At Avena Natural Health, the guiding principle has always been to unite the best of medical science with the depth of natural care. Cancer therapies can feel intimidating, but when precision treatments are combined with supportive strategies, patients experience something different—care that’s both modern and deeply humane. Radiolabeled peptide therapy is one of those advances that reshapes how we think about tumor treatment. Instead of flooding the body with non-specific radiation, this approach delivers it exactly where it’s needed, letting patients hold onto strength, clarity, and vitality.
What Radiolabeled Peptide Therapy Is
Radiolabeled peptide therapy involves attaching a radioactive substance to a peptide designed to bind specifically to receptors on tumor cells. In simple terms, it’s like giving radiation a GPS device, ensuring it finds its destination while sparing healthy neighborhoods along the way.
Conventional treatments often struggle with collateral damage. Radiolabeled peptide therapy changes that. It focuses energy precisely where disease is present, which means surrounding tissue is exposed to less risk. For patients, that can translate to fewer long-term complications, better tolerance, and a stronger sense of control during an otherwise unpredictable process.
The Role of Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate and Iobenguane I-131
Two radiolabeled therapies stand out in practice: Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate and Iobenguane I-131. Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate is most often used for neuroendocrine tumors, where somatostatin receptors provide a natural anchor point for targeting. This makes it highly specific and valuable in addressing these slow-growing but complex cancers.
Iobenguane I-131 works differently. It mimics norepinephrine, allowing it to be absorbed by certain neuroendocrine cells, including those involved in rare conditions like pheochromocytoma. By using the cell’s own pathways against it, this therapy delivers radiation from within, cutting off the tumor’s ability to grow unchecked.
Both therapies reflect the core principle of radiolabeled peptide therapy: precision first, disruption minimized. And when these interventions are paired with holistic support, patients often find the experience to be more sustainable both physically and emotionally.
Integrating Naturopathic Support with Radiolabeled Peptide Therapy
No therapy exists in a vacuum. At Avena, radiolabeled peptide therapy is paired with a broader system of care that honors the whole person. This is where naturopathic consultations come in—sessions that look at sleep quality, nutritional stability, hydration, and mental resilience. These elements might seem secondary to the high-tech science of radiolabeled peptides, but they matter immensely in how well patients tolerate treatment.
For example, supporting digestion during therapy can lessen nausea, while targeted supplementation may improve energy. Emotional health, too, is given priority, because stress can alter how the immune system responds. These aren’t side conversations—they’re integrated into the treatment framework to ensure patients feel guided every step of the way.
Why Patients Value This Approach
The biggest difference patients often notice is respect. Respect for their health goals, their values, and their experience. Too often, treatment plans reduce people to diagnoses. At Avena, radiolabeled peptide therapy is offered in a way that acknowledges the individual. Every choice is explained, and every step is designed to feel collaborative.
This philosophy is similar to treating Rheumatoid Arthritis in the sense that it layers therapies, aiming not only at the disease itself but also at the patient’s quality of life. That broader approach gives patients confidence that they’re not simply receiving a treatment, but living within a well-rounded care plan that acknowledges both immediate needs and long-term wellness.
Supportive Therapies Alongside Radiolabeled Peptide Therapy
While peptide therapy does the precise work of delivering radiation to tumors, the body benefits from consistent support. At Avena, supportive therapies range from nutrition-focused plans to gentle energy-boosting interventions. Hydration therapy, for example, helps flush byproducts and maintain balance during treatment cycles.
We also offer IV therapy in San Diego, not as a gimmick, but as a carefully tailored tool. When fatigue is pronounced or nutrient levels dip, IV support can provide replenishment in a way that oral supplements alone can’t always achieve. Combined with rest strategies, stress management, and immune-supportive practices, these therapies give patients the foundation to move through treatment with greater resilience.
Emotional and Psychological Support
Healing is never just physical. The psychological impact of tumor treatment can be overwhelming, and radiolabeled peptide therapy, while precise, still carries stress and uncertainty. At Avena, support includes addressing these realities directly. Counseling, meditation guidance, and community connection are encouraged, not as optional extras but as core to healing. When the mind feels steadier, the body often responds more effectively to treatment.
What Patients Appreciate Most
Patients often describe feeling cared for in a way that extends beyond the clinic. It’s not just about being given a treatment protocol but about being told, “you matter outside of this diagnosis.” They report fewer surprises, more clarity about side effects, and genuine reassurance that someone is paying attention to their whole life, not just the tumor.
That sense of being understood can’t be overstated. Cancer treatments can strip away confidence. At Avena, radiolabeled peptide therapy is framed not only as an effective medical intervention but as one part of a comprehensive journey toward health and dignity.
If you or someone you love is exploring targeted treatment options, it may be time to consider radiolabeled peptide therapy within the supportive environment of Avena Natural Health. Our team blends precision science with natural health wisdom, ensuring you don’t feel reduced to a case number but recognized as a whole person. Reach out to our team today to discuss whether this approach fits your needs and to learn how we can help design a plan that works for your body, your life, and your future.
Media Credit: All photos licensed from Adobe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is radiolabeled peptide therapy?
It’s a targeted form of radiation that uses peptides to deliver radioactive isotopes directly to tumor cells, minimizing harm to healthy tissue.
Which peptides are most commonly used?
Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate and Iobenguane I-131, each chosen based on tumor type and receptor presence.
Are there side effects?
Some patients experience mild nausea, fatigue, or hormone-related shifts. These are often manageable, especially when supported by integrative therapies.
Is it considered safe?
Yes. When administered under proper medical supervision and paired with holistic care, radiolabeled peptide therapy is both safe and highly targeted.
Can this therapy be combined with other treatments?
Absolutely. It’s often used alongside chemotherapy, surgery, or other interventions, depending on the patient’s treatment plan.
How soon can results be seen?
Results vary by patient. Some notice stabilization within weeks, while others experience longer-term responses over several months. Every treatment plan is closely monitored for progress.
Dr. Laura Kostrzewski, a San Diego native, completed her undergraduate degree at California Polytechnic State University, earning a BS in animal science with minors in Spanish and Psychology. She then earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and taught fifth grade in the central coast of California for two years. After being extremely involved in her grandfather’s journey with Parkinson’s disease and end-of-life care, Dr. Kostrzewski decided to move back to San Diego and enroll at Bastyr University California. Dr. Kostrzewski received her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University California in June of 2019, and then went on to complete her residency at Bastyr. Before AVENA Wellness, DR. K started her own private practice, focusing on management of neurodegenerative conditions, and continued teaching at Bastyr as adjunct faculty, until founding Avena Health.