Conemaugh Memorial Implements Molecular Therapy for Patients

Johnstown, PA (November 5, 2019) - Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center recently introduced molecular therapy that targets certain cancers in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas, with little to no damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The treatment is used mainly for patients who are not surgery candidates, and when other treatment options are not slowing tumor growth. All patients may not be candidates for this treatment.

Lulefium Lu 177 doctatate is an intravenous (IV) prescription medicine used to treat adults with a type of cancer known as gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). It is administered at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center’s Nuclear Medicine department. A tumor targeting solution finds and binds to cancer cells. The solution is visible with the use of a positron emission tomography (PET) scan to confirm that radiation will target only the diseased cells of the body. A radioactive component then destroys the cancerous cells.

“Conemaugh is one of the few providers in the state offering this advanced treatment,” said Ibrahim Sbeitan, MD, Conemaugh Physician Group – Medical Oncology at the Conemaugh Cancer Center. “We offer a team approach and utilize a variety of treatment options to assist patients for the best possible outcomes.” Additional treatment options, he explains, include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or a combination of services.

Approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018, the radiotherapy has shown to be effective for patients who have not responded well to other cancer treatments. Patients who have used this therapy have seen a 79% reduction spread of cancer.

Conemaugh Cancer Center is comprised of medical oncology and radiation oncology services. Board-certified oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, and additional support service staff including nuclear medicine, nutrition, and behavioral medicine work collaboratively to provide an effective treatment plan for each patient.

To learn more about Conemaugh Cancer Center and Nuclear Medicine, visit Conemaugh.org.