Abstract
Pediatric neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and neuroblastomas are rare malignancies with poor outcomes when metastatic. Limited treatment options are currently available for pediatric NETs. Recently, radioligand therapy (RLT) consisting of a radionuclide attached to a ligand, such as [(177)Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE, has been approved for the treatment of NETs in adolescents aged ≥12 years. Although long-term safety of RLT in adolescents and other pediatric patients needs to be further investigated, data from large adult studies and early pediatric studies suggest feasibility and low toxicity. Future research is needed to assess potential combinations of RLTs with conventional chemotherapy and radiation sensitizers in order to optimize the treatment for pediatric patients with NETs. This review highlights the current status and future directions for RLTs as theranostics for pediatric patients with NETs and neuroblastomas.