Comparing 177Lu-Dotatate/Capecitabine Combination Treatment With 177Lu-Dotatate in Neuroendocrine Tumor Patients

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with \[177Lu\]Lu-\[DOTA0,Tyr3\]octreotate (177Lu-Dotatate) is an effective and safe treatment for patients with metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP NET). While 177Lu-Dotatate prolongs progression-free survival (PFS) and preserves quality of life (QoL), objective response rates (ORR) remain limited. Capecitabine, as radiosensitizer, could increase efficacy without increasing 177Lu-Dotatate activity. This phase II randomized controlled trial investigated the additional cytotoxic or radiosensitizing effect of capecitabine in combination with 177Lu-Dotatate. Patients with advanced somatostatin receptor positive GEP NET or bronchopulmonary NET were included to receive four cycles of 7.4 GBq 177Lu-Dotatate and capecitabine or 177Lu-Dotatate alone. Capecitabine (1650 mg/m2/day) was administered for two weeks from the start of each PRRT cycle. Primary endpoints were ORR, PFS and median overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints included biochemical response, adverse events and QoL.