Pluvicto
Prostate cancer affects many men.
When it spreads beyond the prostate, it’s considered a metastatic disease.
Metastatic prostate cancer is an advanced stage that affects other parts of your body. It may invade areas like the bones, lymph nodes, or even the brain or lungs.
If prostate cancer progresses despite hormone therapy, it’s called metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
What is mCRPC?
Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) occurs when cancer continues to grow and spread despite treatments that lower testosterone levels. While challenging to treat, treatment advancements offer new options for many men.
What is Pluvicto?
Pluvicto (lutetium Lu-177 vipivotide tetraxetan) is a radiopharmaceutical.
If you’ve been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer, this innovative treatment offers hope.
Unlike chemotherapy, this is a radioligand therapy. Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment. It kills rapidly dividing cancer cells along with some healthy cells. Radioligand therapy delivers targeted radiation. It is specifically designed to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue. It does this by pinpointing prostate-specific membrane antigen-positive (PSMA+) cancer cells.
What Does PSMA-Positive Mean?
PSMA is a biomarker found on the surface of many prostate cancer cells. A PSMA+ diagnosis means your cancer cells have high levels of this biomarker. They can then be detected with a PSMA-PET scan. Identifying PSMA+ cells helps your doctor determine if treatments like Pluvicto may be effective for you.
Who is Pluvicto Indicated For?
It is approved for adult men with PSMA+ mCRPC who:
- Have metastatic prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
- Have already received at least one hormone therapy and one chemotherapy treatment.
If you meet these criteria, Pluvicto may be a potential treatment option to discuss with your doctor.
How is Pluvicto Given?
This medication is administered through an intravenous (IV) infusion in a medical setting. The IV infusion delivers Pluvicto directly into your bloodstream. As it flows through the blood, it will seek out PSMA+ cells anywhere in the body. You’ll be hydrated before the procedure to help protect your kidneys.
What to Expect During Treatment
Treatment is usually given once every six weeks for up to six doses. The procedure is relatively quick, and many men can return to daily activities afterward. However, you may have side effects. It’s essential to report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.
You will need to follow specific safety precautions to minimize radiation exposure to others. This may include limiting close contact and sleeping separately for a few days.
Does Pluvicto Work?
Pluvicto has shown promising clinical results in managing PSMA+ mCRPC, including:
- Delaying disease progression
- Reducing the time to skeletal events, such as bone pain or fractures
- Providing better patient-reported outcomes compared to standard care
Are There Side Effects?
As with any treatment, Pluvicto may cause potential side effects. Common ones include:
- Tiredness
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Low red blood cell count
- Low platelet count
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Urinary tract infection
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Kidney problems
Let your doctor know immediately if you experience symptoms like:
- Extreme fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty stopping bleeding
- Frequent infections
- Reduced urination
How is Treatment Monitored?
Regular blood tests will be scheduled to check your blood cell counts and kidney function. You’ll need follow-up imaging to assess the treatment’s effectiveness. You’ll also be asked to track symptoms to address side effects promptly.
Can Anyone Receive Pluvico?
Pluvicto may not be suitable for everyone. Factors like low blood cell counts or kidney issues may affect your eligibility. Also, previous cancer treatments that increase overall radiation exposure may limit its suitability. Your doctor will review your medical history and diagnosis to evaluate whether this therapy fits your treatment plan.
Pluvicto FAQs
1. How do I prepare for a PSMA-PET scan to determine eligibility for Pluvicto?
Your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods or medications before the scan. Stay hydrated and follow any instructions provided by your treatment team to ensure accurate results.
2. What happens if my PSMA-PET scan is negative?
If your scan doesn’t show PSMA-positive cells, Pluvicto may not be effective. Your doctor can explore alternative options tailored to your cancer treatment.
3. Are there lifestyle changes I need to make during Pluvicto treatment?
Your doctor may recommend that you:
- Stay hydrated.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Limit contact with others after each treatment to ensure safety.
