Patient Acceptance of Semi-Inpatient Radioligand Therapy: Insights from a Prospective Survey in Nuclear Medicine
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Aim: Radioligand therapy with lutetium-177 is an effective treatment option for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and metastatic neuroendocrine tumors. In Germany, radiation protection laws require hospitalization with isolation, which may cause capacity problems. Internationally, models show the feasibility of non-inpatient radioligand therapy under strict safety measures. Patient acceptance is crucial for the implementation of flexible care models. This study aimed to assess patient preferences, concerns and requirements for non-inpatient radioligand therapy. Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional study was conducted in 46 patients receiving radioligand therapy in a nuclear medicine department. The questionnaire collected demographic and clinical data, treatment preferences, benefits and limitations of various care settings and factors influencing the acceptance of outpatient treatments. Analysis was done descriptively. Results: Most patients (95.7%) valued inpatient monitoring and safety. However, 53.2% of patients preferred a shortened hospital stay and 54.4% of patients rated semi-inpatient care as ideal. Only 8.9% of patients supported a fully outpatient approach. Key barriers to home-based care are radiation exposure and lack of medical supervision. Patients with better performance status showed greater acceptance to non-inpatient models. Educational materials and guaranteed telephone access to clinical staff were identified as important for increasing acceptance. Conclusion: Patients express a strong interest in individualized, flexible radioligand therapy with reliable safety structures. Risk-adapted semi-inpatient models may improve patient-centered care and alleviate pressure on inpatient resources. However, potential risks as radiation exposure to family members and subsequent safety measures need to be explored in controlled trials.
Source: Nuklearmedizin - NuclearMedicine
DOI: 10.1055/a-2966-9616
Institutions: Stiftung Charité, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Language: German
Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7223692240