Lutetium 177

[Janhpr]

Had 6th Lutetium 177 15th December 2022 widespread bone Mets.last blood PSA 1.4 thought wouldn’t have more than 6 treatments but clinic have penciled in for a 7th treatment I’m concerned will this be beneficial. Side effects fatigue lack of energy ESR raised and Hb 103 other than that other blood results normal. Would be good to have life without treatment and even go away on a cruise

[noahware]

I also would wonder about the cost/benefit of another infusion... did they say why they think more is better at this time?

[Tall_Allen]

There are usually diminishing returns and cumulative adverse effects (kidney damage is particularly dangerous). There is also greater toxicity when there aren't enough sites that are PSMA avid. You might want to request a PSMA PET scan before agreeing to #7.

[Janhpr in reply to Tall_Allen]

due PET Scan 24th January and phone consultation on 26th January with scan results

[GP24]

There are patients who got 14 cycles. I would not worry about another one. You can go on a cruise and get another cycle after you return.

[HopingForTheBest1 in reply to GP24]

I believe that insurance companies will usually cover up to 6 treatments, including mine (Aetna Medicare). Very expensive treatment.

[GP24 in reply to HopingForTheBest1]

This was in Germany where is no limit for the cycles. However, this number is an exception. I can't tell if the insurance covered this.

[Janhpr]

we are self funding

[HopingForTheBest1]

I had my first treatment on Jan 12, 2023 in the US. I had to cancel my cruise for the 13th, which was planned months ago. Good thing I had insurance, which gave me up until 48 hours prior to departure to cancel. Hope to reschedule sometime soon, as long as side effects are tolerable.