Major advancement in cancer treatment in Oman

Muscat: Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre (SQCCCRC) has unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in cancer care with the launch of Lutetium-177 (Lu-177) PSMA radionuclide therapy.

This introduction expands its Theranostics Programme, fundamentally reshaping the landscape of oncology treatment nationwide.

The inaugural patient has successfully undergone the initial cycle of Lutetium-177 (177 Lu) Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) therapy, administered by the Nuclear Medicine team at SQCCCRC.

Dr. Khulood Al-Riyami, head of the Nuclear Medicine section at SQCCCRC, said: “This treatment option is typically reserved for prostate cancer patients with extensive disease who have shown no response to other treatments like androgen deprivation therapy and chemotherapy."

She further explained: “The therapy aims to alleviate symptoms and stabilise the disease, thereby enhancing the patient's quality of life."

The treatment involves a radioactive component (177 Lu) combined with a peptide (PSMA) that specifically targets prostate cancer cells, inducing radioactive damage and impeding their growth, occasionally leading to cell death.

SQCCCRC's Theranostics Programme, blending cutting-edge technology and interdisciplinary expertise to offer tailored treatment options, represents a significant stride in the field of oncology.

This programme employs a theranostics approach that integrates nuclear medicine tools innovatively to optimise cancer management by precisely targeting radioactive medicine while minimising harm to adjacent healthy tissues.

Dr. Rashid Al Sukaitti, head of the Radiology and Nuclear Medicine department, remarked: “Many patients will no longer need to seek treatment abroad, marking a pivotal achievement for the Nuclear Medicine section. A multidisciplinary team comprising nuclear medicine physicians, technical experts, medical physicists, oncology consultants, and nursing teams collaborated to ensure the highest standard of medical care for patients."

Expressing enthusiasm for the launch of 177Lu therapies, Dr. Khulood Al-Riyami added: "We are excited to introduce 177LuPSMA to the Theranostics Programme—an unparalleled approach merging diagnostics, therapeutics, and the capabilities of nuclear medicine, unlocking new avenues in cancer treatment. We aim to extend Lutetium-177-based therapy to patients with conditions such as neuroendocrine tumours in the near future."

SQCCCRC reaffirms its commitment to enhancing cancer care and providing groundbreaking solutions within their communities through the expansion of the Theranostics Programme. This initiative underscores the organisation's dedication to advancing scientific breakthroughs while delivering patient-centric, empathetic care.