Abstract Objectives Treatment for neuroblastoma with chemotherapy and 131 IMIBG can induce endocrine adverse effects, including thyroid disorders, gonadal insufficiency or short stature. Neuroblastoma can also be targeted at the somatostatin receptor, using 177 LuLu-DOTATATE peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. Thus far no endocrine effects have been reported after 177 LuLu-DOTATATE treatment in children. Case presentation We report a first case of pituitary dysfunction, reflected as growth hormone deficiency and central hypothyroidism, following treatment with 177 LuLu-DOTATATE for refractory neuroblastoma. Conclusions We hypothesize that the GH and TSH deficiency in this case are caused by pituitary damage through binding of 177 LuLu-DOTATATE to the somatostatin receptors in the pituitary gland. If 177 LuLu-DOTATATE in the future becomes a more upfront treatment we strongly underline screening on pituitary dysfunction after exposure to 177 LuLu-DOTATATE in childhood.
Wessel et al. (Wed,) studied this question.