What Is Lutetium 177 Therapy?
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Lutetium-177 therapy is an innovative and targeted prostate cancer treatment for patients with advanced prostate cancer, especially those with metastatic prostate cancer. “Targeted” means that the treatment specifically seeks out and binds to prostate cancer cells while avoiding nearby healthy tissues.
🔹This treatment uses nuclear medicine to deliver radiation directly to prostate cancer cells, helping manage disease progression. This method gives hope when other prostate cancer treatments have not been effective.
What is Lutetium 177?
It’s a radioactive substance that binds to PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen), which is present in high amounts on tumor cells. This allows Lutetium-177 to deliver targeted radiation, destroying cancer cells while sparing the healthy tissues. This approach leads to fewer adverse events than traditional hormonal therapies and other treatments.
✅Patients treated with Lutetium-177 treatment for prostate cancer often experience improved progression-free survival and a higher chance of living longer with fewer symptoms. The lutetium 177 success rate has been encouraging, showing that many patients respond well, even in cases of castration-resistant prostate cancer.
This therapy is part of treatment regimens recommended for patients needing a powerful alternative to first-line treatment options.
How Does Lutetium-177 Treatment Work for Prostate Cancer?
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Facing advanced prostate cancer is overwhelming, especially when other treatment options have not brought the hoped-for results. But there is hope in Lutetium-177 therapy. This innovative approach consists of the following stages:
| Step |
Description |
| 1. Clinical examination |
The patient undergoes a thorough examination and review of medical reports to assess suitability for the treatment. |
| 2. Blood tests |
Blood tests are performed to ensure the patient’s liver and kidney functions are normal, as these organs help process the treatment. |
| 3. Injection of radiopharmaceutical |
A doctor injects radiopharmaceutical containing Lutetium-177 into the patient’s vein. This substance accumulates specifically in tumor cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissues. |
| 4. Targeting cancer cells |
The radiopharmaceutical travels through the bloodstream and binds to PSMA on prostate cancer cells. |
| 5. Delivering radiation |
Lutetium-177 releases radiation directly to the cancer cells, effectively destroying them while sparing nearby healthy tissues. |
| 6. Monitored stay |
The patient stays in a screened ward for a short period to ensure safety and monitor any immediate reactions. |
Effectiveness of Lutetium-177 Therapy for Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Lutetium-177 therapy is a powerful treatment for advanced prostate cancer. It works well, even for patients whose cancer has spread and who have tried many other treatments.
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🔹A study by Hofman and his team showed excellent results. Over half of 30 patients treated had their PSA levels drop by 50% or more. This means their cancer responded well. Most patients felt better by the second treatment cycle. There were no deaths from the treatment, and side effects like dry mouth, nausea, and tiredness were usually mild.
🔹Another study by Rahbar included 145 patients. Nearly half of them had a big drop in PSA levels after their treatment. Some patients felt better after just one session. While a few had side effects like anemia or low blood counts, these were manageable. This study showed that Lutetium-177 therapy works better and is safer than many other treatments for hard-to-treat prostate cancer.
🔹The VISION trial was even bigger. It included over 800 patients. Those who got Lutetium-177 therapy lived longer and had more time before their cancer grew. Patients treated with this therapy had a median of 8.7 months before their cancer got worse, compared to just 3.4 months for those who didn't get it. They also lived around four months longer overall. Some side effects were stronger in this group, but most patients handled them well.
Is This Treatment Safe?
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In conclusion, lutetium 177 life expectancy outcomes are promising for patients with advanced prostate cancer, particularly those with metastatic castration-resistant types.
A review of several studies showed a biochemical response rate of 45%, with 40% of patients responding after only one treatment cycle. In another analysis, 65% of patients experienced a PSA reduction of more than 50%, and 23% had a reduction of over 90% after multiple treatment cycles.The lutetium 177 success rate is impressive, with studies showing effective targeting of cancer cells.
Lutetium-177 Treatment Costs Across The Globe
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The lutetium-177 treatment cost UK and Germany are among the highest, reaching up to $44,000 and $45,000, respectively. In contrast, Turkey offers lu 177 treatment at a significantly lower cost, ranging from $6,500 to $13,000. This represents potential savings of up to $32,000, which is about 71% less than the highest lutetium psma therapy cost in Germany or the UK.
Austria and Spain offer lutetium 177 treatment for prostate cancer at costs up to $35,000, providing savings of about 22% or $10,000 compared to the top prices in Germany and the UK.
🏷️For patients considering lutetium 177 treatment, seeking care in a country like Turkey can be an excellent way to reduce treatment costs while receiving high-quality care.
Lutetium therapy cost comparison
| Country |
Cost Range |
| Austria |
$16,000 - $35,000 |
| Germany |
$24,000 - $45,000 |
| Israel |
$25,000 - $40,000 |
| Spain |
$16,000 - $35,000 |
| Turkey |
$6,500 - $13,000 |
| USA |
$18,000 - $27,000 |
| UK |
$26,000 - $44,000 |
All-Inclusive Lu 177 Treatment Packages
Lutetium-177 therapy packages are designed to make the treatment process stress-free for patients. These packages bundle essential services to simplify the medical journey.
✅Benefits of all-Inclusive packages
All-inclusive lutetium-177 therapy packages offer comprehensive care, providing patients with everything they need from start to finish. These packages often include medical procedures, accommodation, transport, and continuous support, making the experience more manageable and predictable.
What is included in a typical package?
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Most Lutetium-177 therapy packages offer:
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The therapy itself and medical consultations.
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Preoperative and blood tests, plus follow-up exams like PET/CT scans.
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Hospital stay (1-2 days) and several nights in a hotel.
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Transport services (VIP or standard transfers).
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24/7 assistance and a personal medical coordinator.
*Important to double-check what services are included into a specific deal.
| ✔️ Typically Included Services |
✖️ Details to Clarify |
| Lutetium-177 therapy and consultations |
Accommodation type and quality |
| Preoperative tests and blood tests |
Specific transport options (VIP or standard) |
| Follow-up exams (e.g., PET/CT) |
Scope of procedures and extra costs |
| 1-2 days in the hospital and hotel stay |
Duration of hospital/hotel stay |
| Transport services (e.g., VIP transfers) |
Special services like priority appointments |
| 24/7 assistance and medical coordinator |
|
| Medical travel arrangements and patient advocacy |
|
❕The services in these packages can vary by country. Turkey is known for offering some of the most comprehensive Lutetium-177 therapy packages.
Who Can Get Lutetium-177 Therapy?
Lutetium-177 therapy is for people with advanced prostate cancer. It is especially for those whose cancer has spread and who have tried other treatments without success. Here’s who can get this therapy:
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Confirmed cancer diagnosis. The person must have prostate cancer that is advanced or has spread.
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PSMA-positive cancer. The cancer cells must have PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen) on them. A special scan checks for this. If PSMA is present, the treatment can find and target the cancer cells.
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Tried other treatments. This therapy is for people who have already tried other treatments, like chemotherapy or hormone therapies, and didn’t get the results they needed.
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Healthy organs. The liver and kidneys need to be working well. Blood tests help doctors check this.
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Good overall health. The person must be healthy enough to handle the treatment.
🔹Patients receive this therapy at a comprehensive cancer center, where multidisciplinary teams provide advanced care and access to the latest clinical trials. Bookimed works only with varified clinics.
Treatment Options for Metastatic Prostate Cancer
When prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it is called metastatic prostate cancer, which can be harder to treat. However, several treatment options are available to help control the disease and manage symptoms. Lutetium-177 therapy (also known as Lu-177 treatment) is a newer, promising approach, but other options are available as well.
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Hormonal therapies. Many prostate cancer cells need testosterone, a male hormone, to grow. These hormonal therapies work by lowering testosterone levels in the body. With less testosterone, the cancer cells have less fuel to grow, which can slow disease progression.
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Chemotherapy. This treatment uses powerful drugs that spread throughout the body to kill cancer cells wherever they are. It is often used when the cancer has spread far beyond the prostate.
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Radiation Therapy. High-energy rays are directed at specific spots in the body to kill cancer cells in those areas. This targeted therapy can help reduce the size of tumors and control symptoms in certain places where the cancer has spread.
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Lutetium-177 Therapy (Lu-177). Lutetium-177 therapy is a targeted therapy that uses a radioactive substance to attach to and destroy prostate cancer cells that have PSMA (Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen) markers.
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Surgery. In some cases, surgery may be performed to remove the prostate or to relieve specific symptoms caused by the cancer. Surgery is less common in metastatic cases, but it may still be an option depending on the situation.
Lutetium PSMA therapy cost vs other procedures
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The lutetium-177 treatment cost varies widely based on country, but it is generally higher than traditional treatments due to its specialized nature. Below, we explore how lutetium 177 price compared to other treatments for metastatic prostate cancer.
| Procedure |
Austria |
Germany |
Israel |
Spain |
Turkey |
USA |
UK |
| Hormonal Therapies |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
$2,800 - $4,500 |
$3,500 - $6,000 |
$3,000 - $5,500 |
$1,500 - $3,000 |
$4,000 - $7,000 |
$3,500 - $6,000 |
| Chemotherapy |
$3,500 - $5,500 |
$2,800 - $4,200 |
$4,000 - $7,000 |
$3,500 - $6,000 |
$2,000 - $4,000 |
$10,000 - $15,000 |
$6,000 - $10,000 |
| Radiation Therapy |
$5,000 - $8,000 |
$8,000 - $12,000 |
$7,500 - $10,000 |
$6,500 - $9,500 |
$4,500 - $7,500 |
$15,000 - $30,000 |
$10,000 - $15,000 |
| Surgery |
$15,000 - $25,000 |
$20,000 - $30,000 |
$20,000 - $35,000 |
$15,000 - $25,000 |
$10,000 - $20,000 |
$30,000 - $50,000 |
$20,000 - $35,000 |
| Lutetium-177 Therapy |
$16,000 - $35,000 |
$24,000 - $45,000 |
$25,000 - $40,000 |
$16,000 - $35,000 |
$6,500 - $13,000 |
$18,000 - $27,000 |
$26,000 - $44,000 |
Future of Lutetium 177 Therapy
The future of 177lu therapy is bright, with ongoing research and development aimed at enhancing its safety and efficacy. As more clinical trials are completed, Lu-177 therapy is expected to become a standard treatment option for patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Researchers are also exploring its potential applications in other types of cancer, such as thyroid cancer, and in combination with other treatments to boost its effectiveness.
From a cost-effectiveness perspective, Lu-177 therapy has shown notable clinical benefits and is considered cost-effective for patients with metastatic prostate cancer. A cost-effectiveness analysis highlighted its value from a healthcare system perspective, demonstrating that the therapy provides significant benefits relative to its costs. However, treatment costs can vary depending on the location and specific treatment protocols used.
Overall, Lu-177 therapy is a promising new treatment option for patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Its ability to target PSMA and destroy cancer cells makes it a valuable addition to the treatment landscape for this challenging disease.
References:
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[ 177 Lu]-PSMA-617 radionuclide treatment in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (LuPSMA trial): a single-centre, single-arm, phase 2 study / M. S. Hofman et al. The Lancet Oncology. 2018. Vol. 19, no. 6. P. 825–833. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/s1470-2045(18)30198-0 (date of access: 11.11.2024).
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German Multicenter Study Investigating 177 Lu-PSMA-617 Radioligand Therapy in Advanced Prostate Cancer Patients / K. Rahbar et al. Journal of Nuclear Medicine. 2016. Vol. 58, no. 1. P. 85–90. URL: https://doi.org/10.2967/jnumed.116.183194 (date of access: 11.11.2024).
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Lutetium-177–PSMA-617 for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer / O. Sartor et al. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021. Vol. 385, no. 12. P. 1091–1103. URL: https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2107322 (date of access: 11.11.2024).
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Lutetium-177 PSMA for the treatment of metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer: a systematic review / K. Patell et al. Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy. 2023. URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/14737140.2023.2213892 (date of access: 11.11.2024).