Pluvicto

• Pluvicto is a targeted radioligand therapy for specific advanced prostate cancers.
• It works by delivering radiation directly to cancer cells that express prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA).
• Pluvicto treatment is approved for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) that is PSMA-positive.
• Common Pluvicto side effects include fatigue, dry mouth, nausea, and bone marrow suppression.
• Patients undergoing Pluvicto for prostate cancer require careful monitoring and management by their healthcare team.

What is Pluvicto?

Pluvicto refers to a radioligand therapy (RLT) that combines a targeting molecule with a therapeutic radioisotope. Specifically, it consists of a ligand that binds to prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a protein commonly overexpressed on the surface of prostate cancer cells, linked to Lutetium-177 (177Lu), a radioactive isotope. Once administered, the ligand seeks out and attaches to PSMA-positive cancer cells throughout the body, delivering localized radiation directly to these cells. This targeted approach aims to destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy surrounding tissues.

This innovative therapy is a form of precision medicine, leveraging the unique biological characteristics of cancer cells to deliver treatment. The radiation emitted by 177Lu damages the DNA of the cancer cells, inhibiting their growth and leading to cell death. Its development marks a crucial step forward for patients with advanced prostate cancer, offering a new mechanism of action compared to traditional chemotherapy or hormonal therapies.

Pluvicto Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Pluvicto treatment is specifically approved for adult patients with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have previously received other anti-cancer treatments, such as androgen receptor pathway inhibition and taxane-based chemotherapy. Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer is an advanced form of prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and no longer responds to treatments that lower testosterone levels.

Before initiating Pluvicto for prostate cancer, patients typically undergo a PSMA-PET scan to confirm the presence of PSMA-positive lesions, ensuring that the therapy will be effective. The treatment is administered intravenously over several cycles, usually every six weeks, under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. The number of cycles can vary based on the patient’s response to treatment and tolerance of side effects. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), prostate cancer is a significant global health concern, being one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among men worldwide, underscoring the need for advanced therapies like Pluvicto.

Pluvicto Side Effects

Like many cancer therapies, Pluvicto side effects can occur, ranging from mild to severe. It is crucial for patients to discuss any symptoms they experience with their healthcare team, as many side effects can be managed. The most common side effects are generally manageable and include:

• Fatigue
• Dry mouth (xerostomia)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
• Leukopenia (low white blood cell count)

More serious, though less common, side effects can include kidney problems, bone marrow suppression leading to severe blood count reductions, and liver function abnormalities. Patients undergoing Pluvicto treatment will have regular blood tests to monitor their blood counts and organ function. Healthcare providers will provide specific instructions for managing side effects, which may include medications, dietary adjustments, or dose modifications. Open communication with the medical team is essential to ensure patient safety and optimize treatment outcomes.