AUTHOR=Kasi Pashtoon Murtaza , Maige Catherine L. , Shahjehan Faisal , Rodgers Jessica M. , Aloszka Debora L. , Ritter Ashton , Andrus Margaret L. , Mcmillan Jessica M. , Mody Kabir , Sharma Akash , Jain Manoj K.
TITLE=A Care Process Model to Deliver 177Lu-Dotatate Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy for Patients With Neuroendocrine Tumors
JOURNAL=Frontiers in Oncology
VOLUME=8
YEAR=2019
URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2018.00663
DOI=10.3389/fonc.2018.00663
ISSN=2234-943X
ABSTRACT=Purpose: To develop a care process model for the delivery of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with lutetium-177 (177Lu)-Dotatate for the treatment of somatostatin receptor-positive gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs).
Methods: A multidisciplinary, structured PRRT process model was established. Over the last 9 months, meetings were held bi-weekly to discuss the logistics of clinical trials. Meetings are still held regularly at the Mayo Clinic Florida to discuss plans regarding commercially available PRRT treatments. The process model has evolved as we have treated patients on both clinical trials and commercial treatments.
Results: An effective process model was formulated. We had 5 patients on our Expanded Access Program (EAP) clinical trial. Our ability to be a part of the EAP allowed us to understand the mechanics of how to treat these patients, and what was involved before it became commercially available. Since commercial availability of the 177Lu-Dotatate, more than 50 treatments (>20 patients) have already been completed, with several new patients getting started on treatment every week. Our nuclear medicine department receives continual requests to schedule new patients for PRRT. This can be attributed to our streamlined approach in delivering PRRT to our patients.
Conclusion: A thorough procedural approach was formulated to provide patients with PRRT. Experiences and challenges led to refinement, which has allowed the process to advance. This development could lead to better patient outcomes, treatment efficiency, and a reference standard for other institutions trying to develop this at their location.