Information on Lutathera Treatment for cancer
Lutathera® Treatment: What You Can Expect
Lutathera® is a targeted drug therapy known as a radiopharmaceutical. It binds to somatostatin receptors on the surface of cancer cells—receptors that help regulate hormone levels, cell growth and gastrointestinal function. Once inside, Lutathera delivers radiation that damages the cancer cells and surrounding tissue over time. It is the first and only approved radioligand therapy for a type of cancer known as gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) that are positive for the hormone receptor somatostatin.
Why am I getting this treatment?
Lutathera is used to treat adults with GEP-NET.
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How will the treatment be delivered?
Lutathera is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion. Two IV sites will be established in each arm. The first IV line will deliver supportive medications such as anti-nausea medications and amino acid infusion. The second IV line will be strictly for administering the Lutathera. Although you may have a port access, we are not able to utilize the port for radiopharmaceutical infusions due to its radioactivity and exposure to the clinic team. There are strict procedures on the use, handling and disposal of radiopharmaceutical products. Lutathera is only administered in controlled settings by trained healthcare professionals.
How many treatments will I get?
A full course of therapy usually consists of four doses of Lutathera given between eight and 16 weeks apart. Your medical team will decide which dosing schedule is right for you. They will closely monitor your treatment and adjust the amount of dose and the time between each dose, if needed.
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How long is each treatment appointment?
A typical treatment appointment will last between six to seven hours from start to finish. It typically takes 30 to 40 minutes to administer Lutathera—after the supportive medications have been started. It will be important to drink plenty of fluids prior to infusion to help the kidneys quickly excrete the Lutathera.
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What happens during each therapy appointment?
When you arrive at the clinic, your vital signs will be checked and, in some cases, lab work will be drawn. The clinic team will do safety checks to ensure you are the correct patient receiving the correct dose. Before the Lutathera infusion begins, you will be given supportive IV medicine to help prevent nausea, vomiting or upset stomach that you may experience during the amino acid infusion. Amino acid solution is given to help protect your kidneys during treatment and for at least three hours after the Lutathera has been completed.
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What happens after the infusion is completed?
Within 24 hours of receiving Lutathera, you may receive an injection of long-acting lanreotide, a synthetic hormone that will continue to manage tumor side effects. Often times this injection is given just before you leave the clinic on infusion day. You may continue to receive this drug every four weeks for 18 months after starting treatment with Lutathera.
After each Lutathera treatment, you should:
- Drink a lot of fluids and urinate as often as possible to help the radiation leave your body.
- For a few days after treatment, sit when using the toilet (men included) and use toilet paper each time. Flush toilet paper and/or wipes twice and wash your hands after each use.
- Daily showering is recommended for at least the first few days after treatment.
- Anyone who helps you in the bathroom should wear disposable gloves for the first few days after treatment.
- Limit close contact (less than three feet) with others in your household for two days or with children and pregnant women for seven days.
- Sleep alone in a separate bedroom from others in your household for three days, from children for seven days or from pregnant women for 15 days.
- Refrain from sexual activity for seven days.
- Use effective contraception during treatment and for 14 weeks after the final dose, as there is potential to harm an unborn baby if someone becomes pregnant.
Your health care team will give you specific discharge instructions after each infusion to help guide your post-infusion care. It is important to minimize exposure to others in your household using the radiation safety practices advised by your health care team.
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What are the potential side effects?
Lutathera may cause side effects and some can be serious. The most common side effects include:
- Decreased blood cell counts
- Increased liver enzymes
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Increased blood glucose levels
- Decreased blood potassium levels
Your healthcare team will routinely do tests to check your liver, kidneys and blood cells throughout your therapy.
Who do I contact if I am having side effects?
Contact your doctor’s office to report any side effects after treatment.
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What should I bring to my treatment appointments?
FCS treatment rooms are designed for your comfort and safety and include comfortable lounge chairs.
To stay comfortable during treatment:
- Wear cozy clothing and consider bringing a sweater, blanket, socks or hat.
- Light snacks and drinks will be provided. You may bring a favorite snack or sandwich in case treatment takes longer than expected. Avoid foods with strong smells.
- Entertainment is encouraged—bring headphones, music or a device like a laptop or tablet. Most locations have Wi-Fi and have TVs available.
- Enjoy our wide selection of donated books, magazines and games—or bring your own.
Who do I contact for scheduling questions or changes?
Our patient navigator will assist you with treatment scheduling and answer any questions or concerns you may have throughout your patient journey.It is important to come to all scheduled appointments! If you wish to cancel an appointment, contact the patient navigator as soon as possible to reschedule.
To contact the RPT Patient Navigation team:
Phone: (239) 826-4155
Email: RITNavigation@FLCancer.com
Who do I contact for billing or financial information and prior authorization questions?
Our dedicated financial patient navigator can assist with insurance coverage, prior authorizations and answer any billing questions. In some cases, they may link you to options for copay savings or other financial support programs.
To contact your FCS patient financial navigator:
Phone: (239) 232-7199
Email: RITFinancial@FLCancer.com
Our patient financial team will have you sign Novartis enrollment forms, which allows them to fully assess your insurance coverage and identify any needed resources. For more information about Lutathera patient support, call (888) 669-6682.
Your RPT Navigation Team
Our dedicated RPT team will oversee your treatment journey from referral to final infusion. We understand you may have more questions about starting a new treatment or as you progress through treatment. We stand ready to assist you at any time.
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