Terapia com Radioisótopos (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.

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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 academic centers.

Benefits of RLT:

Prolonged Survival Rate
38% Reduction in Risk of Death

Data from the VISION Trial (Sartor et al., NEJM 2021). Individual results vary. Discuss your specific situation with your oncology team.

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.

Find

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.

Attach

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.

Destroy

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

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What are the Side Effects of Radioligand Therapy?

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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.

Before Your First Cycle

Consultation with your radiation oncologist, review of your PSMA PET scan, pre treatment labs (CBC, comprehensive metabolic panel, PSA), tumor board review, and insurance pre authorization.

Infusion Day

Arrive at Southcoast Radiation Oncology. The IV infusion takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes. You will be observed for at least one hour after infusion. Before you leave, your care team reviews all home precautions with you and provides written instructions.

Days 1 to 3 After Infusion

Radiation precautions apply at home. Sleep in a separate bed or room, maintain 3 or more feet distance from others, sit to use the toilet and flush twice, and avoid prolonged contact with children or pregnant individuals.

1 to 2 Weeks After Infusion

Follow up blood work to check your CBC (white cells, red cells, platelets) and kidney function. If counts are low, your next cycle may be adjusted. Your coordinator will reach out with results.

Week 6 — Repeat Cycle

Cycles repeat every 6 weeks for up to 6 total infusions. Each cycle begins with pre treatment labs to confirm you are ready to proceed. Preferred infusion day is Tuesday.

After Cycle 4 — Response Assessment

Repeat PSMA PET scan to evaluate treatment response. Your oncologist will review results with you and determine whether to continue to Cycles 5 and 6 or adjust the plan.

After Cycle 6 — End of Treatment Visit

Comprehensive follow up visit with your radiation oncologist and medical oncologist. Review of PSA trend, imaging, and overall response. Your team will outline next steps and ongoing surveillance.

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.

What to Bring

Insurance card and photo ID

List of current medications

Comfortable, loose clothing with easy IV access

A book or headphones (you may wait 30 to 60 min post infusion)

A driver or ride arranged for after the visit

Precautions

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

When to Call Us Immediately