Radiopharmaceuticals

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Following the scan, a radioactive drug is used to treat the tumors. The drug is given as an injection and selectively targets the tumor cells while avoiding healthy cells. Theranostic pairs are complementary imaging and therapeutic agents with a common target tumor receptor site. Four FDA-approved treatments currently exist, and many more pairs are in clinical trials.

Therapeutic

RAI Radioactive Iodine I-131

Xofigo Ra223 dichloride

Pluvicto Lu177 PSMA

Lutathera Lu177 dotatate

Types of Theranostic Treatments

LUTATHERA Lu-177

Overview

Lutathera (lutetium Lu177 dotatate) is a peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) currently FDA-approved for GEPNETs (gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors). This regimen includes beta-emitting radiotracer intervals every 8 weeks for 4 cycles, and a Lanreotide or Octreotide injection every 4 weeks.

What to Expect

This treatment will take roughly 6 hours in a special suite with a private restroom. You will receive anti-nausea medications and amino acids before the Lutathera infusion and will be monitored throughout the afternoon while amino acids continue to infuse. Your loved ones will not be able to stay in the room with you during this time. You will need special arrangements at home to protect the ones around you from radiation exposure.

Frequency

Infusions are administered every 8 weeks for a total of 4 sessions.

Ask your doctor for more information or visit: us.lutathera.com.

PLUVICTO Lu-177

Overview

Pluvicto (lutetium Lu-177 vipivotide tetraxetan or PSMA-617) is a type of radioligand therapy injected intravenously, targeting a biomarker called PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen). Once it reaches the cells with PSMA receptors, it releases radiation, destroying the cells from within. You qualify for this therapy if you have metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), have had a positive PSMA PET scan, and have undergone hormone therapy or both hormone and chemotherapy.

What to Expect

The infusion takes just a couple of minutes, but expect about 2 hours in the Theranostics Suite for education, consent, vitals, IV fluids, and emptying your bladder before leaving. Your loved ones will not be able to stay in the room with you during this time. You will need special arrangements at home to protect the ones around you from radiation exposure. Your radiation oncology team will assist in preparing for this treatment.

Frequency

Injections are administered every 6 weeks for a total of 6 sessions.

Ask your doctor for more information or visit: us.pluvicto.com.

XOFIGO Ra-223

Overview

Xofigo (Zo-fi-go) is a form of radiation therapy given through an IV that binds through calcium channels in the bone to attack bone metastatic disease from prostate cancer.

What to Expect

It is a 1-minute infusion given in an exam room. Minimal precautions are needed for this procedure because it uses an alpha emitter, which has different radiation properties than a beta emitter. Your Radiation Oncologist and their care team will review those precautions with you.

Frequency

Injections are administered every 4 weeks for a total of 6 sessions.

Ask your doctor for more information or visit: xofigo-us.com.

Radioactive Iodine I-131

Overview

Radioactive Iodine (RAI) therapy involves taking an oral capsule containing sodium iodide labeled with I-131. It is used to ablate (destroy) residual thyroid tissue or any remaining thyroid cells following thyroidectomy. Your endocrinologist, surgeon, or another physician likely referred you here after your thyroid surgery.

What to Expect

During the initial days following treatment, you will need to take precautions, including staying in a separate room, using a private bathroom, limiting close contact with others, and avoiding public places to minimize radiation exposure to family and the public.

Frequency

Typically 1 or 2 cycles are completed as needed.

Ask your doctor for more information.

Treatment Data