Radiotargeted therapy is an effective and safe suppression of prostate cancer metastases in bones and internal organs. The therapeutic radionuclide Lutetium-177 quickly accumulates in cancer cells and destroys them with radiation. The treatment is effective even in men who have previously received hormone therapy or chemotherapy. You can undergo this type of cancer treatment in Germany. You are welcome to use the services of the Booking Health company to make an appointment at a specialized clinic for the most suitable dates at the best Lutetium-177 treatment cost.
When doctors use Lutetium in medicine
Most often, doctors use Lutetium for prostate cancer treatment. It is applied in the most severe cases, if:
- There are distant metastases in the bones and internal organs
- Cancer becomes castration-resistant, i.e. continues to progress against the background of hormone therapy
- Doctors can no longer control the disease with chemotherapy
Even in such situations, Lutetium-177 therapy leads to a decrease, and in some cases, to the disappearance of all tumor foci.
Principle of the method
Treatment of the advanced prostate cancer in German clinics involves the use of PSMA therapy. This radiotargeted therapy is based on the recognition of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA).
The patient receives an intravenous injection of a radiopharmaceutical consisting of two parts: a ligand that can selectively bind to PSMA and a radionuclide attached to it. Ligands provide a targeted action of the drug. Since there is almost no PSMA in healthy tissues, the drug selectively accumulates in tumors. It delivers to them the second part of the radiopharmaceutical agent – the radionuclide that is responsible for the destruction of cancer cells by radiation. Lutetium-177 radiation spreads for about 1 mm, so it does not damage the tissues surrounding the tumor.
Advantages of the method
PSMA therapy in Germany is the most advanced way to fight malignant tumors. It has an excellent profile of effectiveness and safety. The advantages of the method are as follows:
- It is effective even in the most severe cases: for tumors that do not respond to hormone therapy and chemotherapy
- It affects not only the primary tumor, but also metastases of any localization
- It provides good results in most patients
- In some men, Lutetium causes complete regression of tumors – they are no longer detected by imaging diagnostic methods
- There were cases of a complete response to prostate cancer treatment for many years, which with a high probability means a complete cure for stage 4 prostate cancer
- The treatment is well tolerated – patients report about fewer side effects than those undergoing chemotherapy
- The risk of developing severe complications is negligible, and the benefits of treatment clearly outweigh any risks
How the treatment is carried out
The radiopharmaceutical is administered intravenously, slowly. Doctors cool the salivary glands in order to avoid Lutetium-177 accumulation and prevent dry mouth. To protect the kidneys, infusion therapy is carried out.
After the administration of the drug, a patient spends three days in the hospital. All this time, radiation protection measures are observed. On the fourth day, a man is discharged from the hospital.
Injections of the radiopharmaceutical are repeated every 2 months. After every two cycles, PSMA PET/CT is performed to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. In addition, a patient undergoes a general clinical examination to ensure the safety of the therapy and, if necessary, take measures to eliminate complications.
To undergo Lutetium-177 cancer treatment in Germany, you are welcome to make an appointment at the clinic with the help of the Booking Health service. Our website provides up-to-date information about the best clinics in Germany and doctors who specialize in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer.
You will also receive treatment at a reduced price, since the patients of the Booking Health company do not have to pay extra charges for foreigners. In addition, we will fully organize your trip, and you will only have to focus on restoring your health.