Understanding your treatment

Peptide receptive therapy is an innovative molecular therapy used to treat neuroendocrine cancers. Cancerous neuroendocrine tumours contain specific receptors. Peptides, attached to radioactive isotopes, target these. They bind to the receptors, delivering a high, localised radiation dose to the diseased cells. This allows accurate targeting of the cancer and less damage to healthy cells.

The London Clinic offers peptide receptive therapy, administered by an expert multi-disciplinary team. There are clinical nurse specialists to guide and advise you about the possible side-effects, and help control your symptoms. Your treatment is planned at a multidisciplinary team meeting.

We have a team of Consultant Endocrinologists and specialist nurses, who have extensive knowledge and experience in the treatment of neuroendocrine cancers. They will discuss the benefits and side-effects of peptide treatment.

They will always take time to answer any questions and address any worries you may have. We also offer complementary therapy, counselling and an extensive physiotherapy service. 

Radionuclide therapy at The London Clinic is carried out as a day-admission in the Duchess of Devonshire wing. A drip will be inserted into your arm and the medication will be delivered as an infusion by an experienced nuclear medicine clinician. An infusion of amino acids will also be given to protect the kidneys from any toxicity. A medical physicist will be present to provide you with radiation protection advice.

The rooms in the Duchess of Devonshire wing are comfortable and private. You will be required to stay in the room for the day, to reduce the risk of radiation exposure to others. Visitors are allowed, but should follow the advice of the medical physics team.

This will include avoiding direct contact with you and wearing personal protective clothing such as disposable gowns and gloves.

Your consultant endocrinologist will customise a programme of therapy to address your cancer. The treatment is usually cyclical, with around four treatments carried out at three-monthly intervals.

Treatment risks and recovery

There are risks and side effects with any treatment. Peptide therapy is usually well tolerated, but the amino acid infusion may cause nausea and sickness. Our experienced care team will offer medication to reduce any symptoms and support your safe recovery.

The London Clinic will give you advice on radiation safety and a contact number, so that you can get guidance at any time during your treatment. Your consultant will also give you advice about symptoms to look out for, and when to get urgent assessment.

Small amounts of radiation remain in the body after treatment, so you should limit your contact with others, particularly people that are potentially vulnerable to exposure.

For two days, you should avoid regularly interacting or sharing a bed with other adults. For seven days, you should avoid prolonged or close contact with children under six and pregnant women.

The radioisotopes will be removed in your urine and faeces, so it’s particularly important to be careful about handwashing and hygiene.