1 Recommendations

1.1 Lutetium (177Lu) oxodotreotide is recommended, within its marketing authorisation, as an option for treating unresectable or metastatic, progressive, well-differentiated (grade 1 or grade 2), somatostatin receptor-positive gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) in adults. It is recommended only if the company provides it according to the commercial arrangement.

Why the committee made these recommendations

NETs can affect the pancreas and gastrointestinal tissue and are difficult to diagnose and treat. Current treatment options include everolimus, sunitinib and best supportive care.

Clinical trial evidence shows that lutetium (177Lu) oxodotreotide (referred to as lutetium) is effective for treating somatostatin receptor-positive gastrointestinal and pancreatic NETs. Indirect comparison with everolimus, sunitinib and best supportive care suggests lutetium is effective for treating gastrointestinal and pancreatic NETs in people with progressive disease.

For treating pancreatic NETs, lutetium meets NICE's end-of-life criteria. Compared with everolimus, sunitinib and best supportive care, the cost-effectiveness estimates are within the range NICE normally considers acceptable. So lutetium can be recommended for treating pancreatic NETs.

For treating gastrointestinal NETs, lutetium does not meet the end-of-life criteria because life expectancy for this form of the disease is between 5 and 6 years. But it can be recommended because the most plausible cost-effectiveness estimate is within what NICE normally considers acceptable and treatment options for gastrointestinal NETs are limited.

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)