Improving treatment for neuroendocrine tumors using targeted therapy
Official title: Enhancing the therapeutic effect of receptor radionuclide therapy in neuroendocrine tumors by somatostatin receptor upregulation
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10880286 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to make treatment more effective for patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors by using a short course of chemotherapy to help their tumors respond better to a special therapy called PRRT, with the goal of improving results and reducing side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $269,667 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA249047-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10880286 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors that exhibit low levels of somatostatin receptors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neuroendocrine tumors that have high levels of somatostatin receptors or those who are not eligible for PRRT may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) for patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). The approach involves increasing the expression of somatostatin receptors on tumor cells through a short-term chemotherapy regimen, which may make these tumors more responsive to PRRT. By optimizing the timing and dosage of this treatment, the researchers aim to improve patient outcomes while minimizing side effects. This innovative strategy could provide new hope for patients whose tumors currently do not respond well to existing therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment options and outcomes for patients with neuroendocrine tumors that have low receptor expression.
How similar studies have gone: Similar approaches have shown promise in enhancing the effectiveness of targeted therapies in other cancer types, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heidari, Pedram — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Heidari, Pedram
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.