Synergism of peptide receptor-targeted Auger electron radiation therapy with anti-angiogenic compounds in a mouse model of neuroendocrine tumours

NETs are well vascularised tumours with expression of specific cell surface markers. Using the Rip1Tag2 transgenic mouse model of pancreatic NET (pNET). This research investigates the potential benefit of a combination of anti-angiogenic treatment with targeted internal radiotherapy.

A radiopeptide that selectively binds to GLP-1R expressed on insulinoma and other NET cells was co-administered with oral vatalanib. Vatalanib is an inhibitor of VEGFR, the control groups included single agent radiopeptide therapy.

The combination therapy was more effective than single therapy and reduced tumour volume by 97%. Interestingly, imatinib did not show synergistic effect with radiopeptide in terms of reducing tumour volume. 

Source: EJNMMI Research