Neuroendocrine tumors
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) present complex challenges for patients, including delays in diagnosis, which can lead to years of frustration. As part of our commitment to Find, Fight and Follow® disease, we’re dedicated to addressing the unmet needs associated with this difficult-to-identify and hard-to-treat cancer.
Understanding NETs
NETs are often slow growing and occur when neuroendocrine cells develop a DNA mutation, causing them to multiply and form a tumor.1 Neuroendocrine cells, which produce and secrete hormones in response to signals from the nervous system, can be found throughout the body, meaning NETs can vary widely in location, type and spread.
At Lantheus, we are focused on NETS located throughout the body, as well as a subset of NETs specifically found in the pancreas and digestive system called gastroenteropancreatic NETs (GEP-NETs).
GEP-NETs are classified in two categories: Either functional—meaning they produce extra hormones, leading to hormone-related symptoms—or non-functional—meaning they do not produce any extra hormones or hormone-related symptoms.
Clinical Challenges with GEP-NETs
GEP-NETs are often slow growing and diverse in nature. With symptoms2 ranging from fatigue and nausea to abdominal pain, diagnosis can be difficult and often delayed. While increasing incidence of GEP-NETs may be due to diagnostic improvements, the continued challenge in diagnosing GEP-NETs may contribute to a low survival rate, especially in metastatic cases.3
~50% OF GEP-NETs ARE MISDIAGNOSED, LEADING TO DELAYS IN CARE4
CASES OF NETs IN THE U.S., AND GEP-NETs ACCOUNT FOR 55-70%5
Signs and Symptoms
Nausea
Diarrhea
Abdominal Pain
Tiredness
Unintended Weight
Loss
Flushing or Redness of the Skin
Our Approach
Lantheus is developing a theranostic approach for GEP-NETs, investigating a radiodiagnostic for the detection of SSTR+ NETs that can be used with positron emission tomography (PET) to potentially stage and localize NETs, while also developing a potential radiotherapeutic for the treatment of SSTR+ GEP-NETs.
Our Theranostic Pair—One Target, Two Agents
References: 1. Neuroendocrine Tumors. Cleveland Clinic. Published June 26, 2024. Accessed May 22, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22006-neuroendocrine-tumors-net 2. Neuroendocrine Tumors. Mayo Clinic. Accessed May 22, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/neuroendocrine-tumors/symptoms-causes/syc-20354132 3. Epidemiology, Incidence, and Prevalence of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Are There Global Differences?. National Library of Medicine. Published March 14, 2021. Accessed May 22, 2025. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8118193/ 4. P-136 Survey of Challenges in Access to Diagnostics and Treatment for Neuroendocrine Tumor Patients (SCAN): Early Diagnosis and Treatment Availability. Annals of Oncology. Published July 2020. Accessed May 22, 2025. https://www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(20)39517-X/fulltext 5. Principles of Diagnosis and Management of Neuroendocrine Tumours. National Library of Medicine. Published March 13, 2017. Accessed May 22, 2025. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5359105/