Intraindividual comparison of [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE and [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTA-TOC

The radiolabelled somatostatin analogue [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE binds to albumin via Evans blue, thereby increasing the residence time in the blood and potentially allowing more therapeutic agent to be absorbed into the target tissue during peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. It was tested in selected patients whether the substance is superior to [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTA-TOC.

Activity kinetics in organs and tumours after [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE and [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTA-TOC were compared intraindividually in five patients with progressive somatostatin receptor-positive disease scheduled for radionuclide therapy.

In comparison to [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTA-TOC, tumour doses per administered activity were higher for [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE in 4 of 5 patients (median ratio: 1.7; range: 0.9 to 3.9), kidney doses (median ratio: 3.2; range: 1.6 to 9.8) as well as spleen doses (median ratio: 4.7; range 1.2 to 6.2) in all patients, and liver doses in 3 of 4 evaluable patients (median ratio: 4.0; range: 0.7 to 4.9). The tumour to critical organs absorbed dose ratios were higher after [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTA-TOC in 4 of 5 patients.

Prior to a treatment with [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE, it should be assessed individually whether the compound is superior to established substances.