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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