Since we shared the news of the FDA’s January 26, 2018 approval of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, PRRT, with Lutathera (lutetium Lu 177 dotatate), more information has become available for the neuroendocrine tumor community, including updates about coverage and reimbursement; information about patient assistance programs being offered by Advanced Accelerator Applications (AAA), the manufacturer of Lutathera; new patient materials from Advanced Accelerator Applications; and locations where the treatment is currently being offered.
Scroll down for a state-by-state list of where PRRT with Lutathera is being offered as well as details from each institution where available. We will be adding details as they are received as well as additional locations as more institutions offer the treatment. Check back often!
Infographic, Key Facts about PRRT: Click here for the complete infographic which describes how PRRT works, who might benefit from it, how it is administered, etc: https://www.carcinoid.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/PRRT-Infographic-update-9-2020.pdf
Coverage/Reimbursement:
Many NET patients have asked “What is the insurance/billing code for PRRT?” At the current time, because Lutathera is a newly approved therapy, and until the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issues a product-specific billing code, institutions must use a temporary code. A permanent billing code is expected to be issued by January 2019. These codes help facilitate the reimbursement process for institutions.
As of July 1, 2018, there is a pass through code for Lutathera (this code is only for the medication, not for anything else involved in the treatment) for Medicare patients treated in hospital outpatient facilities, when used as per the FDA approval of the medication, also described as on-label. This code is C9031.
For Medicare patients, there should be coverage for on-label use of Lutathera, based on historical precedent with other newly approved medicines. If a doctor prescribes the medicine for off-label use, meaning for patients or conditions not included in the FDA approved indication, Medicare requires that the treatment is listed in compendia or supported by at least 2 peer-reviewed publications. This process is uncertain and requires a lot of work from the physicians and their staff.
For patients with private insurance, it could take several months for private (commercial) insurance companies to develop written policies regarding coverage of the PRRT procedure. In many cases, while payers are developing policies, patients are considered on a case-by-case basis. It is generally recommended that patients ask their insurance company for a pre-determination, versus prior authorization, although this does not guarantee coverage. Prior authorization is a quick and simple process (typically a few hours or days), where the physician submits some basic information regarding the patient and intended use of the treatment, and the insurance company confirms if the treatment meets certain criteria set by the insurance plan. In a pre-determination process, however, the insurance company looks at the design of the benefit plan and checks any newly approved drug lists, which can improve the likelihood of coverage. This process often takes a bit longer (a few weeks) compared to a prior authorization, and might include a peer review with the physician, depending on the individual insurance company or plan.
Patient Assistance Programs:
All patient assistance programs offered by AAA are administered by a third-party provider. The process for patient assistance must begin with the physician/health care provider. There are website and contact #s for physicians to access the forms and ask questions (insert link to updated AAAPatientConnect Brochure). Please work with your health care provider to apply for these programs. Any requests for verification of information or other inquiries will be sent only to the submitting physician, not the patient.
For patients with private (commercial) insurance, there is a co-pay assistance program. The level of co-pay assistance is determined based on the patient’s household income. Patients need to speak with their physicians and/or nurses about applying. The form must be completed and signed by both the doctor and patient. Patients cannot complete or submit this form on their own.
For patients who do not have private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid or other insurance, the Lutathera drug will be free; however, there will still be costs for the anti-nausea medication and amino acids given at the time of each treatment. There may be additional institutional costs including medical personnel and patients must work this out with the institution administering their treatment.
For Medicare patients, there will be automatic coverage for on-label use of Lutathera. If the doctor goes off-label, meaning prescribing the treatment for NET patients not included in the FDA approval (for example, pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma patients and lung neuroendocrine tumor patients as lung NETs are technically not gasteroenteropancreatic NETs), Medicare might not cover the treatments.
New Website:
Advanced Accelerator Applications, AAA, has a new website regarding PRRT with Lutathera for both patients and providers: https://lutathera.com/. This website is intended for US residents only, there is a separate link for Non-US residents. There is also a separate section within the site for Healthcare Providers.
New Publications from Advanced Accelerator Applications:
- A Fact Sheet with basic “quick” info on Lutathera/PRRT, https://www.carcinoid.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/AAA_Lu177_US_0058_LUTATHERA_lutetitum_Lu177_dotatate_Patient_Fact-Sheet_Final-July-2018.pdf
- A brochure giving high level information on Patient Assistance Programs available through AAA PatientCONNECT™ , https://www.carcinoid.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/AAA_AAAPC_US_0012_AAAPC_Patient_Brochure_Final-July-2018.pdf
- A brochure with information about Lutathera, including some details regarding administration and follow up procedures and other helpful hints (including a brief mention of Patient Assistance Programs available via AAA PatientCONNECT™), https://www.carcinoid.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/AAA_Lu177_US_0057_LUTATHERA_lutetitum_Lu177_dotatate_Patient_Brochure_Final-July-2018.pdf
- A Journey of Hope: Moving Toward a Brighter Future in Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET) Treatment. A must-read about five neuroendocrine tumor patients, each with different experiences with Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT). With a foreword, “Hope is Like Air,” by neuroendocrine cancer specialist Eric Liu, MD, general surgeon, Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, Denver, Colorado. https://www.carcinoid.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/A-Journey-of-Hope-Moving-Toward-a-Brighter-Future-in-Neuroendocrine-Tumor-NET-Treatment_2.pdf
National Comprehensive Care Network (NCCN) Oncology Guidelines: The most recent version of the NCCN Guidelines for Neuroendocrine and Adrenal Tumors (Version 2.2018, May 4, 2018) includes a new section entitled “Principles of Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) with 177-LU-DOTATE1-4” beginning on page 56. You can register for a free account and access the guidelines here, https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/default.aspx.
Animation from Advanced Accelerator Applications about PRRT with Lutathera (click below to watch)
STATE-BY-STATE LIST OF LOCATIONS OFFERING PRRT WITH LUTATHERA
ALABAMA
Birmingham:
University of Alabama Medicine
ARIZONA
Little Rock:
Gilbert:
Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center
Any patient can be treated with PRRT at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center (BMDACC), including those whose primary oncologists are not part of the Banner Health system. The Neuroendocrine Oncology Program at BMDACC is based on routine close cooperation with community oncologists, to whom the patient will return for continued care upon completion of PRRT. Patients that are candidates for PRRT must be seen at BMDACC for a consultation by Dr. Boris Naraev (Lead of the Neuroendocrine Oncology Program) to determine if the patient meets all the requirements for treatment. Every case will be then reviewed with Dr. Susan Passalaqua (Director of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging). If needed, cases are discussed at the Tumor Board. Once the decision is made to proceed with PRRT, the Banner PRRT team will handle scheduling the treatment. Patients need to be seen for a follow-up visit before each PRRT treatment.
To refer a patient and schedule an appointment, physicians can send their referrals to BMDACC Patient Access Department via fax (480-256-4607). Both patients and referring physicians can call the main phone number and bypass the operator at 480-256-6444 by selecting Option 1. This option will direct them to intake.
Patients can use this link to get information to request a new patient appointment. Patients could fill out the New Patient Form online: https://surveys.bannerhealth.com/Survey.aspx?s=967625465d8d4f69a801912290b9cc5e. Patients can reach out directly to BMDACC as noted above. However, depending on their specific insurance policy, a formal referral from their oncologist or primary care doctor might be needed.
Scheduling telephone number: 480-256-6444
The operator will be able to direct the call according to the needs of the caller (Patient Access – initial visit, NET Clinic – follow-up visits, Triage – medical questions, new symptoms, etc.). During the initial visit with our NET clinic all the patients are given the direct phone number for the clinic for future use.
Fax number: 480-256-4607 (Patient Access Department)
Insurance questions: 480-256-6444 (ask for Patient Financial Services)
Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center has a comprehensive multidisciplinary Neuroendocrine Oncology Program. Their team is experienced in utilizing PRRT to treat patients with different NETs as they participated in the Expanded Access Protocol (investigational use of PRRT prior to its approval by the FDA).
Phoenix:
CALIFORNIA
Antioch:
Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center
Los Angeles:
Patients receiving PRRT at City of Hope first need to be seen by a GI Medical Oncologist (usually Dr. Daneng Li, Co-Director of the Neuroendocrine Tumor Program at City of Hope). Dr. Li and staff will obtain insurance authorization for follow-up visits with him prior to each PRRT treatment. While it is preferred that labs and follow-up imaging are also done at City of Hope to allow for fully coordinated care and give patients a “sense of a home base” during their PRRT journey, we understand that sometimes that can be difficult for patients traveling from long distances. Therefore, these can be done by the patient’s primary oncologist if necessary.
Patients can make an appointment with Dr. Daneng Li or a GI medical oncologist by contacting New Patient Services at City of Hope. The City of Hope general number is 626-471-9200; then follow prompts for New Patient Services to schedule an appointment.
General Fax: 626-301-8233
Click here for the PRRT website at City of Hope.
Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center
It is not necessary for a patient to see a UCLA physician in order to be referred there for PRRT. Orders for PRRT are accepted from any licensed MD or DO within the United States. International patients do need to have a US physician refer them to UCLA for PRRT. If a patient would like to transfer their care to UCLA or would like to see an oncologist specializing in NET, it is recommend they contact Nicole Pope at the Santa Monica UCLA Oncology group, 310-829-5471. Dr. Randy Hecht is one of the highly recommended oncologists from this group, specializing in patients with NET.
To schedule an appointment at UCLA an order is needed from a physician. Once the order is faxed to UCLA (see below), either patients or referring providers’ offices can call to schedule a consult. A consult is always required prior to scheduling the therapy dates. During the consult, UCLA doctors discuss the therapy process and answer any questions the patient may have, and UCLA coordinators will schedule the entire 4 therapy cycles.
Phone number: To schedule an appointment or ask questions call the main scheduling line at 310-794-1005.
Fax number: 310-267-0227
Insurance questions: For questions regarding insurance, patients or doctors’ offices can call the main UCLA scheduling line above. If coordinators are not able to answer the caller’s questions, then they will transfer the caller to the billing staff. For orders from non-UCLA providers, patients must provide demographic information, insurance cards, and backup medical documentation. Authorization (when required) is needed for the initial pre-therapy consult visit. UCLA coordinators can also provide referring physicians’ offices with the billing codes necessary to request authorization (when required).
Additional Information: UCLA participated in the investigational (Expanded Access Protocol) study that helped make this an FDA-approved therapy and treated more than 30 patients during the investigational study.
University of Southern California – Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
Newport Beach:
All patients who are seeking treatment at Hoag Hospital must see Dr. Michael Demeure for screening and to order treatment. To make an appointment with Dr. Demeure, please contact his medical assistant, Sara, at 949-791-6767. Patients can make their own appointment but should have a referral from a physician, insurance approval and records sent prior to being seen.
Fax number: 949-671-6768
For insurance questions about PRRT with Lutathera, contact Laura Clark at Hoag Hospital.
Palo Alto:
VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Panorama City:
Kaiser Permanente Panorama City
Sacramento:
Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center
San Diego:
San Bernardino:
Kaiser Permanente San Bernardino County
San Francisco:
Patients can be treated with PRRT at UCSF if they have a physician outside of the UCSF system. In fact, keeping your local oncology provider as part of your care team is routine for patients who live outside of San Francisco. All patients need to see Dr. Thomas Hope for a consult prior to being treated with PRRT at UCSF. Patients can call the UCSF Neuroendocrine Clinic to schedule an appointment: 415-476-2212, option 1.
Patients can be referred by their physician or they can self-refer (insurance permitting). Records needed before a patient can be seen include a pathology report confirming diagnosis and scan images.
Sherina Xue or Shuyi “Winki” Huang schedule for the Neuroendocrine Program. They can be reached directly by calling 415-476-2212, option 1.
Fax: 415-353-9931, Attn: Sherina or Winki
For insurance questions regarding PRRT coverage, please call Radiology Billing 415-514-8888. For insurance questions regarding clinical consult coverage, please call Sherina or Winki 415-476-2212, option 1.
Santa Clara:
Kaiser Santa Clara Medical Center
Stanford:
Stanford University Medical Center
COLORADO
Denver:
All candidates for PRRT must first be seen by a GI Medical Oncologist at the Unviersity of Colorado. Once seen by a GI Medical Oncologist, the physician will determine if the patient meets all the necessary requirements and is a candidate for PRRT. Then the University of Colorado Hospital will schedule the patient for treatment.
All patients and physicians interested in a referral may contact Julie Banahan, GI Nurse Navigator, at:
Phone: 720-848-0201
Fax: 720-848-0160
Lone Tree:
CONNECTICUT
Hartford:
New Haven:
FLORIDA
Fort Meyers:
Jacksonville:
All PRRT candidates must first be seen by one of the Mayo GI oncologists. Requests should be for a GI oncology consult for PRRT with Drs. Pashtoon Kasi, Dr. Kabir Mody or Dr. Gerardo Colon-Otero. A patient can request this or have his/her physician request the GI oncology consult.
Once seen by a Mayo GI oncologist, the physician will determine if the patient meets all the necessary requirements and is a candidate for PRRT. Then Mayo will go about scheduling the patient for the treatment.
Phone number: 904-953-0863
Fax number: 904-953-0896
Insurance questions can be answered at the phone number above. The same person patients speak to regarding booking the consult will review their insurance information with them to see if it is in or out of network etc.
Miami:
University of Miami Hospitals and Clinics
Orlando:
Tampa:
Winter Park:
GEORGIA
Atlanta:
Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Atlanta
Patients meet with Dr. Eyal Meiri, Chief Medical Oncologist who focuses on neuroendocrine tumors. If patients qualify for PRRT, they will meet with a CTCA theranostic radiologists, financial advisor and NET navigator. Once they start PRRT, CTCA will coordinate with their local oncologist to co-manage their care during treatments. Once patients have finished their 4 treatments, they can return to their local oncologist- no follow up needed at CTCA.
The patient’s physician can make a referral with a phone call to a CTCA Physician Referral Specialists (PRS) 770-400-6568. The PRS will contact the patient to obtain a release of information and demographics so they can verify insurance. Once the patient is financially approved, the PRS will get their appointments scheduled.
THE CTCA PRS will take care of scheduling. Patients can call the main hospital phone number 770-400-6000 and ask for the Kristen Nigro, RN, NET Navigator with any questions.
Fax number: 770-400-6900. Please indicate PRRT treatment on the cover sheet so it will be sent to the appropriate department.
Insurance questions: 770-400-6568 or one of the CTCA financial advisors can assist with insurance questions.
CTCA uses its own amino acid combination of Lysine and Arginine. A dedicated NET team will assist patients through the PRRT process.
Emory University Hospital Midtown
HAWAII
Honolulu:
IDAHO
Idaho Falls:
ILLINOIS
Chicago:
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Northwestern prefers that patients wishing to have PRRT schedule an appointment with one of the oncologists there (see below) to be evaluated for their symptoms, etc. Northwestern can then set up the PRRT treatment if recommended. Northwestern is still in the process of firming up its policy regarding PRRT for NET patients at their institution.
Northwestern oncologists with whom NET patients can make an appointment are: Al B. Benson III, MD; Mary Mulcahy, MD; Deva Mahalingam, MD; Aparna Kalyan, MD; and Sheetal Kircher, MD.
Phone: 312-695-0990 (for patients who wish to schedule an appointment with an oncologist) Patients should have their medical information available (i.e., name of your local oncologist) so that Northwestern can retrieve your medical records before your appointment. If you have questions, patients can also leave a message at this number for the team nurse.
Fax: 312-695-6352
Insurance questions: 312-695-0990 (If there is anything more specific please leave a message for the team nurse and Northwestern can have one of their financial assistance members contact you.)
Rush University Medical Center
Patients who wish to be considered for PRRT at Rush University should make an appointment with Dr. Shikha Jain in Rush’s NET clinic. The treatment schedule is handled by the Nuclear Medicine Department who will reach out to patients for scheduling times once Dr. Jain has approved them for PRRT and ordered treatment.
Telephone number for appointments with Dr. Jain: 312-942-4634
Fax number: 312-942-3192
For information regarding insurance questions, please contact:
Marisol Aguayo | Administrative Manager, marisol_aguago@rush.edu
1725 W. Harrison Street
Suite 809 | Chicago, IL 60612
University of Chicago Medicine
The University of Chicago Medicine often collaborates with outside offices for treatment of patients receiving PRRT. If patients are not currently established at UChicago Medicine, an initial consultation with one of the GI oncologists needs to be made. The leading UChicago Medicine GI oncologist treating patients with PRRT is Dr. Chih-Yi Liao. If patients prefer that their appointments outside PRRT treatments be received at a local facility, UChicago Medicine will coordinate care with their local provider. However, patients must have a follow-up with a UChicago Medicine GI oncologist prior to each PRRT appointment.
Patients’ insurance may require a referral. However, if a patient is currently under the care of another physician, a UChicago Medicine GI oncologist will communicate treatment recommendations to patients’ local provider. Patients can make appointments directly, as well.
For patients with commercial insurance, UChicago Medicine works with Advanced Accelerator Applications Patient CONNECT™ for financial assistance. Patients complete a form that is submitted to Advanced Accelerator Applications Patient CONNECT™. Once insurance coverage is confirmed, Lutathera is ordered for a patient’s initial PRRT treatment.
For insurance questions, contact LaKeisha Rattler 773-702-0436 or Melissa Rios 773-834-2914.
Telephone: 773-702-6149 to make an appointment with Dr. Chih-Yi Liao at UChicago Medicine
Fax: 773-753-4525
Hines:
Maywood:
Loyola University Medical Center
Zion:
Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), Chicago
INDIANA
Indianapolis:
IOWA
Iowa City:
Iowa City VA Health Care System
The University of Iowa NET team works closely with referring physicians and self-referred patients. All physician- and self-referred patient will require a consultation with one of Iowa’s two neuroendocrine oncologists (Thomas O’Dorisio, MD and Joseph Dillon, MD). Prior to this initial consultation, the following information and materials are required: 1) most recent clinic note from primary care physician or medical oncologist; 2) most recent CT/MRI report and CD; 3) report and CD of most recent 68Ga-DOTATATE PET; and 4)most recent pathology report and tissue block (or 8-10 unstained slides). If any of these required materials are unavailable, we will schedule appropriate CT/MRI and/or 68Ga-DOTATATE PET for the first visit.
University of Iowa Neuroendocrine Tumor Clinic: Director: Thomas M. O’Dorisio, MD; Co-director: Joseph Dillon, MD; Co-director: James R. Howe, MD; Medical Oncology: Chandharika Chandrasekharan, MD
Phone: 319-356-4200 (patients or referring physicians can request an appointment); Choose option 3, ask for Ms. Molly Becker or NET scheduler
Fax: 319-384-9874; Attention Ms. Kimberly Miller, NET nurse coordinator
Insurance questions: Handled at the time of scheduling the initial scheduling, 319-356-4200, option 3
Iowa has a NET clinic for children and adolescents; referrals can be made to M. Sue O’Dorisio, MD, 319-356-3595. Information and materials needed at the first visit are listed above.
KANSAS
Fairway:
University of Kansas Cancer Center
KENTUCKY
Lexington:
University of Kentucky, Markey Cancer Center
LOUISIANA
New Orleans:
Ochsner/LSU’s Neuroendocrine Tumor Program accepts physician as well as patient self-referrals for PRRT. To be considered for this treatment, Ochsner requires a consultation with one of their neuroendocrine tumor specialists (Dr. Eugene Woltering or Dr. Robert Ramirez) to determine eligibility. They will follow you along with your local physician for the duration of the treatment. Contact the NET Nurse Navigator, Pam Ryan, to assist with setting up the consult.
Prior to the initial consult, the following medical records are required: most recent clinic note from the treating physician, most recent CT/MRI and Octreoscan or 68Ga DOTATATE PET/CT scan (report and CD), all pathology reports pertaining to neuroendocrine tumors, and recent lab work and tumor markers. Additional testing may be ordered. Ochsner prefers the records be faxed to the office and CD’s mailed.
Insurance questions will be addressed at the time of scheduling. Ochsner’s authorization department will assist with getting insurance approvals.
Phone: 504-464-8500, 1-866-91-ZEBRA (93272)
Fax: 504-464-8525 – Attn: Nurse Navigator
MARYLAND
Baltimore:
Patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) receiving Lutathera® ([177Lu]DOTATATE) at Johns Hopkins Hospital must first be evaluated by a medical oncologist at Johns Hopkins for consultation. The medical oncologist will review the case with the Johns Hopkins nuclear medicine team. If all are in agreement that peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with Lutathera® is appropriate, the nuclear medicine team will pursue the additional required assessments. Patients must have somatostatin receptor-positive GEP-NETs, with a positive result on a somatostatin receptor-specific imaging study, e.g., NETSPOT™ ([68Ga]DOTATATE PET/CT, documented prior to therapy.
The Johns Hopkins Hospital nuclear medicine team will obtain insurance preauthorization prior to scheduling the first PRRT treatment. Patients, or their referring physician, may schedule the initial consultation. A copy of the patient’s medical records will be requested by the nuclear medicine team, including clinic notes, the pathology report confirming diagnosis, imaging, and laboratory tests.
Insurance questions will be addressed at the time of scheduling the first PRRT treatment.
To schedule the initial consultation, please contact: Avery Spitz RN, MSN, Phone: 443-253-3894; Fax: 410-955-0326; Email: aspitz2@jhmi.ed
Halethorpe:
MASSACHUSETTS
Boston:
Massachusetts General Hospital
MICHIGAN
Ann Arbor:
University of Michigan Medical Center
Detroit:
Karmanos Cancer Center
MINNESOTA
Minneapolis:
University of Minnesota Health
Rochester:
Mayo Clinic Hospital, Methodist Campus
Mayo Clinic Hospital requires at least 1 visit with 1 of the members of the NET team to determine eligibility for PRRT and to ensure that all the necessary studies have been done prior to proceeding such as receptor imaging (ideally gallium 68 DOTATATE PET). Mayo also wants to make sure that kidney and liver function is adequate and that patients understand the logistics of the treatment, the benefits and the risks. Patients who have not been treated at Mayo Clinic are able to have PRRT there but must have at least 1 visit with a NET team physician first.
Patients can initiate the process by calling the New Registration office for medical oncology. Providers can formally request an appointment and Dr. Thor Halfdanarson is happy to take questions from providers via his email (will generally not respond to patients he has not seen via email but promptly gets back to providers).
Phone, New Registration Office for Medical Oncology: ,507-284 -4137
Fax: 507-266-4973
The staff in the New Registrations Office can address initial questions. Insurance issues directly related to PRRT will probably not be addressed until Mayo places the orders for the treatment and preauthorization is obtained.
MISSOURI
Kansas City:
St. Louis:
NEBRASKA
Omaha:
CHI Health Creighton University Theranostics Center at West Omaha Imaging
Samuel H. Mehr, MD is head of the CHI Health Creighton University Theranostics Center and is available to consult with any patient with a neuroendocrine tumor diagnosis considering PRRT. Dr. Mehr sees patients at CHI West Omaha Imaging, 17201 Wright Street, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68130-2042.
Phone: 402-717-4760
Fax: 402-717-4761
Patients or referring physicians may schedule the initial consultation. When the initial appointment is made, patients will be asked to have all medical records forwarded to Dr. Mehr.
During the initial visit, Dr. Mehr reviews the patient’s medical records, explains the treatment options for neuroendocrine tumors (including PRRT), performs a physical examination, and arranges for required diagnostic laboratory and imaging examinations.
Dr. Mehr will manage the patient’s care during the entire course of PRRT.
Questions regarding coordination and insurance should be addressed to Jill Shepherd, 402-717-4760.
Nebraska Cancer Specialists has partnered with Samuel H. Mehr, MD to provide Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT). Dr. Mehr is program director of the CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center Theranostics program, and has recently affiliated with Nebraska Cancer Specialists to provide this service in a community oncology setting. Dr. Mehr consults with patients who have a neuroendocrine tumor diagnosis that are considering PRRT. Patient swill have a brief consult with a medical oncologist from Nebraska Cancer Specialists specializing in neuroendocrine tumors.
Patients, or their referring physician, may schedule the initial consultation. In order to provide complete care, a copy of the patient’s medical records will be requested by Nebraska Cancer Specialists.
During the initial consultation visit, Dr. Mehr will review the patient’s medical records, explain treatment options for neuroendocrine tumors (including PRRT), perform a physical examination, and arrange for the required laboratory and diagnostic imaging.
Dr. Mehr, in collaboration with the medical oncologist, will manage the patient’s care during the entire course of PRRT. The patient will return to the care of their referring physician after completing PRRT treatment, and is welcome to receive any supportive treatments with Nebraska Cancer Specialists or with his/her referring oncologist.
The location of the Nebraska Cancer Specialists Theranostics Center is: 17201 Wright Street, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68130-2042.
Phone: 402-334-4773
Fax: 402-330-7463
Please direct any questions regarding coordination and insurance coverage to Annie Rudloff, Program Director, at (531) 444-1227.
NEW JERSEY
New Brunswick:
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
NEW MEXICO
Albuquerque:
University of New Mexico Health System
NEW YORK
Buffalo:
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
Anyone with low or intermediate grade GI or pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer is eligible to get PRRT (per the FDA approved indication) as long as they have progressed on some other therapy, have adequate kidney function and there is uptake on an octreoscan or Gallium-68 Dotatate scan. Patients with lung NETs are not covered by the FDA indication. Patients from anywhere can come to Roswell Park and see Dr. Renuka Iyer to determine if they meet these criteria. Patients should expect to have an up-to date gallium/octreoscan (within the past 6 months), recent lab work to include creatinine, and know their last dose of either Sandostatin or Somatuline Depot (if they are taking it) in order to initially qualify for PRRT. If patients do not have a recent Gallium-68 PET/CT or octreotide scan, they can have that at Roswell prior to their appointment. A one-time appointment with Dr. Iyer is necessary in order for Roswell to screen and process insurance authorization. Pending that approval, there will be a second appointment in the nuclear medicine department to get clearance and schedule the treatments.
The number to call for an appointment is 716-845-2300 or online www.roswellpark.org/become-a-patient.
Patients can enter the Roswell system by physician referral or by self-referral. Most patients have their information faxed over to 716-845-7104 or call 716-845-2300 with a referral specifically for PRRT. If Roswell determines that something else is needed, the Roswell coordinator may contact the patient and ask to have those tests to make the visit productive.
The PRRT/ neuroendocrine nurse coordinator is Jennifer Pangelinan. She can be reached at 716-845-4005 to answer questions. She does not schedule any appointments, so appointments should be scheduled through 716-845-2300 or online roswellpark.org/become-a-patient. PRRT is scheduled after a consultation with Dr. Iyer, an insurance verification and a clearance from the nuclear medicine doctor. Treatments are also dependent on lab work, so those may be repeated prior to scheduling treatment.
Fax number: 716-845-7104
Financial Counselors are available to assist with questions about insurance coverage and other barriers to treatment at 716-845-4782.
Meet the neuroendocrine cancer team at Roswell Park here: https://www.roswellpark.org/cancer/neuroendocrine-carcinoid.
New York City:
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Molecular Imaging and Therapy Services (MITS) and GI Oncology teams are working collaboratively to treat neuroendocrine tumor patients considering PRRT. Patients are strongly encouraged to be seen by one of MSK’s GI Oncologists prior to treatment. Regardless, a consultation will be scheduled with a MITS Attending prior to any treatment.
During the initial consultation, the MITS Attending will review the patient’s medical history, and the indication for PRRT, explain the treatment details and requirements, and arrange for required diagnostic laboratory and imaging examinations.
Phone: 646-497-9053, to schedule a visit with the GI Oncology team
212-639-3146, to schedule a visit with the Molecular Imaging and Therapy Services team
Mount Sinai has a team consisting of physicians, nurses and coordinators managing and coordinating neuroendocrine tumor patients who would need PRRT. This team meets monthly to discuss the medical indication and determine the eligible patients for PRRT. Outside referring physicians are sent an eligibility check list to be sent back to Mount Sinai to determine the PRRT indication for the individual patient. Patients are encouraged to have consultations with and be followed by the Carcinoid and Neuroendocrine Tumor Team at Mount Sinai.
For all patients who are referred from outside Mount Sinai, the contact numbers for PRRT coordinators are 212-241-6969 (Wendy Bourne-Marcel) or 212-241-7888 (Vanessa Grinnel). All patients who are referred for consideration for PRRT are scheduled for a single visit consultation with the Nuclear Medicine Division to definitively establish eligibility for treatment.
The first contact will be with the coordinators as detailed above and the following step will be submission of the completed check list which will be sent by the coordinators to the referring physicians.
Fax number: 212-831-2851
Insurance questions: Mt. Sinai has a dedicated insurance process for PRRT with Lutathera. This can be discussed when patients are found eligible for treatment.
The treatment regimen consists of a total of 4 IV administrations every 8 weeks ± 1 week (this interval can be extended in case of toxicity). Patients must fulfill the eligibility criteria which include but are not limited to a positive result on a somatostatin specific imaging study e.g. Gallium-68 PET/CT, an ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) Performance Status of 1 or 0, and good organ function status based on blood tests (all requirements are specified on the eligibility check list). All patients will be followed based on laboratory tests every 2-3 weeks after every therapy cycle to monitor possible blood and organ toxicity.
Rochester:
NORTH CAROLINA
Chapel Hill:
University of North Carolina Hospitals
Charlotte:
Atrium Health (Carolinas Medical Center)
Durham:
Duke University Medical Center
NET patients receiving PRRT at Duke must have seen a medical oncologist at Duke for a consultation and continue to see them or their physician extender during the time they are receiving PRRT. Generally, that would be Michael Morse, MD. who specializes in the management of neuroendocrine tumors. A patient or their physician can call to make a new patient visit with Dr. Morse.
Dr. Morse will see patients as a new consultation and then he and his staff will review the case with Dr. Wong or Borges-Neto of Nuclear Medicine. If all are in agreement that PRRT is appropriate, they will coordinate any required additional testing, insurance approvals, and subsequent scheduling of the first PRRT treatment. If a person has additional questions prior to scheduling the first PRRT treatment, a clinic appointment will also be scheduled with the Nuclear Medicine team.
Phone: 919-660-9673 for GI New Patient Coordinator for appointments
Fax: 919-613-1325
Greensboro:
Wesley Long Hospital (Moses Cone)
OHIO
Cincinnati:
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
Columbus:
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – The James Cancer Hospital
Patients who wish to have PRRT at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – The James Cancer Hospital must first be seen by a physician there. Patient records must be faxed to OHSU before making an appointment, fax: 614-293-3112. For questions or to make an appointment to see a physician, call 614-293-8629.
OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma City:
SSM Health Saint Anthony Hospital
OREGON
Portland:
Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)
Patients do not need to regularly see an OHSU physician. But, generally speaking, the outside referring physician should be able to provide the same level of care and follow-up as would an OHSU physician. The process is as follows: The referring physician should contact Adam Brown at brownada@ohsu.edu, or (503) 494-2875 to initiate this referral. He will send over the order form and a specific template for the items needed at OHSU (clinic notes, pathology slides, imaging, and labs) for screening. These items will be evaluated by a Nuclear Medicine physician and the patient will be discussed at the OHSU NET multidisciplinary tumor board. If everyone is in agreement, then they can proceed with PRRT without being seen by an OHSU physician.
If not, then the patient would need to be seen by an OHSU physician, Dr. Rodney Pommier, first. Patients can make appointments by contacting 503-494-5501. Physician referrals should contact 503-494-6812. Instructions on how to make an appointment with Dr. Pommier will be given to the referring physician directly.
Phone: Questions about the PRRT program at OHSU, including scheduling questions should be directed to Adam Brown, the NM/PET Supervisor, at brownada@ohsu or (503) 494-2875
Fax: 503-418-0881
Insurance questions: Please direct to Adam Brown (contact information above)
For kidney protection as part of the overall PRRT treatment, OHSU offers and utilizes the compounded amino acids, L-Lysine and L-Arginine, which cause little to no nausea providing a much more comfortable patient experience.
PENNSYLVANIA
Abington:
Bethlehem:
St. Luke’s University Hospital – Bethlehem
Danville:
Hershey:
Penn State Hershey Medical Center
Philadelphia:
Pittsburgh:
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Patients seeking an appointment need to have their physician request the appropriate forms, which the physician then completes. After UPMC reviews these forms an appointment can be made. Physicians can obtain these forms by writing to mohammadis2@upmc.edu or calling 412-647-7259. If you are a patient and have questions, please also call 412-647-7259.
RHODE ISLAND
Providence:
SOUTH CAROLINA
Greenville:
TENNESSEE
Nashville:
TriStar Centennial Medical Center
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
TEXAS
Dallas:
Methodist Dallas Medical Center
Houston:
Excel Diagnostics
Ms. Susan Cork at scork@exceldiagnostics.com, 713-341-3203 or Ms. Amber Gonzales at agonzales@exceldiagnostics.com, 713-341-3246
Lubbok:
Covenant Health – Joe Arrington Cancer Center
Various Locations:
UTAH
Ogden
Salt Lake City:
University of Utah, Huntsman Cancer Institute
VERMONT
Burlington:
University of Vermont
VIRGINIA
Fairfax:
Norfolk:
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
Sentara Cancer Network currently offers PRRT for patients diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Tumors. Patients can be referred to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital Radiation Oncology for PRRT through the standard referral process. Once the referral is made, patients will be scheduled for a consultation appointment with one of our Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) Radiation Oncologists. Medical records must be received prior to the consultation appointment. During this initial visit, there will be a medical history review, physical exam, and the physician will discuss treatment options to include PRRT. If the Radiation Oncologist determines that the patient is a candidate for PRRT, insurance will be verified and the patient will meet with a member of our team to review benefits and any out of pocket expenses. Our dedicated and caring team members are here to answer your questions, or connect you with Sentara Norfolk General Hospital Radiation Oncology. For more information please call 1-888-220-2214.
Roanoke:
It is preferred that any patient seeking treatment from outside of Carilion Clinic have a referral from his/her own physician to Dr. David A. Buck’s practice to arrange for an initial consultation and evaluation for appropriateness of treatment. Dr. Buck’s office number is 540-981-7377. He is President of Blue Ridge Oncology and his fax number is 540-981-8528. Besides Dr. Buck, one of his partners, Dr. Bret Adams, will begin seeing patients seeking PRRT.
Regarding insurance, all patients need to have predetermination. Blue Ridge Oncology should be able to assist with some of the insurance questions
WASHINGTON, DC
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Patients seeking treatment at the Medstar Georgetown University Hospital need to have a nuclear medicine consultation with Dr. Giuseppe Esposito or Dr. Anwer Sheikh. To schedule a consultation, patients need to have a referral from their primary oncologist. Nuclear Medicine can be reached by phone at 202-444-3378, fax 202-444-4667. Patients referred from outside the Medstar system are accepted and can still be followed by their primary oncologists during treatment. Nuclear medicine will coordinate with the primary oncologists follow up visits, lab tests, and treatments.
Medstar Washington Hospital Center
WASHINGTON, STATE OF
Seattle:
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance SCCA
Patients may be referred to Virginia Mason for PRRT therapy while continuing to receive NET care with their primary oncologist. After an initial visit with Dr. Hagen Kennecke, Medical Oncology, to determine eligibility and suitability for PRRT, patients are scheduled for up to four outpatient treatments. Prior functional imaging with NETSPOT (Gallium-68 Dotatate) is required within the past 12 months or will be scheduled at Virginia Mason to help determine eligibility. A pre-treatment visit and labs are required to assess tolerance of PRRT and response. When required, the Virginia Mason team will ensure that the timing of PRRT therapy is coordinated with monthly somatostatin analogue therapy injections, which may be continued at the current dose and schedule as required and administered under the direction of the primary oncologist.
For referrals to see Dr. Hagen Kennecke at the Virginia Mason Cancer Institute, please follow this process:
Outside referrals are directed here: https://www.virginiamason.org/for-clinicians
Phone: 877-333-0122
Fax: 800-641-9002
An online referral form is available at the link as well. That team quick-registers the patients, and sends the records to the Hematology-Oncology Team.
Non-urgent nursing and referral-related questions can be directed to:
Lisa Hill, Nurse, 206-223-6193
Applications for reimbursement for PRRT and NETSPOT will be assisted by Virginia Mason and will be initiated by the Medical Oncology Program.
At Virginia Mason, PRRT is administered by a team of nurses, pharmacists, nuclear medicine physicians, medical oncology and nuclear medicine technicians. Medical Oncology is generally to primary point of contact with the responsibility to coordinate multidisciplinary care. All cases are reviewed by a multidisciplinary tumor board to ensure the appropriateness of PRRT therapy and cancer clinical trials for NETs are offered. The NET team includes healthcare professionals in hepatobiliary surgery, gastroenterology, endocrinology, nuclear medicine, nursing, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and interventional-radiology.
WISCONSIN
Madison:
Milwaukee:
In order to more easily manage patients’ care, patients must be seen by a Medical College of Wisconsin, MCW, oncologist (Dr. Thomas, Dr. Ritch, Dr. George, Dr. Alqwasmi).
Appointments with a physician: Call Gail Laschen, Cancer Center FMLH, 414-805-6849
PRRT appointments/questions: Call Nuclear Medicine/PET Department, 414-805-3771
Fax: 414-771-3460
Insurance questions: Call Patient Financial Services Department 414-777-1013
St. Luke’s Medical Center (Aurora HC)
WEST VIRGINIA
Morgantown:
West Virginia University Hospital
