Pluvicto

What is Pluvicto?

• Pluvicto (Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy for prostate cancer) is a targeted radiation treatment for metastatic prostate cancer.
• It both finds and then treats cancer cells directly. This level of precision is unlike other cancer therapies. The result is fewer side effects than chemotherapy, which affects both cancerous and healthy cells. It also means a better quality of life and potentially a longer life for patients. Learn more about how Pluvicto works.
• Men with prostate cancer that has spread and no longer responds to hormone treatment may be good candidates. Those who have undergone other treatments, such as chemotherapy, without success may also be eligible for Pluvicto.

Why choose us for your Pluvicto treatment

Our specialists have years of experience and a research-based protocol for administering Pluvicto safely.

• UT Health San Antonio is one of the only centers in South Texas that offers Pluvicto.
• Pluvicto is a type of theranostic treatment. Theranostics combines molecules that target cancer cells with radioactive material. It allows Nuclear Radiologists to diagnose and treat cancer cells without affecting healthy ones.

What to expect with Pluvicto treatment

Your multidisciplinary team includes a medical oncologist, nuclear medicine doctor, radiation oncologist, urologist and other specialists. They work together to provide coordinated care.

Here is what to expect before, during and after treatment:

1. You have a PET-CT (positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan) before treatment to check for PSMA+ (prostate-specific membrane antigen positive) cancer cells.
2. Your doctors will review lab results, clinical history and prior imaging results to determine if you are a good candidate for Pluvicto treatment.
3. A nuclear radiologist, nuclear medicine technologist and radiation safety team administer Pluvicto through intravenous infusion.
4. You may receive an infusion every six weeks up to a total of six treatments.
5. You will have blood tests before and throughout treatment to track your progress. This will help doctors monitor your blood cell counts, electrolytes, nutrition and how your kidneys and liver are working.

Pluvicto is considered targeted molecular therapy. Unlike chemotherapy, which can affect the entire body, it targets cancer cells directly – eliminating the side effects often caused by other treatments.

Patient testimonials

One Texas couple’s future looks bright, thanks to Pluvicto treatment at UT Health San Antonio. George Moore was told he wouldn’t live longer than 10 years when he first got a prostate cancer diagnosis. Read more about how Pluvicto treatment has given him a new lease on life.