Feasibility and safety of [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 administration via TIVAP confirmed

A recent study published in EJNMMI Research by the Nuclear Medicine Department at CHRU Nancy, including Laetitia Imbert, investigates the feasibility and safety of administering [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 through a totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP).

Traditionally, [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 — used for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer — is delivered through a peripheral IV catheter.
Since many oncology patients already have a TIVAP in place for chemotherapy, the authors explored whether this device could safely be used for radioligand therapy.

Based on 105 patient analyses and complementary phantom studies performed using a peristaltic infusion system, the results show that:

• residual activity in the device is below 2 %,
• no abnormal SPECT uptake is observed post-injection,
• the approach is safe, efficient, and improves patient comfort.

This work supports the use of TIVAP as a reliable route for [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 delivery, particularly for elderly patients or those with poor venous access.

Reference: Lombard A. et al., EJNMMI Research, 2025, 15:121.
Collaborations: CHRU Nancy – Université de Lorraine – Inserm U1254 Nancyclotep