Luthathera (PRRT) During COVID 19
Luthathera (PRRT) During COVID 19
Am I at an increased risk of COVID 19 because I'm taking PRRT? By itself, PRRT shouldn't put you at increased risk. But if you experience bone marrow toxicity (low white blood cell count specifically), that would put you at a higher risk of fighting infection. Generally speaking, the benefit of the therapy outweighs that small risk.
Should I be concerned about increased risk at my treatment facility? Most treatment facilities are taking as many precautions as they can to minimize the risk to patients for all procedures and therapies including this one. But if you are concerned, you should ask what steps they are taking specifically.
Anything I can to do minimize risk? Continue to follow the guidelines for all people at this time: Wash your hands regularly, try to keep your distance from others and minimize the number of people you interact with. The treatment facility may recommend that family members don't accompany you to your appointment unless absolutely needed.
What if my treatment has to be postponed...will it impact my results? If you've already started PRRT, in most cases, it is best not to delay your subsequent cycles. However, a short delay of a few weeks is unlikely to have an impact on your results. This should be balanced with the risk of traveling to the hospital for the therapy, so good to discuss with your treating physician the reasons they recommend a delay.
If you haven't yet started PRRT, then it may make sense to delay the start if you can safely wait for 6-12 weeks. It depends on how quickly your disease is progressing and this decision should be made together with your treating physician.
Erik Mittra, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor and Section Chief of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging, Oregon Health & Sciences University (OHSU)
