Neuroendocrine Tumours (NET)
Neuroendocrine tumors are a relatively rare type of cancer. They often cause little or no symptoms, so they are often found by chance. In rarer cases, however, they may secrete hormones that can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, flushing (hot flashes), or hypoglycemia. Because of the wide variety of symptoms, even in small NETs, diagnosis is challenging and requires a great deal of experience.
For optimal treatment of this disease, the most accurate imaging is particularly important. Neuroendocrine tumors often form very small metastases at an early stage, but these must be reliably detected before surgical removal. In addition, the selection of the most appropriate therapy depends not only on the site of origin and the growth rate of the NET, but also on the spread of the tumor. The current gold standard for NET imaging is 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT, which can reliably detect even small tumors and metastases. In this procedure, tiny amounts of a substance are injected into the vein, which binds very precisely to the cancer cells and makes them visible. I offer you the latest in imaging with 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT with a personal report. If desired, a detailed discussion of the results of the PET/CT images including the next therapeutic steps is also possible.
In the treatment of inoperable or metastasized NET, in addition to various drug therapies, there is the so-called PRRT (peptide radioreceptor therapy) with 177Lu-DOTATATE. This therapy takes advantage of the fact that NET have a large number of so-called somatostatin receptors on the surface of the cancer cells. In PRRT, a protein that binds to these receptors is labeled with radioactive 177Lutetium. When this labeled protein is injected into the vein, it binds almost exclusively to the cancer cells, resulting in targeted internal radiation that is not only highly effective, but also less stressful and has been shown to improve quality of life.
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In contrast to the beta emitter 177Lu, alpha emitters such as 225Actinium (225Ac) offer higher efficacy due to their stronger radiation. This cutting-edge method is available only at select centers and aims to improve your quality of life. Therapy with 225-Actinium-DOTATATE shows promising results even in patients who have not responded to PRRT with 177Lu DOTATATE. The results are even better in patients who have had a good response to 177Lu-DOTATATE or who have never been treated with 177Lu-DOTATATE. This treatment is particularly suitable for patients with a high tumor burden. Patients treated with 225Ac-DOTATATE do not have to fear any more side effects. Our experienced team will support you throughout the entire treatment process, ensuring you receive the best possible care. Feel free to explore the benefits of this therapy and learn how we can assist you!
In 2012, I successfully completed my habilitation in the field of diagnosis and therapy of neuroendocrine tumors. Due to my continuous scientific and clinical research on this rare tumor disease, I am able to guarantee treatment according to the latest findings. In my practice in Vienna I offer you a comprehensive and competent consultation as well as imaging. Should a therapy with 177Lu-DOTATATE or 225Ac-DOTATATE be reasonable, I can offer you this without waiting time on outpatient basis in a pleasant atmosphere. If, on the other hand, surgery or drug therapy is necessary, I work with experienced and specialized surgeons and oncologists.
I will be happy to advise you on all diagnostic and therapeutic options.