Disseminated neuroendocrine tumour disease is an incurable disease associated with great suffering. One goal of the research studies is to sharpen the methods for individualised treatment with radioactive drugs, for example, through advanced imaging, usually called precision medicine. Another goal is a better understanding of the factors related to favourable treatment response, through for example, molecular profiling of patients' tumours.

Currently, hundreds of patients in Sweden are diagnosed with disseminated neuroendocrine tumour disease. A common treatment is an internal form of radiation treatment, so-called radionuclide therapy, with injections of a targeting radiation preparation (Lutetium-177) that seeks out the tumour cells and kills them, while the effect on the healthy organs is small. Today, such treatment is given based on a standard procedure, without considering the conditions of the unique patient or the specific characteristics of the tumour disease.

Through a grant of SEK 20 million from the Swedish Research Council, researchers in Uppsala and Lund are now allowed to study how this form of treatment can be made more effective through an increased degree of individual adaptation. Through a combination of advanced imaging methods, each patient's unique tumour characteristics will be mapped, as a basis for a personalised treatment plan.

In total, the Swedish Research Council co-finances three projects: In a first study, 300 patients will either receive a standard treatment or a more individualised treatment to investigate whether the latter provides better results. In study two, the next generation of methods for even better individual adaptation will be developed in 70 patients. In the third study, all patients' tumours are mapped at the gene level to study why some respond better than others to the treatment. The studies will start in 2022 and are expected to last for four years. They will include patients from all over the country as well as patients at selected national centres.

The studies are based on a far-reaching collaboration between researchers at Uppsala University and Lund University., For example, Joakim Crona, docent and specialist in oncology, and Anders Sundin, professor and chief physician in radiology, from Uppsala, and Anna Sundlöv, doctor of medical science and specialist in oncology and Katarina Sjögreen-Gleisner, professor and radiation physicist.

For more information contact:

Joakim Crona, Docent, Specialist, email: joakim.crona@medsci.uu.se 
Anders Sundin, Professor, Chief Physician, email: anders.sundin@radiol.uu.se