Providing and administering RLT
This section of the Novartis RLT Institute is designed to help health care professionals (HCPs) understand radiation safety procedures for providing and administering radioligand therapies (RLTs) manufactured by Novartis. It is based on guidelines from regulatory agencies, including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). Topics include safe transport, administration, and postadministration protocols to prepare the patient and room for subsequent use.
Administering RLT
Pretreatment
The patient is assessed to ensure they are medically fit and able to adhere to radiation safety precautions upon discharge, and to determine if a full dosage of RLT can be administered. Then patient consent is obtained, an intravenous catheter is started, and the patient is provided with any necessary premedication as prescribed by the treating physician.1
Expert insight
- For treatment with LUTATHERA® (lutetium Lu 177 dotatate), administer antiemetics to help avoid nausea and vomiting that may be associated with required concomitant medications2
- Minimize extravasation by utilizing flushing procedures. Follow site guidelines and standard operating procedures for extravasation2,3
- Minimize tubing used in the administration procedures to reduce radioactive waste that will require management4
- Ensure that there is back-up equipment and resources in case a contamination occurs which requires decontamination or decay in storage4