New Targeted Therapy for Prostate Cancer Now Available at UF Health Shands Hospital Radiation Oncology

Pluvicto, a targeted therapy for progressive, PSMA-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, has been approved for clinical use by the Food and Drug Administration. On April 26, 2022, UF Health Shands Hospital Radiation Oncology became the first hospital in the state of Florida to offer it to patients.

Pluvicto is a next-generation radioligand treatment that can significantly improve survival rates for those who have limited treatment options. Injected in six treatments at staggered intervals, the therapy allows radiation to be targeted to prostate cancer cells — with minimal effects on healthy cells — by binding to PSMA, the protein found on the surface of the cells. During the delivery of Pluvicto, imaging can identify PSMA-positive tumors through a PET scan.

Pluvicto’s FDA approval was based on the results of a recent clinical trial, during which participants were treated with Pluvicto along with the traditional standard of care. Those treated with Pluvicto had a 38% reduction in risk of death and disease progression compared with traditional treatments alone.

The program will be overseen by Robert Zlotecki, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Vice Chair of clinical affairs, and medical director, and Assistant Professor Kathryn Hitchcock, M.D., Ph.D.

“By offering leading-edge cancer treatments as soon as they are available, UF Health Shands Hospital continues to prove that it belongs among the most respected cancer centers in the country,” said Dr. Hitchcock. “We are so pleased to be able to provide the very best available cancer care to the people of Florida.”