St. Bernards Becomes First in Northeast Arkansas to Offer LUTATHERA Targeted Radiotherapy for Rare Neuroendocrine Tumors
Key Insights
St. Bernards Healthcare (search) has launched a targeted cancer therapy program using LUTATHERA, becoming the only health system in Northeast Arkansas to offer this treatment for GEP-NETs.
LUTATHERA (lutetium Lu 177 dotatate) (search) targets somatostatin receptors on tumor cells, delivering precise radiation that travels less than 3/32 of an inch and clears the body within 14 days.
The therapy is approved for patients as young as 12 years old with SSTR-positive gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, which are often difficult to treat with standard therapies.
St. Bernards Healthcare (search) has successfully administered its first dose of LUTATHERA® (lutetium Lu 177 dotatate) to a patient this week, marking the launch of a targeted cancer therapy program that makes the Jonesboro-based health system the only provider in Northeast Arkansas to offer this advanced level of cancer care.
The therapy addresses gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) (search), a rare group of cancers that develop in the stomach, intestines, or pancreas. These malignancies can be difficult to treat with standard, more traditional cancer therapies, leaving patients with limited options.
How LUTATHERA Works
LUTATHERA is a radioligand therapy that targets somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) (search), a specific group of proteins expressed on the surface of certain tumor cells. Before starting treatment, patients receive a specialized scan to confirm their cancer carries SSTRs. Once eligibility is confirmed, LUTATHERA finds and attaches itself to SSTR proteins on cancer cells, then enters the cells to deliver a precise dose of radiation directly to the tumor.
The radiation travels no more than 3/32 of an inch in tissue, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy cells. The radioactive material mostly leaves the body naturally within two days, and within 14 days, more than 99% is eliminated. The therapy is available to patients as young as 12 years old.
A Multidisciplinary Effort
Delivering LUTATHERA safely required building a team-based approach that draws on the expertise of multiple departments across St. Bernards. 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.
"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."
Patient Access and Regional Significance
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 can work directly with St. Bernards to identify appropriate candidates and begin the treatment 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 destination for specialized oncologic care.