CCTG NE2 neuroendocrine study has opened in Canada

The CCTG NE2 STOPNET neuroendocrine study has officially open in Canada. Researchers are investigating whether somatostatin analogues (SSA) are needed after targeted therapy for patients with neuroendocrine tumours.

“NE2 addresses an important question for patients and the healthcare system of whether we can reduce treatment burden by stopping SSAs after PRRT has been completed,” says Dr Jonathan Loree, the NE2 study co-chair and BC Cancer Oncologist.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of continuing versus stopping somatostatin analogues (SSA) injections during and after peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) in patients with neuroendocrine tumours (NET). Participants will be randomly assigned to continue or stop SSA injections after starting PRRT. The study is significant because stopping SSA injections could potentially control the cancer as effectively as the standard approach while reducing side effects.

“NE2 will also assess important patient-related outcomes such as quality of life and psychological impact of SSA cessation," says Dr Rachel Goodwin, the NE2 study co-chair and Ottawa Hospital Oncologist. 

Patients eligible for the study include adults over 18 with grade 1 or 2 midgut, hindgut, or pancreatic NETs that are inoperable, have been on SSA injections for at least three months, and whose tumours do not have hormone secretion and have shown progression requiring PRRT. 

"NE2 represents a significant opportunity for patients with neuroendocrine tumours to potentially reduce their treatment burden and aims to help patients avoid unnecessary side effects while maintaining their quality of life,” says Haydn Bechthold CCTG Patient Representative. “I find it very encouraging to see the study focus on outcomes that directly impact patients, including quality of life and psychological well-being.” 

NE2 STOPNET: A randomized study of cessation of somatostatin analogues after peptide receptor radionuclide therapy in mid, hind-gut and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours

The Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Cancer Trials Group is leading the international trial and CCTG will conduct the Canadian arm. The trial will generate data to inform the feasibility and design of a subsequent larger clinical trial and will inform public health decisions and treatment guidelines. STOPNET will also foster international collaboration in clinical research for NETs. Funding for the trial was provided Canadian Neuroendocrine Tumour Society (CNETS)  and Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to support Canadian participation in this international trial with additional support from the Canadian Cancer Society.

• For more information, please visit the NE2 patient information page
• For more information for sites please visit the NE2 member page