Lutetium [Lu-177] oxodotreotide 7,400MBq/20.5-25ml solution for infusion vials

BackgroundDrug interactions with diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals are well recognized, as they can modify biodistribution and lead to false or misleading diagnostic results. However, little is known about such interactions in the field of therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals, despite their rapid expansion-particularly with targeted radionuclide therapies such as Radioligand Therapy (RLT). This review aims, for the first time, to systematically compile and analyze available data on drug interactions involving therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals, in order to support safer and more effective patient care.Main bodyEighty-three articles investigating drug interactions with [177Lu]Lu-oxodotreotide (Lutathera®), [177Lu]Lu-vipivotide tetraxetan (Pluvicto®), [131I]INa, [131I]I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine ([131I]I-MIBG), [223Ra]RaCl2 (Xofigo®), [90Y]Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan (Zevalin®) or [153Sm]Sm-lexidronam pentasodium (Quadramet®) were included. These studies reported 133 drug interactions, 69% of which were not mentioned in the corresponding summaries of product characteristics. Interactions could be beneficial (e.g., reducing renal toxicity) or harmful (e.g., decreasing therapeutic efficacy or potentiating toxicity). Three interactions involved complementary and alternative medicines (quercetin, Ginkgo biloba and ouabain). Overall, the evidence level for reported interactions was low: 88% were classified as level 3 or 4 according to the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) scale.ConclusionDrug interactions with therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals remain underreported, yet they may have significant clinical consequences. Clinical radiopharmacy plays a key role in detecting and preventing these interactions. Radiopharmacists, through their expertise, can identify potential interactions, influence therapeutic decisions, and positively impact patient management. Their involvement throughout the care pathway is essential to ensure the safe and effective use of these innovative therapies. Nuclear medicine physicians should also be aware that such interactions can alter biodistribution, compromise therapeutic efficacy, and increase the risk of adverse effects.

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BackgroundEverolimus is the only approved therapy for patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors (NET) of lung and thymus and new treatment options are urgently needed. Expression of somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) is frequently seen in functional imaging in lung-NETs opening the opportunity to treat SSTR2 positive patients with radioligand therapies (RLT). Retrospective data suggest a potential meaningful benefit of RLT directed to SSTR2 in lung-NET patients.MethodsThe LEVEL trial is a randomized, open-label, phase III international trial of 177Lu-edotreotide versus everolimus in patients with progressive, locally advanced or metastatic, and well/moderately differentiated NETs of lung (typical/atypical) or thymic origin. Patients could be treatment-naïve or have progressed (PD) on somatostatin analogues or ≤ 2 additional systemic treatments. Prior RLT or mTOR inhibitors are not permitted. Eligible patients are randomly assigned 3:2 to 6 cycles of 177Lu-edotreotide (total administered activity 7.5 ± 0.7 GBq / cycle) or to oral everolimus 10 mg once daily until PD or unacceptable toxicity. Only patients with positivity in somatostatin receptor imaging will be included. CT or MRI scans are performed every 12 weeks until PD. Blood samples are analyzed at baseline, at 1st tumor assessment, and at PD for pharmacodynamic endpoints. Archival tumor tissue samples will be analyzed for ancillary studies. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival (PFS) according to RECIST v1.1 based on local investigator assessment. Secondary endpoints include overall survival, overall response rate, safety, and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30). The expected sample size is 120 patients to demonstrate statistical significant risk reduction of 46.4% (HR = 0.536) in PFS with the experimental treatment using an overall 5% two-sided alpha error with 80% power. An interim PFS analysis was included using the Lan-DeMets with O'Brian-Fleming-like boundaries.DiscussionThe LEVEL trial will investigate if 177Lu-edotreotide has the potential to be incorporated as a standard treatment option for patients with NETs from the lung and Thymus.Trial registrationEU CT: 2022-502154-13-00 / www.Clinicaltrialsgov : NCT05918302 (June 23rd, 2023).

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Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) using Lutetium-177 (177Lu) based radiopharmaceuticals has emerged as a therapeutic area in the field of nuclear medicine and oncology, allowing for personalized medicine. Since the first market authorization in 2018 of [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTATATE (Lutathera®) targeting somatostatin receptor type 2 in the treatment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, intensive research has led to transfer innovative 177Lu containing pharmaceuticals to the clinic. Recently, a second market authorization in the field was obtained for [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 (Pluvicto®) in the treatment of prostate cancer. The efficacy of 177Lu radiopharmaceuticals are now quite well-reported and data on the safety and management of patients are needed. This review will focus on several clinically tested and reported tailored approaches to enhance the risk-benefit trade-off of radioligand therapy. The aim is to help clinicians and nuclear medicine staff set up safe and optimized procedures using the approved 177Lu based radiopharmaceuticals.

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The radiolytic degradation of vector molecules is a major factor affecting the shelf life of therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. The development of time-stable dosage forms of radiopharmaceuticals is the key to their successful implementation in clinical practice. Using [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 molecule as an example, the time dependence of the change in radiochemical purity (RCP, %) under radiolysis conditions was studied. The dependence of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 radiolysis on parameters such as time, radionuclide activity, buffer agent concentration, precursor amount, and preparation volume was evaluated. It was shown that the absorbed dose was the dominant factor influencing the RCP. The RCP value is inversely proportional to the absorbed dose in the [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 preparation and has an exponential dependence. The lutetium-177 dose factor ψ (Gy·mL·MBq-1) and PSMA-617 concentration-dependent dose constant κ (Gy-1) were evaluated for absorbed dose estimation via computer modeling, chemical dosimetry, and radiochemical purity monitoring under various conditions. The further refinement and application of the dependencies found can be useful for predicting the RCP value at the stage of optimizing the composition of the finished dosage form of therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. The influence of the buffer agent (sodium acetate) concentration on [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 radiolytic degradation was shown and should be considered both when developing a dosage form, and when comparing the results of independent studies. The effectiveness of the addition of various stabilizing agents, such as DMSA, cysteine, gentisic acid, vanillin, methionine, adenine, dobesilic acid, thymine, uracil, nicotinamide, meglumine, and mannitol, in suppressing the effects of radiolysis was evaluated.

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Cancer theragnostics is a novel approach that combines diagnostic imaging and radionuclide therapy. It is based on the use of a pair of radiopharmaceuticals, one optimized for positron emission tomography imaging through linkage to a proper radionuclide, and the other bearing an alpha- or beta-emitter isotope that can induce significant damage to cancer cells. In recent years, the use of theragnostics in nuclear medicine clinical practice has increased considerably, and thus investigation has focused on the identification of novel radionuclides that can bind to molecular targets that are typically dysregulated in different cancers. The major advantages of the theragnostic approach include the elimination of multi-step procedures, reduced adverse effects to normal tissues, early diagnosis, better predictive responses, and personalized patient care. This review aims to discuss emerging theragnostic molecules that have been investigated in a series of human malignancies, including gliomas, thyroid cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, cholangiocarcinoma, and prostate cancer, as well as potent and recently introduced molecular targets, like cell-surface receptors, kinases, and cell adhesion proteins. Furthermore, special reference has been made to copper radionuclides as theragnostic agents and their radiopharmaceutical applications since they present promising alternatives to the well-studied gallium-68 and lutetium-177.

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Radioligand therapy (RLT) with lutetium (177Lu) oxodotreotide is an approved therapy in combination with somatostatin analogues (SSAs) for patients with advanced, well-differentiated G1-G2, gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NETs) that progress on SSAs. We conducted a series of round table meetings throughout Italy to identify issues related to RLT delivery to patients with GEP-NETs. Four key issues were identified: (1) the proper definition of tumour progression prior to RLT initiation; (2) the impact of RLT in patients with bone metastases and/or high hepatic tumour burden; (3) the optimal follow-up protocol after RLT; and (4) organisational issues related to RLT use and managerial implications. This article reviews the literature relating to the aforementioned issues and makes recommendations based on available evidence and Italian NET experts' opinions. In particular, the group recommends the development of a diagnostic-therapeutic care pathway (DTCP) for patients undergoing RLT which provides systematic guidance but can still be individualised for each patient's clinical and psychosocial needs. A DTCP may clarify the diagnostic, therapeutic and post-treatment monitoring process, and improve communication and the coordination of care between hub and spoke centres. The DTCP may also contribute to changes in the care process related to the 2013/59/EURATOM Directive and to the definition of costs when planning for future or updated reimbursement of RLT in Italy.

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PurposeGastroenteropancreatic -neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NETs) are commonly treated with surgical resection or long-term therapies for tumour growth control. Lutetium [177Lu]-DOTA-TATE was approved for the treatment of GEP-NETs after the phase III NETTER 1trial demonstrated improved progression free survival, objective response rates and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) compared to high-dose somatostatin analogues. No real-world data exist on prescribing habits and clinically significant endpoints for [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE treatment in Italy. REAL-LU is a multicentre, long-term observational study in patients with unresectable/metastatic GEP-NETs progressing on standard therapies in Italian clinical practice. A pre-specified interim analysis was performed at the end of the enrolment period, data from which are described herein.MethodsOverall duration of REAL-LU will be approximately 48 months, with 12- and 36-month recruitment and follow-up periods, respectively. The primary objective is to evaluate [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE effectiveness in terms of progression-free survival. Secondary objectives include safety, impact on HRQoL, and identification of prognostic factors. This pre-specified interim analysis describes patient profiles, at the end of enrollment, of those prescribed [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE for GEP-NETs in Italy.ResultsAmong 161 evaluable patients, mean age was 64.7 ± 10.3 years at study entry, 83.8% presented with no clinical signs of disease at physical examination, and most had minor disease symptoms. All patients had metastatic disease, most commonly in the liver (83.9%) with a median of two metastatic sites. In 90.7% of patients, the disease was stage IV, and 68.3% had ≥ 1 target lesion. [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE was prescribed mainly as second-line therapy (61.6%) and following surgery (58.4%). HRQoL assessments revealed high levels of functioning and low levels of symptoms at baseline; 50.0% of patients were symptom-free at study entry.ConclusionThe characteristics of patients who received [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE in Italy are similar to those of the GEP-NET population of NETTER 1 with trial but with a higher proportion of patients with a grade 2 (71%). With regard to the tumor grade profile, our study cohort appears to be closer to that of NETTER-2 study population which included patients with G2 or G3 advanced GEP-NETs (i.e. Ki-67 ≥ 10% and ≤ 55%). Further analysis of effectiveness and safety can be anticipated as REAL-LU data mature.Study registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04727723; Study Registration Date: 25 January, 2021; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04727723?cond=NCT04727723&rank=1.

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Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) offers radiomolecular precision medicine for somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-positive advanced neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN). In cases resistant to Lutetium-177-labeled DOTATATE or DOTATOC PRRT, alpha-therapy with Actinium-225 labeled with SSTR antagonists like DOTA-LM3 can be a notable therapeutic option. This retrospective study aimed to assess [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-LM3 safety in advanced NEN patients (as monotherapy and with Lutetium-177 as TANDEM), survival, and follow-up duration. Thirty-five patients received a total of 57 [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-LM3 cycles (March 2022-September 2024): 24 monotherapies and 33 TANDEM therapies. The pancreas was the most common primary site (n = 19). PRRT-related toxicity was assessed, focusing on hematological, renal, and hepatic toxicity (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events-CTCAE v5.0). Therapy was generally well tolerated, with mostly mild acute adverse events (primarily nausea, n = 8). Some new grade 3/4 long-term adverse events were reported after treatment: anemia grade 3 (n = 2), leukocytopenia grade 4 (n = 1), absolute neutrophil count reduction grade 3 (n = 1), thrombocytopenia grade 3 (n = 7), acute myeloid leukemia (n = 1), nephrotoxicity grade 3 (n = 2), and hepatotoxicity grade 3 (n = 2). During follow-up, 13 patients died (survival range 5-30 months); 22 patients were alive (follow-up range 1-18 months). Our retrospective analysis shows that [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-LM3 PRRT is relatively safe concerning acute and long-term toxicity and bears promising survival outcomes in patients progressing after [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE or [177Lu]Lu-DOTATOC PRRT.

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Introduction: [ 177 Lu]Lutetium (Lu)-oxodotreotide is a radiopharmaceutical drug used as peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) for somatostatin receptor–expressing neuroendocrine neoplasms. It provides an additional effective alternative treatment for these rare cancers. Although well tolerated, its safety profile must continue to be characterized to support its use as a first-line treatment or for additional cycles. This study evaluated factors associated with the occurrence of [ 177 Lu]Lu-oxodotreotide induced short-term toxicity. Ma terials and Methods: A retrospective observational monocentric study was carried out from July 2013 to October 2021. Inclusion criteria were defined as follows: patients who received at least four cycles of [ 177 Lu]Lu-oxodotreotide and were followed up for 6 months after the last injection. Graduated toxicity was defined using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events 5.0. Cox regression was used in the analysis. Results: Forty patients were included. The most frequent toxicities occurred during the first cycle and were graded as G1 or G2. As expected, toxicities were predominantly hematological and hepatic, with incomplete reversibility after each cycle. The following factors were significantly related to the occurrence of hematological or hepatic toxicity during PRRT: gastrointestinal primary tumor diagnosis, bone metastases, peritoneal metastases, pancreatic metastases or pulmonary metastases, and high tumor grade. Conclusion: Knowledge and consideration of these factors in adjusting [ 177 Lu]Lu-oxodotreotide treatment regimen could help prevent or reduce the severity of these toxicities. Further studies are still warranted to refine these results and improve treatment management.

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Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) rarely metastasize to the brain. However, when they occur, NET brain metastases are associated with a poor prognosis. Due to their low incidence, NET brain metastases are poorly studied, with few data to guide a consensus for management. Prior reports have documented treatment with chemotherapy, resection, whole brain radiation therapy, and stereotactic radiosurgery, all with low rates of survival. We present a case of a patient with type 3 well-differentiated gastric NET with widespread metastatic disease, including central nervous system lesions in the pineal gland and left cerebellopontine angle (CPA), which were avid on 68Ga-dotatate positron emission tomography. The patient received four doses of 200 mCi (7.4 GBq) lutetium-177 oxodotreotide (177Lu-dotatate) administered every 8 weeks over the course of 6 months. The treatments provided local control of the pineal and CPA lesions for 23 months until the development of diffuse leptomeningeal progression that necessitated further therapies. 177Lu-dotatate may be a viable treatment for local control of NET brain metastases. More studies are needed to validate its efficacy in this clinical scenario.

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