What is Lu PSMA (Lutetium-Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen) Therapy?

Lu177 PSMA Therapy is a treatment for patients with prostate cancer, especially those who have become refractory to conventional therapy. Lutetium PSMA therapy helps to slow down the growth of the cancer cells, reduce the size of the tumours and most importantly improve the quality of life of the patients by reducing the pain caused by the cancer.

Many prostate cancers, in particular those that have spread or become resistant to hormonal therapies, express a unique receptor on their cell surface called Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA). When Prostate Cancer metastasizes i.e. spreads to other parts of the body, the PSMA receptor is expressed over the sites of metastases as well.

How does Lu PSMA Therapy Work?

Lutetium-177 is a radioactive substance that emits beta radiation, a destructive kind of radiation. Lutetium-177 is bound to a small peptide which attaches to the PSMA receptor expressed on the cancer cell surface. The Lutetium 177 – PSMA complex, thus attached to the prostate cancer cell, then emits killing radiation causing cell death of the cancer cell. Since the penetration of the emitted beta particle is very small, the surrounding normal cells are spared.

How is the Therapy Done?

Lu177 PSMA is administered intravenously. The patient is admitted to the hospital for 24 hours. A kidney function scan called a MAG3/EC scan is done prior to the administration of the Lu177 PSMA.

What are the Side Effects of Lu PSMA Therapy?

Lu177 PSMA is well tolerated. The most common side effects are a slightly dry mouth, fatigue and nausea. There may also be a slight fall in the white blood cells and platelets about 2 – 3 weeks after the Lu177 PSMA administration.

What is the Response Rate With Lu PSMA Therapy?

The response rates of Lu177 PSMA depend on the tumour biology of prostate cancer, the initial Gleason Score, the extent of disease and the responses to prior therapies. Typically, more than 70% of patients demonstrate a reduction in S. PSA and a shrinkage of tumours following Lu177 PSMA therapy.

When would the doctor consider using this Therapy?

Lu PSMA Therapy is a very specific therapy and is used for managing metastatic Prostate Cancer or when Prostate Cancer is no longer responsive to other types of treatment.

What are the Treatment Schedules with Lu PSMA Therapy?

Most patients undergo three-four treatment cycles at intervals of 8-12 weeks. The number of cycles and the interim duration may vary between individuals depending on the response and interim assessments.

Why should I choose the nuclear medicine therapy center at Fortis Memorial & Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram (Haryana, India)?

The Nuclear Medicine Therapy Centre at FMRI was one of the first institutes to offer Radio-ligand Therapy with Lu PSMA, and today, the center receives patients from the country and from across the world.

OMT Process Slashes Costs and Time for TARE Cancer Treatment in India

Summary (10 sec read)

The Order, Map, and Treat (OMT) process is revolutionizing Trans-Arterial Radioembolization (TARE) for cancer treatment in India by streamlining the procedure. Traditionally, TARE involves a week-long process with separate steps for mapping the tumor, ordering the radioisotope, and administering treatment. OMT consolidates these steps into a single session, significantly enhancing efficiency. The radioisotope is pre-ordered, and mapping, dosimetry, and Yttrium-90 (Y90) microsphere administration are conducted in one visit. This method reduces overall costs by eliminating multiple hospital admissions, minimizes waiting time between mapping and treatment, and provides quicker care. OMT is available at specialized, high-volume centers in India, including the author’s facility, offering a time-efficient and cost-effective solution for TARE cancer treatments. Patients considering TARE should inquire about the availability of OMT at their treatment center for optimized care.

The innovative Order, Map, and Treat (OMT) process is revolutionizing Trans-Arterial Radioembolization (TARE) treatments by significantly streamlining the procedure.

What is OMT?

OMT is a groundbreaking method now offered at specialized, high-volume centers in India, including our facility. It enhances the efficiency of TARE treatments, which traditionally involve multiple steps over a span of a week.

Traditional TARE Procedure

Mapping: The patient undergoes angiography to map the tumor and its blood supply, determining the required amount of radioisotope.
Ordering: The radioisotope is ordered, which typically takes about a week to arrive.
Administration: After the radioisotope arrives, the patient is readmitted for another angiography, followed by the delivery of Yttrium-90 (Y90) microspheres into the tumor.

The OMT Advantage

OMT consolidates these steps into a single session:

Ordering: The radioisotope is ordered in advance.
Mapping and Dosimetry: The tumor is mapped, and the dosimetry scan is conducted using specialized software to determine the precise amount of radioisotope needed.
Treatment: Immediately after mapping, the patient is moved back to the catheterization lab for the Y90 administration.

Benefits of OMT

Time Efficiency: The entire mapping and treatment process is completed in one session.
Cost-Effective: Reduces overall costs for the patient by eliminating the need for multiple hospital admissions.
Reduced Waiting Time: Minimizes the waiting period between mapping and treatment, leading to quicker care.

OMT is an advanced option available only at specialized high-volume centers like ours. If you are considering TARE, ensure to inquire about the availability of OMT at your treatment center.

About Author / Manav Sadhwani

Hi, I am Manav. I have spent over 7 years working in the Healthcare Industry. My experience spans marketing and treatment management of oncology patients from across the globe.