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Lutathera (Lu-177-dotatate) is a breakthrough treatment for patients with neuroendocrine tumors in the gastrointestinal tract or pancreas. Approved by the FDA in 2018, this advanced form of targeted radiotherapy has shown to be effective for some patients whose cancer has not responded well to other treatments. Moffitt Cancer Center offers Lutathera treatment, along with several other therapies and minimally invasive procedures, to patients in our Interventional Radiology and Radionuclide Therapy Program.

What does Lutathera treatment involve?

Lutathera is a type of targeted radiotherapy treatment that destroys cancer with minimal damage to the surrounding healthy tissues. Administered intravenously, Lutathera contains a radioactive isotope (Lu-177) and seeks out and attacks specific cancer cells. The treatment process begins in Moffitt’s Infusion Center, where a patient receives amino acids and premedication to prepare his or her body for radiation therapy. From there, the patient is taken to our nuclear medicine department to receive Lutathera, while the infusion of amino acids continues. The delivery of Lutathera takes about half an hour, but amino acid infusion continues for at least another three hours, and the patient should plan to be at our facility for the majority of the day.

Moffitt’s Interventional Radiology and Radionuclide Therapy Program is led by board-certified physicians who are experienced in helping patients with even the most uncommon and complex malignancies. Our extensive experience, along with our individualized approach to cancer treatment, helps us achieve the best possible outcome and quality of life for each patient. We also spearhead an ambitious clinical trial program that offers our patients unique opportunities to receive the latest developments in treatment before those options are made widely available.

To learn if you are a candidate for Lutathera treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center, contact us at 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online. Our team can answer any questions you may have about our approach to neuroendocrine tumor treatment, interventional radiology services or our specialists. 

Nuclear Medicine