Targeted radionuclide therapy for neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)
What is targeted radionuclide therapy?
This therapy uses a radioactive substance called a radionuclide. It is injected into the bloodstream. Cancer cells absorb the radionuclide more than normal cells. This means they receive a higher dose of radioactivity. This eventually destroys the cancer cells.
To control the growth of NETs, the radionuclide can be combined with a substance called octreotide or MIBG. The NET cells absorb the drug along with the radioactive substance.
If the treatment uses octreotide, it is sometimes called peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT).
Targeted radionuclide therapy only works for NETs that absorb large amounts of octreotide or MIBG. So before treatment, you will have a scan. The scan will measure how much octreotide or MIBG the tumour absorbs.
After targeted radionuclide therapy
After the radionuclide therapy, you will need to be in a room by yourself for a few days. This is so the radiation cannot affect others, especially children and pregnant women. Your nurse will give you more information about this.
Possible side effects of targeted radionuclide therapy
Some people get a tummy ache or feel sick because of the treatment. Medicines can help with this. There may be a temporary drop in some of your blood cell levels. If this happens, you may feel tired, be more at risk of infection, or bruise or bleed more easily. But doctors will monitor you closely.
For most people, the side effects do not last long and they recover quickly.
About our information
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at cancerinformationteam@macmillan.org.uk
Esmo clinical practice guidelines: endocrine and neuroendocrine cancers. Available from: www.esmo.org/guidelines/endocrine-and-neuroendocrine-cancers (accessed Nov 2017).
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Reviewers
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer. It has been approved by Senior Medical Editor, Professor Tim Iveson, Consultant Medical Oncologist.
Our cancer information has been awarded the PIF TICK. Created by the Patient Information Forum, this quality mark shows we meet PIF’s 10 criteria for trustworthy health information.