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Top Hospitals for Lutetium-177 PSMA Therapy for Cancer Treatment
Each hospital in this list meets Booking Health’s strict international standards: at least 250 surgeries per year, ISO‑certified quality management, and documented survival outcomes. Our medical board then ranks the clinics by clinical expertise, technology, and patient‑satisfaction scores.
According to the reputable Focus magazine, the University Hospital Frankfurt am Main ranks among the top German medical facilities! The hospital was founded in 1914 and today is a well-known German medical facility, which combines rich traditions and scientific innovations. A medical team of more than 6,500 employees cares about
According to the Focus magazine, University Hospital Erlangen ranks among the best medical facilities in Germany! The hospital is one of the leading healthcare facilities in Bavaria and offers top-class medical care distinguished by the close intertwining of clinical activities with research and training of medical students. The
According to the authoritative Focus magazine, the University Hospital Bonn ranks among the top ten medical facilities in Germany! The hospital was opened on January 1, 2001, although in fact it inherits the medical facility, which operated at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Bonn. The hospital in Germany combin
Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and the second leading cause of cancer death, with an estimated 35,250 American men expected to die from the disease in 2024 [1]. While the overall five-year survival rate reaches an encouraging 97.5%, this drops dramatically to 36.6% for men with distant metastases [1].
When previous treatments become ineffective and metastases spread to various organs, Lu-177 PSMA radionuclide therapy offers renewed hope [2]. Being connected to a specific molecular carrier, Lutetium-177 reliably binds to cancer cells regardless of their location, delivering targeted radiation that destroys metastatic foci and helps control disease progression [3]. This innovative therapy has become the treatment of choice for men who no longer respond to standard chemotherapy or hormonal therapy, offering new possibilities when traditional treatments reach their limits.
European treatment options for advanced prostate cancer
Standard Treatment Approaches and Progression
Symptom relief is the main goal in patients treated for metastatic prostate cancer because an already disseminated pathology is usually incurable. Hormone-targeted therapy and chemotherapy are forms of first-line treatment for advanced prostate cancer. Even with metastatic prostate cancer, some radiation treatments can reduce the disease's symptoms. For more advanced prostate cancer stages, a combination of targeted radiation therapy and medication therapy is also useful.
The aforementioned techniques may result in positive outcomes for a long time, but eventually, the therapy will no longer be effective. In such cases, radioactive medicine that penetrates the bone tissue is used as a second-line treatment. As long as the cancer cells are localized only in the bone tissue, this method is secure and effective.
More innovative methods of treating cancer emerge every year. Medical oncology now favors using medications that directly attack cancer cells. This therapeutic strategy has won numerous awards for effectiveness and safety. Neuroendocrine tumors, thyroid cancer, various forms of brain tumors, and prostate cancer can all be cured with targeted therapy.
Radionuclide Therapy and Lu-177 PSMA Treatment
So, the main topic of discussion is radionuclide therapy, a cutting-edge method that combines targeted radiation exposure with the special properties of nuclear fusion. The basic idea behind radionuclide cancer therapy is to administer unique drugs that contain radionuclides.
The radiation is targeted since these medications reach the damaged areas immediately (not affecting the entire body, but affecting the cancer foci). The primary tumor or metastases accumulate the drug that is injected during the radionuclide treatment. The neoplasm is destroyed after being exposed to radiation. The body as a whole, healthy structures nearby, and surrounding tissues are only minimally impacted.
Lu-177 PSMA therapy is a novel radionuclide therapy approach used to treat men with prostate cancer. The top specialists in medical oncology in the world believe that such a strategy can treat cancer patients who have given up on finding a cure.
Because metastatic prostate cancer frequently results in clinical problems and relapses after previous treatments, treating it is challenging overall. According to the most recent findings of randomized trials, patients treated with Lutetium-177-PSMA therapy combined with traditional treatment protocols demonstrate better results in advanced prostate cancer when compared to hormonal therapy and chemotherapy.
What is Lutetium therapy in Europe?
The treatment involves the use of Lutetium-177 labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), hence the name, PSMA therapy.
Radionuclide substance gives off radiation, but it is very short, only a few millimeters. This substance should destroy not only the primary tumor, but also be helpful for metastatic prostate cancer with secondary foci in bones and internal organs.
A radiopharmaceutical is administered to a PSMA-positive patient intravenously. It accumulates only in cancer cells (previously visualized by means of PSMA PET scan), while the healthy ones get just a minimal amount, so they are almost not damaged. With its action, Lu-177 PSMA therapy destroys all cancer cells throughout the body. As a result, the size of the primary tumor lesion is significantly reduced, and most metastases visible on the PSMA PET scan disappear.
Who is eligible for Lu-177 PSMA therapy in Europe?
Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy is the targeted treatment that is used in combination therapeutic schemes for advanced prostate cancer. It is prescribed in the presence of metastatic prostate cancer with distant spread. Indeed, the main advantage of the method is that it is not necessary to know the exact location of prostate cancer foci. It is impossible to detect them all and remove them, but systemic therapies can affect cancer cells regardless of their location.
PSMA therapy is an alternative to chemotherapy. It is prescribed in the following cases [4]:
Chemotherapy does not yield any result – the tumor does not respond to drug administration and continues to grow
Cytostatics are contraindicated for the patient for health reasons – he may not tolerate another course
The patient himself refuses to undergo chemotherapy because he no longer wants to endure side effects
The disease progresses against the background of active treatment
Treatment options are exhausted
How does Lu-177 PSMA therapy in Europe work?
Pre-Treatment Assessment and Preparation
Before the procedure, the patient visits the doctor for a clinical examination and review of the existing medical reports (e.g., PSMA PET scan). If a patient doesn’t have any medical reports, it is necessary to have a PSMA PET scan – this test reveals the possible efficacy of the subsequent therapy [5]. Blood tests are also carried out, so the doctor can be sure that the patient's liver and kidney functions are normal.
After this, the radiopharmaceutical is injected into the patient's vein slowly using a syringe. This is the whole procedure, actually. Additional drugs may be used to reduce the risk of complications and reduce side effects. The external cooling of the salivary glands with ice packs is carried out in order to prevent suppression of their work and xerostomia (dry mouth).
Treatment Process and Follow-Up Monitoring
During the course of treatment, the man stays in a screened ward, as he is a source of beta-radiation for a while. Urine and stool become radioactive, so it is recommended to drink a lot of water and urinate frequently, flush the toilet 2-3 extra times, and wash the underclothes separately for up to 7 days. The patient is allowed to take personal belongings to the ward. They will not become radioactive and can be used in the future.
A day after the introduction of Lutetium-177, the patient will undergo the control scintigraphy. This is a follow-up examination, which allows for the evaluation of the treatment results. 10 days later, the person will come to the clinic again and undergo a repeated study. The scintigraphy demonstrates the number of bone metastases and their size.
As part of the continuum of modern prostate cancer care, which may include robotic surgery, advanced radiotherapy, and molecular targeted treatments, Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy fills a crucial gap for patients whose cancer has progressed despite other interventions.
Several sessions of Lu-177 PSMA treatment are usually carried out in order to achieve the long-lasting result. On average, the patient undergoes three treatment cycles. The recommended intervals between them are 8 weeks. Medical monitoring is provided through PSMA PET scan, PSA blood test, and general clinical studies. The doctors also control liver, kidney, and bone marrow function.
Effectiveness of Lu-177 PSMA therapy
Survival Rates and Treatment Context
While prostate cancer has an overall five-year survival rate of 97.5%, this drops significantly to 36.6% when the disease spreads to distant organs, highlighting the critical importance of effective treatments for advanced disease. [1] PSMA therapy with Lu-177 changes this landscape dramatically.
Lutetium-177 for cancer treatment is a relatively safe method. It does not cause irreversible complications. If prostate cancer is treated using this therapy, the doctors carefully monitor that the damage to healthy tissues is minimal.
Safety Protocols and Complication Management
The following measures are taken:
Patient examination before treatment to identify possible contraindications
Cooling of the salivary glands in the course of therapy to prevent the accumulation of the radiopharmaceutical in them
In case of liver metastases, the patient may need bile duct stenting to prevent the development of obstructive jaundice due to edema and impaired bile outflow into the duodenum
Intravenous infusion of crystalloid solutions serves to protect the kidneys
In case of side effects, symptomatic drugs are used to relieve them
Lutetium-177 PSMA represents part of the evolving landscape of advanced prostate cancer treatments, which now includes robotic-assisted surgery with enhanced imaging capabilities, adaptive radiotherapy using CT and MRI guidance, and other targeted radiopharmaceuticals under investigation.
Treatment Outcomes and Patient Benefits
As for the results of treatment, doctors notice significantly lower levels of prostate-specific membrane antigen in the blood (which indicates lower disease activity), shrinkage of the primary tumor, control of metastatic prostate cancer, including disappearance of secondary malignant foci.
For patients with advanced prostate cancer who no longer respond to conventional treatments, Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy offers meaningful hope in a disease stage where survival outcomes are traditionally challenging. Having the full course of Lu-177 PSMA therapy is connected with longer life expectancy and better quality of life.
From Denver to Berlin: A Story of Hope and Healing for American Cancer Patient
John Baker from Colorado never imagined his fight against prostate cancer would lead him across the Atlantic, but sometimes hope requires a journey. His five-year battle began with heat therapy in Brandenburg, followed by targeted radiation on his prostate. When these treatments failed and cancer spread beyond the prostate, John faced a crossroads.
"We discovered that the cancer had gotten out of the prostate sac," John recalls. "My oncologist recommended seeking out Lutetium-177 therapy, but we couldn't get insurance coverage in the US. Medicare wanted me to go through everything until I was ready to die, actually."
Determined to avoid chemotherapy as his last resort, John's wife researched alternatives online and discovered Booking Health's services for accessing Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy in Germany. "Everything worked like clockwork from the moment we decided to come over," John explains.
The treatment experience exceeded his expectations. "I went into it not knowing what I was getting into, a little apprehensive about how Lutetium-177 would affect me. But there were no side effects, no pain. I was steady the whole time." The only discomfort came from the nine-hour flight home to Denver.
The results speak for themselves. "My prostate-specific antigen dropped from three down to basically nothing. I had spots in my bones – all of those are gone now. All those little spots on the PSMA PET scan have disappeared." John's success with the therapy has convinced him to return for his final treatment cycle.
"I would recommend it to anyone with cancer problems, not just prostate cancer," John says. "It's straightforward, simple, and it worked for me." His journey from Denver to Berlin demonstrates that sometimes the most effective treatment requires stepping beyond familiar borders, but the results can be life-changing.
What is the cost of Lutetium treatment in European hospitals?
It is always challenging to estimate the precise cost of treatment overseas, because preliminary calculations sometimes do not include costs for extra procedures or diagnostic tests that might be necessary later in the course of treatment. The pre-calculated cost of treatment will be modified up or down because, in actuality, the preliminary cost of treatment in Europe frequently differs from reality due to the peculiarities of the clinical case.
Hence, learning about the approximate costs of prostate cancer therapy in Europe in terms of specific treatments is the only option available. The cost of Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy for prostate cancer is between 22,700 EUR and 44,000 EUR. Please use the contact form if you would like to receive a customized offer with an estimated Lutetium-177 treatment cost.
Please do not hesitate to contact Booking Health if you have any questions. We'll schedule an appointment and provide you with pricing advice for the entire course of therapy, including Lu-177 PSMA therapy and other necessary options.
Comparative Overview of Leading Radiation Oncology And Nuclear Medicine Centers
Hospital
Location
Key Strengths
Helios Hospital Berlin-Buch
Berlin, Germany
Lu-177 PSMA therapy specialty focus, 22+ years of nuclear medicine experience
University Hospital Rechts der Isar Munich
Munich, Germany
Largest nuclear medicine facility in Germany (13 beds), theranostics section founded in 2020, radionuclide cancer therapy specialization
University Hospital LMU Munich
Munich, Germany
Own cyclotron facility, Lu-177-PSMA-DKFZ-617 therapy, own radiopharmaceutical production
University Hospital Vienna
Vienna, Austria
90+ specialized staff, PET-MRI capabilities, comprehensive cancer center
Prof. Dr. Stefan Dresel brings over 22 years of specialized nuclear medicine experience with a particular focus on Lu-177 PSMA therapy for prostate cancer. His clinical interests specifically include the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer using Lu-177 PSMA, making this facility ideal for advanced prostate cancer patients.
The department offers comprehensive PSMA diagnostics using Ga-68 PSMA PET-CT to evaluate treatment eligibility, followed by targeted Lu-177 PSMA therapy. Located in a healing park environment, the hospital provides a peaceful setting for patients undergoing their multi-cycle treatment regimen.
University Hospital Rechts der Isar Munich
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Weber leads the largest nuclear medicine facility in Germany with 13 dedicated treatment beds and brings invaluable experience from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The department founded a specialized Theranostics section in 2020, focusing on medications that simultaneously diagnose and treat cancer.
With over 800 inpatients annually for radioisotope therapy, including Lu-177 PSMA treatments, the facility offers extensive experience in managing advanced prostate cancer cases. The department's certification as a Center of Excellence for neuroendocrine tumors demonstrates its expertise in complex radioligand therapies.
University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilian University Munich
Prof. Dr. Matthias Brendel oversees Lu-177-PSMA-DKFZ-617 therapy programs with the advantage of on-site radiopharmaceutical production through their own cyclotron facility. This ensures fresh, high-quality Lutetium-177 compounds for optimal treatment effectiveness.
The department's 16 treatment beds and specialized radiation protection protocols provide safe, comfortable accommodation during the mandatory isolation period. Their collaboration with the Comprehensive Cancer Center enables multidisciplinary prostate cancer care, combining Lu-177 PSMA therapy with other advanced treatments when needed.
University Hospital Vienna
Prof. Dr. Marcus Hacker directs one of Europe's largest nuclear medicine centers specializing in nuclear medicine treatment of prostate tumors using both beta and alpha radiation. The facility's advanced PET-MRI capabilities enable precise treatment planning and monitoring for PSMA therapy patients.
With over 90 specialized professionals and close collaboration with the Comprehensive Cancer Center, the hospital delivers personalized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches specifically tailored to each prostate cancer patient's disease stage and characteristics.
University Hospital Erlangen
Prof. Dr. Torsten Kuwert leads innovative Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy programs specifically designed for men with advanced prostate cancer who have undergone radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy with poor results. The department performs Lu-177 PSMA therapy under PET-CT guidance on an inpatient basis, ensuring precise targeting and safety monitoring.
As part of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen, one of only 13 centers certified by the German Cancer Society, patients receive access to cutting-edge prostate cancer treatment, including this advanced radioligand therapy, when conventional treatments have failed.
Treatment in European hospitals with Booking Health
The prostate cancer treatment with Lutetium is carried out in the best healthcare facilities abroad. Many patients go to Germany to get highly qualified and high-tech medical care for malignant tumors. Booking Health can arrange this for you. Our services and benefits include:
Organization of Lutetium-177-PSMA therapy in one of the best specialized clinics abroad
Affordable treatment cost, which will be up to 50% lower due to the exclusion of extra charges for foreign patients
Communication with the doctors of the clinic and its administration, both before prostate cancer treatment start and after its completion
Preparation of the preliminary treatment program
Appointment at a date convenient for the patient
Assistance in purchasing and shipping of medicines for continuing treatment in the native country
Control of invoices, treatment costs, and return of unspent funds
Organization of additional diagnostic or therapeutic procedures in the clinic, if necessary
Booking Health has provided high-quality organizational services for over 14 years. Our employees will book airline tickets for you, choose the hotel closest to the medical facility, meet you at the airport, and take you to the clinic by car. An interpreter and personal medical coordinator will help you cope with medical issues and feel comfortable while communicating with doctors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Lutetium-177 PSMA used in cancer treatment?
The radionuclide Lutetium-177 finds prostate cancer cells anywhere in the body and destroys them. This is especially important in bone metastases and metastases in internal organs. Lu-177 PSMA therapy is performed at advanced cancer stages.
In which hospitals is it possible to undergo treatment of metastatic prostate cancer?
The best hospitals for metastatic prostate cancer therapy are:
Helios Hospital Berlin-Buch University
Hospital Rechts der Isar Munich University
Hospital LMU Munich University
Hospital Vienna University
Hospital Erlangen
What is Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy?
Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy is a targeted radionuclide therapy that uses radioactive Lutetium-177 attached to molecules that specifically bind to prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on prostate cancer cells, delivering precise radiation to destroy tumors throughout the body.
Who is a candidate for Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy?
Patients with advanced prostate cancer or metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who no longer respond to hormonal therapy or chemotherapy are candidates. A PSMA PET/CT scan must show PSMA-positive tumors to confirm eligibility.
How does Lutetium-177 PSMA work against prostate cancer?
The therapy works by injecting a radiopharmaceutical intravenously that specifically targets PSMA receptors on prostate cancer cells. The PSMA-targeted therapy delivers radiation directly to tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
Is Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy safe?
Yes, it's relatively safe with minimal side effects. Nuclear medicine clinics carefully monitor patients and use protective measures like salivary gland cooling. Most side effects are temporary, including nausea and oral discomfort.
How effective is Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy?
Studies show significant prostate-specific antigen reduction, tumor shrinkage, and metastases control. Many patients undergo three treatment cycles with 8-week intervals, with PSMA PET/CT diagnostics monitoring progress and demonstrating improved survival rates.
How can I get Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy?
This prostate cancer treatment is available at specialized European hospitals. Booking Health can arrange appointments, provide cost estimates for the cost of Lutetium-177 PSMA treatment, and handle logistics, including travel and accommodation arrangements.
What is the cost of Lutetium-177 therapy?
Treatment costs range from 22,700 EUR to 44,000 EUR, depending on the hospital and specific clinical case. Precise costs vary based on additional procedures and diagnostic tests required for a patient being treated.
Can Lutetium-177 be combined with other treatments?
Yes, it can be combined with other therapies, including second-line immunotherapies and supportive treatments. The therapy is often used when conventional treatments become ineffective, providing a complementary approach to cancer care.
Does Lutetium-177 therapy cure prostate cancer?
While not a cure, the therapy significantly controls disease progression, treats symptoms, and improves quality of life. It helps treat metastatic prostate cancer when other treatments fail, offering renewed hope for many patients.
Are there alternatives to Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy?
Alternatives include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and other targeted treatments. However, this therapy is specifically designed for patients who no longer respond to conventional treatments, making it a unique option.
What are the advantages of receiving this therapy in Germany?
German hospitals offer extensive nuclear medicine expertise, advanced facilities with cyclotrons, strict safety protocols, and comprehensive cancer centers. Many facilities have decades of experience and top medical ratings for optimal treatment outcomes.
Authors:
This article was edited by medical experts, board-certified doctors Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova, and Dr. Bohdan Mykhalniuk. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article, you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!
Our editorial policy, which details our commitment to accuracy and transparency, is available here. Click this link to review our policies.
[2] NIH, National Library of Medicine. Lutetium-177 PSMA for the treatment of metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer: a systematic review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37194261/
[4] NIH, National Library of Medicine. Joint EANM/SNMMI procedure guideline for the use of 177Lu-labeled PSMA-targeted radioligand-therapy (177Lu-PSMA-RLT). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10317889/
