Lutetium-177 PSMA (Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen) therapy is a radionuclide treatment method aimed at eliminating prostate cancer cells that have spread to areas such as the lymph nodes and bone marrow.
Destroying prostate cancer cells can potentially improve survival rates and alleviate symptoms like bone pain associated with skeletal metastases.
Lutetium therapy is generally applied to patients with resistant prostate cancer, where chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and other treatment methods have been unsuccessful.
Lutetium-177 is a radionuclide substance that emits damaging radiation to destroy nearby cells. It is combined with PSMA, a protein that targets PSMA receptors located on the surface of prostate cancer cells.
When Lutetium-177 PSMA is introduced into the patient’s bloodstream, it targets and binds to PSMA receptors on prostate cancer cells.
The radiation emitted by Lutetium-177 gradually causes the death of prostate cancer cells.
Currently, Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy is applied to patients with metastatic prostate cancer and advanced-stage prostate cancer who have not achieved results with hormone therapy or chemotherapy.
Before starting the therapy, patients must undergo a PSMA PET-CT scan to confirm the presence of PSMA receptors on cancer cells, which will be targeted during the Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy.
Most patients who receive Lutetium therapy are expected to experience symptom relief. In some cases, the disease may show long-term regression. Additionally, the expected survival time can be extended.
In recent years, many studies in our country and around the world have shown positive results with Lutetium therapy.
The therapy is administered through an injection into the bloodstream every 6-8 weeks. On the treatment day, an intravenous (IV) line is opened, and Lutetium-177 PSMA is administered over 30 minutes.
Anti-nausea (antiemetic) and diuretics (to increase urine output) are also provided simultaneously.
To ensure the treatment sufficiently reaches the affected areas, a SPECT scan is performed 24-72 hours after the treatment.
Most patients require 4 treatment sessions. After two sessions, the response to treatment is evaluated using a repeated PSMA PET-CT scan. If PSA levels decrease and the repeated PSMA scan shows positive results, the remaining 2 treatment sessions are administered to complete the 4-session cycle.
The most common side effects include dry mouth and dry eyes. Nausea and vomiting may occur in some patients, although rarely. Mild drowsiness is another possible side effect. Most of these effects are temporary and usually resolve within a few days.
Bone marrow suppression is also a possible side effect in patients with widespread bone disease.
Lutetium PSMA therapy is legally administered in Turkey and, if indicated appropriately, is covered by SGK (Social Security Institution). If the treatment is paid out-of-pocket, detailed information regarding 2024 prices and the treatment course will be provided. Private health insurance policies also cover the treatment costs.
For detailed information about treatment processes and pricing, you can contact us through our communication channels.
To receive Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy, patients can simply call our institution. Detailed information about the treatment will be provided by our experts.
You can send the referral documents to ir@neolife.com.tr via email or contact us at +90 549 523 69 23.
For more detailed information about Lutetium-177 PSMA, please click here.
