PSMA prostate cancer treatment is a unique opportunity to provide targeted specialized medical care to patients with prostate cancer in cases that are not sensitive to hormonal remedies and chemotherapy. Thanks to the innovative discoveries in medicine, patients with metastases to locoregional lymph nodes or soft tissue distant deposits can be treated with 177Lu-PSMA. Given the rate of use of this nuclear method, Lutetium PSMA therapy cost is becoming more affordable.
How does 177Lu-PSMA therapy work?
PSMA therapy is an abbreviation of prostate-specific membrane antigen. Prostate cancer cells overexpress PSMA on the surface of their membrane. Radiochemistry specialists have been able to create substances that bind to PSMA. These materials can be marked with the radioactive isotope 177Lu (Lutetium-177). Due to the specific binding (“key-lock principle”), radionuclide accumulates in the tumor tissue, irradiating it from the inside. Experience shows that in many patients who did not respond to standard treatment, using 177Lu-PSMA leads to a decrease in tumor volume and / or a decrease in PSA levels, as well as a significant pain reduction.
Who can get benefit from this treatment?
Most patients with prostate cancer undergo surgery or radiation therapy. Despite optimal therapy, many patients have relapses. Further, as a rule, they can be in for a long time to control with hormone therapy. Subsequently, in many patients, the tumor cells become insensitive to it and, therefore, should be administered chemotherapy. This often leads to side effects and reduces the patient’s status of life. In addition, tumor cells also are resistant to this treatment.
In this situation, we have the opportunity to administer 177Lu-PSMA as a new method of treatment. Treatment is performed only if metastases or a tumor can accumulate PSMA. To determine this, positron-emission tomography with PSMA-labeled 68Ga (Gallium-68) is performed.
What malignant tumors can be treated with Lutetium-177?
The main issue that makes performing the peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) possible is the presence of the molecular target. The corresponding protein – receptor for somatostatin or PSMA – should be present on the surface of tumor cells. You can check this by using scintigraphy or positron emission tomography (PET). The essence of both methods is that a patient receives an injection of the substance that binds to the receptor and “illuminates” the tumor cells. If a tumor “glows”, it means it has the necessary receptor, and PRRT will be effective.
The patient is a suitable candidate for this type of treatment in the following cases:
- If the tumor is metastatic.
- If there is no effect from other types of treatment, the tumor progresses despite therapy. For example, Lu177-PSMA is used in cancer, which is resistant to hormonal medications and to chemotherapy.
- If the tumor cannot be removed surgically.
The complications of prostate cancer
When detected early enough, treatment for prostate cancer is usually very successful. However, as soon as metastases appear, the prognosis of the disease changes dramatically.
An advanced stage of prostate cancer can cause:
- Bladder dysfunction.
- Erectile dysfunction.
- Fertility loss.
- Bowel dysfunction.
- Bone pain due to metastases.
- Deterioration in the functioning of the organ itself.
How is 177Lu-PSMA therapy performed?
Prior to prostate cancer treatment, doctors conduct a thorough examination, including the laboratory data. 177Lu-PSMA is administered intravenously, after which the patient must stay in the department for up to 48 hours. You can bring personal items with you, such as books, a computer, a mobile phone, clothes, etc., and then take them home. The room has a comfortable bed and all the necessary amenities. Before the discharge, diagnostic imaging of the whole body is performed to assess the distribution of 177Lu-PSMA in the body. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated in 6-8 weeks.
If you want to undergo this type of treatment in Germany, entrust the selection of the clinic to professionals. Such a medical professional is Booking Health. Contact Booking Health and you will be provided with complete information on Lutetium therapy. Booking Health will select a doctor and clinic, and assist in all organizational issues.
