Project title: Targeted delivery of DNA repair-inhibiting drugs to GEP-NETs
Susanne Kossatz, PhD Klinikum der Technischen Universitaet Muenchen
- Status: Active
- Year(s): 2026, 2027
- Grant Type: Investigator
- Research Type: Translational
- Primary Tumor Site: Other
- Area of Inquiry: Application of existing or new technologies to target NETs Nuclear medicine/Theranostics/Imaging
What critical neuroendocrine cancer problem/question will researchers try to answer?
Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is a valuable treatment for neuroendocrine tumors, but most patients eventually experience disease progression and may have negative side effects. This project aims to improve the efficacy and reduce the side effects of PRRT for patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs).
Why is this important?
If PRRT’s effectiveness can be increased and the side effects decreased, the therapy could be an option for more patients and produce better outcomes.
What will the researchers do?
To strengthen PRRT, these researchers are developing a new targeted therapy that will be administered in combination with PRRT. Their approach combines DNA repair inhibitors with a targeting system that directs them to tumor cells expressing the somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2). The rationale for this strategy is that administering DNA repair inhibitors directly, without tumor targeting, can cause significant side effects. By linking the inhibitors to a targeting system, the therapy is designed to reduce toxicity while enhancing effectiveness.
How might this improve the treatment of neuroendocrine cancer?
Early results in lab and animal studies are encouraging, and if successful, this combination approach could allow patients to receive more treatment cycles and achieve longer-lasting benefits.
Additional Details
- City: Munich
- Country: Germany
- Grant Duration: 2 years
DISCLAIMER
NETRF funds laboratory research to understand the development of neuroendocrine tumors and translational research to explore new concepts in treatment. Research grant descriptions and research updates from NETRF are not intended to serve as medical advice. It can take years for research discoveries to be fully validated and approved for patient care. Always consult your health care providers about your treatment options.