On June 24, 2025, the BioSkaner team (LOMiRT) in Białystok became the first in the Podlaskie Voivodeship to administer a radiopharmaceutical used in the treatment of malignant tumors to a patient diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, with confirmed, widespread metastases to the skeletal system. This groundbreaking achievement represents a significant step towards increasing access to modern oncological therapies in northeastern Poland.
What is ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA?
¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA is a radiolabeled PSMA ligand that targets and destroys prostate cancer cells with high expression of this protein. The therapy involves an intravenous infusion of 7.4 GBq every 6 weeks, with a maximum of 6 cycles. The β-radiation of lutetium-177 damages the cancer DNA with minimal impact on healthy tissues. Currently, ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA therapy is not reimbursed in Poland, and the cost is borne by the patient or their insurer. Efforts are underway to include it in the services funded by the National Health Fund (NFZ).
Diagnosis and Patient Qualification
Pluvicto treatment is the realization of the concept behind the term theranostics. This term is derived from the combination of “therapy” and “diagnostics“. In the case of this medication, the first step towards its application must always be a diagnostic test using PSMA. Our diagnostic laboratories offer a full range of diagnostic tests with PSMA (including both ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA and ¹⁸F-PSMA). We provide PET/MR or PET/CT imaging. A PET scan with PSMA allows for the assessment of whether the ligand is being captured by cancer cells. If the response is positive, and after meeting other criteria (such as a diagnosis of progressive, metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer with PSMA presence, as well as prior treatment with androgen receptor signaling inhibitors and taxane-based chemotherapy), treatment can proceed.
Mechanism of Action and Treatment Process
¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA is a radiolabeled PSMA ligand that, when administered intravenously, selectively binds to cancer cells expressing PSMA. The lutetium-177 molecule emits beta radiation, leading to DNA damage and cell death in cancer cells. Due to its high selectivity, the therapy minimizes the exposure of healthy tissues to radiation, resulting in a favorable safety profile. Treatment is conducted in cycles every six weeks, with a maximum of 6 doses, usually between 4 and 6. Each cycle is preceded by an assessment of hematological parameters, kidney and liver function, and an analysis of therapeutic response. In the case of our patient, the therapy was implemented as planned, and initial clinical observations indicate a positive response to the treatment.
Team and Infrastructure
The implementation of the therapy was made possible through the involvement of an interdisciplinary team of specialists, including nuclear medicine physicians, oncologists, radiopharmacists, medical physicists, administrative staff, and nursing personnel trained in the handling of radioactive substances. The entire process – from patient qualification, through the preparation of the radiopharmaceutical, to its safe administration and monitoring – was carried out in accordance with the established radiation safety standards.
Significance for the Region and Patients
The introduction of this therapy at our center is not only a clinical success but also a real opportunity for patients from across the country who previously had to seek access to this type of treatment at foreign institutions. Thanks to our initiative, patients now have access to this therapy locally. We are proud that, as BioSkaner, we can offer our patients innovative therapeutic solutions based on the latest advancements in nuclear medicine and molecular oncology. Our goal is to further expand our therapeutic offerings and participate in clinical trials that will enable even broader application of targeted therapies in cancer treatment. We believe that access to modern, effective, and safe treatment methods should be the standard, not the exception.
Thank you and we invite you to collaborate with us
We would like to thank the team of doctors, radiopharmacists, medical physicists, and nurses for their professionalism.
Edyta Roszczenko
Key Account Specialist
Tel. +48 85 686 46 02
Email: roszczenko@bioskaner.eu
