lutetium Lu 177-dotatate

A radioactive drug used to treat gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors that are somatostatin receptor positive. These tumors form from cells that release hormones and can occur in the stomach, small and large intestines, rectum, and pancreas. Lutetium Lu 177-dotatate is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Lutetium Lu 177-dotatate binds to a protein called somatostatin receptor, which is found on some neuroendocrine tumor cells. Lutetium Lu 177-dotatate builds up in these cells and gives off radiation, which may help kill cancer cells. It is a type of somatostatin analog. Also called Lutathera.