The primary outcome from the Phase III NETTER-2 clinical trial as reported recently in Globe Newswire, was heralded as extending progression free survival from 8.5 months to 22.8.
The participants were newly diagnosed patients with rare advanced gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETS).

There are many types of NETS. An individual’s type of NET is determined by the cell where the cancer originated. These cancers develop in neuroendocrine cells and although slow growing several types of NETS advance rapidly and have a poor prognosis. The NETTER-2 trial is ongoing to further evaluate secondary endpoints such long-term safety and overall survival.

About Radioligand Therapy

When the power of radioactive atoms is harnessed and applied to advanced cancers, radioligand therapy is able to deliver radiation to the target cells in all parts of the body. The downside is that the therapy is viable for only a few days after it has been manufactured. Yet some in the medical community, such as Novartis, believe that the risk is heavily outweighed by the benefit of the therapy delivering radiation directly to the cancer cells and sparing healthy cells.

As of October 2023, Novartis Lutathera® has treated approximately 16,000 patients for neuroendocrine tumors and 4000 patients for prostate cancer in the United States alone. Currently, Novartis produces two FDA approved radioligand therapies named Lutathera. Novartis describes its therapy as harnessing the power of radioactive atoms then applying it to advanced cancers by way of radioligand therapy. The therapy limits the damage to surrounding tissues, yet still delivers radiation to targeted cells throughout the body.