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Understanding
NETs
How do NETs progress?
NETs grow and spread over time, also known as progression.
NETs can progress without you knowing—usually, they progress slowly, but some NETs can progress faster and spread quickly.
Some tumors grow faster and need a treatment that can help slow progression
You can tell how likely NETs are to progress with something called a tumor grade. Your doctor can check the tumor grade with something called a Ki-67 score.
A Ki-67 score tells you how many cells are dividing. The Ki-67 score is a percentage between 0% to 100%. Higher scores mean the cancer is growing quickly and the tumor grade is higher. Lower scores mean the cancer is growing slowly and the tumor grade is lower.
Why does somatostatin receptor (SSTR) status matter?
9 out of 10 patients with NETs are SSTR+
Most NETs have proteins on the surface of their cells called SSTRs. You can find out if your NET is somatostatin receptor-positive (SSTR+) by asking your doctor to schedule an imaging test for SSTR.
How SSTRs show up varies based on where the tumor is in the body and what treatment you have taken.
LUTATHERA specifically looks for and attacks SSTR+ tumor cells.
There are scans and imaging tests that can help you see if your cancer is SSTR+ and progressing
Scans and imaging tests | |
|---|---|
Computed tomography (CT) | A CT scan takes multiple x-rays to create pictures of the inside of the body. Your doctor can use these images to see if your tumor has grown, changed, or spread. |
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) | An MRI scan uses radio waves and powerful magnets to take pictures of the inside of the body. This type of scan is good at showing the spine and soft tissues. |
Ultrasound | An ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to form pictures of the inside of the body. |
Positron emission tomography (PET) | A PET scan is designed to show cancer cells and whether cancer has spread. Your doctor may use a PET scan to look for many different things. You may have heard a PET scan referred to as a gallium or copper scan. |
Is LUTATHERA right for me?
Use this treatment conversation starter to see if LUTATHERA could be right for you
Not sure how to answer some of these questions? Scroll down to learn more and see if you are eligible for LUTATHERA.
I’ve just been diagnosed with NETs
- LUTATHERA was studied in patients who were recently diagnosed with SSTR+ gastroenteropancreatic tumors (GEP-NETs) that were faster growing (Ki-67, 10%–55%)
- Your cancer has spread to your lymph nodes or other organs: LUTATHERA was studied in patients who had GEP-NETs that spread to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or other organs. Patients who couldn’t have surgery to remove their cancer were also included
- Your NET is SSTR+: LUTATHERA targets NET cells that have proteins called SSTRs. You can find out if your cancer is SSTR+ by asking your doctor to undergo SSTR imaging
- Your cancer is faster growing: LUTATHERA was studied in patients who have faster-growing GEP-NETs (Ki-67, 10%–55% [grade 2 or 3])
I’ve been on SSAs but my cancer is progressing
- LUTATHERA was studied in patients with SSTR+ GEP-NETs who had tumors that were slower growing (Ki-67, 0%–20%) and progressed on treatment with an SSA
- Your NET is SSTR+: LUTATHERA targets NET cells that have proteins called SSTRs. You can find out if your cancer is SSTR+ by asking your doctor to undergo SSTR imaging
- Your cancer has spread to your lymph nodes or other organs: LUTATHERA was studied in patients who had GEP-NETs that spread to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or other organs. Patients who couldn’t have surgery to remove their cancer were also included
- Your cancer progressed on SSA treatment: If your cancer grew or spread, SSA treatment may not be enough. LUTATHERA was studied in patients whose cancer progressed while on SSA treatment
Talk to your doctor about starting treatment with LUTATHERA