If you or a loved one is facing advanced prostate cancer, you may have heard about new treatments using nuclear medicine or simply put, Theranostics.
These therapies – Lutetium-177 (Lu-177), Actinium-225 (Ac-225), and Terbium-161 (Tb-161) – are offering new hope to patients who have few options left. They are precise, powerful, and designed to target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
What Are These Therapies?
All three therapies are types of “radioligand therapy”, which means they use a radioactive substance attached to a molecule that finds and binds to prostate cancer cells. These molecules target “PSMA” (Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen), a protein found in high amounts on prostate cancer cells.
- Lu-177 PSMA Therapy: Uses beta radiation to treat larger tumors. It’s already FDA approved and most widely used.
- Ac-225 PSMA Therapy: Uses alpha radiation, which is more powerful and works well for smaller or resistant tumors.
- Tb-161 PSMA Therapy: A newer option that combines beta radiation with Auger electrons for a stronger, more focused effect.
How Are They Given?
These treatments are given through intravenous route, usually in cycles spaced 6-8 weeks apart. The radioactive medicine travels through your bloodstream, finds the cancer cells, and delivers radiation directly to them – like a smart missile.
What Are the Side Effects?
Because these therapies are targeted, most patients tolerate them well. But each has its own side effect profile:
- Lu-177: Mild fatigue, dry mouth, nausea, and occasional low blood counts. Some risk of kidney exposure.
- Ac-225: More potent, but dry mouth (xerostomia) is more common and can be severe. Bone marrow suppression may occur.
- Tb-161: Still in early trials, but expected to have fewer side effects due to its ultra-targeted radiation.
Your care team will monitor you closely and help manage any side effects.
How Effective Are They?
These therapies have shown “impressive results”, especially in patients with metastatic or treatment-resistant prostate cancer:
- Lu-177: Around 49% of patients see a 50% or greater drop in PSA levels. It improves survival and quality of life.
- Ac-225: Even more effective in some cases, with 60% of patients achieving a major PSA drop. It works well when Lu-177 stops working.
- Tb-161: Still being studied, but early research suggests it may outperform Lu-177 by delivering more radiation directly to cancer cells with fewer side effects.
If you or someone you love is facing advanced prostate cancer, nuclear medicine therapy in Delhi NCR, India could be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.
