How does Lutathera work to treat gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors?
Lutathera (lutetium Lu 177 dotatate), a Lu-177-labeled somatostatin analogue, is a radioactive drug used to treat somatostatin receptor-positive gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs).
How It Works:
- Lutathera is a Lu-177-labeled somatostatin analogue, meaning it binds to somatostatin receptors found on GEP-NET cells.
- Once attached, the radioactive component (Lu-177) delivers targeted radiation to the tumor, helping to kill cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
FDA Approval:
Lutathera was FDA-approved in January 2018 for the treatment of GEP-NETs, a rare group of cancers that develop in the:
- Pancreas
- Stomach
- Intestines
- Colon
- Rectum
It is currently approved for people ages 12 years and older.
References
- Lutathera [package insert]. 2024. Advanced Accelerator Applications USA, Inc. Accessed March 31, 2025 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=72d1a024-00b7-418a-b36e-b2cb48f2ab55
Drug information
- Lutathera Information for Consumers
- Lutathera prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Lutathera (detailed)
Related support groups
- Lutathera (1 questions, 4 members)
- Neuroendocrine Carcinoma (1 questions, 5 members)
- Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor (1 questions, 3 members)