Overview
Pluvicto is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adults with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have previously been treated with an androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI). It is also indicated for individuals who are considered appropriate to delay or have already received taxane-based chemotherapy. Treatment eligibility requires confirmation of PSMA expression using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Pluvicto is also known by its drug name, lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan.

Lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan is a radioligand therapy. It targets PSMA, a protein found on prostate cancer cells, and delivers radiation directly to those cells to help destroy them while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Pluvicto is given as an intravenous (IV) injection. The recommended dosing schedule is one dose every six weeks, for a total of six doses. Treatment should be administered by healthcare professionals trained in handling radioactive drugs. The medication should be given exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Pluvicto include lymphopenia (low lymphocyte count), anemia (low red blood cell count), fatigue, xerostomia (dry mouth), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), reduced eGFR (decreased kidney function), nausea, neutropenia (low neutrophil count), hypocalcemia (low calcium levels), hyponatremia (low sodium levels), elevated AST (increased liver enzyme levels), elevated alkaline phosphatase (increased levels of an enzyme related to bone or liver function), arthralgia (joint pain), decreased appetite, hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), constipation, and back pain.

Rare but serious side effects may include risks associated with radiation exposure, myelosuppression (reduced bone marrow function), which can lead to severe blood cell deficiencies; renal toxicity (kidney damage), which requires regular monitoring and hydration; and embryo-fetal toxicity (harm to an unborn baby). Pluvicto may also cause infertility, which could be temporary or permanent.

For more information about this treatment, visit:
Pluvicto (Lutetium Lu 177 Vipivotide Tetraxetan) Injection, for Intravenous Use — Novartis Pharmaceuticals