Lutathera Infusion

Lutathera is from a class of drugs called targeted radioligand therapies. It is a prescription treatment for adults with a type of cancer known as gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) that have somatostatin hormone receptors. Given through an intravenous (IV) infusion, Lutathera uses radiation to cause damage to the cancer cells.

What can you expect before starting LUTATHERA?

A few weeks before your first LUTATHERA infusion, your health care provider may conduct a few tests to make sure you are ready for treatment. They will check your liver, kidneys, and blood. Depending on the results, they may hold off on administering LUTATHERA until you are ready.

What can you expect during treatment?

The infusion process lasts about 5 hours.

  • Approximately 1 hour before you are given LUTATHERA: You will be given a medicine that will help prevent vomiting or an upset stomach that you may experience because of the infusion.
  • 30 minutes before you are given LUTATHERA: You will be given amino acids through an intravenous (IV) infusion to help protect your kidneys. This infusion will take at least 4 hours. It will continue during and after you receive LUTATHERA.
  • The LUTATHERA infusion: Will take 30 to 40 minutes and is given as an IV infusion.

What can you expect after treatment?

Because LUTATHERA treatment uses radiation, you will have to wait a short while before you can leave the treatment center.

  • Drink fluids: You should drink plenty of fluids on the days you receive LUTATHERA and after. The more you urinate, the faster the radiation will leave your body.
  • SSA injections after each infusion: You will be given an injection of long-acting octreotide 30 mg sometime between 4 to 24 hours after each LUTATHERA infusion.

For the first 3 days

Interacting with family and coworkers

  • Try to maintain a distance of 6 feet from others
  • Maintain a distance of 6 feet from infants, children, or pregnant women for more than 3 days
  • Wait 3 days to return to work, depending on how you feel

Interacting with pets

  • We often consider our pets as family members. You may want to take the same precautions with your pets.

Driving home from the hospital

  • The closest you should be to someone is 3 feet, and only for up to 1 hour. So, if your spouse or caregiver is driving, consider sitting in the back seat.

Sleeping

  • Sleep in a separate bed and avoid intimate contact.

Using the toilet

  • Sit while using the toilet (this goes for men, too)
  • Use toilet paper/wipes each time
  • Flush toilet paper and/or wipes down the toilet
  • Flush twice with the lid closed after each use
  • Wash your hands every time you use the toilet
  • Use separate towels and washcloths

Going out and about

  • Minimize use of public transportation and public facilities.

Your next infusion

You may receive LUTATHERA up to 3 more times after your first infusion. These doses will be between 8 and 16 weeks apart. You and your health care provider will decide how many doses and how long between each dose is right for you. Between each dose, your health care provider may check your liver, kidneys, and blood again.

After your last dose

Your health care provider may check your liver, kidneys, and blood on a routine basis after your last LUTATHERA dose. You will continue receiving long-acting octreotide 30 mg until your cancer spreads, grows, or gets worse for up to 18 months since you started LUTATHERA treatment.