lutetium Lu 177 dotatate + pembrolizumab

This combination therapy consists of the radiopharmaceutical lutetium Lu 177 dotatate (Lutathera) and the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab (Keytruda). Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate is a peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) that targets somatostatin receptors (SSTR), which are frequently expressed on the surface of neuroendocrine-derived tumor cells. Upon binding, the drug is internalized, delivering cytotoxic beta radiation (from the lutetium-177 isotope) directly to the tumor cells, causing DNA damage and cell death. Pembrolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) receptor on T cells. By blocking the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands (PD-L1 and PD-L2), pembrolizumab prevents the inhibition of T-cell activity, thereby enhancing the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. This specific combination is being investigated by Weill Medical College of Cornell University in the Phase 2 iPRRT trial for patients with metastatic or unresectable Merkel cell carcinoma who have progressed on prior anti-PD-1/L1 immunotherapy.

Brand names

LutatheraKeytruda

Other names

177Lu-DOTATATE + pembrolizumabLutetium (177Lu) oxodotreotide + pembrolizumab