For Patients · Theranostics · Lu-177 PSMA
Lu-177 PSMA Therapy
If we can see it, we can treat it.
Lu-177 PSMA therapy is a targeted treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), available at Initio for both Canadian and international patients.
Overview
What is Lu-177 PSMA therapy?
Lu-177 PSMA therapy — also called Lutetium-177 PSMA — is a form of targeted radiation treatment. PSMA is a protein found on the surface of most prostate cancer cells. Lutetium-177 is a radioactive substance that damages the DNA of the cells it reaches. By attaching the Lutetium-177 to a molecule that seeks out PSMA, the therapy delivers radiation directly to prostate cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue as much as possible.
Who it is for
When Lu-177 PSMA therapy is considered.
Lu-177 PSMA therapy is prescribed for specific situations, decided by your medical team:
It is used for prostate cancer that has spread and progressed despite standard hormone therapy.
A PSMA PET/CT scan first confirms that your cancer carries the PSMA target the therapy needs.
It is often considered when earlier treatments are no longer controlling the disease.
Your suitability is confirmed by blood tests, kidney function and specialist review.
Am I a candidate
Am I a candidate?
Because this is a treatment rather than a scan, eligibility is assessed carefully. It begins with a consultation and a diagnostic PSMA PET/CT to confirm the target is present. Your medical team makes the final decision.
Most scans need a requisition from your physician or nurse practitioner. Speak to them about a referral — and if it helps, bring the form with you.
01
You have metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
02
A PSMA PET/CT has confirmed your cancer is PSMA-positive.
03
Your blood counts and kidney function are suitable for therapy.
04
You have discussed the benefits and risks with our nuclear medicine specialist.
How to prepare
Before your treatment.
Preparation is individualized and begins with a detailed consultation. Your coordinator gives you a complete, step-by-step plan for your specific protocol. In general:
Treatment begins with a consultation with our precision oncology and nuclear medicine team, and a confirming PSMA PET/CT.
Drinking plenty of water before and after each session helps your body clear any excess therapeutic agent naturally.
Your team reviews your medications and bloodwork before each cycle.
Because every protocol is individual, your coordinator provides exact instructions for your treatment.
What to expect
Comfortable, private, monitored.
Therapy is given as an intravenous infusion in a private suite by our specialised nuclear medicine team, with monitoring throughout.
The Lu-177 PSMA agent is given slowly through an IV line in a private treatment suite.
You are monitored during and after the infusion by our team.
You remain with us for a period after treatment before going home the same day.
Treatment is usually given as several cycles — commonly up to six — spaced about six weeks apart, depending on your response.
Results
Response and follow-up.
Your team checks blood counts, kidney function and how you are feeling before each cycle.
Scans may be used to see how the disease is responding over the course of treatment.
Your nuclear medicine specialist and oncologist review progress and plan each next step together.
Aftercare
After each treatment — radiation safety.
Because the therapy is radioactive, a small amount of radiation leaves your body for a while after each session. Simple precautions keep the people around you safe. Your team gives you clear, written instructions each time — the points below are the general shape of them.
Most of the agent leaves through your urine. Drinking plenty of water and using the toilet frequently in the first day or two helps clear it and lowers the dose to your bladder.
Limit long, close contact with others for a short period. Many patients are advised to sleep alone for the first few nights. Precautions are strictest in the first 24 hours and ease over the following days.
Take particular care to keep your distance from pregnant people and young children, for a little longer than with other adults.
Sit to use the toilet, flush well, and wash your hands thoroughly. Your team explains the full set of at-home steps.
Side effects
What to watch for.
Like any treatment, Lu-177 PSMA therapy can cause side effects. Most are mild and settle within a few days. Your nuclear medicine physician discusses the common and the rare-but-important ones with you at your consultation.
Tiredness is common and usually temporary.
The therapy can affect the salivary and tear glands.
Some patients feel nauseous or occasionally vomit; this usually passes.
The therapy can lower blood counts, which is why they are checked before every cycle.
Cost
What it costs.
Pricing on request
Lu-177 PSMA therapy
We publish our prices up front. This service is quoted individually because the cost depends on the protocol your physician orders. Contact us and we will confirm the full cost, and any funding options, before you book.
FAQ
Lu-177 PSMA therapy, answered.
How many treatments will I need?
Treatment is given in cycles, commonly up to six, spaced about six weeks apart. The exact number depends on how your disease responds, your blood and kidney results, and your physician’s judgement.
Is the infusion painful?
No. It is given through an IV line, similar to other infusions. You are monitored in a private suite throughout.
Will I be radioactive afterwards?
A small amount of radiation leaves your body for a while after each session. Simple precautions — explained and written down by your team — keep the people around you safe. The amount falls quickly over the first hours and days.
What are the main side effects?
Fatigue, dry mouth or dry eyes, and nausea are the most common, and usually settle within days. Blood counts can drop, which is why they are monitored before each cycle.
Do I need a referral?
Yes. Therapy begins with referral, a confirming PSMA PET/CT, and an eligibility assessment by your medical team.
Can international patients receive this therapy?
Yes. Lu-177 PSMA therapy at Initio is available to both Canadian and international patients, with coordinated scheduling and reporting to your home physician.
Why Initio
Everything under one roof.
The PSMA scan that confirms your target, the radiopharmacy that produces the therapy, and the suite where it is delivered are all under one roof at Initio, run by one specialised team. See it, then treat it — without moving between facilities.
Targeted therapy begins with a consultation. Our team will guide every step.
Prefer to talk first? Call +1 (604) 678-9274, email info@initiomedical.ca, or send us a message.
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