Lutathera

— THERAPEUTIC CATEGORIES —
  • Pancreatic, thyroid, and other endocrine cancers

Lutathera Generic Name & Formulations

General Description

Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate 370 MBq/mL (10mCi/mL); soln for IV inj; preservative-free.

Pharmacological Class

Somatostatin analogue.

How Supplied

Single-dose vial—1

Storage

Store below 25°C (77°F). Do not freeze. Store in the original package to protect from ionizing radiation (lead shielding). 

Generic Availability

NO

Mechanism of Action

Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate binds to somatostatin receptors with highest affinity for subtype 2 receptors (SSRT2). Upon binding to somatostatin receptor expressing cells, including malignant somatostatin receptor-positive tumors, the compound is internalized. The beta emission from Lu 177 induces cellular damage by formation of free radicals in somatostatin receptor-positive cells and in neighboring cells.

Lutathera Indications

Indications

Treatment of somatostatin receptor-positive gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs), including foregut, midgut, and hindgut neuroendocrine tumors.

Lutathera Dosage and Administration

Adults and Children

<12yrs: not established. Administer antiemetics before amino acid solution. Give IV amino acid solution (L-lysine and L-arginine) 30mins prior to, during and for ≥3hrs after Lutathera infusion; do not reduce solution dose even if Lutathera dose is reduced. Discontinue long-acting somatostatin analogues (eg, long-acting octreotide) for ≥4wks before starting Lutathera; give short-acting octreotide as needed; discontinue ≥24hrs prior to starting Lutathera. Premedicate those with prior Grade 1 or 2 hypersensitivity reactions to Lutathera; do not rechallenge if Grade 3 or 4 reactions occur. ≥12yrs: give Lutathera 7.4 GBq (200mCi) as an IV infusion every 8 weeks for a total of 4 doses. Give concomitant long-acting octreotide 30mg IM between 4–24hrs after each dose. Do not give long-acting octreotide within 4 weeks of each subsequent dose. Continue long-acting octreotide 30mg IM every 4 weeks after completing Lutathera until disease progression or for up to 18 months following treatment initiation. Dose modifications for adverse reactions: see full labeling.

Lutathera Contraindications

Not Applicable

Lutathera Boxed Warnings

Not Applicable

Lutathera Warnings/Precautions

Warnings/Precautions

Should be used by physicians trained and experienced in radiopharmaceuticals. Handle with appropriate safety measures to minimize radiation exposure during and after Lutathera. Increased risk for cancer with long-term cumulative radiation exposure. Monitor closely for hypersensitivity reactions during and after infusion for a minimum of 2hrs in a setting where cardiopulmonary resuscitation medication/equipment are available. Discontinue infusion at 1st signs/symptoms of a severe hypersensitivity reaction; permanently discontinue if Grade 3 or 4 reactions occur. Monitor CBCs, serum creatinine, CrCl, transaminases, bilirubin, serum albumin, and INR during therapy; withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity of reaction. Advise patients to hydrate and urinate frequently before, on the day of, and the day after administration. Monitor for signs/symptoms of tumor-related hormonal disease (eg, flushing, diarrhea, hypotension, bronchoconstriction, others); give IV somatostatin analogues, fluids, corticosteroids, and electrolytes as indicated. Mild or moderate renal impairment: assess renal function more frequently. Severe hepatic or renal impairment (CrCl <30mL/min) or ESRD: not studied. Risk of infertility. Embryo-fetal toxicity. Advise to use effective contraception during and for 7 months (females of reproductive potential) or 4 months (males w. female partners) after the last dose. Pregnancy: exclude status prior to initiation. Nursing mothers: not recommended (during and for 2.5 months after the last dose).

Lutathera Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Mean blood exposure (AUC): 41 ng.h/mL (coefficient of variation [CV] 36%).

Mean maximum blood concentration (Cmax): 10 ng/mL (CV 50%).

Distribution

Mean volume of distribution: 460 L (CV 54%).

Plasma protein bound: 43% (non-radioactive lutetium Lu 175 dotate).

Coadministration of amino acids reduced the median radiation dose to the kidneys by 47% (34–59%) and increased the mean beta-phase blood clearance of lutetium Lu 177 dotatate by 36%.

Elimination

Primarily renal with cumulative excretion of 44% (within 5 hours), 58% (within 24 hours), and 65% (within 48 hours) following administration. 

Half-life: 71 ± 28 hours. Mean clearance: 4.5 L/h (CV 31%).

Lutathera Interactions

Interactions

Efficacy may be affected by somatostatin and its analogues (see Adult dosing). Avoid concomitant repeated high-doses of glucocorticoids.

Lutathera Adverse Reactions

Adverse Reactions

Lymphopenia, increased GGT, vomiting, nausea, increased AST/ALT, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia; myelosuppression, secondary myelodysplastic syndrome, leukemia, renal toxicity, hepatotoxicity, hypersensitivity reactions, neuroendocrine hormonal crisis.

Lutathera Clinical Trials

See Literature

Lutathera Note

Not Applicable

Lutathera Patient Counseling

See Literature