Presso la Casa di Cura Pio XI è attiva la Terapia con Lutezio-177, una tecnologia medico-nucleare all’avanguardia che consente di colpire in modo selettivo e mirato le cellule tumorali, preservando i tessuti sani circostanti.
How it works
Lutezio-177 is a radioactive isotope bound to a “vehicle” molecule that recognizes specific receptors on the surface of the tumor. Once attached to the cell, Lutezio releases radiation (beta particles) in a beam of only a few millimeters, destroying the DNA of the tumor.
Main applications
Currently, this therapy is used primarily for:
- Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs): especially those gastro-enteric-pancreatic ones that express receptors for somatostatin (often treated with the drug Lutathera).
- Advanced Prostate Cancer: Used in metastatic cases resistant to castration (CRPC) that express the PSMA protein.
Procedure and administration
- Modes: slow intravenous infusion, usually in about 20-30 minutes.
- Standard protocol: It often involves 4 spaced cycles of about 8 weeks apart from each other.
- Regime: It may require a brief stay in a “protected zone” (about 3 days) for the management of radioactivity, although some centers of excellence are implementing day hospital protocols.
Common side effects
Although it is generally well tolerated, the following may occur:
- Fatigue (asthenia) and nausea.
- Temporary reduction in white blood cells, red blood cells or platelets (anemia or leukopenia).
- Monitoring of renal function is necessary, as the drug is eliminated through the urine.
