PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Diane K. Soulek
AU  - Nic J. Mastascusa
AU  - Molly E. Martin
AU  - Stephen A. Graves
TI  - Practical Considerations for Implementation of <sup>177</sup>Lu-DOTATATE Neuroendocrine Tumor Treatment Programs
AID  - 10.2967/jnmt.122.263813
DP  - 2022 Jun 01
TA  - Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
PG  - jnmt.122.263813
4099  - http://tech.snmjournals.org/content/early/2022/06/14/jnmt.122.263813.short
4100  - http://tech.snmjournals.org/content/early/2022/06/14/jnmt.122.263813.full
AB  - The 2018 FDA approval of 177Lu-DOTATATE for the treatment of somatostatin receptor-positive (SSTR) neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) represents a paradigm shifting approach to cancer treatments around the globe. Gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) NETs overexpress the somatostatin subtype receptor 2, which is now exploited for receptor-based imaging and therapy, thus generating significant progress in the diagnosis and treatment of this orphan disease. The recent FDA approval of receptor-based PET radiopharmaceuticals and a new peptide receptor radiopharmaceutical therapy (PRRT), 177Lu-DOTATATE, has dramatically impacted NET patient management. The focus of this paper is to review clinical considerations associated with implementing a 177Lu-DOTATATE program. We review receptor-based NET radiopharmaceuticals, 177Lu-DOTATATE patient selection criteria, administration methods, clinical, regulatory, and radiation safety considerations, technical factors, tissue dosimetry, and reimbursement guidelines.