Dr. Aman Chauhan Presents Phase 1 Study on Neuroendocrine Tumors at ESMO 2025
Article Summary
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Dr. Aman Chauhan will present new findings from a National Cancer Institute-sponsored phase 1 clinical trial at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2025.
- The study investigates the combination of a ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor with lutetium Lu 177 dotatate in patients with progressive, well-differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
- Neuroendocrine tumors are rare cancers and have relatively limited treatment options, but the incidence and prevalence of neuroendocrine tumors have continued to increase.
Aman Chauhan, M.D., leader of the Neuroendocrine Tumor Program at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and associate professor of medical oncology at the Miller School, will present new findings from a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-sponsored phase 1 clinical trial at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2025.
“Sylvester offers a unique environment for translational research that directly impacts patient care,” Dr. Chauhan said. “Presenting at ESMO reflects the dedication of our team and our commitment to advancing neuroendocrine tumor treatment.”
The study results that Dr. Chauhan will present investigate the combination of a ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor (RRI) with lutetium Lu 177 dotatate, a targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy, in patients with progressive, well-differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs).
The presentation will be delivered during the mini-oral session on neuroendocrine and endocrine tumors.
Neuroendocrine Tumor Treatment
Neuroendocrine tumors are rare cancers and have relatively limited treatment options. Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate, a radiolabeled somatostatin analog, has become a standard treatment for somatostatin receptor-positive GEP-NETs. However, many patients eventually experience disease progression.
According to a National Institutes of Health study, the incidence and prevalence of neuroendocrine tumors have continued to increase. In fact, the data indicate that the number of people diagnosed with NETs has almost doubled over the last two decades. Deaths from these tumors have also increased, though survival has improved for many patients. Dr. Chauhan is working hard to improve outcomes in this field.
Our goal is to bring greater awareness to these rare cancers and offer every patient the most precise and personalized care possible.
Dr. Aman Chauhan
His recent research explores whether adding an RRI to lutetium Lu 177 dotatate can improve treatment outcomes. The RRI inhibits ribonucleotide reductase, an enzyme essential for DNA synthesis and repair. This mechanism may sensitize tumor cells to radiation, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of lutetium Lu 177 dotatate.
“Neuroendocrine tumors are complex and often overlooked, but advances in research and treatment are giving us new ways to improve survival and quality of life for patients. Our goal is to bring greater awareness to these rare cancers and offer every patient the most precise and personalized care possible,” Dr. Chauhan said. “This combination represents a novel strategy to overcome treatment resistance in GEP-NETs.”
The phase 1 trial, conducted under the NCI-funded Experimental Therapeutics Clinical Trials Network, enrolled patients with progressive, well-differentiated GEP-NETs. The primary objectives were to assess safety, tolerability and early signs of efficacy.
The results have led to a phase 2 randomized trial, which recently completed patient enrollment at 14 sites across the United States. The phase 2 study compares the RRI plus lutetium Lu 177 dotatate to lutetium Lu 177 dotatate alone, aiming to determine whether the combination improves progression-free survival.
Research Mission
Since joining Sylvester, Dr. Chauhan has focused on building a nationally recognized neuroendocrine tumor program. His research emphasizes theranostics—integrating diagnostics and therapeutics—to personalize cancer treatment.
He has led multiple clinical trials involving radiopharmaceuticals, targeted therapies and novel drug combinations. His work has earned recognition from the NCI and the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (NANETS). Recently, Dr. Chauhan was elected to the NANETS Board of Directors, recognizing his significant contributions to the field, including his pioneering work in theranostics and radiopharmaceuticals, as well as his involvement in clinical trials.
If successful, the RRI and lutetium Lu 177 dotatate combination could reshape the treatment landscape for GEP-NETs, Dr. Chauhan said. It may offer a new therapeutic option for patients who have exhausted standard treatments and inspire further research into combination strategies involving radiopharmaceuticals and DNA synthesis inhibitors.
NCI 10388 and NCI 10558 are also supported by Nanopharmaceutics LLC through Cooperative Research and Development Agreements with NCI.
Tags: cancer research, clinical trials, Dr. Aman Chauhan, neuroendocrine cancer, Neuroendocrine Tumor Program, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center