The Current Practice of Theranostics: Results of a National Survey and Lessons Learned.

Theranostic programs are expanding rapidly, creating a growing need to understand how institutions implement [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE therapy and [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 therapy in clinical practice.

Methods

We distributed a 25-question online survey to U.S. health care institutions that administer 177Lu therapies. The survey collected data on therapy administration, patient monitoring, imaging protocols, and radiation safety practices.

Results

Thirty-five institutions responded. Practices varied widely in administration methods, vital sign monitoring, antiemetic use, and imaging protocols. Most sites infused [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE over an average of 30 min via pump or gravity method, whereas [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 was more often administered by hand injection within 10 min. Vital signs were monitored at 91% of [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE therapy sites compared with 57% for [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 therapy. Antiemetics were used at 97% of [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE sites versus 23% at [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 sites. Posttherapy imaging was performed for 48% of [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE therapies and 57% of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 therapies, with substantial variation in timing and frequency.

Conclusion

These results indicate significant variability in clinical theranostics practice in the United States and may result in meaningful differences in patient outcomes and satisfaction. The findings emphasize the necessity for consensus guidelines and standardization. This article also explores key lessons learned from real-world implementation, highlighting the evolving nature of theranostic programs as they expand in clinical practice.