How the Therapy Works
Pluvicto® is a Radioligand Therapy (also known as RLT) specifically targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-positive cells. The radiation enters the cancer cells and kills them.
How It Is Given
It is given into a vein (IV) as 6 infusions, 6 weeks apart. Each infusion visit lasts about 60 minutes. Pluvicto® is infused over 1-2 minutes. Your blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate will be checked before and after the infusion.
Side Effects
Not everyone has side effects. There may be some during and after the infusion.
Pain at the IV site. Tell the staff if you have pain anytime during the infusions.
Tiredness
Dry mouth
Nausea or vomiting
Loss of appetite
Constipation or diarrhea
Urinary tract infection
Belly pain
How to Prepare
Drink plenty of water to increase urination during the first hours after treatment. This helps to prevent radiation from building up in the bladder.
Radiation Exposure
Treatment with Pluvicto® exposes you to radiation. Radiation can be detected in your urine for up to 17 days after treatment. Radiation increases your risk of cancer and other problems.
Bone marrow problems: This treatment may lower your blood cell counts. This could include lower red blood cells (anemia), platelets (thrombocytopenia), and white blood cells (neutropenia). These cells carry oxygen through the body, clot blood, and fight infection. This occurs 4-6 weeks after treatment. It may last around 10 days. You will be monitored for these changes before every treatment. Other problems this may cause include:
a bone marrow disorder (myelosuppression), and
blood and bone marrow cancers (myelodysplastic syndrome or MDS, and leukemia).
Kidney problems: This treatment exposes your kidneys to radiation. This may cause kidney problems. People with kidney problems before treatment are at a higher risk for these effects. Your kidney function will be monitored with blood tests.
Fertility problems: Treatment with Pluvicto® may cause infertility. It can cause harm to an unborn baby. Use effective birth control methods during and after treatment for 14 weeks.
Precautions When on Pluvicto®
This is a radioactive treatment. The radiation comes out in your bodily fluids. Your radiation levels are low, but you must follow the precautions below to protect others.
During the Infusion
You will have a private room. Your family and/or caregivers may be with you during your treatment but must leave the room during the infusion.
After Treatment
After the infusion, drink 8 ounces of fluid every hour that day. Do not count caffeinated drinks toward your 8 ounces. Empty your bladder often; aim for hourly while awake. During the night, try to empty your bladder at least 2 times. Try to drink 16 ounces of fluid during the night.
Personal Hygiene
Use a separate bathroom if possible. Sit to urinate and use toilet paper afterwards. Close the lid and flush 2 times after using the toilet. Wash hands well with soap and water after using the bathroom.
If you use disposable undergarments or pads, place them in a closed plastic bag after using. Take them out to the garbage bin. Avoid leaving them in the bathroom.
Catheter use requires more care for radiation safety. Staff will teach you about this as needed.
Wash soiled clothing or bedding as soon as possible. Wash separately from other people’s items.
Shower daily the first 3 days.
For 3 Days After Each Treatment
Limit close contact (less than 3 feet) with adults in your home. Stay at least 6 feet away from children and pregnant women.
Sleep in a separate room.
Wash bed linens separately from other clothing. After day 3 wash bed linens before anyone else uses the same linens.
Do not share eating utensils until after they are washed.
For 7 Days After Each Treatment
If you sleep in a room with children, sleep in a separate room.
Limit close contact (less than 6 feet) with pregnant women or children.
Refrain from sexual activity.
For 15 Days After Each Treatment
If you sleep in a room with a pregnant person, sleep in a separate room.
When and Who to Call
Call the Radiation Oncology Clinic at 608-263-8500 if you develop:
A fever of 100.4°F or higher, or chills
Signs of allergic reaction
Shortness of breath
Increased bleeding or bruising
Uncontrolled nausea or vomiting
Unable to urinate
Sore throat or mouth ulcers
Other concerning symptoms
