Policy recommendations for promoting nuclear medicine therapy in Japan 2025, from the Working Group for promoting nuclear medicine therapy of the Japan Society of Clinical Oncology.

Abstract

With the increasing importance of nuclear medicine therapy in overall cancer care and the introduction of ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA-617 to Japan being imminent, the Policy Recommendations for Promoting Nuclear Medicine Therapy in Japan from the Working Group for Promoting Nuclear Medicine Therapy of the Japan Society of Clinical Oncology (JSCO) aim to identify issues related to nuclear medicine therapy and propose measures to address them, in order to further advance nuclear medicine therapy in Japan. It is necessary to create an environment in which each medical institution can proactively introduce nuclear medicine therapy by taking measures that target discharge criteria, medical fees, and human resource development and link them organically. The Working Group believes that it is necessary to continue examining long-term issues taking into account the changes that have occurred since the introduction of ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA-617, as well as trends in nuclear medicine therapy other than ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA-617 that are expected to be introduced in the future. In addition, as the "Action Plans for Promoting the Production and Use of Medical Radioisotopes" have been formulated and the advancement of nuclear medicine therapy has become one of the nation's major policy priorities, JSCO will continue to actively work with relevant ministries and local governments to resolve the various issues of nuclear medicine therapy, including the smooth introduction of ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA-617.