Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – St. Bernards Healthcare has successfully administered an innovative targeted cancer therapy to its first patient this week, making it the only health system in Northeast Arkansas to offer this level of cancer care.
The therapy, LUTATHERA (lutetium Lu 177 dotatate), helps patients facing a rare cancer diagnosis, known as gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). These cancers develop in the stomach, intestines or pancreas, and can be difficult to treat with standard, more traditional cancer therapies.
With LUTATHERA, however, patients as young as 12 years old have another treatment option if their tumors carry a specific group of proteins, known as somatostatin receptors (SSTRs), which the therapy targets.
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Before starting treatment, patients receive a specialized scan to confirm their cancer has SSTRs. Once underway, LUTATHERA finds and attaches itself to SSTR proteins on the surface of cancer cells. It then enters the cells, delivering a precise dose of radiation directly to the tumor. The radiation travels no more than 3/32 of an inch in tissue and mostly leaves the body naturally within two days. Within 14 days, more than 99 percent is gone.
The milestone therapy required a coordinated effort among St. Bernards Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Pharmacy and Nuclear Medicine teams.
“Bringing LUTATHERA to Northeast Arkansas reflects the commitment of this entire team to ensure our patients have local access to the most advanced cancer therapies available today,” said Dr. Hiba Zara Ahmed, Radiation Oncologist with St. Bernards Cancer Center. “This process was a true collaboration, and I’m grateful how so many expert specialists work together, every day, to make it possible.”
Delivering LUTATHERA safely required building a team-based approach that draws on the expertise of each department. Medical Oncology identifies eligible patients, coordinates treatment planning and manages overall care.
Radiation Oncology provides expertise in the safe use of this type of therapy and helps protect both patients and staff throughout the process. Clinical Pharmacy reviews each patient’s medications before treatment and prepares a protective infusion that safeguards kidney function during treatment. Nuclear Medicine performs the actual infusion and monitors radiation levels before the patient is cleared to go home.
St. Bernards works with Novartis Patient Support to help patients access LUTATHERA, including assistance with insurance, prior authorization and financial support options for those who qualify. Referring physicians, meanwhile, can work directly with St. Bernards to identify appropriate candidates and begin the process.
Because GEP-NETs often go undetected for years, having access to a specialized therapy close to home carries real significance for patients across the Mid-South. St. Bernards’ ability to now offer LUTATHERA expands the health system’s cancer services and reinforces its role as the region’s premier destination for specialized oncologic care.
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