Surge in Hope: Groundbreaking Radioligand Therapy Revolutionizes Prostate Cancer Care

Title: Prostate Cancer Drug Now Available to More Patients with Aggressive Form of Disease

A groundbreaking prostate cancer treatment has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for wider use, providing hope to thousands of men battling an aggressive form of the disease.

Novartis’ Pluvicto, a radioactive medicine, is now available for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), a devastating diagnosis that has no known cure. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 10% to 20% of prostate cancer cases develop into mCRPC within five years of follow-up after initial therapy.

The FDA’s approval marks a significant breakthrough in the treatment landscape for men with this aggressive form of prostate cancer. The drug is administered through radioligand therapy (RLT), which targets and destroys cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.

“Novartis is committed to delivering Pluvicto to the nearly 600 RLT treatment sites across the US, ensuring patients have access to this groundbreaking treatment,” the company stated.

As reported by Fox News, mCRPC accounts for a majority of deaths among men with prostate cancer and has become increasingly common. In recent years, cases of metastatic prostate cancer have risen 4% to 5% annually since 2011.

The approval of Pluvicto comes as an urgent need for more effective treatments against this aggressive disease. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 60% of prostate cancer diagnoses occur in men over the age of 65, with peak incidence rates between 65 and 74.

Pluvicto’s release has been welcomed by healthcare professionals and patients alike, providing a new option for treating an otherwise untreatable condition. The drug’s potential to improve survival outcomes is substantial, as it can be used in combination with other treatments or as a standalone therapy.

Adverse effects reported during clinical trials included dry mouth, fatigue, nausea, and constipation, but the benefits of the treatment outweighed these minor side effects.

Novartis has pledged to explore the use of RLTs for other types of advanced cancers, including breast, colon, neuroendocrine, lung, and pancreatic cancer.

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Source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/prostate-cancer-drug-now-available-more-patients-aggressive-form-disease