Lutetium 177 Therapy (LU177-DOTATATE)

Lutetium 177 therapy in Israel involves administering the radioactive compound via intravenous infusion. The peptide acts as a “carrier,” delivering the lutetium directly to the tumor site. The goal of lutetium 177 therapy for cancer is to reduce tumor size and improve the patient’s quality of life. Response to treatment varies between patients.

LU177 DOTATATE is a radiolabeled molecule that specifically binds to somatostatin receptors found on certain types of tumors. This form of therapy, known as targeted therapy, allows for precise delivery of radiation to tumor cells. Lutetium 177 treatment in Israel is available for patients whose diagnostic imaging confirms the presence of somatostatin receptors in their tumors.

Patients considered for lutetium 177 therapy in Israel must undergo imaging studies to confirm receptor presence and kidney function tests, as kidneys also have these receptors.

Your physician must be informed about all medications you are taking, as some drugs may interfere with therapy. In particular, patients receiving long-acting somatostatin injections must stop these treatments at least 4 weeks before starting lutetium 177 therapy for cancer.

Bring all medications with you to the treatment session. Note that pregnancy should be avoided for at least 6 months following therapy. Men are also advised to use contraception during and for 6 months after the course of treatment.

Hospitalization for lutetium 177 therapy without waiting typically lasts 24-48 hours. It is recommended to bring as few items as possible, as the radioactive material is excreted mainly through urine, but also through feces, saliva, and sweat. All personal items used during the hospital stay will be checked for radiation before discharge.

The radiopharmaceutical is administered intravenously over approximately 30 minutes, along with an eight-hour infusion of amino acids to protect the kidneys. The night before treatment, patients are admitted to the oncology ward. Blood tests and other diagnostics are performed after therapy.

On the day of therapy, anti-nausea medication is given before the infusion. Following this, the lutetium 177 treatment is delivered intravenously, accompanied by fluids and amino acids. Following all medical staff instructions is crucial for both effectiveness and safety.

Patients may feel fatigue in the days following therapy, which is normal. Some may also experience nausea. It’s important to inform the medical team of any changes in well-being. Blood counts (hemoglobin, white blood cells, platelets) may temporarily decrease.

Before discharge, radiation levels will be measured to ensure they are below safe thresholds. Even after discharge, small amounts of radiation remain in the body, which can expose others to low-level radiation. Therefore, patients must follow specific safety instructions provided by the medical physicist, including distancing from others, especially pregnant women and children.

Patients should drink plenty of fluids, wash clothes and toothbrushes thoroughly, flush the toilet twice after each use, and maintain strict hygiene. Men should sit while urinating to avoid splashes. Special wipes used in the bathroom should be flushed immediately. Avoid public places, swimming pools, and close contact with others, including sexual activity, for at least a week after therapy.

Lutetium 177 gradually exits the body, primarily through urine. Radiation levels decrease naturally over time. Daily checks by a medical physicist will determine when the patient can safely return to normal activities.

Companions must wait outside the treatment room and should not sit close to the patient. Discharge instructions will detail when patients can return to work and resume normal life. When traveling home, patients should sit diagonally in the car away from the driver.

LU177 DOTATATE therapy without waiting is offered at Ichilov oncology center in Israel. This innovative treatment combines precise targeting with advanced nuclear medicine to offer hope for patients with neuroendocrine tumors and other somatostatin receptor-positive cancers. Israel’s multidisciplinary teams ensure safe, effective therapy with minimized waiting times, helping patients access cutting-edge care without delay.