Somatostatin Receptors

Somatostatin Receptors

Don't understand Somatostatin Receptors? Join the club! I got my head around the term 'Somatostatin' and 'Somatostatin Analogues' some time ago but the term 'Somatostatin Receptor' (SSTR) is still a bit of a mystery. SSTRs do come up in conversation quite often and I'm fed up of nodding sagely hoping it will eventually become clear! On analysis it looks like a technical subject - and therefore a challenge. I've taken a logical approach working from 'Somatostatin' to 'Somatostatin Analogue' before commencing on the 'receptor' bit. It is intentionally brief and (hopefully) simplistic! Somatostatin It's important to understand this hormone and…
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Radioequivalent Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate PRRT (177Lu-PNT2003) in GEP-NETs – almost approved – update

Radioequivalent Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate PRRT (177Lu-PNT2003) in GEP-NETs – almost approved – update

Update 1st July 2026This approval was being held up by legal processes after a patent dispute brought by Novartis subsidiary Advanced Accelerator Applications over their respective lutetium-177 (Lu-177) dotatate products.   However, a court victory on 17th June 2026 paves the way for Lantheus's  plans to provide targeted radioligand therapy to U.S. patients with GEP-NETs.  A new PDUFA (Prescription Drug User Fee Act) is awaited.Update 2nd March 2026 - "PNT2003: The First Radioequivalent to Lutathera, Cleared in Principle" So what does that mean?  The FDA tentative approval confirms that the agency has completed its technical review and that PNT2003 meets all statutory requirements for…
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Clinical Trial: Novel Somatostatin Receptor Subtype 2 Antagonist Labelled With Terbium-161 (161Tb-DOTA-LM3)

Clinical Trial: Novel Somatostatin Receptor Subtype 2 Antagonist Labelled With Terbium-161 (161Tb-DOTA-LM3)

Update 14th December 2025 - Results from the Phase 0 proof of concept trial. Conclusion [161Tb]Tb-DOTA-LM3 shows a 7.6-fold-higher tumor absorbed dose than that found when using [177Lu]Lu-DOTATOC. The tumor–to–bone marrow absorbed dose ratio was in the same range for both radiopharmaceuticals. The promising dosimetry and safety results from this phase 0 study will lay the foundation for further clinical development of [161Tb]Tb-DOTA-LM3. Dose-escalation trials and peptide dose optimizing studies are warranted to establish the maximum tolerated activity per cycle and assess long-term efficacy. The integration of 161Tb into PRRT regimens has the potential to redefine the therapeutic landscape for NETs,…
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Neuroendocrine Cancer – Exciting Times Ahead!  

Neuroendocrine Cancer – Exciting Times Ahead!  

In the last 12-24 months, there seems to have been announcement after announcement of new and/or upgraded/enhanced diagnostics and treatment types for Neuroendocrine Cancer.  Scans, radionuclide therapies, combination therapies, somatostatin analogues, biological therapies, etc.  Some of the announcements are just expansions of existing therapies having been approved in new (but significant) regions. Compared to some other cancers, even those which hit the headlines often, we appear to be doing not too badly.  However, the pressure needs to stay on, all patients need access to the best diagnostics and treatments for them; and at the requisite time.  There's even more in the pipeline and I'm hoping…
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PRRT and the NHS England Cancer Drugs Fund (now archived information)

Please note this post is now historic information - PRRT (Lutathera) was eventually approved for use in UK.  See the following post for the very latest on PRRT worldwide - CLICK HERE I was extremely disappointed to learn of the decision to remove PRRT (Lutetium or Yttrium) from the Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF).  You can read the detail of the decision here: CDF Statement.  PRRT has regularly been described by NET specialists and patients as the "magic bullet" due to its potential to shrink or kill tumours.  This is the second Neuroendocrine Cancer treatment to be withdrawn this year, after…
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