Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 6, 2026
A Practical Guide for the Production and PET/CT Imaging of 68Ga-DOTATATE for Neuroendocrine Tumors in Daily Clinical Practice
Published on: April 17, 2019
Pituitary dysfunction in childhood after [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE therapy
Karen van Wessel1, Bart de Keizer2,3, Miranda P Dierselhuis2
1Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Objectives:
Treatment for neuroblastoma with chemotherapy and [131I]MIBG can induce endocrine adverse effects, including thyroid disorders, gonadal insufficiency or short stature. Neuroblastoma can also be targeted at the somatostatin receptor, using [ 177 Lu]Lu-DOTATATE peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. Thus far no endocrine effects have been reported after [ 177 Lu]Lu-DOTATATE treatment in children.
Case Presentation:
We report a first case of pituitary dysfunction, reflected as growth hormone deficiency and central hypothyroidism, following treatment with [ 177 Lu]Lu-DOTATATE for refractory neuroblastoma.
Conclusions:
We hypothesize that the GH and TSH deficiency in this case are caused by pituitary damage through binding of [ 177 Lu]Lu-DOTATATE to the somatostatin receptors in the pituitary gland. If [ 177 Lu]Lu-DOTATATE in the future becomes a more upfront treatment we strongly underline screening on pituitary dysfunction after exposure to [ 177 Lu]Lu-DOTATATE in childhood.
