Definition

A type of radiation therapy used to treat certain types of neuroendocrine tumors. A radioactive chemical is linked to a peptide (small protein) that targets cancer cells. When this radioactive peptide is injected into the body, it binds to a specific receptor found on some cancer cells. The radioactive peptide builds up in these cells and helps kill the cancer cells without harming normal cells. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy is a type of targeted therapy. Also called PRRT.