The Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation directs your individual donations to breakthrough scientific research. Since 2005, we have funded $36 million in research projects. The Neuroendocrine Research Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, so all donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. We are grateful to you for your generosity.
The Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation directs your individual donations to breakthrough scientific research. Since 2005, we have funded $36 million in research projects. The Neuroendocrine Research Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, so all donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. We are grateful to you for your generosity.
Home » For Patients » NET Tests & Treatments » NET Treatments » Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine as a treatment for neuroendocrine tumors has been used in Europe, Australia, and other countries for decades. It was FDA approved in the United States in 2018 after a multicenter clinical trial and expanded access protocol. This treatment delivers radiation directly to the tumor to kill cancer cells.
Some NET cells, unlike healthy cells, have proteins on their cell surface called receptors, that can bind to hormones, such as somatostatin. PRRT with lutetium 177 dotatate (Lu-177) targets these receptors with radiopeptides.
Patients undergo multiple sessions of PRRT a few months apart. Studies have shown PRRT can:
PRRT is generally well tolerated. Common side-effects of radiopeptide therapy are:
Other less common side-effects are bone, liver and kidney toxicity, and mild hair loss.
Patient Story.