Therapies Available

Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT or PRRNT) is an internal radioactive

treatment for Neuroendocrine Tumors.

Although PRRT cannot always completely cure neuroendocrine tumors, it can often slow the growth of the

tumors allowing the patients to live longer and have a better quality of life.

For PRRT to be effective, the tumors have to express the Somatostatin receptors on

their cell membranes. If there’s no SSTR, then there’s no target for the PRRT to bind

to. That is why it is important to assess the receptor status before planning the therapy

with a Gallium 68 DOTANOC scan.

Differentiated neuroendocrine tumors express a receptor called the Somatostatin

Receptor (SSTR). These receptors are the targets which are used by the octreotide (a

somatostatin analog) tagged to radioactive molecules (Lu 177, Y 90, Ac225) to attach

themselves to the neuroendocrine tumor cells. The radioactive molecules then emit

beta or alpha rays which deliver radiation to the cells while sparing the surrounding normal

cells. The radiation delivered to the tumour makes the tumor cells slow down their

growth or sometimes die completely.

Targeted alpha therapy is an advancing radionuclide therapy that holds promise to deliver high cytotoxicity to targeted cancer cells.  Radioisotopes that emit alpha particles like Actinium 225, Bismuth 213 and Lead 212 seem particularly promising to selectively destroy cancer cells making use of their high but concentrated energy. Alpha therapy is a promising breakthrough in the treatment of cancers that have spread or metastasised -  commonly prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors, besides others.

Alpha therapy with Ac225 has been clinically used for metastatic prostatic cancers, neuroendocrine tumors and brain tumors (gliomas) with remarkable results. Clinical trials are underway for assessing their safety and efficacy and possible use in more types of cancers. Prior chemotherapy, radiation therapy or PRRT with beta emitters does not preclude the use of alpha therapy in suitable candidates. It is available at few specialized molecular therapy centres worldwide. 

To know more and discuss if you may benefit from Alpha Therapy, please get in touch with us.