Lutetium-117 PSMA Therapy (PLUVICTO®)
Lutetium-177 Therapy Targets Cancer Cells and May Extend Survival for Advanced Prostate Cancer
If you or a loved one has advanced prostate cancer that has spread, a targeted radioligand therapy like PLUVICTO® may help extend life and reduce tumor burden.
PLUVICTO is an FDA-approved radioligand therapy for men with PSMA-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). It is typically used after hormone therapy and chemotherapy.
This treatment is given through an IV injection or infusion and works by delivering radiation directly to prostate cancer cells throughout the body.
Like other radiopharmaceutical therapies, PLUVICTO must be administered at a center experienced in radiation treatments. Patients may receive up to 6 doses, typically given every 6 weeks, depending on their treatment plan.
Who Is PLUVICTO For?
PLUVICTO is FDA-approved for men with advanced prostate cancer that:
- Has spread beyond the prostate
- Tests positive for PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen)
- Has progressed despite hormone therapy
- And has often been treated with chemotherapy
A specialized imaging scan is used to confirm that the cancer is PSMA-positive before starting treatment.
Is Lutetium-177 Therapy Safe?
Even though PLUVICTO delivers radiation inside the body, it is designed to target cancer cells while limiting exposure to most healthy tissue.
The treatment works by attaching to PSMA on prostate cancer cells and releasing radiation directly into those cells, helping to destroy them.
Because this therapy uses radioactive material, temporary safety precautions are required after treatment. Patients may need to:
- Limit close contact with others for a short period of time
- Avoid prolonged time near children or pregnant individuals
- Follow specific hygiene and safety guidelines provided by their care team
Your physician will walk you through these precautions to ensure safety for you and those around you.
What Are the Side Effects of PLUVICTO?
Most patients tolerate PLUVICTO well, though side effects can occur and may range from mild to more serious.
Common side effects include: Fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, decreased appetite, , changes in blood counts.
Your care team will monitor you throughout treatment and help manage any side effects that arise.
What Else Do I Need to Know About Lutetium-177 Therapy?
PLUVICTO represents a newer, highly targeted approach to treating advanced prostate cancer.
Because the treatment travels through the bloodstream, it can reach cancer cells throughout the body—making it an option when other therapies are no longer effective.
In some patients, this therapy may help reduce tumor size or slow disease progression, while also extending survival.
As with any cancer treatment, your care team will coordinate PLUVICTO with your overall treatment plan and guide you through each step of care.
Make an Appointment
If you have advanced prostate cancer and want to know if Lutetium-177 Therapy is right for you, call us for a consultation at 443-546-1300.