Lu-177 DOTATATE peptide receptor radionuclide therapy in 64 Korean patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors achieved 21.7 months median progression-free survival and 20% response rate, consistent with the landmark NETTER-1 trial.
21.7-month median PFSIn Korean NET patients receiving Lu-177 DOTATATE PRRT, consistent with the NETTER-1 trial results
What the researchers found
Lu-177 DOTATATE PRRT in Korean NET patients achieved median PFS of 21.7 months, 20% ORR, and 88% one-year OS, with significantly better outcomes in grade 1-2 versus grade 3 tumors (HR 3.15, p=0.006).
Why it matters
Confirming that peptide receptor radionuclide therapy works equally well in Asian patients addresses a significant evidence gap. This gives Korean and other Asian oncologists confidence in offering this treatment and helps establish local treatment protocols.
The numbers in context
Korean patients with advanced NETs. Lu-177 PRRT evaluated for efficacy and safety.
How the study worked
Retrospective study of 64 patients treated with Lu-177 DOTATATE PRRT at Asan Medical Center, Seoul, between November 2019 and December 2022. Evaluated PFS, OS, ORR, and safety. Median follow-up: 15.7 months.
Who was studied
Korean patients with advanced somatostatin receptor-positive neuroendocrine tumors
What this study cannot tell us
Retrospective design without a control group. Single-center study from a major academic hospital, which may not represent all Korean treatment centers. Median OS not reached due to relatively short follow-up. Combined heterogeneous NET primary sites and grades.
How to read the evidence
Moderate evidence from a real-world retrospective cohort. Results consistent with the randomized NETTER-1 trial, strengthening confidence in the findings despite the retrospective design.
When this study was published
Published in 2024, using data from 2019-2022. Represents the most current Korean real-world PRRT data available.
The bigger picture
Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy represents one of the most successful applications of peptide targeting in oncology. This study extends the evidence base to an underrepresented population and reinforces Lu-177 DOTATATE as a global standard of care for advanced somatostatin receptor-positive NETs.
Questions still open
- Are there pharmacogenomic differences that affect PRRT efficacy or toxicity in Asian versus Western patients?
- What is the optimal sequencing of PRRT relative to other NET treatments in Korean patients?
- Could earlier use of PRRT (before 2 prior therapy lines) improve outcomes further?
Common questions
How does peptide receptor radionuclide therapy work?
What are the main side effects of this treatment?
Read the original research
Efficacy and Safety of Lu-177 DOTATATE Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy in Patients with Unresectable or Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors in Korea.
Targeted oncology, 19(1), 41-49
Citation
Shin, Yeokyeong; Moon, Bo Hyun; Ryoo, Baek-Yeol; Chang, Heung-Moon; Kim, Kyu-Pyo; Hong, Yong Sang; Kim, Tae Won; Ryu, Jin-Sook; Kim, Yong-Il; Yoo, Changhoon. (2024). Efficacy and Safety of Lu-177 DOTATATE Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy in Patients with Unresectable or Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors in Korea.. Targeted oncology, 19(1), 41-49. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11523-023-01022-z