Introduction: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare malignancies with different prognoses. At least 25% of metastatic patients have functioning neuroendocrine tumors (F-NETs) that secrete bioactive peptides, causing specific debilitating and occasionally life-threatening symptoms such as diarrhea and flushing. Somatostatin analogs (SSAs) are usually effective but beyond them few treatment options are available. We evaluated the clinical efficacy of 177 Lu-DOTATATE in patients with progressive metastatic F-NETs and SSA-refractory syndrome.
Patients and methods: A non-pre-planned joint analysis was conducted in patients enrolled in phase II clinical trials on metastatic NETs. We extrapolated data from F-NET patients with ≥1 refractory sign/symptom to octreotide, and ≥1 measurable lesion. Syndrome response (SR), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), tolerance and disease response were analyzed.
Results: Sixty-eight patients were enrolled, the majority (88.1%) with a SR. According to RECIST criteria, 1 (1.5%) patient showed a CR, 21 (32.3%) had a PR and 40 (61.5%) SD. At a median follow-up of 28.9 months (range 2.2-63.2) median PFS was 33.0 months (95%CI: 27.1-48.2). Median OS (mOS) had not been reached at the time of the analysis; the 2-year OS was 87.8% (95%CI: 76.1-94.1). Syndromic responders showed better survival than non-responders, with a 2-year OS of 93.9% (95%CI: 92.2-98.0) vs. 40.0% (95%CI: 6.6-73.4), respectively. A total of 233 adverse events were recorded. Grade 1-2 hematological toxicity was the most frequent.
Conclusion: The 177 Lu-DOTATATE improved symptoms and disease control in patients with F-NETs. Treatment was well tolerated. The syndrome had an impact on both quality of life and OS.
Keywords: 177Lu-DOTATATE; PRRT; carcinoid syndrome; insulinoma; neuroendocrine tumors.