Facilities and equipment

RLT facility needs

Facility requirements based on therapy types

The needs of an RLT treatment facility vary with the types of RLTs offered, therefore each facility setup must be tailored to practice-specific needs.¹

In the US, administering PLUVICTO® (lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) and LUTATHERA® (lutetium Lu 177 dotatate) are generally considered outpatient therapies. Often, physical space requirements include a hot lab space to receive, store, and prepare radiopharmaceuticals for administration, as well as a treatment room and designated restroom. These facilities must be safely separated from other patients, staff, and the general public to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure and contamination.²

Critical spaces in an RLT facility

When establishing an RLT facility, it is important to consider the cohesive integration of several critical spaces, including a hot lab, treatment room, patient bathroom, and space for radioactive decay and storage.^2,3

The treatment room and bathroom do not necessarily need to be fully dedicated to RLT; they can be converted back to general use depending on the overall facility needs. However, clear protocols on radiation safety, room release criteria, and decontamination procedures are critical if the facility is to be released and used for other purposes.¹

Expert insight

Contamination can render both space and equipment unusable, potentially disrupting their availability for other uses. Facilities should be designed to allow isolation or "shut down" of specific areas without impacting broader operations.⁴

Guidelines from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for facility design

The design of an RLT facility should prioritize safety by minimizing radiation exposure. Radiation shielding requirements depend on various factors, including the type and amount of radiopharmaceuticals used, as well as the available space.^5,6

The RLT treatment center workflow is designed to ensure safe handling of radiopharmaceuticals and patient care. From dose preparation in the hot lab to treatment administration, waste management, and final storage in the decay space, each step follows regulatory guidelines to maintain safety and compliance.^5,6

Let's explore these key spaces in more detail.