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A historic first in the Caribbean: Martinique University Hospital treats its first patient with Lutetium-177 PSMA using the Theranojet®ARA

On 26 January 2026, the Martinique University Hospital (CHUM), located in Fort-de-France, achieved a historic milestone: the first administration in Martinique and across the entire Caribbean region of a Lutetium-177-PSMA-targeted therapy to a patient suffering from metastatic prostate cancer resistant to conventional treatments. This achievement, carried out at the Caribbean Institute of Nuclear Imaging (ICIN), marks a decisive step in the development of therapeutic nuclear medicine in the overseas territory.

For this first patient, and as part of the development of its RadioLigand Therapy (RLT) programme, ICIN has chosen Lemer Pax’s Theranojet®ARA, designed for the safe administration of RLT radiopharmaceuticals.

Towards Caribbean health sovereignty with the rise of theranostics

The implementation of this innovative therapy is supported by the Caribbean Institute of Nuclear Imaging, a centre equipped with state-of-the-art technology (cyclotron, PET scanner, radiopharmacy laboratories) which has been part of the CHUM since 2023.

A new state-of-the-art facility, a cutting-edge earthquake-resistant building due to open in November 2024, this unique centre enables the local production of radionuclides and radiopharmaceuticals, as well as the provision of diagnostic tests and advanced treatments without the need for patients to seek care abroad.

This development addresses not only clinical challenges but also public health and socio-economic issues: reducing waiting times for treatment, minimising disruptions to care pathways caused by transfers, and ensuring patients remain close to their family and social networks.

Launch of the RLT programme at Martinique University Hospital: a challenge successfully met with the Theranojet®ARA

At the end of 2025, the Nuclear Medicine team at Martinique University Hospital chose the Theranojet®ARA to launch its RadioLigand Therapy (RLT) service, with a view to offering its patients therapeutic injections under optimal conditions of safety and performance.

Personnel from the Nuclear Medicine Department at Martinique University Hospital in the Caribbean, gathered around the Theranojet®ARA, which was installed over the Christmas period

The installation and training phase took place over a three-day period, with training sessions in small groups, allowing for a personalised teaching approach. The teams learnt how the machine works in detail through practical exercises. For this team, which previously had no other means of administering RLT radiopharmaceuticals, these trials enabled healthcare professionals to refine their understanding of the system and optimise their operational protocols.

Users’ initial feedback has been very positive, reflecting a successful launch and rapid uptake of the Theranojet®ARA.

Today, the department’s theranostic programme has expanded rapidly, with several patients already having received treatment.

I was impressed by the low radiation levels near the Theranojet®ARA during the procedures required as part of the treatment.
The radiation shields and vial protector are effective.

Stéphanie GRANIER, Senior Radiographer at Martinique University Hospital

Lightweight, portable and easy to use, this shield for injection pumps is designed to provide medical staff with radiation protection and optimised safety during injections, operational reliability and standardised injection protocols across departments.

The success of this first injection paves the way for:

  • The expansion of the therapeutic indications for Lutetium-177 to other conditions (neuroendocrine tumours, resistant tumours);
  • The development of protocols combining targeted radiotherapy with immunotherapy or targeted therapies;
  • Strengthened regional cooperation to establish Martinique as a centre of excellence in nuclear medicine for the entire Caribbean.

At Lemer Pax, we are proud to be part of this initiative by supporting the teams working on the development of RadioLigand Therapy (RLT) in Martinique.

Well done to the entire ICIN team for this outstanding achievement, which is far more than just a technical milestone: it marks a turning point for therapeutic nuclear medicine in the Caribbean, giving patients access to the very best innovative treatments and firmly establishing Martinique as a leading player in public health and medical innovation.