Prostate cancer remains a significant health challenge worldwide, affecting millions of men and their families. In the pursuit of improved treatment options, medical science has witnessed remarkable advancements, especially in the realm of targeted therapies. One such groundbreaking innovation, PLUVICTO (lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan OR [177Lu] Lu-PSMA-617), has emerged as a revolutionary approach in the battle against advanced prostate cancer.
Around 65,200 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed in 2018 in Germany. Prostate cancer is a rare occurrence in individuals under the age of 50. The risk of developing the disease in the next 10 years is less than 0.1% for a 35-year-old man, while it is about 6% for a 75-year-old man
With Germany's renowned expertise in medical research and commitment to providing cutting-edge healthcare, the integration of PLUVICTO into the country's prostate cancer treatment landscape holds immense promise.
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Germany's robust healthcare infrastructure, renowned research institutions, and focus on patient-centered care create an ideal environment for successfully adopting PLUVICTO.
In this article, we will delve into the unique features and advantages of PLUVICTO, highlighting how this therapy can transform the landscape of advanced prostate cancer treatment in Germany.
PLUVICTO has the potential to transform the treatment of prostate cancer by utilizing the country's extensive knowledge of precision medicine and personalized therapies. This could result in better patient outcomes, fewer adverse effects, and improved quality of life.
What is Advanced Prostate Cancer?
Advanced prostate cancer is when the cancer spreads to other parts of the body or returns after treatment. This occurs when cancer cells from the prostate travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
Lu-177 PSMA Therapy is an innovative treatment used to treat advanced prostate cancer.
Know more about LU-177 Therapy here.
Understanding PLUVICTO
PluvictoTM is marketed by Novartis AG (Basel, Switzerland). The German Cancer Research Center and University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany, initially developed PSMA-617.
Know more about PLUVICTO here.
PLUVICTO, a radiopharmaceutical, is specifically used to treat adult patients with advanced prostate cancer. This cancer is also known as prostate-specific membrane antigen-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (PSMA-positive mCRPC).
PLUVICTO is a treatment option for advanced prostate cancer that has spread to other body parts (metastatic) or has already been treated with other anticancer therapies.
As of March 23, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved PLUVICTO to be used in the treatment of adult patients who have PSMA-positive mCRPC and have already received treatment with androgen receptor (AR) pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) and taxane-based chemotherapy.
Relation Between PLUVICTO and PSMA
PLUVICTO has been approved for the treatment of mCRPC patients. Its mechanism of action involves combining a target compound with a therapeutic radioisotope. This agent selectively attacks PSMA+ cells and the surrounding microenvironment with beta particle radiation because PSMA acts as a viable biological target for radioligand therapies.
PLUVICTO administers radiation therapy directly to PSMA+ cells, easily detectable through a PSMA PET scan. This approach targets cancer cells that express the biomarker PSMA. When PLUVICTO binds with PSMA, it is absorbed into the cell and releases radiation that effectively destroys PSMA+ cells and adjacent ones.
What to Expect When Taking PLUVICTO?
Before treatment with PLUVICTO
A PSMA PET scan will check for PSMA+ cancer in your body. Suppose you have undergone other treatments for your stage 4 cancer, and your doctor believes that PLUVICTO is the right choice. In that case, they will refer you to a Radiation Oncologist or Nuclear Medicine facility for treatment.
A team of doctors will work together to manage the care of your PSMA+ metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Laboratory tests will be performed within three days before your first treatment with PLUVICTO.
During treatment with PLUVICTO
Depending on how your body responds, you will receive PLUVICTO every six weeks for up to six treatments. During treatment, you will be kept separate from other patients. Staying hydrated and frequently urinating is essential to flush the product from your system.
After treatment with PLUVICTO
Following the instructions given by your healthcare provider is crucial.
- Limit close contact (< 3 feet) with other family members for two days and with children or pregnant women for seven days.
- Sleep separately from other people at a distance of at least 3 feet for three days after treatment.
- Sleep separately from children for seven days or pregnant women for 15 days
- Refrain from sexual activity for seven days
- Using reliable contraception while taking PLUVICTO and for 14 weeks after finishing the medication is essential. PLUVICTO, like all radiopharmaceuticals, can potentially harm a developing fetus.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, and urinate often.
- Suppose you notice symptoms such as fever, chills, mouth ulcers, weakness, tiredness, pale skin, sore throat, shortness of breath, spontaneous bleeding or bruising, or passing urine less often than usual. In that case, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider. These symptoms could indicate low levels of blood cell count or kidney problems.
What You Should Know About PLUVICTO?
When using PLUVICTO, you will be exposed to radioactivity, which can lead to long-term radiation exposure. This type of exposure has been linked to a higher risk of developing cancer.
Before you receive PLUVICTO, tell your doctor if any of the following apply to you:
- You have a low level of blood cell counts (hemoglobin, white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, platelet count)
- You have or have had tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin, bleeding or bruising more quickly than usual or difficulty stopping bleeding, or frequent infections with signs such as fever, chills, sore throat, or mouth ulcers (possible symptoms of myelosuppression)
- If you have had any other form of cancer or received treatment for cancer, it is essential to note that PLUVICTO may contribute to your overall radiation exposure over time.
- You have or have had kidney problems.
- You are sexually active as:
- Radiopharmaceuticals, including PLUVICTO, can be potentially harmful to an unborn baby
- PLUVICTO may cause temporary or permanent infertility
- Use reliable birth control during your treatment and for 14 weeks after completing the treatment
Before administration of PLUVICTO, drink plenty of water to urinate as often as possible during the first hours after administration.
What are the Side Effects of PLUVICTO Therapy?
PLUVICTO may cause the following common side effects:
- Tiredness
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Changes in bowel movements (constipation or diarrhea)
- Vomiting
- Low blood platelet count
- Urinary tract infection
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Low red blood cell count
Consult your doctor for advice about side effects. You are encouraged to inform the FDA of any adverse side effects caused by prescription drugs.
Why Choose Germany for Advanced Cancer Care with PLUVICTO?
- Germany has achieved international recognition thanks to excellent results and wise combinations of targeted options with conventional approaches.
- Germany is home to the most highly specialized clinics and experienced doctors.
- The nuclear medicine community in Germany is robust. For example, German specialists were the first to conduct a study evaluating the use of radioligand therapy for advanced prostate cancer patients.
- Each clinic and hospital in Germany meets all standards for the safe and high-quality use of radioactive substances.
- Germany is home to leading pharmaceutical companies manufacturing Lu-based drugs.
Leading Radiation Oncologists in Germany Providing Prostate Cancer Treatment
- Prof. Dr. Anca-Ligia Grosu: She is a well-known Radiation Oncologist with over 25 years of experience. She is focused on areas such as Radiosurgery & Stereotactic Radiation Therapy, Tomotherapy, Intraoperative Radiation Therapy, etc.
- Prof. Dr. Dimos Baltas: He is a well-experienced Radiation Oncologist with over 32 years in the field. He has a Certification in Medical Physics from the German Society for Medical Physics (DGMP). He is accredited for advanced training of engineers and physicists in radiotherapy from the same institution.
- Prof. Dr. Med. Robert Krempien: He is a Radiation Oncologist with over 25 years of experience. His areas of expertise include diagnosing and treating Prostate Cancer, intravascular radiation therapy in the thigh and pelvic region, and radiation therapy of benign, degenerative, and inflammatory diseases and endocrine orbitopathy.
- Prof. med. Dr. Esther Troost: She is a Radiation Oncologist with over 17 years of experience. Her clinical expertise includes image-guided radiation therapy, stereotactic radiation therapy, and intensity-modulated radiation therapy.
- Dr. Arne-Joern Lemke: He is a Radiation Oncologist with over 26 years of experience. He specializes in treating, planning, and delivering radiation-based therapies for malignant and benign diseases. His medical expertise includes performing procedures such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), and Positron Emission Tomography (PET-CT).
Key Takeaway
PLUVICTO can become an essential therapeutic regime due to its high specificity for PSMA+ cells and low side effects profile. This drug can bring a dynamic change in the medical world for the treatment of prostate cancer by improving the survival rate in patients who were previously not responsive to taxane-based chemotherapy and ARPIs.
The novel radiopharmaceutical causes challenges and great opportunities for our healthcare systems, particularly nuclear medicine, and urology. PSMA-617 shows high efficacy and low side effects and represents an essential next step toward novel theranostics. The therapy can be well monitored and personalized according to imaging biomarkers so that patients can benefit as much as possible.
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