177 PSMA treatment stands out as an alternative for patients who have not received results from treatment methods such as chemotherapy. Giving information about the treatment, Nuclear Medicine Specialist Dr. Nesrin Aslan İlkmen said, “In patients with advanced prostate cancer resistant to systemic treatments, Lutetium 177 PSMA treatment has brought a new opening and successful results as a personalized and effective treatment option.”
Within the scope of September 15 Prostate Cancer Awareness Day, two important experts from Biruni University Hospital made statements. Urology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nusret Can Çilesiz stated that prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men and explained the symptoms and risk factors of the disease. Nuclear Medicine Specialist Dr. Nesrin Aslan İlkmen answered the questions about Lutetium-177 PSMA treatment, which stands out as an innovative treatment method.
“It usually does not give obvious symptoms in the early stages”
Speaking about the symptoms of prostate cancer, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çilesiz said, “Prostate cancer usually does not give obvious symptoms in the early stages. However, some symptoms may occur in the later stages. Difficulty in urination or weak urine flow, frequent urination (especially at night), blood in urine, blood in semen, discomfort or pain in the pelvic area, bone pain (in case the cancer spreads to advanced stages).”
“Reducing red meat consumption can reduce the risk”
Explaining the ways to prevent prostate cancer, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çilesiz said, “Although there is no 100 percent protective method against prostate cancer, there are some lifestyle changes and measures that can reduce the risk. We need to eat a healthy diet. Eating fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and reducing red meat consumption can reduce the risk. We need to exercise. Regular physical activity is good for general health and can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Obesity can increase the risk of prostate cancer. It is therefore important to maintain a healthy weight. Especially after the age of 50, regular PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) testing and digital rectal examinations are important for early diagnosis. If there is a family history of prostate cancer, these tests can be started at an earlier age.”
“Chemotherapy is used for advanced prostate cancer”
Giving information about treatment options, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çilesiz said, “Prostate cancer treatment varies depending on the stage of the disease, the general health status of the patient and how aggressive the cancer is. There are mainly 5 treatment options. In Active Monitoring, in low-risk cancers, it is monitored whether the cancer progresses with regular checks. Treatment is not started immediately. In surgery, complete removal of the prostate (radical prostatectomy) is a common treatment method. Radiotherapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. Hormone therapy lowers testosterone levels to slow the growth of cancer. Chemotherapy is used for advanced prostate cancer.”
“The decision on lutetium treatment is made by a multidisciplinary oncology council”
Explaining the process of referral to Lutetium-177 PSMA Treatment, Dr. Nesrin Aslan İlkmen said, “The decision on whether the patient is suitable for Lutetium treatment is made by a council consisting of surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology and nuclear medicine specialists. First of all, patients are asked to have a PET/CT scan and if the PET/CT results show findings suitable for treatment, Lutetium treatment is planned. Lutetium treatment is given for 4-6 cycles with 6-8 week intervals. departments. Side effects are monitored during and after treatment and regular follow-ups are performed.”
“It is aimed to destroy cancer cells”
Speaking about Lutetium-177 PSMA treatment used in prostate cancer, Dr. Nesrin Aslan İlkmen said, “Lutetium-177 PSMA treatment is an innovative and targeted method that has come to the fore in the treatment of prostate cancer in recent years. In this treatment method, a molecule called PSMA (prostate specific membrane antigen), which is highly present in prostate cancer cells, is targeted and it is aimed to destroy cancer cells with radioactive substances that bind to this target.”
“It is a promising new treatment method for patients”
Stating that prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men, Dr. Aslan İlkmen said, “Treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy. However, treatment options may be limited in cases of prostate cancer that are resistant to these treatments or metastasized. Lutetium-177 PSMA treatment is a promising new treatment method for such patients.”
“It is given to the patient intravenously”
Explaining how Lutetium-177 PSMA treatment is applied, Dr. Aslan İlkmen said, “PSMA molecule marked with a radioactive isotope (Lutetium 177), which has the ability to bind to the target molecule known as PSMA, which is located on the surface of the cancer cell, is given to the patient intravenously. Lutetium 177-PSMA binds to the cancerous tissue and destroys the cells with the effect of the radiation it emits. Healthy cells are not affected by this binding.”
“It has fewer side effects”
Speaking about the benefits of the treatment, Dr. Aslan İlkmen underlined that since Lutetium-177 PSMA treatment is a targeted treatment, it has fewer side effects than other systemic treatment options and is better tolerated by patients.
İHA Haber Kodu: 20240915AW287719