Dr. Barr on Systemic Therapies for Patients With Neuroendocrine Tumors

Jodie Barr, DO, hematologist/oncologist, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, discusses systemic therapies for patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).

Therapeutic options for NETs have been limited in the past, says Barr. There is a lot that physicians do not yet know about the biology of these tumors, as they are a very heterogeneous group of malignancies.

The E2211 study looked at the combination of capecitabine and temozolomide (Temodar) compared to temozolomide alone. The trial serves as a foundation for future confirmatory studies, especially for those patients with more aggressive disease, says Barr.

The NETTER-1 trial looked at Lutathera (lutetium Lu 177 dotatate). The agent was initially studied in midgut NETs and showed a significant response rate and decreased the risk of death by approximately 79%. The results of the trial have armored physicians with another treatment option to combat the disease.

Telotristat ethyl (Xermelo) has helped with symptom management, especially for those patients with refractory diarrhea. Genetic sequencing has also furthered the standard of care in an effort to further personalize medicine, states Barr.