The Navigation Model of Therapy: Why Awareness Changes Everything
November 16, 2025
Brand Name :
Lutathera
Synonyms :
lutetium lu 177-dota-tate
Class :
Radiopharmaceuticals
Dosage Forms & StrengthsÂ
Solution for Injection Â
370MBq/ml in a single dose vial (10mCi/ml)Â
Indicated for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors that are somatostatin receptor-positive
7.4GBq intravenously every 8 weeks for a sum of 4 doses administered simultaneously with other concomitant medications and pre-medications
Premedication & concomitant medications include; somatostatin analogs, antiemetics, amino acid solution
Safety and efficacy are not seen in pediatricsÂ
Refer to the adult dosingÂ
Actions and Spectrum:Â
ActionsÂ
lutetium lu 177 is a beta-emitting radionuclide, emitting beta particles during radioactive decay. These beta particles have a short range in tissue (a few millimeters), allowing for localized radiation therapy. The emitted beta particles deposit their energy in the tumor cells, causing DNA damage and ultimately leading to cell death.
lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan is primarily used to treat certain neuroendocrine tumors, particularly those originating in the gastroenteropancreatic system. Neuroendocrine tumors express somatostatin receptors, making them suitable targets for this therapy. lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan offers a targeted and systemic treatment option for patients with inoperable or metastatic neuroendocrine tumors. Â
SpectrumÂ
lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan has shown promising therapeutic efficacy in managing neuroendocrine tumors. Â
lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan is primarily used palliative treatment as an option for patients with advanced or metastatic neuroendocrine tumors. It aims to alleviate symptoms, such as pain, hormonal excess, and tumor-related complications, and improve the patient’s overall well-being.Â
Frequency not definedÂ
>10%Â
Lymphopenia (90%)Â
Anemia (81%)Â
Increased GGT (66%)Â
Creatinine increased (85%)Â
Hyperglycemia (82%)Â
Increased alkaline phosphatase (65%)Â
Thrombocytopenia (53%)Â
AST increased (50%)Â
ALT increased (43%)Â
Nausea (65%)Â
Leukopenia (55%)Â
Vomiting (53%)Â
Fatigue (38%)Â
Blood bilirubin increased (30%)Â
Hypokalemia (26%)Â
Hyperuricemia (34%)Â
Hypocalcemia (32%)Â
Abdominal pain (26%)Â
Diarrhea (26%)Â
Hypernatremia (17%)Â
Headache (17%)Â
Dizziness (17%)Â
Peripheral edema (16%)Â
Neutropenia (26%)Â
Decreased appetite (21%)Â
Hyperkalemia (19%)Â
Hypoglycemia (15%)Â
Flushing (14%)Â
Renal failure (12%)Â
Alopecia (12%)Â
Back pain (13%)Â
Anxiety (12%)Â
Hypertension (12%)Â
Cough (11%)Â
Pain in extremity (11%)Â
1-10%Â
Hyperuricemia (6%)Â
Nausea (5%)Â
Vomiting (7%)Â
Alkaline phosphatase increased (5%)Â
Hyperglycemia (4%)Â
Hypokalemia (4%)Â
AST increased (5%)Â
ALT increased (4%)Â
Renal failure (3%)Â
Back pain (2%)Â
Hypertension (2%)Â
Leukopenia (2%)Â
Abdominal pain (3%)Â
Diarrhea (3%)Â
Neutropenia (3%)Â
Blood bilirubin increased (2%)Â
Cough (1%)Â
Thrombocytopenia (1%)Â
Anxiety (1%)Â
Atrial fibrillation (1%)Â
Fatigue (1%)Â
Creatinine increased (1%)Â
Black Box Warning:Â
NoneÂ
Contraindication/Caution:Â
ContraindicationsÂ
CautionsÂ
Pregnancy consideration:Â Â
No data is available regarding the usage of this drug during pregnancy.Â
Breastfeeding warnings:Â Â
No data is available regarding the presence of this drug in breast milk.Â
Pregnancy category:Â
Pharmacology:
The pharmacology of lutetium lu 177-DOTA-TATE (Lutathera) involves understanding its pharmacokinetics and its interaction with somatostatin receptors in neuroendocrine tumor cells. Here are the critical aspects of its pharmacology:Â
Pharmacodynamics:Â
lutetium lu 177-DOTA-TATE is a radiopharmaceutical that targets somatostatin receptors, which are overexpressed on the surface of neuroendocrine tumor cells. The drug binds to these receptors, allowing for targeted radiation delivery to the tumor cells.Â
lutetium lu 177-DOTA-TATE combines the therapeutic effects of lutetium lu 177, a beta-emitting radionuclide, with the targeting properties of DOTA-TATE. Once bound to the somatostatin receptors on tumor cells, lutetium lu 177 emits beta particles during radioactive decay. These beta particles penetrate the surrounding tumor cells and deposit energy, leading to DNA damage and cell death. Â
Pharmacokinetics:Â
AbsorptionÂ
The peak plasma concentration is 10 ng/mLÂ
The AUC is 41 ngâ‹…hr/mLÂ
Distribution Â
The protein-bound is 43%Â
The volume of distribution is 640LÂ
MetabolismÂ
It is not metabolized in the body.Â
Elimination and ExcretionÂ
The elimination half-life is approximately 3.5 hoursÂ
The terminal half-life is 71 hoursÂ
The rate of clearance is 4.5 L/hrÂ
Administration:Â
lutetium lu 177-dota-tate is administered as an intravenous injection. A healthcare provider will insert a needle into a vein, typically in the arm, and slowly inject the radiopharmaceutical into the bloodstream. The injection process usually takes a few minutes.Â
After the injection, the patient is monitored briefly to ensure no immediate adverse reactions or complications. Patients are typically instructed to report any discomfort or adverse effects they experience during this period.Â
Patient information leafletÂ
Generic Name: lutetium lu 177-dota-tateÂ
Pronounced: loo-TEE-shee-um-loo-177 doh-tah-taytÂ
Why do we use lutetium lu 177-dota-tate?Â
lutetium lu 177-DOTA-TATE (also known as Lutathera) treats certain types of neuroendocrine tumors, particularly those that express somatostatin receptors.Â