Radiopharmaceuticals for Advanced Prostate Cancer: Precision Medicine at Work

Prostate cancer treatment has advanced significantly in recent years, and radiopharmaceutical therapy is one of the most promising innovations for patients with advanced disease. These highly targeted therapies are designed to identify and deliver radiation directly to prostate cancer cells throughout the body, helping treat cancer with greater precision.

What Are Radiopharmaceuticals?

Radiopharmaceuticals are specialized medicines that combine a radioactive component with a molecule designed to seek out specific cancer cells. Once administered, these therapies travel through the bloodstream and attach to prostate cancer cells, where they deliver targeted radiation.

Unlike traditional radiation therapy, which delivers radiation from outside the body to a specific area, radiopharmaceuticals can target cancer cells wherever they are located—including sites in the bones, lymph nodes, and other tissues. This precision helps limit radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues while treating cancer throughout the body.

Who May Be Eligible for Radiopharmaceutical Therapy?

At Maryland Oncology Hematology, radiopharmaceutical therapy is available for select patients with advanced prostate cancer, including those whose cancer has spread beyond the prostate. Eligibility depends on several factors, including the extent of disease, prior treatments, overall health, and specific imaging results.

Our multidisciplinary team, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and nuclear medicine specialists, carefully evaluates each patient to determine whether radiopharmaceutical treatment is an appropriate option as part of a personalized care plan.

How Do Radiopharmaceuticals Work?

Radiopharmaceuticals play an important role in both the diagnosis and treatment of advanced prostate cancer.

Targeted Treatment

Therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals use the same principle. They attach to PSMA-positive cancer cells and deliver radiation directly to the tumor. This targeted approach allows treatment of cancer cells throughout the body while limiting unnecessary radiation exposure to healthy tissues.

Pluvicto® for Advanced Prostate Cancer

Pluvicto® (lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) is an FDA-approved radiopharmaceutical therapy used to treat certain patients with PSMA-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Once administered intravenously, Pluvicto seeks out PSMA-expressing prostate cancer cells and delivers targeted radiation directly to them.

Pluvicto may be an option for patients whose cancer has progressed despite hormone therapy and who are appropriate for or have previously received other systemic treatments. Clinical studies have shown that Pluvicto can help delay disease progression and improve outcomes in eligible patients.

“Radiopharmaceutical therapy has transformed the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Treatments like Pluvicto® deliver targeted radiation to cancer cells throughout the body, offering new hope for eligible patients. At Maryland Oncology Hematology, both myself and Dr. Samir Kanani see patients at our White Oak and Shady Grove locations, with treatments provided at our Silver Spring center. Together with our multidisciplinary team, we are committed to delivering personalized, leading-edge cancer care!”
— Dr. Luqman Dad, Radiation Service Line Chief, Maryland Oncology Hematology

Why Choose Maryland Oncology Hematology?

Maryland Oncology Hematology offers one of the region’s most comprehensive cancer care programs, providing patients access to advanced, leading-edge treatments, and experienced specialists close to home. Our team has extensive expertise in prostate cancer care and works collaboratively to develop individualized treatment plans based on each patient’s unique needs and goals.

As a leader in advanced cancer therapies, Maryland Oncology Hematology is proud to offer cutting-edge radiopharmaceutical treatments, including Pluvicto®, as part of our commitment to delivering the highest level of cancer care.

Learn More

If you or a loved one has advanced prostate cancer, the experts at Maryland Oncology Hematology can help you understand all available treatment options, including radiopharmaceutical therapy. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care and helping patients access the latest advancements in cancer treatment. Contact Maryland Oncology Hematology to schedule a consultation and learn whether radiopharmaceutical therapy may be right for you.

White Oak Cancer Center Radiation Oncology /  Silver Spring:  240-471-3800

Aquilino Cancer Center Radiation Oncology / Rockville: 301-309-6765