While prostate cancer is typically a non-aggressive tumor, it can still be a worrying diagnosis, especially when it is discovered after metastases have spread. Although a range of treatments, from surgery to radiotherapy, are available for early-stage prostate cancer, advanced stages require specialized systemic treatments. One option you might consider in this situation is Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy in Germany. The country has gained a great deal of positive experience with this ground-breaking procedure, which holds out hope for many people.
What is Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy?
Once metastases have spread, conventional treatments such as surgery or radiotherapy may not be enough. At these advanced stages, it’s important to target all cancer cells, regardless of their location. Lutetium PSMA therapy offers a systemic approach that works throughout the body.
The method involves the intravenous injection of a radiopharmaceutical. This substance specifically targets cancer cells because of its affinity for a molecular target called PSMA, a prostate-specific membrane antigen. PSMA is present at significantly higher levels in cancer cells than in normal cells. The drug has two components:
- PSMA ligands: these are molecules capable of binding to PSMA
- Radionuclide: specifically, Lutetium-177, although other substances can also be used for this purpose
The PSMA ligands guide the Lutetium to the malignant tumor. Lutetium’s popularity in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer is due to its short beta radiation, which minimizes damage to surrounding tissue, and its half-life of just two days.
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Indications for Lutetium 177 PSMA therapy
This method is particularly good for patients whose prostate cancer hasn’t responded to chemotherapy or hormone treatment. To be eligible for treatment, the tumor must be PSMA positive. The process starts with a PSMA PET scan, where a small amount of radiopharmaceutical is injected to ensure the tumor has the ability to accumulate it.
The procedure
The Lutetium-177 treatment is relatively short and well-tolerated. One therapy course consists of a single injection. After that, patients usually spend three nights in the hospital and are discharged on the fourth day. Throughout the treatment, doctors meticulously monitor patients’ state to ensure their safety and the procedure’s efficacy. This therapy is repeated every eight weeks, continuing as long as it proves effective and safe for the patient.
Lutetium therapy is a remarkable advancement in metastatic prostate cancer treatment. Its benefits include:
- Treating advanced cancer stages when other treatments fail
- Fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy
- Potential 95% or more reduction in PSA levels post-treatment
Why choose Germany for your treatment?
Germany offers advanced methods of prostate cancer treatment. Some top reasons to consider include:
- Pioneering in Lutetium therapy: German medical professionals were among the first to introduce Lutetium-177 treatment centers, gaining invaluable experience
- Cutting-edge technology: German clinics have the latest radiology and oncology equipment
- Comprehensive diagnostics: before the procedure, a thorough examination ensures that radioligand therapy will work and is suitable
Moreover, when combined with other treatments, like external beam radiation therapy or brachytherapy, the success rate for even aggressive prostate cancers is impressive. Many patients can expect to live an additional 5-10 years or more post-diagnosis, all thanks to the nation’s top-tier medical expertise, which often comes at a surprisingly affordable cost. With that said, it’s important to understand that Lutetium therapy cost mostly depends on the patient’s condition and the stage of the disease.
How to find an affordable treatment
Choosing the right healthcare expertise is crucial, especially when dealing with serious conditions, though navigating a healthcare system abroad can be complicated. Medical tourism company Booking Health aims to simplify this for you. Booking Health can help you:
- Pick a reputable nuclear medicine hospital in Germany
- Overcome language barriers
- Obtain treatments at more reasonable prices
- Handle the logistics of your medical trip, from visas to post-treatment follow-up
Booking Health helps you focus on getting better while someone else takes care of the details. After all, dealing with health concerns is stressful enough. With expert assistance, you can navigate it more easily and concentrate on what’s truly important.
