Lutetium-177 Octreotate Therapy

Lutetium-177 (Lu177) Octreotate Therapy is a targeted radionuclide therapy for patients with neuroendocrine cancers. This therapy is ideal for metastatic neuroendocrine cancer patients who demonstrate a high tracer uptake on the Gallium-68 Octreotide PET/CT scan.

Purpose of Lu177 Octreotate therapy

The Lu177 Octreotate Therapy is a form of targeted “magic bullet” cancer therapy, where carrier agents deliver tumor-destroying radioactive nuclide to the targeted cancer tissue. The therapy aims to shrink the tumor and stabilize the disease. Patients whose bodies have not been responsive to other therapies or treatments may be referred to undergo this therapy.

Preparing for the Procedure

• Fasting is not required but water is permissible as you will need to stay hydrated
• Medications may need to be on hold until the therapy is completed. Consult your doctor or Nuclear Medicine Physician for further advice
• Before the treatment, you will have to consult a Nuclear Medicine Physician, and undergo the Lu177 Octreotate PET/CT scan as well as various blood tests
• Language interpretation services are available if required

You will be required to sign a consent form before undergoing the Lu177 Octreotate Therapy.

Procedure

• Intravenous lines will be placed on both  of your arms
• You will be given anti-nausea medication
• You will receive intravenous hydration (normal saline) and infusion of Amino Acid (AA). The Lu177 Octreotate Therapy will commence 60 minutes after administration of normal saline and AA
• The Lu177 Octreotate Therapy procedure will take place for about 30 minutes
• A Nuclear Medicine Technologist will monitor your level of radiation after the infusion procedure is completed at different intervals
• You are advised to urinate after the administrations
• Each Lu177 Octreotate Therapy cycle involves an outpatient appointment at Nuclear Medicine Suite. You may be required to remain in the suite for an estimated 6-8 hours throughout the therapy session. You may leave the suite only when your radiation levels are within acceptable limits
• You will be scheduled to return the next day, at approximately 24 hours post- infusion, for a full body scan

Post Procedure

• There are potential risks and side effects in undergoing this treatment. Short term complications following administration of Lu177 includes nausea and headache
•  Vomiting may also occur on rare occasions. Pre-medications are given to reduce the likelihood of these side effects
• You are encouraged to be on oral rehydration for at least two days after the procedure to keep your body hydrated
• After the procedure, the radiotracer will quickly decay and will be excreted through your urine
• Flush the toilet twice after each use. Avoid splashing while urinating to prevent contamination
• Normal activities can be resumed after the post-infusion full body scan
• Avoid prolonged close contact (at least six feet distance) with pregnant women and young children under the age of five, for at least one week after treatment

For more enquiries or to make an appointment, call  (65) 6705 2777. 
 

Reference: 
GE Healthcare 
1. http://www.snmmi.org/NewsPublications/NewsDetail.aspx?ItemNumber=29473
2. http://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/57/8/1170.full.pdf+html