June 20, 2019

Lutetium PSMA Therapy: Cost, Indications, and Specialized Centers


Prostate-specific membrane antigen therapy with Lutetium-177 (Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy) is the easily administered targeted therapy for metastatic prostate cancer. The procedure was elaborated by a group of urologists, oncologists, and radiologists from the University Hospital Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center.

Lutetium PSMA Therapy, health, prostate cancer, therapy,

Prostate-specific membrane antigen therapy with Lutetium-177 (Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy) is the easily administered targeted therapy for metastatic prostate cancer. The procedure was elaborated by a group of urologists, oncologists, and radiologists from the University Hospital Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center.

As a result of the coordinated scientific work, specialists have created the unique molecule – PSMA-617. PSMA-617 is able to recognize prostatic cells, delivering the radiopharmaceutical exactly to the necessary location. Clinical trials show that over 80% of patients with advanced cancer have demonstrated significant response to therapy.

Role of PSMA therapy with Lutetium-177 in the prostate cancer treatment

Treatment of the prostatic cancer rarely starts from the PSMA therapy with Lutetium-177 administration. The initial measures usually include:
  • Surgery (i.e. radical prostatectomy) – removal of the whole tumor and neighboring tissues. Performed at the early disease stage, this is the most efficient therapy.
  • Primary radiotherapy – irradiation of the tumor that leads to its destruction.
  • Androgen deprivation therapy – deprived from the hormonal stimulation, tumor stops its progression.
  • Chemotherapy – makes tumor and its metastases shrink, giving additional months of life.

PSMA therapy with Lutetium-177 is a last-line treatment option, as it can be successfully performed is patients with drug-resistant metastatic cancer. Precisely irradiating remains of the primary tumor and metastases (including the bone ones), Lutetium-177 the same time spares healthy tissues.

Therapy is well tolerated by patients, who are already debilitated by the oncologic process. Although careful observation is required during the procedure, a patient can leave hospital on the same day or the day after.

What affects the costs of Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy?

Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy is performed according to the approved international protocols. Nevertheless, cost of the procedure is not the same in all hospitals. The final price depends on a number of factors:
  1. Preliminary diagnostic program. The patient needs PSMA PET-CT imaging, kidneys functional tests, and osteoscintigraphy.
  2. Quantity of the Lutetium-177 solution. It is calculated based on the patient’s height and weight, age, and kidney function.
  3. Duration of the course. Number of the procedures is determined by localization of metastases, size of the tumor, and response to treatment.
  4. Country and hospital. For example, medical program at the University Hospital Muenster, Germany will cost 14,083 €. Cost of the same therapy at the Charite University Hospital Berlin, Germany will reach 19,952 €.
  5. Presence of the comorbidities. A patient may need simultaneous therapy for managing cardiac symptoms, diabetes mellitus, etc.

Moreover, Lutetium PSMA therapy cost for the international patients may include extra fees and additional coefficients.

Undergoing treatment with Lutetium-177 in the world’s leading hospitals

PSMA therapy with Lutetium-177 is available in a limited number of hospitals, as the procedure is carried out in accordance with the protocol of radiation protection. In addition, radiopharmaceutical is manufactured individually for the patient, as it is unstable and cannot be stored.

Hospitals of Germany, the country-founder of the PSMA therapy, offer high-quality medical services at affordable prices. If you are not a German citizen, you still can apply for receiving the Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy in one of the leading healthcare institutions. In this case, it is better to use help of Booking Health.

Booking Health is a certified medical tourism operator that assists patients from 75 countries in undergoing therapy abroad. Specialists of Booking Health will give you the professional advice in hospital selection, book urgent appointment, exclude overpricing and additional fees, take care about accommodation and interpreter, and stay in touch with you 24/7.

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June 12, 2019

Isla Sugbu Seafood City, Cebu City


During our stay in Cebu for the Chemistry Congress, one of our suppliers invited us to a dinner in a nearby restaurant – Isla Sugbu Seafood City.
Cebu, Isla Sugbu Seafood City, Isla Sugbu, Cebu City

From the name itself, you can already know that foods served here are seafood.

Upon entering the place, it is not just an ordinary restaurant pala, there is fresh seafood corner where you can pick all you want and ask them to cook.

Cebu, Isla Sugbu Seafood City, Isla Sugbu, Cebu City,


Cebu, Isla Sugbu Seafood City, Isla Sugbu, Cebu City,

Cebu, Isla Sugbu Seafood City, Isla Sugbu, Cebu City,
Different kinds of fish

Cebu, Isla Sugbu Seafood City, Isla Sugbu, Cebu City,
Fresh Oysters

Cebu, Isla Sugbu Seafood City, Isla Sugbu, Cebu City,
Crabs
Cebu, Isla Sugbu Seafood City, Isla Sugbu, Cebu City,
Lobsters

There are crews that will assist you while picking and they are also suggesting what dish is the best.

After picking the seafood and waiting for it to be served, there is a buffet table where you can have soup, grilled pork, fried chicken, rice and pancit.
Cebu, Isla Sugbu Seafood City, Isla Sugbu, Cebu City,

Finally, the food is being served.
Cebu, Isla Sugbu Seafood City, Isla Sugbu, Cebu City,
Spicy Crabs

Cebu, Isla Sugbu Seafood City, Isla Sugbu, Cebu City,

Calamares
Cebu, Isla Sugbu Seafood City, Isla Sugbu, Cebu City,
Steamed Shrimps

Cebu, Isla Sugbu Seafood City, Isla Sugbu, Cebu City,
Adobong Pusit
The food tastes great and this is recommended for those who will visit Cebu City. Hindi masasayang ang ibabayad. The price for unlimited paluto is 799 per head.

Isla Sugbu Seafood City is located at Grand Convention Center of Cebu, Archbishop Reyes Avenue, Cebu City.

It opens at 11am to 2pm and reopens at 6pm.
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June 8, 2019

34th Philippine Chemistry Congress (2019)

34th Philippine Chemistry Congress, Philippine Chemistry Congress 2019, #CHEMbisyon, #34PCCMillenialVers, Chemistry Congress Cebu

Last week, the annual Philippine Chemistry Congress was held in Cebu.  The event will let the attendees gain at least 18 CPD points. One of the requirements to renew their professional license.

The 34th PCC was held at Waterfront in Lahug, Cebu City on May 28-30, 2019.
34th Philippine Chemistry Congress, Philippine Chemistry Congress 2019, #CHEMbisyon, #34PCCMillenialVers, Chemistry Congress Cebu
Ribbon Cutting to Officially Start the event
It was filled with discussions and presentations of different studies and innovations in the field of chemistry. From materials sciences, chemistry in medicine, biochemistry, chemistry education, narcotics, natural products, and many more. Unfortunately, there are only a few topics in the field of manufacturing.
34th Philippine Chemistry Congress, Philippine Chemistry Congress 2019, #CHEMbisyon, #34PCCMillenialVers, Chemistry Congress Cebu

This year’s theme is #CHEMbisyon2019: Kimiko Para sa Sariling Bayan. The event also enhances the Balik-Scientist Program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) which promotes Filipino Scientist to continue their research in the field of science.

Aside from the different presentations, booths of different suppliers were also available to see and discuss with some of their products related to chemistry.

There are also posters of different studies displayed in one of the halls. Sorry I wasn’t able to take photos of the poster presentation.

One of the best parts of every convention is the food. LOL. 
#34PCCMillenialVers, #CHEMbisyon, 34th Philippine Chemistry Congress, Chemistry Congress Cebu, Philippine Chemistry Congress 2019,

Although there are lots of tourist destination in Cebu, we were not able to visit even one because of the schedule. 

The congress runs from 8:30 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon.

We flew to Cebu a day before the event pero gabi na nung makarating kami. Our flight back to Manila was the next day after the event but we need to be at the airport at 8:00 in the morning kaya wala talagang chance to tour around the island.

I will make another post on where we had our dinner on the 2nd day – Isla Sugbu in my next post.
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