Lutetium-177 DOTA Therapy at Johns Hopkins-Affiliated JCI-Accredited Center

• Lutetium-177 therapy
• Consultation with a doctor
• Blood tests
• Follow-up examination
• Biochemistry blood test

• Transfer airport-clinic-airport

Lutetium-177 DOTA Neuroendocrine Radioligand Therapy Program

The Lutetium-177 (Lu-177) DOTA Radioligand Therapy Program is an advanced targeted treatment option for patients with somatostatin receptor–positive neuroendocrine tumors. This program integrates molecular imaging assessment and systemic radioligand therapy within a structured and carefully monitored treatment pathway.

Prior to therapy, previously performed DOTA PET/CT imaging is reviewed to confirm somatostatin receptor expression and evaluate disease distribution. Treatment eligibility and the final therapy decision are based on this molecular imaging assessment, ensuring an individualized and precisely targeted treatment approach.

The therapy utilizes Lutetium-177, a beta-emitting radioisotope attached to a DOTA-based targeting molecule that selectively binds to somatostatin receptor–expressing tumor cells. Once internalized, Lutetium-177 releases therapeutic radiation that damages tumor cell DNA, leading to controlled tumor cell destruction. Because beta radiation has a moderate tissue penetration range, it allows effective treatment of metastatic lesions while maintaining an established and favorable safety profile.

The program is conducted under the medical leadership of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kezban Berberoğlu, Director of Nuclear Medicine, who brings more than 20 years of experience in nuclear medicine and advanced molecular imaging. All treatments are administered in a specialized nuclear medicine department under strict safety and monitoring protocols.

The therapeutic compound is sourced through internationally regulated pharmaceutical supply channels, including certified medication suppliers in Belgium, Russia, and the United States, ensuring high manufacturing standards, quality control, and traceability. The radiopharmaceutical is produced in Non-Carrier-Added (NCA) quality, providing high specific activity and optimized therapeutic performance.

Included Services

• Nuclear medicine consultation
• Blood tests (kidney, liver, hematologic profile)
• MAG-3 renal scintigraphy (first cycle only, if clinically indicated)
• Lutetium-177 DOTA treatment administration
• Post-treatment scan
• Medical follow-up by nuclear medicine specialist
• Verification of residual radioactivity for flight compatibility

The recommended stay is approximately three days per treatment cycle, including arrival and departure, provided no significant side effects or unexpected medical events occur. If necessary, monitoring may be extended to ensure patient safety.

For patient convenience, cost-efficient partner hotels are available near the hospital, offering daily shuttle service between the hotel and the medical center to ensure smooth and organized logistics throughout the treatment process.

• Personal medical coordinator
• Medical travel arrangements — booking of air tickets and hotel rooms at special partner prices
• Patient advocacy during medical travel