Objective To identify the experiences and existing problems of patients with prostate cancer receiving ¹⁷⁷Lu-prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) radioligand therapy (RLT) by using a patient journey map to provide evidence for full-cycle care.

Methods A descriptive qualitative research method was adopted. Nine patients (aged (67.8±7.0) years) undergoing ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA RLT at Peking Union Medical College Hospital were selected using purposive sampling and interviewed semistructurally from June 2025 to April 2026. Colaizzi′s seven-step analytical method was used to extract themes and develop the patient journey map.

Results Nine patients were interviewed, and data saturation was achieved. With the comprehensive treatment phase, ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA RLT phase, and home follow-up phase as the timeline, 26 themes including symptom identification, treatment decision-making, symptom management, radiation protection implementation, and psychological support were summarized from three dimensions: tasks, emotions, and pain points. The symptom management journey map for patients with prostate cancer treated with ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA RLT was established and revealed that the problems faced by patients with prostate cancer undergoing ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA RLT change dynamically and involve multiple interwoven dimensions.

Conclusion The journey map reveals the pain points of patients treated with ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA RLT at different stages, which can be used to develop stage-specific and targeted nursing interventions.