Intra-arterial liver infusion of radiolabeled somatostatin drugs for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors with dominant liver metastases

"Imaging With 68Ga-DOTA-peptides and Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy With 177Lu-DOTA-peptides of Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Interest of Intra-arterial Hepatic Infusion in Patients With Dominant Liver Metastases"

Phase 2 Interventional University Hospital, Bordeaux · NCT04837885

This will test whether giving radiolabeled somatostatin medication directly into the liver works better than the usual IV route for people with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors whose disease mainly affects the liver after four Lutathera treatments.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment23 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Bordeaux Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Bordeaux and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04837885 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This Phase 2 interventional project compares intra-hepatic arterial versus standard intravenous delivery of radiolabeled somatostatin analogs in patients with well-differentiated GEP-NETs and dominant liver metastases. Participants who have completed four standard intravenous Lutathera cycles undergo two 68Ga-DOTA-peptide PET scans—one after intra-hepatic injection and one after intravenous injection—to compare uptake in selected liver lesions and in dose-limiting organs. The protocol also includes a safety evaluation of a single intra-hepatic therapeutic Lutathera infusion following the four standard IV cycles. Imaging and dosimetry data will be used to quantify tumor targeting and organ exposure for the two delivery routes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults with histologically proven well-differentiated gastroenteropancreatic NETs, dominant or exclusive liver metastases not amenable to surgery, ECOG 0–2, adequate kidney and liver function, and who have completed four standard Lutathera cycles are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients whose disease is not liver-dominant, who have inadequate kidney or liver function, significant hematologic compromise, or who have not completed the required prior Lutathera therapy are unlikely to benefit from this approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, intra-arterial infusion could increase radiation dose to liver tumors while lowering exposure to kidneys and bone marrow, which may improve local control and reduce systemic toxicity.

How similar studies have performed: Systemic PRRT with Lutathera has established efficacy, but delivering radiolabeled somatostatin analogs via intra-arterial hepatic infusion is relatively novel and has only limited prior data.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Histologically proven well differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (NET) of gastrointestinal or pancreatic origin (GEP).
* Patients are progressive after treatment with cold somatostatin analog (within 12 months according to RECIST), or as soon as the diagnosis is made in case of hepatic invasion \> 50% without waiting for tumour progression
* Patient has received 4 standard of care LUTATHERA® cycles
* Liver Metastatic disease dominant or exclusive and assessable by RECIST 1.1, and not amenable to surgical resection after the last cycle
* ECOG performance status 0-2
* Adequate kidney and liver function: creatinine clearance ≥ 50 mL/min, ALT/AST ≤ 2,5x the upper limit of normal
* With no evidence of hematologic alteration after 4 LUTATHERA® cycles: hemoglobin ≥ 8 g/dL, neutrophils ≥ 1500/ mm3, platelets ≥ 75.000/mm3
* Age ≥ 18 years, no superior limit
* Contraception required in pre-menopausal female (Intrauterine device, Progestin Pills, Combined Oral Contraceptives, Monthly Injectables, Progestin Injectables, Combined Patch, Combined Vaginal Ring, Female Sterilization, Vasectomy, Implants) and men for at least 6 months after the last LUTATHERA ® injection.
* Patient´s signed written informed consent
* Patient affiliated to a social security system

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with complete response defined by the absence of lesion according to RECIST 1.1 realized during morphological imaging at inclusion (chest-abdomen-pelvis CT scan and hepatic MRI)
* No residual uptake according to standard 177-Lu scintigraphy performed in the clinical routine 24 hours after each LUTATHERA IV treatment
* Carcinoid heart disease (LVEF \< 40%)
* Dominant or threatening extrahepatic metastases or that may affect vital prognosis
* Contraindications to intra-hepatic arterial infusion (coagulation disorders, portal thrombosis, intra-hepatic biliary tract dilatation, digestive or biliary anastomosis or fistula, cirrhosis (Child Pugh B8 or C…)
* Serum albumin \<30 g/L unless prothrombin time is within the normal range.
* Heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, uncontrolled arterial hypertension under optimal treatment (≥ 160/95 mmHg), pulmonary embolism or revascularization procedure, unstable angina pectoris, uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmia, and clinically significant bradycardia during the last 12 months.
* Individuals under legal protection or unable of giving their informed consent
* Pregnancy or breast feeding
* Currently participating to another clinical research protocol
* Individuals under legal protection or unable of giving their informed consent
* MRI scan contraindicated
* LUTATHERA® contraindicated or toxicity during one of the IV administrations leading to a reduction or cancellation of the following dose

Where this trial is running

Bordeaux and 3 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Neuroendocrine TumorLiver MetastasesNeuroendocrine Gastroenteropancreatic TumourNeuroendocrine tumourNeuroendocrine gastroenteropancreatic tumour68Ga- DOTA-peptides PET CT177Lutetium-OctreotatePeptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.