Radionuclide Theranostics in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: An Update

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Oncology
• Radiochemistry

Background:

• Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE is standard for advanced somatostatin receptor-expressing neuroendocrine tumors (NET).
• Optimizing PRRT involves exploring re-treatment, combination therapies, and new indications.
• Molecular imaging with various radiopharmaceuticals aids in characterizing NET biology and heterogeneity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the latest findings in neuroendocrine tumor (NET) theranostics.
• To focus on new evidence and future directions for combined diagnosis and treatment.
• To highlight the role of positron emission tomography (PET) and PRRT in NET management.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent clinical trials and research in NET theranostics.
• Analysis of molecular imaging techniques for NET characterization.
• Evaluation of novel radiopharmaceuticals and treatment strategies.

Main Results:

• PRRT demonstrates a favorable toxicity profile, prolonging progression-free survival and improving quality of life in NET patients.
• Molecular imaging offers predictive and prognostic parameters, aiding in disease characterization.
• Emerging theranostic pairs show promising preliminary results for NET management.

Conclusions:

• PRRT has become a cornerstone of modern theranostics for neuroendocrine tumors.
• Continued research into new radiopharmaceuticals and strategies is crucial for further optimization.
• Integrated diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are advancing NET care.