Patient Selection and Toxicities of PRRT for Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors and Research Opportunities

Abstract

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a heterogenous group of neoplasms characterized by varied biological hallmarks and behavior, ranging from indolent to aggressive. For many decades, somatostatin analogues and few targeted therapies were available for NETs and these therapies had minimal response rates. However, there have been a number of recent treatment advances. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is a novel approach to treatment of NETs and has changed the landscape of treatment for NETs. It is a form of targeted therapy in which a radiolabeled somatostatin analogue delivers radiation specifically to tumor cells expressing the somatostatin receptor.