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.

Easy to Reach: Conveniently Located in Gurgaon, Close to Airport and Key Facilities

Where is the Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) located?

FMRI is located at India, in the city of Gurgaon. It stands at Sector 43, the heart of the city itself. Through a network of roadways, including the NH-8 highway, a number of citywide connectivity options are presented.

Metro conveyance – the FMRI compound is located right across the Huda City Center Metro Station. Patients who choose to travel by the metro train line can access the center in a easy and convenient fashion.
Hotel accommodation – FMRI has easy access to multiple hotel accommodations. A patient can book a room easily in any one if required.

On Airport Arrival

Once the patient arrives at the IGI airport, they would be greeted by our reception team at the aerobridge. Our reception team will provide the following services and facilities for the patient –

In-airport cart
Conveyor belt luggage pickup
Directions to foreign currency exchange, cafeteria and shopping kiosks
Porter services for any luggage transfer

Through the Meet and Greet service, courtesy of FMRI, the patient will be conveyed directly to the facility or a booked hotel.

How does the treatment proceed?

Once the patient arrives in the premises of the FMRI, treatment is provided. Here is how it goes about -

Treatment priority is given as per the patient’s arrival time in the hospital. According to it, a specified time is allotted.
Before the treatment proceeds, an initial consultation is held along with some preliminary diagnostic tests.
Based on the diagnostic reports, a course of action is decided. If treatment is decided to be administered on the patient, nuclear medicine protocol is followed.

Post Treatment

In most cases, the treatment is completed in one day. However, in some cases, the patient may be required to stay-in for a longer period.
Prior to the completion of it, a detailed dossier of the treatment summary, condition images and films, are handed to the patient.
Finally, the patient undergoes discharge from the facility. Transportation facility to the airport is provided, for the patient.

How to apply for visa in India?

Application for the Indian visa is convenient and easy. Visit the following link for more information visit the link - https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/

Getting an invitation letter

To receive a visa invitation letter, send a scanned copy of your passport to the following email account - manav@nuclearmedicinetherapy.in