Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are relatively rare tumours; they mainly originate from the digestive system and are able to produce a number of specific bioactive amines and hormones. NETs usually over-express somatostatin receptors on their cell surface, thus enabling the therapeutic use of somatostatin analogues, one of the basic tools for treatment. Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) with radiolabeled somatostatin analogues is a promising tool in the management of patients with inoperable or metastasized neuroendocrine tumours. These radioactive compounds are able to irradiate the tumour cells and their metastases via the internalization through those specific somatostatin receptors. PRRT is assumpted, in this way, to achieve significant tumour volume reduction. Since june 2009, PRRT with 90Y-DOTATOC is implemented in Gasthuisberg in a clinical phase II study, which arose from a multidisciplinary collaboration. In this seminar, we explain the intented objectives and future expectations of the ongoing clinical phase II study. As the kidneys are proven to be the critical organs after PRRT with 90Y-DOTATOC, an internal radiation dosimetry protocol has been developed. Consequently, the practical implementation of this dosimetry protocol will be described. |
