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.

Lowest Cost of Lu177 PSMA Therapy in India

Summary (10 sec read)

Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) in Gurugram, India, offers Lutetium 177 (Lu177) PSMA Therapy for prostate cancer at significantly lower costs compared to Thailand, Malaysia, and Germany. FMRI’s comprehensive treatment package includes airport pick-up and drop-off, room rent, PET, DTPA, and dosimetry scans, doctor consultations, nursing, and patient diet charges, as well as the cost of the Lu177 isotope and related consumables. While the upfront cost is half of that in Thailand and Malaysia and one-third of Germany's, it excludes local travel, special meals, unrelated procedures, cross-functional consultations, emergency procedures, and certain diagnostic tests. FMRI boasts advanced facilities and a multidisciplinary tumor board ensuring high-quality care and outcomes comparable to the best global centers. For more information, contact FMRI at +91 98111 27080 or info@nuclearmedicinetherapy.in.

This article has been compiled by Manav Sadhwani as a recap of the discussions with Dr. Ishita B Sen (Director and Head of the Department of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurgaon.) for patients who visit our centre in India for Lutetium 177 therapy. This is a general protocol and may differ for each patient.

Half the cost of treatment in Thailand & Malaysia and one-third the cost of treatment in Germany

For prostate cancer patients who have become refractory to conventional therapy, the department of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging at the Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) in India’s Gurugram is not only one of the World’s most advanced Nuclear Medicine Centre but is also the centre that offers the lowest cost for Lu177 PSMA Therapy.

The cost of treatment at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) is half the cost of treatment in Thailand & Malaysia and one-third the cost of treatment in Germany. The Centre is one of the first institutes in India to offer Radioligand Therapy with Lu177 and it boasts of patient outcomes that are at par with the best centres in the world. Every case that comes to the centre is discussed in a multi-disciplinary tumor board that includes an entire team of specialists from different specialities.

Estimated Cost

Cost of Evaluation: USD 500
Cost of Therapy: USD 8600
Stay in Hospital: 1 Day
Stay in India: 7 Day

Airport Pick-up and Drop: The above cost is inclusive of the following:

The hospital would arrange for you to be picked up from Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi to either drop you off at the hotel of your choice that you would have booked; or bring you to FMRI, which is located in the centre of Gurugram approximately 20 kms from the airport.
Meet & Greet Service at the Airport:
For patients and caregivers arriving at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, the hospital would arrange for a person who would not only help in passing immigration and baggage collection, but also escort you to the waiting hospital car outside the airport.
Room Rent:
The above cost includes the estimated cost of staying for one night at the hospital or staying for some time to recover post the therapy for a same day discharge. Please do check the cost basis your choice of room category.
PET Scan:
The above cost includes the cost of undergoing a PET scan, if required. The team of doctors would let you know of the requirement.

DTPA Scan:
The above cost includes the cost of undergoing a DTPA scan, if required. The team of doctors would let you know of the requirement.
Dosimetry Scan:
Post the therapy, the patient would need to undergo a Dosimetry Scan, the cost of which is included in the above cost.
Doctors’ Consultation & Visit Charges
Nursing Charges
Dosimetry Charges
Patient Diet Charges
Attendant Meal Charges (One attendant)
Quality Control Charges
Cost of the Nuclear Medicine:
The above cost includes the cost of procuring the Lu177.
Drugs and Consumables:
The cost includes the cost of all drugs and other consumables that the patient might consume during the therapy.
Admission & Other Documentation Charges

Also Read: An in-depth look at Prostate Cancer

Further, in terms of exclusions, the above cost does not include the following:

The patient would need to bear the cost of local travel – from the hotel/ guest house to the hospital and back.
If the patient or the accompanying caregiver/ attendant orders a special meal, this would be charged as per actuals.
The above cost does not include the cost of any unrelated procedure or procedures that is not mentioned in the above inclusions.
Any cross-functional consultations that the patient would require will be charged for separately.
The cost of any emergency procedure, if required, is not included in the above cost.
The above cost does not include the cost of any diagnostic tests either discussed earlier or required during the treatment.
All blood charges will be charged for as per government NACO guidelines.

Please note that the Billing would be based on actual consumption only and any cost that arises from another medical condition and/ or complication during the treatment procedure would be charged for separately.

Also Read: Everything you need to know about Alpha PSMA Therapy

Also note that the above cost is subject to change without prior notice.

As regards to the mode of payment do note that Fortis Hospitals Ltd. accepts all modes of payment – Demand Drafts, International & Domestic Credit & Debit Cards (MasterCard, Visa & AMEX), Rupay Cards, Online Transfers (bank account details will be provided on request).

For further information and/ or consultation, Visit Nuclear Medicine Therapy, do call or write to us: +91 98111 27080, info@nuclearmedicinetherapy.in