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.

Get a Second Opinion By Dr. Ishita - Nuclear Medicine Therapy

1. Diagnosis Confirmation: Diagnosing cancer, particularly types like neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer, can be intricate and sometimes ambiguous. A second opinion helps verify the diagnosis, ensuring that the treatment plan is based on accurate information.

2. Treatment Options Exploration: Oncologists may have different treatment approaches. Seeking a second opinion can reveal additional options, including alternative therapies, new clinical trials, or advanced treatments that were not initially considered.

3. Specialized Expertise: Consulting a specialist in neuroendocrine tumors or prostate cancer can offer unique insights and expertise that might not be available from a general oncologist. Specialists are often well-versed in the latest research and treatment protocols.

4. Avoiding Over- or Under-Treatment: A second opinion can help prevent both over-treatment and under-treatment, ensuring that the recommended treatment is necessary and appropriate for the specific cancer type and stage.

5. Re-evaluation of PET Scan Images: Dr. Ishita B Sen, with over 30 years of experience in Nuclear Medicine Therapy and Nuclear Oncology Imaging, can provide expert reevaluation of PET scan images. This ensures that imaging results are interpreted accurately, which is critical for precise diagnosis and treatment planning.

6. Boosting Confidence: Knowing that another expert has reviewed your case can provide reassurance and confidence in your treatment plan, aiding in making well-informed decisions about your health.

7. Enhancing Outcomes: Research indicates that second opinions can lead to changes in diagnosis or treatment plans, potentially improving patient outcomes. Access to multiple perspectives can result in a more comprehensive and effective treatment strategy.

In summary, seeking a second opinion for cancer treatment, including neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer, is a crucial step that can lead to a more accurate diagnosis, a wider range of treatment options, and ultimately, better patient outcomes.

Dr. Ishita B. Sen is a distinguished expert in Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, currently serving as the Director and Head of the Department at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) in Gurugram, India. She has over 30 years of experience in this field, making significant contributions to the diagnosis and treatment of various cancers, particularly through advanced imaging techniques such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and radionuclide therapy.

Dr. Sen completed her medical education at Lady Hardinge Medical College and received specialized training in the medical management of thyroid cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York, as well as in Myocardial SPECT Imaging in Beijing, China. Her areas of expertise include PET-guided interventional procedures, molecular imaging of tumor cell proliferation, perfusion, apoptosis, and glycolytic metabolism.

Dr. Ishita B. Sen is a distinguished expert in Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, currently serving as the Director and Head of the Department at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) in Gurugram, India. She has over 30 years of experience in this field, making significant contributions to the diagnosis and treatment of various cancers, particularly through advanced imaging techniques such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and radionuclide therapy.

Accurate Diagnoses Drive Improved Treatment Results

Seeking a second opinion in cancer treatment is crucial for several reasons:

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