Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy with [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE

This continuing education aims to present in a clear and easy-to-understand way, the biology of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), the characteristics of somatostatin receptors, the selection of patients for radiolabelled peptide therapy (PRRT), the inclusion criteria to benefit from treatment with the minimum possible adverse effects, the administration protocol, follow-up and response evaluation. The functional imaging studies necessary to explore the biology of the tumor and to individualize the treatment are also carried out, and constitute the cornerstone for the development of teragnosis. Clinical trials are being developed to better define the position of PRRT within the broad therapeutic options, and among the future perspectives, there are several lines of research to improve the objective response rate and survival with PRRT, focused on the development of new agonists and somatostatin receptor antagonists, new radionuclides and radiosensitizing combination therapies. In conclusion, PRRT is a great therapeutic, well-tolerated and safe tool with generally mild and self-limited acute side effects, that must be sequenced at the best moment of the evolution of the disease of patients with NET. Candidate patients for PRRT should always be evaluated by a multidisciplinary clinical committee.