Description:

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are relatively rare tumors, mainly originating from the digestive system, that tend to be slow growing and are often diagnosed when metastatic. Surgery is the sole curative option, but is feasible only in a minority of patients. Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) has been experimented for almost 20 years and is an established effective therapeutic modality for well/moderately differentiated, inoperable or metastasized gastro-entero-pancreatic (GEP) and bronchial NETs. Clinical studies demonstrated that partial and complete objective responses can be obtained in up to 30% of patients. Side effects may involve the kidneys and the bone marrow and are usually mild. Renal protection is used to minimize the risk of a late decrease of renal function.