In Case of Emergency: Radiation Safety Guidance for Patients Undergoing Radioligand Therapy

Precautions related to cancer patients receiving radioactive isotope treatments such as PLUVICTO and LUTATHERA

After radioligand cancer treatment, radiation will be present in the recipient’s body, blood, and urine. The radioactive material will be naturally eliminated from the body via excretion and decay, resulting in a rapid decrease in the radiation emitted by the patient’s body after treatment. 

While the patient will emit a small amount of radiation for a limited time, levels are usually well within safe limits. DO NOT DELAY LIFE SAVING CARE. However, if you are treating a radioligand patient in the event of an emergency, the following precautions are recommended to ensure safety:

1. Be aware that blood and other bodily fluids may be radioactive and avoid spreading the material.
2. Wear shoe covers and smocks to protect clothing from contamination.
3. Those expected to work the closest with the patient should wear dosimeters if available.
4. If a radiation detector is available, a staff member should be posted at the door to the procedure room to monitor hands and feet of persons leaving the room.
5. Collect any items potentially contaminated with radioactive material (smocks, gloves, etc) into a dedicated waste container.
6. Contact your institution’s Radiation Safety office for assistance.

Once the patient is stable, the following guidelines are recommended after the radioligand infusion:

For 2 days, the patient should

• Maintain a distance of 3 feet from household contacts for 2 days after treatment.

For 7 days, the patient should

• Maintain a distance of 3 – 6 feet from pregnant women and young children.
• Receive special care to prevent contamination via urine if incontinent or admitted to the hospital.
• If possible, remain seated while urinating and flush the toilet twice after use.
• Sleep in a separate bed from others and avoid sexual contact.

For more information in case of emergency, please contact:

• Daytime: 352-265-0316
• Nightime/Weekends: (352) 265-0111. Please ask for the Radiation Oncology attending or resident on call.

Additional Resources:

• LUTATHERA RADIATION SAFETY: Safety & Side Effects | LUTATHERA® (lutetium Lu 177 dotatate)
• PLUVICTO RADIATION SAFETY: Resources for Your Patients I PLUVICTO