Discover Your Eligibility for Targeted Lutetium PSMA Therapy in Germany

Despite the excellent prognosis at the early stages of prostate cancer, with a 100% 5-year survival rate, not all tumors respond well to standard treatments. This has led medical scientists worldwide to search for new treatment options. One promising approach is Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy, which is based on the PSMA-617 molecule developed by experts at the University Hospital Heidelberg and the German Cancer Research Center.

### Special Requirements for Treating Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Treating metastatic prostate cancer is challenging because doctors must address not just the primary tumor but also secondary cancer sites. These metastases can spread to organs like the skeleton, liver, and lungs. In Germany, cancer treatment at this stage demands:

– Minimal side effects, as patients are often in poor overall health.
– Limited damage to healthy tissues because destroying bone metastases aggressively can cause fractures.
– The ability to target metastases, even in areas with low metabolic activity like bones.
– Preventing the spread of the primary tumor.
– Reducing the size of both primary tumors and distant metastases, which helps alleviate symptoms.
– Easy-to-perform diagnostic procedures to estimate treatment efficacy.
– Short hospital stays, ideally allowing outpatient treatment.

### How Lutetium-177 Works

Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy meets all these requirements, making it an optimal choice for patients with metastatic cancer. The treatment involves a radiopharmaceutical that binds to the PSMA-617 molecule and accumulates specifically in prostate cancer cells, regardless of their location in the body. This targeted approach ensures that only malignant cells are destroyed.

Patients typically tolerate the procedure well and spend just 2-4 days in the hospital. Results from osteoscintigraphy and PSMA-PET CT scans can often be seen within a few days. Additionally, a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test can be used as a more cost-effective method to monitor disease activity.

### Choosing a Healthcare Facility

Many patients from regions with less advanced healthcare systems seek Lutetium PSMA therapy in Germany. This is understandable, as cutting-edge treatments are initially available only at a few leading hospitals worldwide. While this form of radiation therapy will eventually become more widespread, starting treatment promptly is crucial for metastatic cancer.

Top hospitals in Germany for targeted prostate cancer treatment, according to independent ratings and annual qualification reports, include:

– University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Dresden
– University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg
– University Hospital Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main
– University Hospital Muenster, Muenster
– University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich

These facilities offer swift preparation of individual radiopharmaceuticals (Lutetium-177 solutions cannot be stored or pre-prepared due to their short shelf life) and all necessary pre- and post-procedure tests. The opportunity to receive timely treatment and achieve positive results makes traveling to Germany worthwhile.

### Planning Treatment Abroad with Booking Health

If you’re planning to undergo Lutetium PSMA therapy in Germany, it’s essential to gather detailed information for foreign patients. Non-residents face distinct challenges like separate waiting lists, obtaining treatment invitations, and translating medical documents. For those without international experience, using a service like Booking Health can be beneficial.

Booking Health is a certified medical tourism operator specializing in prostate cancer treatment, serving patients from 75 countries. They can assist you with:

– Choosing the best nuclear medicine department or specialized center.
– Booking appointments, including urgent ones.
– Preparing a preliminary diagnostic program without repeating tests.
– Reducing medical program costs by excluding additional fees, saving up to 50%.
– Monitoring the medical program with independent experts.
– Communicating with your treating physician post-treatment.
– Translating and receiving all medical reports.
– Managing final costs and refunding unspent funds.
– Arranging follow-up exams (blood tests, PSMA PET-CT).
– Providing top-notch non-medical services such as booking accommodation, flights, interpretation, and transfers.

To begin preparations for Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy, fill out a request on the Booking Health website and wait for a medical advisor to contact you.