Combining radiation therapy with surgery for advanced neuroendocrine tumors

Plain-English translation of NCT04609592 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated September 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 1 — Testing in a small group (usually 20–80 people) to find a safe dose and watch for side effects.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a combination approach using —a medication that delivers radiation directly to neuroendocrine tumor cells—followed by surgery to remove as much cancer as possible. The study wants to see if this combination is safe and effective for people with advanced neuroendocrine tumors that have spread to the liver or nearby lymph nodes. Researchers will also look at whether this treatment helps people live longer and stay cancer-free.

Currently, there is no standard approach that combines this specific radioactive medication with surgery for advanced neuroendocrine tumors. This trial is exploring whether giving the medication first, then performing surgery, and possibly giving more medication afterward could work better than current treatments alone.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor that has spread to the liver or lymph nodes (but not to the brain, bones, or belly lining)
your tumor is slow-growing (WHO Grade 1 or 2 with a Ki-67 score of 20% or lower)
your tumor has somatostatin receptors (confirmed by a PET scan), which means it will respond to this medication
you are a good candidate for surgery and able to have most or all of your visible tumors removed, as decided by your cancer care team
you have been taking octreotide (a long-acting hormone medication) at a stable dose for at least 12 weeks before enrolling
you are at least 18 years old and in good enough health to tolerate both the medication and surgery

You likely don't qualify if…

you have previously received Lutathera or other similar radiation therapy treatments
you have had surgery, radiation therapy, or other cancer treatments within the past few weeks or months
you have known cancer spread to your brain, bones, or belly lining
you are currently taking chemotherapy or other targeted cancer drugs
you have severe problems with your heart, liver, or kidney function

What participation looks like

You would receive two cycles of the radioactive medication () as an outpatient, spaced several weeks apart. After those cycles, you would have surgery performed by your cancer care team to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Depending on what your doctors find during surgery and follow-up imaging, you may receive up to two more cycles of the medication to treat any remaining cancer. Throughout the trial, you'll have regular scans, blood tests, and visits to monitor your response to treatment and any side effects.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 24, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

Stanford Cancer Institute Palo Alto, Stanford, California