¹⁷⁷Lu-3BP-227 for neurotensin receptor 1-targeted therapy of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma – first clinical results

Abstract

Objective: Neurotensin receptor 1 (NTR1) is overexpressed in ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma, which is still one of the deadliest cancers with a very poor prognosis. Eligible patients were offered radiopharmaceutical treatment with the novel NTR1 antagonist ¹⁷⁷Lu-3BP-227 as salvage therapy. Methods: Six patients with confirmed ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma who had exhausted all other treatment options received ¹⁷⁷Lu-3BP-227 for evaluation of NTR1 expression in vivo. Three patients received treatment activities between 5.1 and 7.5 GBq. Results: Administration of ¹⁷⁷Lu-3BP-227 was well tolerated by all patients. Kidneys were identified as the dose-limiting organ. The most severe adverse event was reversible grade 2 anemia. One patient achieved a partial response and experienced significant improvement of symptoms and quality of life. This patient survived 13 months from diagnosis and 11 months from start of ¹⁷⁷Lu-3BP-227 therapy. Conclusion: This initial report provides first clinical evidence of the feasibility of treatment of ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma using ¹⁷⁷Lu-3BP-227.