Optimisation of radioligand therapy in neuroendocrine tumours: Current and evolving evidence.

Treatment of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) with radioligand therapy (RLT) for example, Lu-DOTATATE is generally well-tolerated and prolongs time to progression in most patients. However, approximately 20% of patients are nonresponders. In addition, complete responses are rare (<5% of patients), and durable responses beyond 3-4 years are uncommon. This article will discuss factors which may improve the outcomes of PRRT by using biomarkers to identify patients at high risk to be nonresponders (imaging and liquid biomarkers) and will examine mechanisms to potentially improve/optimise current RLT treatment strategies. These include mechanisms to potentiate the effects of RLT, increase tumour absorbed dose, overcoming radio-resistance and upregulation of somatostatin receptors, although larger studies will be required to demonstrate which techniques are going to be most efficacious in clinical practice.

© 2022 British Society for Neuroendocrinology.