Terapia con radioligandos (RLT)
A New Kind of Cancer Treatment.
Southcoast Health brings one of oncology’s most innovative therapies to our community — targeted treatment that finds and destroys prostate cancer cells from the inside.
What Is radioligand therapy?
Pluvicto® (lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) is an FDA approved treatment for men with advanced prostate cancer that has spread and stopped responding to hormone therapy and chemotherapy. It belongs to a new class called radioligand therapy (RLT), a targeted treatment that delivers radiation directly to cancer cells while largely sparing healthy tissue.
Pluvicto works by seeking out a protein called PSMA (prostate specific membrane antigen) found in high quantities on prostate cancer cells. Think of it as a guided missile: the drug finds the cancer, attaches to it, and delivers a precise dose of radiation from the inside.
Our program brings the FDA approved therapy to southern Massachusetts. No need to travel to major academi centers.
Targeted From the Inside
Unlike traditional external beam radiation that targets a fixed location, radioligand therapy travels through the bloodstream to find cancer cells wherever they are.
PSMA is a protein that coats prostate cancer cells. A PSMA PET scan confirms your cancer expresses this protein, making you a candidate for treatment.
Pluvicto is a two part molecule: a targeting agent that binds to PSMA, linked to lutetium 177, a radioactive isotope that emits short range beta radiation.
Lutetium 177 releases radiation within just 1 to 2 mm, enough to damage cancer cell DNA while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
Am I a Candidate?
Pluvicto® is approved for men with PSMA positive metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), meaning prostate cancer that has spread and is no longer responding to hormone therapy. Eligibility is confirmed with a PSMA PET scan.
- Prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body
- Cancer no longer responding to hormone therapy (enzalutamide or abiraterone)
- Prior taxane chemotherapy (docetaxel or cabazitaxel)
- PSMA positive disease confirmed on PSMA PET imaging
- Adequate kidney, liver, and blood count function
Your Full Treatment Timeline
Treatment with Pluvicto consists of up to 6 infusion cycles, administered every 6 weeks. Here is what to expect at each stage of your journey.
What to Expect
Knowing what to expect before and after your infusion treatment can help you feel more prepared and comfortable during your visit. Our care team will guide you through each step of the process, answer any questions you may have, and monitor you closely to ensure your safety and well-being throughout treatment.
Insurance card and photo ID
List of current medications
Comfortable, loose clothing with easy IV access
A driver or ride arranged for after the visit
Drink plenty of fluids on infusion day to flush the isotope via urine
Days 1 – 3
Sleep separately, 3 or more feet from others, sit to void, flush twice
7 Days after
No sexual activity; avoid prolonged contact with children
14 Weeks After
Use effective contraception; treatment may affect fertility
Fever above 100.4°F
Severe or unusual fatigue
Signs of bleeding or bruising
New or worsening pain
