Peptide receptor radioligand therapy (PRRT) is a type of molecular targeted radiation therapy used to treat certain types of cancer. It involves administering a radiolabeled peptide that binds to peptide receptors that are often overexpressed on cancer cells.
The key components of PRRT are:
- Radiolabeled peptides - peptides are short chains of amino acids that can bind to receptors on cells. In PRRT, these peptides are chemically bonded to a radioactive isotope.
- Peptide receptors - these receptors are expressed in high levels on some cancer cells, making them a good target for PRRT. The receptors allow the radiolabeled peptide to enter the cancer cell. Somatostatin receptors are often targeted.
- Radioisotopes - this provides the source of radiation to kill cancer cells. Commonly used isotopes include Yttrium-90 and Lutetium-177.
The PRRT process involves:
- Patient assessment to determine if their cancer expresses suitable peptide receptors
- Intravenous injection of the optimized radiolabeled peptide
- The peptide binds to cancer cells expressing the relevant receptors
- Once bound, the radiation from the isotope destroys the cancer cells
Some key advantages of PRRT include:
- Can target cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal cells
- When effective, can help slow tumor progression with less side effects than some treatments
- An outpatient procedure, treatment sessions take approx. 30 minutes
PRRT is used to treat:
- Some gastrointestinal cancers
- Neuroendocrine tumors
- An option after other treatments have failed
At
Second Spring Hormone Clinic our caring physicians use advanced diagnostic testing to provide
individualized treatment plans utilizing the latest medical therapies available, including peptide receptor radionuclide therapy for qualified patients. We accept most health insurance plans.
The PRRT procedure:
- Requires patient preparation which may involve adjusting medications, diet and hydration
- Patients receive an intravenous injection of the radiolabeled peptide
- Imaging scans are conducted to monitor distribution of the treatment
- Patients often receive multiple treatment cycles depending on response
- Patients will require follow-up monitoring and bloodwork
Potential side effects of PRRT:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Fatigue
- Temporary hair loss
- Myelosuppression - low blood cell counts
- These are often temporary and managed by making adjustments between treatments
Contraindications and risks:
- Severe kidney or bone marrow dysfunction
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Younger patients may have higher lifetime secondary cancer risk from radiation
Consult with your care team to determine if you may benefit from PRRT. Research and trials are ongoing to expand and improve peptide receptor radionuclide therapy approaches.
