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Sarvodaya Hospital,
Sector 8,
Faridabad, Haryana, India

+ (91) 9355258181

info@theranos.care

Lutetium-PSMA Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Summary in a Minute

Lutetium PSMA therapy (Pluvicto), also known as Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy in India, is a targeted radiation therapy designed for treating advanced prostate cancer. This therapy uses a radiolabeled molecule that specifically targets Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA), which is overexpressed on prostate cancer cells. The Lutetium-177 isotope delivers localized radiation directly to the cancer cells, helping to shrink tumors and slow cancer progression. Pluvicto offers a promising treatment option for patients with metastatic or castration-resistant prostate cancer, particularly when other therapies have been ineffective.

Overview & Working

PSMA (Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen) is a protein found on the surface of prostate cancer cells. Working is described below –

1. A small molecule that binds to PSMA (called a ligand) is labeled with the radioactive isotope
Lutetium-177.
2. This radioactive compound is injected into the patient’s bloodstream and selectively binds to
PSMA-positive prostate cancer cells (Mapping done on a pretherapy PSMA PET scan).
3. Lutetium-177 emits beta radiation, which kills cancer cells while minimizing damage to
surrounding healthy tissue.

Benefits and Indications

1. Effective for advanced prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic cancer).
2. Useful for patients who have failed or are intolerant to other treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, hormone therapy etc).
3. Enhanced tumor control.
4. Improves quality of life and extends survival.

Availability and Administration

Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy is typically administered in specialized nuclear medicine departments or
cancer centers. Treatment protocols vary, but usually involve:
1. Multiple injections (mostly 4-6 cycles) spaced several weeks (Mostly 6-8 weeks) apart.
2. Monitoring with imaging test (PSMA PET scan) and blood test (Serum PSA, kidney function tests) to assess treatment response.

Side Effects

1. Fatigue
2. Nausea and vomiting
3. Bone marrow suppression
4. Kidney damage (rare)
5. Secondary cancers (extremely rare)

Research and Approvals

Lutetium PSMA therapy in India has shown promising results in clinical trials and has been approved by regulatory authorities in several countries, including:
1. FDA (USA): Approved under the brand name Pluvicto (Lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) in March 2022.
2. EMA (Europe): Approved under the brand name Pluvicto in December 2021.

Clinical Trials

Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of Lutetium PSMA therapy:
1. VISION trial (NCT03511664): Phase 3 study showing improved overall survival and progression-free survival.
2. TheraP trial (NCT03392428): Phase 2 study demonstrating high response rates and manageable toxicity.
3. LuPSMA trial (NCT01565764): Phase 1/2 study establishing safety and feasibility.

FAQs about Lu-177 PSMA Therapy

Targeted internal radiation therapy for advanced prostate cancer. Binds to PSMA-positive cancer cells, delivering selected internal radiation.

PSMA-positive and FDG negative tumors (for this you have to undergo two different types of
PET scans ie. PSMA PET & FDG PET), adequate kidney function (determined on blood tests and DTPA Renal scan), and Bone marrow reserve (determined on blood tests).

Standard radiation safety protocols will be explained by Radiation Safety Officer.

Typically, 200 mCi per cycle (can vary between 100 – 250 mCi depending upon various factors).

Disclaimer: This information is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns or treatment decisions.

Contact Information

Contact for appointments for Scans and Therapies.

Phone

+91-9650057298
+91-9355258181

Email
info@theranos.care
Address
Sarvodaya Hospital, 
Sector 8, Faridabad, Haryana, India

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