FAQs
PLUVICTO—now available for PSMA+ mCRPC before chemotherapy
If you’ve had hormone therapy, it may be time for PLUVICTO. Learn more about eligibility by clicking the link below.
You may have questions about PLUVICTO
Click on the questions below to find the answers to some frequently asked questions.
Lutetium-177 is the radioactive particle in PLUVICTO. The full name of the PLUVICTO molecule is lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan.
PLUVICTO is a prescription medicine. It is used to treat men with PSMA+ metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). These men have already taken hormone therapy and possibly chemotherapy.
PLUVICTO is a radioligand therapy (RLT). RLT is a different type of radiation therapy that is injected or infused and that targets a biomarker called PSMA, which is present on many prostate cancer cells and also some healthy cells. This means it is designed to find and attack PSMA+ cells, including cancer cells.*
*Noncancerous PSMA+ cells and other surrounding healthy cells may also be damaged.
PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen) is a biomarker that can be found on prostate cancer cells, including those that have spread. A plus sign (+) following PSMA means enough PSMA was found to classify a patient as PSMA positive.
You can find out if you’re PSMA+ with a PSMA-PET scan. It checks for PSMA+ cells in your body.
You may be eligible if you have:
Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)
PSMA+ prostate cancer
Been treated with hormone therapy (pills) and possibly chemotherapy
No, PLUVICTO is a radioligand therapy (RLT).
RLT is a different type of radiation therapy that is injected or infused and targets a biomarker called PSMA, which is present in more than 80% of men with prostate cancer. PSMA is found on many prostate cancer cells and also some healthy cells. This means that PLUVICTO is designed to find and attack PSMA+ cells, including cancer cells.*
*Noncancerous PSMA+ cells and other surrounding healthy cells may also be damaged.
The most common side effects of PLUVICTO include:
Decreased blood cell counts
Tiredness
Dry mouth
Nausea
Appetite loss
Joint pain
Constipation
Back pain
These are not all of the possible side effects of PLUVICTO. Visit PLUVICTO Side Effects for more information.
PLUVICTO is given as an intravenous (IV) injection or infusion. Your health care provider will determine the appropriate dosage and schedule.
You will receive PLUVICTO at a treatment center near you. To find your local treatment center, visit the Treatment Center Locator.
While on treatment with PLUVICTO, a team of doctors will work together to make sure you are taken care of. You will also get support from nurses and other health professionals. Doctors that may be part of your team include a medical oncologist, a urologist, a radiation oncologist, and a nuclear medicine doctor.
You will continue to have some lab tests done, like blood work, before and during treatment. Your first test will likely be performed a few days before your first dose of PLUVICTO. Drink plenty of water before and after each dose. This will help get rid of extra radiation in your body.
Your body, blood, and urine give off radiation for a while after getting PLUVICTO. Always follow your doctor's instructions. Some helpful tips include: limit close contact (less than 3 feet) with others after each dose, stay hydrated and urinate (pee) as much as you can, sleep in a separate bedroom, and no sexual activity for 7 days. Use protection after that.
Your doctor will decide on the best treatment plan for you. It’s important to discuss all treatments and medications with your doctor. This will help ensure there are no interactions.
Novartis Patient Support™ can connect you with financial assistance, support groups, and educational materials. Contact Novartis Patient Support for more information.