Why is Pluvicto prescribed?

Lutetium-177 PSMA (Pluvicto) is useful to treat adults suffering from prostate-specific membrane antigen­–­positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (PSMA-positive mCRPC) that:

• has spread to other parts of the body, and
• has already been treated with other anticancer treatments

Pluvicto belongs to a class of drugs called targeted radiopharmaceuticals. It is made by combining a protein (antibody) to a radioactive substance (Lutetium-177). After getting near the cancer cell, Pluvicto attaches to the cell and delivers the radioactive substance inside the cell, making it die (like a Trojan horse).

How is Pluvicto given?

You will get Pluvicto as a slow IV push or an IV infusion in certain clinics or infusion centers. It is usually given once every 6 weeks for up to 6 doses or until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The dosage is based on your medical condition, lab tests, and response to treatment.

A doctor or nurse will watch you closely while you are receiving the infusion and after the infusion to be sure you are not having a serious reaction to the medication. You may get other medications to help prevent reactions to Pluvicto. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms that may occur during the infusion: nausea, shortness of breath, fever, chills, lightheadedness, or vomiting.

Before starting the treatment, increase the amount of oral fluids to help get rid of the medication through urine and reduce any irritation to the urinary bladder.

Your doctor may slow down your infusion, or interrupt or stop your treatment if you experience certain side effects. Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling during and after your treatment.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking Pluvicto, tell your Doctor if you have:

• low blood cell counts (hemoglobin, white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, platelet count)
• tiredness, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, bleeding or bruising more easily than normal or difficulty stopping bleeding, or frequent infections with signs such as fever, chills, sore throat, or mouth ulcers (possible signs of myelosuppression)
• kidney problems
• any other type of cancer or treatment for cancer, as Pluvicto contributes to your long-term cumulative radiation exposure
• You are sexually active as:
  • Pluvicto has the potential to cause harm to an unborn baby
  • You should use effective contraception for intercourse during treatment with Pluvicto and for 14 weeks after your last dose
  • Pluvicto may cause temporary or permanent infertility

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Any side effects of Pluvicto I should know?

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
• Nausea
• Low red blood cell count
• Appetite loss (Anorexia)
• Changes in bowel movements (constipation or diarrhea (loose stools))
• Vomiting (Emesis)
• Low platelets (Thrombocytopenia)
• Urinary tract infection
• Abnormal weight loss
• Abdominal Pain (Bellyache)

Some serious side effects

If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment

• Low level of blood cell counts. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any new or worsening symptoms, including:
  • Fatigue (Tiredness) or weakness
  • Pale skin
  • Shortness of breath (Dyspnea)
  • Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal or difficulty stopping bleeding
  • Frequent infections with signs such as fever, chills, sore throat, or mouth ulcers
• Kidney problems. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any new or worsening symptoms, including passing urine less often or passing much smaller amounts of urine than usual.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Use of Pluvicto involves exposure to radioactivity. Long-term, accruing radiation exposure is associated with an increased risk for cancer.

To minimize radiation exposure to others following administration of Pluvicto, limit close contact (less than 3 feet) with household contacts for 2 days or with children and pregnant women for 7 days, refrain from sexual activity for 7 days, and sleep in a separate bedroom from household contacts for 3 days, from children for 7 days, or from pregnant women for 15 days.

Brand name

Pluvicto