Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy with Somatostatin Receptor Analogues

The somatostatin receptor is strongly over-expressed in most neuroendocrine tumours(NETs),resulting in high tumour-to-background ratios.Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy(PRRT)with radiolabelled somatostatin analogues is an emerging and convincing treatment modality for patients with unresectable,somatostatin-receptor-positive NETs.Using radiolabelled somatostatin analogues for imaging became the gold standard for staging of NETs.This article reviews the effectiveness and safety of the different radiolabelled somatostatin analogues used.Furthermore,clinical issues-including indication,timing and side-effect of therapy-are discussed.Finally,important directions for future research are mentioned to illustrate new strategies for increasing therapy efficacy.