Pluvicto™ Treatment: What You Can Expect
Pluvicto™ Treatment: What You Can Expect
Pluvicto™ is a targeted drug therapy, known as a radiopharmaceutical. It combines a chemical compound (called a ligand) with a radioactive particle (called a therapeutic radioisotope). When infused into the bloodstream intravenously (into a vein), Pluvicto locates the cancer in the body and delivers a microscopic amount of radiation directly to the tumor cells. The goal is to damage or destroy the cells from the inside while protecting surrounding healthy tissue. Pluvicto is the first and only treatment that targets PSMA+ cancer cells wherever they are in the body. It is not chemotherapy.
Why am I getting this treatment?
Pluvicto is used to treat adults with prostate cancer that has progressed and who have already received other anticancer treatments.
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How will the treatment be delivered?
Pluvicto is given either through an intravenous (IV) injection or infusion. The infusion can be given via gravity method or IV push. Both methods are appropriate for infusion. An IV line is established, and the infusion takes anywhere from three to 10 minutes. Although you may have a port access, we are unable to utilize the port for radiopharmaceutical infusions due to its radioactivity and exposure to the clinic team. There are strict procedures on the use, handling and disposal of radiopharmaceutical products. Pluvicto is only administered in controlled settings by trained healthcare professionals.
How many treatments will I get?
The full treatment is given in six separate treatments, approximately every six weeks. Your medical team will take laboratory tests before and during treatment to check your progress. Based on the results and how your body responds, your radiation oncologist may decide to adjust your treatment.
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How long is each treatment appointment?
A typical treatment appointment will last from about 30 minutes to one hour at most. Our certified nuclear medicine technologist will assess your vital signs when you arrive and they will be sure you are the correct patient receiving the correct dose. They will start an IV and deliver the medication through IV push or gravity method.
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What happens after the infusion is completed?
After each injection you should:
- Drink a lot of fluids and urinate as often as possible to help the radiation leave your body.
- Limit close contact (less than three feet) with others in your household for two days or with children and pregnant women for seven days.
- Sleep alone in a separate bedroom from others in your household for three days, from children for seven days or from pregnant women for 15 days.
- Refrain from sexual activity for seven days.
- Use effective contraception during treatment and for 14 weeks after the final dose, as there is potential to harm an unborn baby if someone becomes pregnant.
Your health care team will give you specific discharge instructions after each infusion to help guide your post infusion care.
What are the potential side effects?
The most common side effects of Pluvicto include:
- Tiredness
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Appetite loss
- Joint pain
- Constipation
- Back pain
More serious side effects can include low blood cell counts. Your medical team will take blood tests prior to treatment to check your progress and to detect any side effects as early as possible.
Contact your doctor if you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, sore through, mouth ulcers, weakness, tiredness, pale skin, spontaneous bleeding or bruising or shortness of breath; or kidney problems such as urinating less often or in smaller amounts than usual.
Who do I contact if I am having side effects?
Contact your doctor and clinical team if you experience any side effects after treatment.
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What should I bring to my treatment appointments?
FCS treatment rooms are designed for your comfort and safety and include comfortable lounge chairs.
To stay comfortable during treatment:
- Wear cozy clothing and consider bringing a sweater, blanket, socks or hat.
- Light snacks and drinks will be provided. You may bring a favorite snack or sandwich in case treatment takes longer than expected. Avoid foods with strong smells.
- Entertainment is encouraged—bring headphones, music or a device like a laptop or tablet. Most locations have Wi-Fi and have TVs available.
- Enjoy our wide selection of donated books, magazines and games—or bring your own.
Who do I contact for scheduling questions or changes?
Our patient navigator will assist you with treatment scheduling and answer any questions or concerns you may have throughout your patient journey. It is important to come to all scheduled appointments! If you wish to cancel an appointment, please contact the patient navigator as soon as possible to reschedule.
To contact the RPT Patient Navigation team:
Phone: (239) 826-4155
Email: RITNavigation@FLCancer.com
Who do I contact for financial information and prior authorization questions?/h3>
Our dedicated financial patient navigator can assist with insurance coverage, prior authorizations and answer any billing questions. In some cases, they may link you to options for copay savings or other financial support programs.
To contact your FCS patient financial navigator:
Phone: (239) 232-7199
Email: RITFinancial@FLCancer.com
Your RPT Navigation Team
Our dedicated team RPT team will oversee your treatment journey from referral to final infusion. We understand you may have more questions about starting a new treatment or as you progress through treatment. We stand ready to assist you at any time.
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