Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Gonzales has announced the availability of a new radiation treatment option, PLUVICTO, for patients with an advanced prostate cancer diagnosis - prostate-specific membrane antigen-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (PSMA-positive mCRPC). The Cancer Center is the first provider in the region to offer this radiation treatment.
“With the introduction of this targeted therapy, we’re giving patients yet another reason they can stay close to home for their treatment,” said Ryan Houston, cancer program administrator, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Gonzales. “This is just the latest example of Mary Bird Perkins providing innovative cancer care in a convenient and comfortable setting.”
The treatment consists of an injection, six total, every six weeks. To be eligible for PLUVICTO, patients must have a confirmed PSMA-positive PET scan, previously received chemotherapy or another anticancer treatment, and had the cancer metastasized. PLUVICTO works by targeting PSMA-positive cancer cells and being absorbed by those cells. Once absorbed, PLUVICTO releases radiation to damage and kill those cancerous cells.
“Historically, prostate cancer patients have had limited treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, and traditional radiation,” said Konstantin “Kos” Kovtun, MD, radiation oncologist, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “Through this injectable form of radiation, we can target cancer cells with even more precision, leaving healthy cells intact. Through this novel approach, we can improve the quality of life for advanced prostate cancer patients.”