Theranostics represents a paradigm shift in modern oncology, moving away from "one-size-fits-all" treatments toward highly …
Advanced Lutetium-177 Targeted Cancer Therapy in Istanbul
Precision treatment for metastatic prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors — now available at Florence Nightingale Hospital, just 50 minutes from Bucharest.
Lutetium-177 (Lu-177) Radioligand Therapy represents a breakthrough in cancer care. This targeted treatment delivers radiation directly to cancer cells while largely sparing healthy tissue — offering new hope for patients with advanced prostate cancer or neuroendocrine tumors who have exhausted other options.
Florence Nightingale Hospital, Turkey’s first JCI-accredited hospital group, offers the full spectrum of Lu-177 therapies — including PSMA-targeted therapy for prostate cancer and PRRT (Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy) for neuroendocrine tumors — with dedicated Romanian-language support at every step.
What is Lutetium-177 therapy?
Lutetium-177 therapy is a form of Radioligand Therapy (RLT) — one of the most significant advances in cancer treatment in the past decade. It works on a simple but powerful principle known as Theranostics: first, we see your cancer; then, we treat it.
How it works: A special molecule designed to find and attach to cancer cells is combined with Lutetium-177, a radioactive isotope that emits targeted beta radiation. Once injected into the bloodstream, this “smart missile” travels throughout the body, binds specifically to cancer cells, and delivers a precise dose of radiation that destroys them from the inside— wherever they are.
Unlike traditional external radiation, which targets a single area, Lu-177 therapy is a systemic treatment that can reach cancer cells across your entire body — in bones, lymph nodes, organs, and soft tissue.
Two FDA-approved Lu-177 treatments are currently available:
- Pluvicto® (Lu-177-PSMA-617) — for PSMA-positive metastatic prostate cancer
- Lutathera® (Lu-177-DOTATATE) — for somatostatin receptor-positive neuroendocrine tumors (PRRT Therapy)
Who is eligible for Lu-177 treatment?
Prostate Cancer Patients (Pluvicto / PSMA Therapy):
You may be a candidate if you have been diagnosed with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and your tumors test positive for PSMA (Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen) on a PSMA PET/CT scan. In clinical trials, Pluvicto reduced the risk of disease progression by 60% and extended overall survival by 4 months compared to standard care alone.
Since March 2025, eligibility has expanded — patients who have received hormonal therapy but have not yet undergone chemotherapy may also qualify, nearly tripling the number of patients who can benefit.
Neuroendocrine Tumor Patients (Lutathera / PRRT Therapy):
You may be a candidate if you have gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) that express somatostatin receptors, confirmed by a Gallium-68 DOTATATE PET/CT scan. In the landmark NETTER-1 clinical trial, Lutathera reduced the risk of disease progression by 82%. The more recent NETTER-2 trial demonstrated an unprecedented 43% response rate when used as a first-line therapy.
Not sure if you qualify? Submit your medical records for a free evaluation by our specialists.
Key benefits of Lu-177 therapy
1. Clinically proven results
Lu-177 treatments have been validated in multiple Phase 3 clinical trials involving thousands of patients. Pluvicto extended median overall survival to 15.3 months versus 11.3 months with standard care. Lutathera achieved median overall survival of 48 months in long-term follow-up.
2. Precisely targeted
Unlike conventional chemotherapy, which affects healthy and cancerous cells alike, Lu-177 Radioligand Therapy uses molecular targeting to deliver radiation specifically to cancer cells that express PSMA or somatostatin receptors — minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
3. Treats cancer throughout the body
As a systemic therapy, Lu-177 reaches metastatic lesions wherever they are — bones, lymph nodes, organs — making it effective against widespread disease that cannot be treated with surgery or localized radiation.
4. Manageable side effects
The most common side effects — fatigue, dry mouth, mild nausea — are generally mild (Grade 1-2).
In the PSMAfore trial, Pluvicto patients experienced fewer severe side effects than those on alternative hormonal therapy.
5. Outpatient procedure
Each treatment session is a short intravenous infusion. Most patients return to their accommodation the same day.
Why Florence Nightingale Hospital?
Turkey's first JCI-accredited hospital
The first to achieve JCI 8th Edition standards, the most rigorous international quality benchmark in healthcare, covering 252 standards and 1,155 measurable elements.
Complete Theranostics Center
We offer the full diagnostic-to-treatment pathway under one roof: PSMA PET/CT and Gallium-68 DOTATATE PET/CT for patient selection, followed by Lu-177 PSMA therapy for prostate cancer and Lu-177/Y-90 DOTATATE PRRT for neuroendocrine tumors. Our advanced imaging suite includes Turkey’s first private PET-MRI system.
Experienced nuclear oncology team
Our specialists have performed over 1,100 Lutetium-177 treatment procedures and have contributed to published multicenter clinical research on Lu-177 PSMA therapy in collaboration with the Turkish Oncology Group.
Dedicated Romanian patient support
Florence Nightingale Hospital offers Romanian-speaking coordinators and interpreters, a dedicated Romanian website (florence-nightingale.ro), and end-to-end support designed specifically for patients from Romania — from your first inquiry through treatment completion and follow-up.
Just 50 minutes from Bucharest
With multiple daily direct flights to Istanbul, treatment at Florence Nightingale is closer and more accessible than many Western European alternatives at a fraction of the cost.
Comprehensive international patient services
Comprehensive international patient services including free pre-travel online consultations, airport transfers, accommodation assistance, visa support, and post-treatment follow-up coordination with your physicians at home.
Ready to explore Lu-177 treatment? Apply today
1. Submit your medical records
1. Submit your medical records
Upload your recent scans, pathology reports, and treatment history through our secure online form.
2. Receive a free medical evaluation
2. Receive a free medical evaluation
Our nuclear oncology specialists will review your case within 48 hours and confirm your eligibility.
3. Plan your treatment
3. Plan your treatment
Your dedicated Romanian-speaking coordinator will arrange every detail: travel, accommodation, treatment schedule, and follow-up.
📞 Call us: +90 549 712 60 60
📧 Email: apply@florencehealthcare.international
💬 WhatsApp: Available 24/7
Frequently asked questions
Is Lutetium-177 therapy available in Romania?
Currently, Lu-177 treatment (Pluvicto and Lutathera) is not available at any hospital in Romania. Romanian patients must travel abroad for this therapy. Florence Nightingale Hospital in Istanbul is one of the most accessible options — just a 50-minute flight from Bucharest — with dedicated Romanian-language support and significantly lower costs compared to Western European centers.
How do I know if I am eligible for Lu-177 treatment?
Eligibility depends on your cancer type and whether your tumors express the right molecular targets. For prostate cancer, you need a PSMA PET/CT scan showing PSMA-positive tumors. For neuroendocrine tumors, you need a Gallium-68 DOTATATE PET/CT scan confirming somatostatin receptor expression. Our team can review your existing scans or arrange diagnostic imaging at our hospital.
How many treatment sessions will I need?
For prostate cancer (Pluvicto), the standard protocol is up to 6 cycles, administered every 6 weeks. For neuroendocrine tumors (Lutathera), the standard is 4 cycles, administered every 8 weeks. Your specialist will determine the optimal number based on your individual response and tolerance.
What are the side effects of Lu-177 therapy?
The most common side effects are fatigue, dry mouth, mild nausea, and temporary decreases in blood cell counts. These are usually mild and manageable. Serious side effects are uncommon. Your medical team monitors your blood counts and kidney function closely throughout treatment to ensure your safety.
How much does Lu-177 treatment cost in Turkey?
Treatment at Florence Nightingale Hospital can cost 50–70% less than equivalent treatment in Western Europe or the United States. We provide transparent, all-inclusive pricing after reviewing your case. Contact us for a personalized cost estimate.
Can I get reimbursement from the Romanian health system?
Romanian patients may be eligible for reimbursement of treatment costs abroad through Order 50 of the Ministry of Health, which covers treatments unavailable in Romania. Additionally, EU cross-border healthcare directives may apply. Our international patient team can provide documentation to support your reimbursement application.
Will I have Romanian-language support during my treatment?
Yes. Florence Nightingale Hospital provides dedicated Romanian-speaking coordinators and interpreters who assist you from your initial consultation through treatment completion, discharge, and follow-up. All medical documents can be provided in Romanian.
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