CCTG Senior Investigator Chris O’Callaghan is named the 2022 NET Research Grant Recipient

Canadian Neuroendocrine Tumour Society (CNETS) 2022 Research Grant Award to support Canadian participation in STOPNET international trial. STOPNET is a Randomized Study of Cessation of Somatostatin Analogues after Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy in Mid-Gut Neuroendocrine Tumours.

This trial will investigate whether it is worthwhile for neuroendocrine tumor (NET) patients to continue somatostatin analogue (SSA) therapy after treatment with peptide radionuclide therapy (PRRT). The study proposes to stop SSA injections for some patients following PRRT in order for researchers to compare tumour growth, side effects and quality of life with patients who continue SSA injections.

“It is unclear whether patients with neuroendocrine tumours requiring Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) gain additional benefit from continued use of somatostatin analoque (SSA) drugs, or whether their side effects, expense and inconvenience can be safely avoided,” says CCTG Senior Investigator Chris O’Callaghan. “The STOPNET clinical trial is a first step toward addressing what is an important question for all of patients, physicians and healthcare funders.”

Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) usually begin in specialized cells called neuroendocrine cells, similar to nerve cells or hormone-producing cells. However, approximately 75% of NETs do not result in hormone overproduction and the main treatment for both is SSA, which slows tumour growth and reduce hormone production. Unfortunately, the majority of patients will experience tumour growth despite SSA therapy. When this occurs, PRRT is added in combination with ongoing SSA therapy but it is not known if continuing SSA therapy after PRRT is beneficial or not. The study hopes to support the best care options and quality of life for NETs patients.

The funding will support the Canadian participation in Australasian Gastrointestinal Trials Group (AGITG)-led STOPNET trial with support from NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia and CNETs Canada.