What is Radioligand Therapy?
Radioligand therapy is an advanced form of targeted cancer treatment that combines molecular precision with therapeutic radiation. It works by using a specialized molecule that recognizes and binds to specific proteins found on cancer cells, delivering radiation directly to the tumor and surrounding cancer cells while limiting exposure to healthy tissues.
PLUVICTO® (lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) is an FDA-approved radioligand therapy designed to treat eligible men with advanced prostate cancer. By targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a protein commonly found at high levels on prostate cancer cells, PLUVICTO delivers radiation to cancer sites throughout the body. It offers an additional treatment option for eligible patients, including those whose cancer has progressed despite prior therapies.
Refer a Patient for PLUVICTO:
Call us at 833-697-7686 or complete this form to refer a patient to our center. A member of our Intake team will follow-up within two business days to gather additional information about your patient’s diagnosis and treatment to date.
How PLUVICTO Works
PLUVICTO® is a targeted radioligand therapy that combines two key components: a targeting molecule that binds to prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and lutetium-177, a radioactive isotope that delivers therapeutic radiation.
By targeting PSMA-positive cells, PLUVICTO delivers radiation directly to cancer cells and their surrounding environment, helping to damage and destroy cancer cells while limiting exposure to healthy tissues. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which acts on rapidly dividing cells – including cancer and normal tissues – throughout the body, PLUVICTO uses a molecular targeting approach to deliver radiation to areas of cancer.
Treatment is administered intravenously every six weeks for up to six doses, typically in an outpatient setting. Many patients tolerate treatment well, although side effects can occur and are carefully monitored by the care team throughout treatment.
Treatment Overview for Patients
PLUVICTO® is a targeted radioligand therapy for eligible men with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-positive metastatic prostate cancer. It may be an option for patients whose cancer has progressed despite hormone-based treatment, including certain patients who have not yet received chemotherapy. PLUVICTO may also be used in combination with hormone therapy for eligible patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.
Before treatment, your care team will perform a PSMA PET scan and review your medical history, prior treatments, and laboratory results to determine whether PLUVICTO is appropriate for you.
What to Expect: Treatment is typically administered as an outpatient intravenous infusion approximately every six weeks, for up to six treatments. Your care team will monitor your response, blood counts, kidney function, and potential side effects throughout treatment.
Treatment Overview for Physicians
Patient Eligibility and Referral Criteria
PLUVICTO® (lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) is an FDA-approved PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy for eligible patients with metastatic prostate cancer, including:
– Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC): Patients with PSMA-positive disease previously treated with an androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI) who are appropriate to delay taxane-based chemotherapy or have received prior taxane-based chemotherapy.
– Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC): Patients with PSMA-positive disease eligible for PLUVICTO in combination with ARPI therapy.
Patient selection requires PSMA PET imaging using an approved radiotracer. Pretreatment evaluation includes review of prior systemic therapies, disease status, hematologic reserve, and renal function.
Treatment Protocol: The recommended activity is 7.4 GBq (200 mCi) intravenously approximately every six weeks for up to six doses, or until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Routine clinical and laboratory monitoring is performed throughout treatment, with dose modifications made as clinically indicated.
What to Expect
Before Treatment
– PSMA PET imaging to confirm eligibility for PLUVICTO.
– Blood tests to assess kidney function, blood counts, and overall health.
– A consultation with your treatment team to review your medical history, treatment goals, expected benefits, and potential side effects.
– Education about the treatment process and any radiation safety precautions.
During Treatment
– PLUVICTO is administered intravenously in an outpatient setting, approximately every six weeks for up to six treatments.
– The administration itself is relatively brief, although additional time is needed for preparation, monitoring, and post-treatment instructions.
– Your care team will explain radiation safety precautions to follow during and after treatment, including recommendations to minimize radiation exposure to others.
– You may continue other cancer therapies as recommended by your treatment team.
Regular blood tests and imaging will help assess your response to treatment and monitor for side effects.
Common Side Effects
As with any cancer treatment, PLUVICTO may cause side effects. Commonly reported effects include:
– Fatigue
– Dry mouth
– Nausea
– Decreased appetite
– Constipation
– Changes in blood counts, including anemia
PLUVICTO can also cause more serious side effects, including significant reductions in blood cell counts and changes in kidney function. Your care team will closely monitor your health throughout treatment and provide guidance to help manage potential side effects.
Radiation Safety After Treatment
Because PLUVICTO uses a radioactive medication, certain precautions may be necessary for a short period after each treatment. Before you leave, our team will provide personalized instructions regarding hydration, bathroom hygiene, and limiting close contact with others, particularly children and pregnant individuals. These precautions help protect you and those around you while allowing you to recover comfortably at home.
Why NYPC for Radioligand Therapy
At the New York Proton Center, we are committed to advancing personalized cancer care through innovative, targeted treatments. Our experienced, multidisciplinary oncology team works collaboratively to deliver PLUVICTO® safely and effectively as part of a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan.
Our goal is to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes while maintaining quality of life, with compassionate care, education, and support at every step.
What Sets Our Approach Apart:
- Collaborative Care: Close coordination with your referring physicians and oncology care team to ensure continuity of care.
- Personalized Support: Individualized treatment planning, ongoing monitoring, and supportive care tailored to your needs.
- Convenient Access: Located in Northern Manhattan, with complimentary parking and convenient access for patients throughout New York City and the Tri-State Area.
Learn More About PLUVICTO® for Yourself or a Loved One
Whether you are exploring treatment options or have been referred for PLUVICTO, our team is here to answer your questions, review your eligibility, and help guide you through the next steps.
