Oncology Drug Reference Sheet: Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate.

This article focuses on Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate (Lutathera®), the first radioactive drug approved for treating advanced neuroendocrine tumors of the digestive tract that express somatostatin receptors. Classified as a radiopharmaceutical and radiolabeled somatostatin analog, it works by binding to tumor cell receptors and delivering targeted radiation to cause cellular damage. The drug is administered intravenously every eight weeks for four doses, with specific precautions for safe handling, monitoring of adverse effects such as myelosuppression and renal toxicity, and management of potential hypersensitivity and neuroendocrine hormonal crises. Patient education emphasizes radiation safety, contraception, hydration, and symptom reporting, while nursing considerations include pretreatment assessments and careful administration by trained personnel.