For metastatic prostate cancer, you can undergo Lutetium-177 therapy in Germany. This isotope is injected into the body, it then finds all tumor foci and destroys them.


Treatment of metastatic prostate cancer


In metastatic prostate cancer, local treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy have limited potential. They are often not used or are used as part of palliative treatment. The main role in the therapeutic process belongs to systemic methods: those that affect the entire body rather than separate tumor foci.

Chemotherapy and hormone therapy are used for metastatic prostate cancer. If these stop working, Lutetium-177-PSMA therapy is given. This is a type of radionuclide therapy. The Lutetium-177 isotope can destroy tumor foci in the body, even if the physician does not know where exactly they are located.

How does it work? The radiopharmaceutical is injected intravenously. After that, it is distributed in the body. As a result, Lutetium attaches to malignant cells because they contain on their surface protein molecules – prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). It is for this reason that the treatment method is called PSMA therapy.

Lutetium accumulates in the tumor and its metastases, and then destroys them with beta rays. The radiation spreads only to a distance of a few millimeters, so healthy tissues are virtually unaffected.


How is the treatment carried out?


First, the patient undergoes a physical examination, he takes a number of general clinical tests. The PSA level in the blood is assessed, then PET/CT is performed. During the procedure, the doctor can not only detect metastatic foci, but also check whether the radionuclide accumulates in cancer cells.

The next day, therapy for metastatic prostate cancer is performed. The drug is injected into a vein, very slowly, for 15 minutes. For the next 1-2 days, the man stays in a shielded room. PET is then repeated to evaluate the results of the procedure.

Treatment with Lutetium-177 is given 3 to 4 times. There are 8 weeks between injections of the drug. Every 4 weeks, the patient is examined.

How long PSMA therapy for prostate cancer treatment is carried out depends on the results achieved. More than 70% of patients respond to therapy. This is a high indicator, given that the technique is used in advanced cases. Radionuclide therapy is used if the PSA level is high, there are many metastatic foci, and chemotherapy no longer helps to control the disease.


How safe is the treatment?


Treatment with radioactive isotopes cannot be called 100% safe. However, compared to other treatment methods, Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy in Germany is well tolerated and rarely causes complications.

There may be no side effects at all. Some patients complain of dry mouth, nausea. Some have swelling of the mucous membranes, which makes it difficult for them to swallow and speak.

In the presence of metastatic foci in the liver, mechanical jaundice may develop. If the doctor has found metastases, it may be necessary to stent the bile ducts as part of the preparation for PSMA therapy.


Undergoing treatment with Lutetium for prostate cancer abroad


The cost of Lutetium treatment in German clinics ranges from 22 to 41 thousand euros. German medical centers accept foreign patients. You can book a treatment program through Booking Health service. We offer:

  • Choosing the best hospital in Germany that specializes in radionuclide treatment of metastatic prostate cancer.

  • Reducing prices for medical services. Treatment with 177Lu- PSMA will be less expensive due to the exclusion of surcharges for foreign patients.

  • Reduced waiting time for the start of treatment and appointment for convenient dates.

  • Communication with the clinic, solution of all organizational issues.

The Booking Health team offers high-level services such as ticket booking, hotel booking, airport transfer to and from the clinic.