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Lu-177-Based Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy for Advanced Neuroendocrine Tumors

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Abstract

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is a systemic cytotoxic radiation therapy using a compound of β-emitting radionuclide chelated to a peptide for the treatment of tumor with overexpressed specific cell receptor such as somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2) of neuroendocrine tumor (NET). Surgical resection should be performed for the curative treatment for NETs when it is feasible; however, a multi-disciplinary approach is needed when locally advanced or metastasized disease. PRRT with lutetium-177 (Lu-177)-labeled somatostatin analogues, as a new treatment modality targeting metastatic or inoperable NETs expressing the SSTR2, have been developed and successfully used for the past two decades. As Lu-177 emits both β- and γ-radiation, it has the ability as a theragnostic agent for NETs compared with only β-emitting yttrium-90 labeled PRRT. Several recent studies reported that Lu-177 gave an overall positive response and improved the patients’ quality of life. To fully exploit its potential, large comparative studies are needed for the assessment of distinct efficacies of Lu-177 labeled PRRT. Additionally, for extending the indications and developing new regimens of Lu-177-based PRRT, more dedicated clinical research is required.

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  1. Department of Nuclear Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, South Korea

    Keunyoung Kim

  2. Department of Nuclear Medicine and Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, South Korea

    Seong-Jang Kim

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Kim, K., Kim, SJ. Lu-177-Based Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy for Advanced Neuroendocrine Tumors. Nucl Med Mol Imaging 52, 208–215 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13139-017-0505-6

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