177Lu-DOTATATE therapy in metastatic/inoperable pheochromocytoma-paraganglioma

<jats:sec> <jats:title><jats:italic>Introduction:</jats:italic></jats:title> <jats:p><jats:sup>177</jats:sup>Lu-DOTATATE-based peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is a promising therapy for metastatic and/or inoperable pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL). We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of and identify predictors of response to <jats:sup>177</jats:sup>Lu-DOTATATE therapy in metastatic and/or inoperable PPGL.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title><jats:italic>Methods:</jats:italic></jats:title> <jats:p>This retrospective study involved 15 patients of metastatic or unresectable PPGL, who received <jats:sup>177</jats:sup>Lu-DOTATATE PRRT therapy. Clinical, biochemical (plasma-free normetanephrine), and radiological (anatomical and functional) responses were compared before and after the last therapy.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title><jats:italic>Results:</jats:italic></jats:title> <jats:p>A total of 15 patients (4 PCC, 4 sPGL, 5 HNPGL, 1 PCC + sPGL, 1 HNPGL + sPGL) were included. The median duration of follow up was 27 (range: 11–62) months from the start of PRRT. Based on the RECIST (1.1) criteria, progressive disease was seen in three (20%), stable disease in eight (53%), partial response in one (7%), and minor response in three (20%) and controlled disease in 12 (80%). On linear regression analysis the presence of PGL (<jats:italic>P</jats:italic>= 0.044) and baseline SUV<jats:sub>max</jats:sub> >21 (<jats:italic>P</jats:italic> < 0.0001) were significant positive predictors of early response to PRRT. Encouraging safety profiles were noted with no long term nephrotoxicity and hematotoxicity.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title><jats:italic>Conclusion:</jats:italic></jats:title> <jats:p><jats:sup>177</jats:sup>Lu-DOTATATE therapy is an effective and safe modality of treatment for patients with metastatic/inoperable PPGL. Although it is not prudent to withhold PRRT in metastatic PPGL with baseline SUV<jats:sub>max</jats:sub> < 21, baseline SUV<jats:sub>max</jats:sub> >21 can be used to predict early response to PRRT.</jats:p> </jats:sec>