Is it harmful to consume red meat while undergoing hormone therapy and Lutetium-177 (LU-177) infusions for castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer?

Consumption of Red Meat During Hormone Therapy and LU-177 Infusions for Castration-Resistant Metastatic Prostate Cancer

It is advisable to limit consumption of red meat while undergoing hormone therapy and Lutetium-177 (LU-177) infusions for castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer, based on established cancer nutrition guidelines.

Rationale for Limiting Red Meat Consumption

Cancer Prevention Guidelines

• The American Cancer Society recommends limiting consumption of red and processed meats, especially those high in fat 1
• These guidelines suggest choosing fish, poultry, or beans as alternatives to beef, pork, and lamb
• When eating meat, select lean cuts and have smaller portions, using meat as a side dish rather than a main course 1

Specific Concerns with Red Meat

• High-fat diets have been associated with increased risk for several cancers, including prostate cancer 1
• Cooking meats at very high temperatures (frying, broiling, or grilling) creates chemicals that might increase cancer risk 1
• Processed meats have been linked with increased risk of colorectal, prostate, and stomach cancers 1

LU-177 PSMA Therapy Considerations

Treatment Protocol

• LU-177 PSMA therapy is administered intravenously at a standard dosage of 7.4 GBq (200 mCi) every 6 weeks, typically for 4-6 cycles 2
• This therapy targets PSMA-expressing cancer cells and has demonstrated significant survival benefits in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer 3
• The VISION trial showed that LU-177 PSMA-617 plus standard care significantly prolonged overall survival (median 15.3 vs. 11.3 months) compared to standard care alone 3

Nutritional Considerations During Treatment

• While there are no specific dietary restrictions mentioned in LU-177 treatment protocols 1, 2, general cancer nutrition guidelines remain applicable
• Maintaining optimal nutritional status is important for treatment tolerance and recovery
• Food safety is particularly important during cancer treatment, especially during periods of potential immunosuppression 1

Practical Dietary Recommendations

Preferred Protein Sources

• Choose fish, poultry, or plant-based proteins (beans, legumes) as alternatives to red meat 1
• If consuming red meat, select lean cuts and limit portion sizes
• Prepare meat by baking, broiling, or poaching rather than frying or charbroiling to reduce fat content and formation of potentially harmful compounds 1

Overall Diet Recommendations

• Emphasize plant-based foods: eat five or more servings of vegetables and fruits daily 1
• Choose whole grains over refined carbohydrates 1
• Maintain a healthy weight, as obesity may negatively impact treatment outcomes and survival 1

Monitoring During Treatment

• Regular assessment of hematological parameters (hemoglobin, platelets, leukocytes) before each cycle is necessary to monitor for toxicity 2
• Common side effects of LU-177 PSMA therapy include hematological toxicities, fatigue, dry mouth, and nausea 2, 3
• A balanced diet can help manage treatment side effects and maintain quality of life

Key Takeaways

• While there is no absolute contraindication to consuming red meat during LU-177 therapy, limiting intake aligns with established cancer nutrition guidelines
• Focus on a plant-based diet with lean protein sources when possible
• Proper food preparation methods can reduce potential harmful effects when red meat is consumed
• Maintaining good nutritional status is an important supportive measure during cancer treatment

Remember that these dietary recommendations should be followed alongside your prescribed medical treatments, which should be continued as directed by your healthcare provider.