Survey identifies gaps in patient instructions for PSMA radiopharmaceutical therapy
Results from a new international survey of theranostic centers have identified substantial variation in the radiation safety instructions given to patients after lutetium-177 (Lu-177) PSMA radiopharmaceutical therapy.
Experts involved in the analysis say these differences could leave patients receiving the same treatment with substantially different instructions depending on where care is delivered. The findings also point to challenges in communicating radiation safety recommendations in ways that are practical and consistent across differing healthcare facilities.
“[177Lu]Lu-PSMA radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) is increasingly administered worldwide in both inpatient and outpatient settings,” Dr. Josef Zahner, with the department of nuclear medicine at LMU University Hospital in Munich, Germany, and colleagues noted. “Despite its growing use, there is no harmonized international guidance on what patients should be told before, during, and after therapy.”
The survey spanned 23 countries and 102 centers, which administer Lu-177 prostate-specific membrane antigen therapy in various healthcare settings. Researchers assessed current practices and expert opinions across four areas: pretreatment, therapeutic procedures, radiation precautions and post-treatment care.
Responses showed broad agreement on most pretreatment procedures, core aspects of therapy administration and general post-treatment guidance. However, recommendations for radiation precautions after treatment varied considerably among centers; areas of divergence included how long patients should stay away from others, recommended separation distances, transportation after discharge, household and hygiene practices, and precautions affecting social interactions.
As Lu-177 PSMA radiopharmaceutical therapy delivery expands internationally, consistent patient education may help clarify expectations and make radiation precautions easier for patients and caregivers to follow. To that end, the researchers used the survey results to develop a patient information template intended to summarize areas of agreement and support more standardized counseling before, during and after therapy. The proposed template provides a starting point for streamlining information across clinical settings, although the survey reflects current practice and expert opinion rather than establishing a single evidence-based standard for every precaution.
The group indicated that the template “supports more consistent patient guidance across diverse clinical settings.”
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In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She began covering the medical imaging industry for Innovate Healthcare in 2021.