From the Guidelines
Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRNT) is a highly effective treatment for neuroendocrine tumors, with studies showing up to 30% of patients achieving partial or complete objective responses, leading to longer survival and improved quality of life. This therapy involves the use of radiolabelled peptides, such as 90Y-DOTATOC or 177Lu-DOTATATE, which target somatostatin receptor subtype 2 overexpressed on tumors 1. The treatment has been shown to be particularly effective in patients with high tumor receptor expression, with significant improvements in objective responses and overall survival.
Key benefits of PRRNT include:
- High absorbed dose leading to partial or complete objective responses in up to 30% of treated patients
- Improved quality of life for patients with neuroendocrine tumors
- Targeted therapy with minimal side effects, typically mild and limited to the kidneys and bone marrow
- Significant improvements in objective responses and overall survival in patients with high tumor receptor expression
It is essential to note that PRRNT is a molecularly targeted radiation therapy, and its effectiveness depends on the specific characteristics of the tumor, including receptor expression. As such, patients with neuroendocrine tumors should be evaluated for PRRNT on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the latest evidence and guidelines. The treatment should only be administered under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, with careful monitoring of side effects and tumor response 1.
From the Research
Peptide Therapy Overview
- Peptide therapy has been explored in various medical fields, including cancer treatment and growth hormone deficiency.
- Studies have shown that peptides can be used to target tumor cells, enhance the immune system's response, and deliver cargoes to tumors 2, 3.
- In the context of growth hormone deficiency, peptide therapy, such as somatropin, has been used to promote linear growth and restore normal body composition in children and adults 4, 5, 6.
Peptide-Based Cancer Therapy
- Peptide-based chemotherapy has been found to have unique advantages, including low molecular weight, specific targeting of tumor cells, and low toxicity in normal tissues 2.
- Peptide-alone therapy, peptide vaccines, and peptide-conjugated nanomaterials have been used to treat cancer, with promising results 2, 3.
- Tumor-homing peptides have been used to deliver carriers and cargoes to tumors, and peptide-drug conjugates have been synthesized to target specific cell surface receptors and proteins 3.
Growth Hormone Deficiency Treatment
- Somatropin, a type of human growth hormone, has been used to treat growth hormone deficiency in children and adults 4, 6.
- The goals of therapy in children are to promote linear growth and restore normal body composition, while in adults, therapy aims to restore normal body composition, improve cardiac function, and normalize cardiovascular risk factors 6.
- Adherence to daily somatropin injections is crucial for effective treatment, and researchers have found that high adherence is associated with better growth outcomes in children with growth hormone deficiency 4.