannot be surgically removed.
- Patients must have sufficient kidney and bone marrow function to tolerate treatment.
- The patient should have tried other treatment options.
Recent Research Findings
Research is being taken to explore the use of PRRT in other tumor types that express somatostatin receptors. New radionuclides are being developed to enhance the effectiveness of PRRT and reduce its side effects. Scientists are also investigating the potential benefits of combining PRRT with other cancer treatments for improved results.
New PRRT clinical trials are being taken to demonstrate its effectiveness. Clinical trials like NETTER-2 have shown positive PRRT success rates in neuroendocrine tumor treatment.
Growing adoption of PRRT and increasing clinical trials are expected to benefit the target industry. As per Coherent Market Insights (CMI), the global neuroendocrine tumor treatment industry size is poised to expand at 6.2% CAGR, reaching US$ 4.94 billion by 2030.
