Lutetium-177 DOTATATE (PRRT)
Lutetium-177 DOTATATE is a peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) for neuroendocrine tumors that are somatostatin-receptor positive. A radioactive molecule that binds somatostatin receptors on tumor cells is given by intravenous infusion in cycles, delivering radiation directly to inoperable or metastatic neuroendocrine tumors throughout the body.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Lutetium-177 DOTATATE, also called peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), is a targeted radioligand treatment for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Lutetium-177, a radioactive isotope, is attached to DOTATATE, a peptide that binds somatostatin receptors found on the surface of many NET cells. Given by intravenous infusion in cycles by the nuclear medicine team, the radioligand circulates in the bloodstream, locks onto receptor-positive tumor cells wherever they are, and delivers radiation from inside the tumor while largely sparing healthy tissue. It is offered to patients with inoperable or metastatic gastrointestinal, pancreatic and other NETs. Suitability is confirmed beforehand with a somatostatin-receptor PET scan, such as Ga-68 DOTATATE, that shows the tumors take up the tracer.
International patients are supported throughout by a dedicated coordinator. Our nuclear medicine specialists can carry out a remote second-opinion review of your somatostatin-receptor PET scans, pathology and records before you travel, and you receive a transparent, itemized cost estimate in advance so you can plan with confidence.
Who is a candidate?
- Patients with inoperable or metastatic neuroendocrine tumors, including gastrointestinal and pancreatic NETs
- Tumors that are somatostatin-receptor positive on a somatostatin-receptor PET scan, such as Ga-68 DOTATATE
- Those whose disease has progressed on, or is not suitable for, other treatments
- Patients with adequate kidney function and acceptable blood counts confirmed by laboratory tests
- People seeking a targeted option that reaches NETs throughout the body, including liver and lymph-node metastases
- Patients well enough to travel and complete a short radiation-protection stay for each cycle
What happens
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Preparation
Eligibility is confirmed with a somatostatin-receptor PET scan (for example Ga-68 DOTATATE) to verify the tumors are receptor-positive, along with blood tests to check kidney function, blood counts and tumor markers. Your records are reviewed by the nuclear medicine team, who explain the plan and radiation-safety precautions.
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During treatment
Lutetium-177 DOTATATE is given slowly through an intravenous infusion, often alongside a protective amino-acid solution to support the kidneys, while you stay comfortable and awake. Because the medicine is radioactive, you remain in a dedicated radiation-protection room for a short stay. The treatment is repeated in cycles, usually four, spaced about eight weeks apart.
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Afterwards & results
Between and after cycles, your team monitors response with blood tests, tumor markers and follow-up imaging, and may use a post-therapy scan to confirm the radioligand reached the tumors. Results and next steps are reviewed with you, and findings can be shared with your home physician.
Benefits
- Targets somatostatin-receptor-positive tumor cells throughout the body, reaching metastases other treatments may miss
- Delivers radiation from inside the tumor while limiting the dose to surrounding healthy tissue
- Given as an intravenous infusion without surgery or general anesthesia
- Can help control tumor growth and ease hormone-related symptoms in patients who respond
- Suitability is confirmed in advance by a matching somatostatin-receptor PET scan, so treatment is personalized
Risks & considerations
- Tiredness or fatigue, which may build over successive cycles
- Nausea or temporary symptoms during and shortly after the infusion, usually manageable with medication
- Lower blood counts in the weeks after treatment, which can raise the risk of infection, bruising or bleeding, so your blood is checked regularly between cycles
- Possible effects on kidney function, which is why a protective amino-acid solution is given and monitored
- In people whose tumor releases hormones, treatment can occasionally trigger a temporary flare of hormone-related symptoms, so the team takes precautions and monitors you closely around each infusion
- A small long-term risk of a blood or bone marrow disorder, such as myelodysplastic syndrome or, rarely, a later leukemia, which is uncommon but which your team monitors for
- Contact your medical team straight away if you develop a fever, chills or other signs of infection, or any unusual bruising or bleeding, as these can be signs of low blood counts that need prompt attention
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Nuclear Medicine & Theranostics Department.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Lutetium-177 DOTATATE (PRRT) — frequently asked questions
It is for patients with inoperable or metastatic neuroendocrine tumors, such as gastrointestinal and pancreatic NETs, that are somatostatin-receptor positive on a PET scan, often when the disease has progressed on other treatments.
It is given as an intravenous infusion by the nuclear medicine team, usually alongside a kidney-protecting solution. Most patients receive four cycles spaced about eight weeks apart, with the exact plan tailored to how you respond and tolerate treatment.
A somatostatin-receptor PET scan, such as Ga-68 DOTATATE, confirms your tumor cells carry the receptor and take up the tracer. This shows the therapy is likely to reach the tumors and helps your team decide if you are a suitable candidate.
Yes. Because the medicine is radioactive, you stay briefly in a dedicated radiation-protection room after each infusion so emission levels can fall safely before discharge. The stay is usually short, and the team explains simple precautions to follow afterwards.
Yes. Our nuclear medicine specialists offer a remote second-opinion review of your somatostatin-receptor PET scans, pathology and medical records before travel, so we can confirm whether the therapy is appropriate and plan your visit before you commit to coming.
After reviewing your records, we provide a transparent, itemized estimate covering scans, each treatment cycle, the radiation-protection stay and follow-up, so you know the expected cost before you travel. Your coordinator can clarify any item.
Related treatments
Considering lutetium-177 dotatate (prrt)?
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