Pluvicto®

Using Leading-Edge Therapy to Treat Advanced Prostate Cancer

What Is Pluvicto?

Pluvicto (lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) is a relatively new treatment option approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for prostate cancer. It is considered a targeted radioligand therapy designed to treat a specific type of advanced prostate cancer called prostate-specific membrane antigen-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (PSMA-positive mCRPC). 

This approach involves injecting radiation into the bloodstream, which targets cancerous cells throughout the body while leaving noncancerous cells unaffected. Pluvicto can be used to treat cancer in the soft tissues and bones, as well as prostate cancers that are resistant to other traditional treatments. 

Patients enrolled in clinical trials who received this treatment have longer life expectancies than those who received other currently available treatments, such as hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and bisphosphonates. These patients also experienced fewer side effects. 

How Pluvicto Works Against Advanced Prostate Cancer

Pluvicto is a type of targeted therapy that delivers radiation treatment directly to prostate cancer cells that contain the protein PSMA. This protein is not present in normal tissue but is found in nearly all prostate cancer cells. Doctors use Pylarify®, a tracing agent, to help detect cancer cells on imaging tests. This agent finds and attaches to the PSMA protein on the cancer cell’s surface, making it easier to identify even small amounts of cancer cells throughout the body. 

Since Pluvicto targets the PSMA protein, it provides a precise target for the therapy. The presence of PSMA on cancer cells enables your oncologist to see the cancer on PET or CT scans. 

Pluvicto is administered in an intravenous (IV) infusion. This allows the treatment to reach cancer cells throughout the body, including bone or soft tissue. As a targeted therapy, Pluvicto radiation binds to the cancer and delivers a specific amount of radiation directly without affecting healthy tissue. The cancerous cells absorb the radiation and die.

Who is Eligible Pluvicto for Metastatic Prostate Cancer Treatment? 

Pluvicto is an available treatment option for certain patients with advanced prostate cancer. The eligibility for Pluvicto treatment is carefully determined by an oncologist based on specific criteria, such as the progression of the cancer despite other treatments like hormone therapies and taxane-based chemotherapy and the cancer being metastatic castration-resistant. 

These criteria ensure that the treatment is provided to patients who are most likely to benefit from it. If you believe you meet these qualifications or would like to know if you do, have a discussion with your oncologist, who fully understands your condition. They can also provide information regarding the potential benefits and risks associated with Pluvicto treatment.

Are There Side Effects of PSMA Therapy for Prostate Cancer?

Pluvicto offers targeted radiation therapy that minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This precision in treatment allows radioactive substances to bind directly to cancer cells, thereby reducing the likelihood and severity of side effects typically associated with more systemic treatments like chemotherapy.

Some common side effects associated with Pluvicto include:

• Fatigue

• Dry mouth

• Nausea

• Anemia

• Decreased appetite

• Constipation

While these side effects are minor and temporary, it’s important to understand that responses can vary, and not all patients will experience the same level of side effects. It is also important to note that other, more serious side effects could be experienced, including:

• Pale skin

• Shortness of breath

• Bleeding, bruising more easily than normal or difficulty stopping bleeding

• Frequent infections with signs such as fever, chills, sore throat, or mouth ulcers

• Kidney problems

Before beginning treatment, be sure to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your oncologist.

Additionally, communicate with your care team about any side effects you experience during treatment. In some cases, your oncologist may adjust the treatment plan, which could involve delaying the next dose, reducing the dosage, or discontinuing treatment if serious side effects occur.

PSMA Treatment Available at Silicon Valley Oncology for Advanced Prostate Cancer Patients 

Choosing the right cancer treatment center is crucial for the quality of care, convenience and comfort during a challenging time. Our conveniently located cancer center in the Silicon Valley area offers the latest technology and expertise needed for effective prostate cancer treatment you need, including access to treatment with Pluvicto. 

Our specialists can also give second opinions that can give you peace of mind about the treatment best suited to your needs. 

Contact us for more information.