Chicago, Ill., April 23, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Physicians at Cancer Treatment Centers of America^® (CTCA) Chicago have a new option in the fight against rare neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) with the introduction of an innovative therapy called lutetium Lu 177 dotatate (Lutathera^®).

CTCA^® Chicago is one of only six hospitals in Illinois to provide this specialized drug application for patients suffering from NETs, which originate in the neuroendocrine cells of organs. Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate, the first FDA-approved Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT), is designed specifically to treat somatostatin receptor positive gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs).

“Although considered a rare cancer type, the prevalence of neuroendocrine tumors is shown to be on the rise,” says Kenneth Yoo, MD, interventional radiologist at CTCA^® Chicago. “On the positive side, with the addition of lutetium Lu 177 dotatate, we are well equipped across the care continuum, diagnostics to treatments, to help patients facing this disease."

With a commitment to expand its  care offerings, which includes the Neuroendocrine Tumor Clinical Program, CTCA Chicago uses NETSPOT^® (gallium Ga 68 dotatate), a diagnostic imaging agent that helps locate somatostatin receptor positive NETs and determine treatment options.

Patients diagnosed with NETs often present with a variety of symptoms that are difficult to attribute to a specific disease, making an accurate diagnosis challenging. Although NETs comprise less than one percent of gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies, the incidence of occurrence has risen significantly over the past decade, according to Jama Oncology. This tumor type is the most commonly prevalent gastrointestinal malignancy, second to colorectal cancer. Equipped with gallium Ga 68 dotatate and lutetium Lu 177 dotatate, CTCA Chicago physicians are able to help identify GEP-NET tumors and provide treatment options that may be effective. Together, these products represent a theragnostic approach to disease management.

Due to the complexity and diversity of NETs, the CTCA Chicago Neuroendocrine Tumor Clinical Program comprises a multidisciplinary team, including surgical, medical and radiation oncologists; gastroenterologists; interventional radiologists; endocrinologists; pathologists as well as clinicians who focus on side effects management and quality of life enhancement. 

About Cancer Treatment Centers of America®
Cancer Treatment Centers of America Global, Inc. (CTCA) is a comprehensive cancer care network of hospitals and outpatient care centers in Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Tulsa. Specializing in the treatment of adult cancer patients, CTCA® offers an integrated approach to care that combines surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy with advancements in precision cancer treatment and supportive therapies designed to manage side effects and enhance quality of life both during and after treatment. CTCA also offers qualified patients a range of clinical trials that may reveal new treatment options supported by scientific and investigational research. CTCA patient satisfaction scores consistently rank among the highest for all cancer care providers in the country. Visit cancercenter.com, Facebook.com/cancercenter and Twitter.com/cancercenter for more information.