Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) is proud to announce the launch of Pluvicto, an advanced therapy option for eligible patients with prostate cancer, at Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC). This infusion treatment is intended for men with advanced prostate cancer that has spread and no longer responds to hormone-lowering therapy.
Pluvicto is a targeted radioligand therapy designed to allow the patient to receive advanced, precision care by delivering targeted radiation directly to prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-positive cancer cells. It works by binding to PSMA expressing cancer cells and delivering a precise dose of radiation to help slow disease progression. This approach allows treatment to focus on cancerous tissue, while limiting exposure to most healthy cells.
The therapy is administered through a series of intravenous infusions, typically every six weeks, for up to six treatment cycles, depending on individual response. Clinical studies have shown that Pluvicto, when used alongside standard care, can improve both progression-free survival and overall survival for eligible patients. Research studies show it has a 38% improvement in overall survival and 60% reduction in the risk of progression.
“This new therapy that we are offering marks a significant milestone in expanding access to innovative cancer treatments for northern Arizona,” said NAH Chief Operating Officer, Bo Cofield. “We know how overwhelming it can be when getting a prostate cancer diagnosis, and we want to give patients the best options when it comes to their care. NAH believes in investing in our community’s well-being in every way possible, and we’re proud to offer Pluvicto as a pioneering new treatment to minimize the impact of prostate cancer,” Cofield added.
“We are beyond excited to offer Pluvicto as a new FDA-approved treatment option for advanced prostate cancer,” said NAH Radiation Oncologist Matthew Greer, MD. “By bringing Pluvicto to FMC, NAH is giving the community access to an important treatment option locally, as patients in the region previously faced significant travel burdens when needing to visit Prescott or Phoenix to receive this therapy. Now that it’s available in Flagstaff, our patients can spend this critical part of their lives close to home,” Dr. Greer added.
This advancement strengthens NAH’s mission to provide high quality, compassionate and comprehensive cancer care close to home. Ask your care team if Pluvicto is the right treatment for you.