A new third-line treatment for prostate cancer patients who have developed resistance to traditional therapies is showing promising results, according to oncologists. The Hong Kong Society of Uro-Oncology has revealed that targeted radiotherapy treatment using lutetium-177-PSMA-617 has the potential to increase cancer survival rates and enhance the quality of life for patients.
In addition to these positive outcomes, half of the patients undergoing this treatment have experienced a reduction in tumor size, while some have even had cancer cells completely eradicated. This innovative approach is specifically utilized when patients no longer respond to hormonal therapy and chemotherapy, and are experiencing symptoms such as difficulty in urinating, blood in urine, and spinal cord pain.
Clinical oncologist Kenneth Wong has highlighted that this treatment is associated with fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. While patients may experience side effects such as dry mouth, fatigue, nausea, and anemia, these are considered to be milder in comparison to the side effects of chemotherapy, which include suppressed bone marrow function and an increased risk of infection.
The administration of this theranostic medicine involves intravenous injections every six weeks for up to six sessions. The treatment works by locating cancer cells in the body and delivering targeted radiation to eliminate these cells. Patients are advised to drink ample water to flush out any remnants of the drug that are not absorbed by the tumor. Additionally, they are instructed to avoid close contact with individuals, particularly children and pregnant women, for up to two weeks following each treatment session.
It is important to note that each injection costs HK$100,000, and patients in public hospitals are required to cover this expense themselves. To alleviate the financial burden, the charity group St James’ Settlement offers a subsidy of up to HK$30,000 for each treatment program.
Prostate cancer ranked as the third most common cancer among men in Hong Kong in 2021, with more than half of the patients being diagnosed at an advanced stage. This underscores the critical need for advanced treatment options such as lutetium-177-PSMA-617 to improve outcomes and enhance the overall well-being of patients battling this disease.
