Peptide Receptor Radiotherapy (PRRT)
Cancerous neuroendocrine tumours contain specific receptors. Peptides, attached to radioactive isotopes, target these. They bind to the receptors, delivering a high, localised radiation dose to the diseased cells. This allows accurate targeting of the cancer and less damage to healthy cells.
Treatment overview
The London Clinic’s specialists inject the medication into your bloodstream and this works by seeking out tumour cells and binds to them, delivering a high dose of radiation precisely at the cancer to destroy the cells.
The London Clinic has world-leading endocrinology and oncology consultants supported by dedicated multidisciplinary teams and some of the most modern treatments available. Our priority is to provide the best cancer care in a comfortable, private and stress-free environment.
Cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally demanding. At this difficult time, The London Clinic offers the latest cancer treatments, sensitive support by a multidisciplinary team and a clean, calm environment in which to recover.
Understanding your treatment
Peptide receptive therapy is an innovative molecular therapy used to treat neuroendocrine cancers. Cancerous neuroendocrine tumours contain specific receptors. Peptides, attached to radioactive isotopes, target these. They bind to the receptors, delivering a high, localised radiation dose to the diseased cells. This allows accurate targeting of the cancer and less damage to healthy cells.
The London Clinic offers peptide receptive therapy, administered by an expert multi-disciplinary team. There are clinical nurse specialists to guide and advise you about the possible side-effects, and help control your symptoms. Your treatment is planned at a multidisciplinary team meeting.
We have a team of Consultant Endocrinologists and specialist nurses, who have extensive knowledge and experience in the treatment of neuroendocrine cancers. They will discuss the benefits and side-effects of peptide treatment.
They will always take time to answer any questions and address any worries you may have. We also offer complementary therapy, counselling and an extensive physiotherapy service.
Radionuclide therapy at The London Clinic is carried out as a day-admission in the Duchess of Devonshire wing. A drip will be inserted into your arm and the medication will be delivered as an infusion by an experienced nuclear medicine clinician. An infusion of amino acids will also be given to protect the kidneys from any toxicity. A medical physicist will be present to provide you with radiation protection advice.
The rooms in the Duchess of Devonshire wing are comfortable and private. You will be required to stay in the room for the day, to reduce the risk of radiation exposure to others. Visitors are allowed, but should follow the advice of the medical physics team.
This will include avoiding direct contact with you and wearing personal protective clothing such as disposable gowns and gloves.
Your consultant endocrinologist will customise a programme of therapy to address your cancer. The treatment is usually cyclical, with around four treatments carried out at three-monthly intervals.
Treatment risks and recovery
There are risks and side effects with any treatment. Peptide therapy is usually well tolerated, but the amino acid infusion may cause nausea and sickness. Our experienced care team will offer medication to reduce any symptoms and support your safe recovery.
The London Clinic will give you advice on radiation safety and a contact number, so that you can get guidance at any time during your treatment. Your consultant will also give you advice about symptoms to look out for, and when to get urgent assessment.
Small amounts of radiation remain in the body after treatment, so you should limit your contact with others, particularly people that are potentially vulnerable to exposure.
For two days, you should avoid regularly interacting or sharing a bed with other adults. For seven days, you should avoid prolonged or close contact with children under six and pregnant women.
The radioisotopes will be removed in your urine and faeces, so it’s particularly important to be careful about handwashing and hygiene.
Why choose The London Clinic
Excellence in one place
The London Clinic, in collaboration with Northwestern Medicine, operate as teams of experts with world-class resources, dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care. Surrounded by the latest treatments and advice, you’ll have everything you need to get back to your best health. Our patient rooms are designed for your comfort, while our catering team, in collaboration with expert dietitians, provide healthy, delicious meals to support your recovery.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. Our teams will be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care to your specific needs and giving you the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you’re in the best hands. To provide exceptional care, we keep our staff-to-patient ratio low, so our nurses, clinicians, therapists, and support teams can offer a personalised, quality experience. You’ll notice the difference.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through every step of your patient experience. From explaining your personal treatment plan to ensuring all details are taken care of, we make the process stress-free, so you can focus on your health. Whether it’s your first consultation or follow-up care, our teams are here to provide seamless support and the peace of mind you deserve
What's included in your package?
Choosing The London Clinic means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
Your treatment package will include:
- Enhanced pre-admission assessment
- Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
- Personalised aftercare and follow-up
We want you to be in control of your health. That’s why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us. To help you manage the cost, we also offer a 0% finance option, allowing you to spread the payments for your treatment over 12 months with no added interest. Learn more about our finance options here.
How to pay
- You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
- You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
- If you’re paying for yourself, we have 0% finance options available with Chrysalis. Find out more here.