What is the life expectancy with Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan)?

In a clinical trial, people with prostate cancer who received Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) were found to live [4 months longer](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa2107322) compared to those who received traditional treatment. But this can be different for you since everyone reacts to medications in various ways. Talk to your provider if you have questions about how well this medication might work for you.

Who qualifies for Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan)?

Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) is approved for metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer that has the PSMA protein. And it’s typically given to those who have already received treatment with androgen receptor pathway blockers like [abiraterone (Zytiga)](https://www.goodrx.com/abiraterone/what-is) or [enzalutamide (Xtandi)](https://www.goodrx.com/xtandi/what-is), as well as taxane chemotherapy such as [docetaxel (Taxotere)](https://www.goodrx.com/docetaxel/what-is). To check if your cancer has PSMA on tumor cells, your provider will have you do a [specific PET scan](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/prostate-cancer/what-is-a-pet-scan) with another medication called [Locametz (gallium Ga 68 gozetotide)](https://www.goodrx.com/locametz/what-is). If your cancer does show high amounts of PSMA, Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) might be an option for you.

Pluvicto

lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan

Used for Prostate Cancer

Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) is a radiopharmaceutical that’s used to treat adults with certain castration-resistant prostate cancers that have spread to other parts of the body. It targets cancer cells that have a particular protein on their surface. It’s typically given as an injection through the vein every 6 weeks for up to 6 doses. Talk with your treatment team about keeping yourself and others safe after each treatment because you could expose others to radiation for a few days after each dose. Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, and constipation.

Reviewed by:

Julia Lee, PharmD, BCOP

Daisy Chau, PharmD

Last reviewed on November 20, 2023

What is Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan)?

What is Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) used for?

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer that’s positive for PSMA, after using androgen receptor pathway blocker and taxane chemotherapy treatments

How Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) works

Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) is a radiopharmaceutical. It attaches a particular protein found on the surface of certain cancer cells called prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). Once attached, the Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) enters the cell. Then, the radioactive portion of the medication (lutetium-177) causes radiation damage so that the prostate cancer can’t grow or spread as easily.

Are you looking for information on Lutathera (lutetium lu 177 dotatate) instead?

Drug facts

Common BrandsPluvicto

Drug ClassRadiopharmaceutical

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

Side effects of Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan)

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Feeling very tired (43%)
Dry mouth and throat (39%)
Nausea (35%)
Anemia (32%)
Poor appetite (21%)
Constipation (20%)
Diarrhea (19%)
Vomiting (19%)

Less Common Side Effects

Weight loss
Fever
Stomach pain
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Dizziness
Headache
Changes in taste

Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Low blood cell counts: fever, chills, feeling very tired, unusual bleeding or bruising
Kidney problems: making little or no urine, dark urine

Source: DailyMed

The following Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
Unusual bruising or bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price

$InfinityNaN

GoodRx discount

$Infinity

See prices

Pros and cons of Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan)

Pros

Recommended treatment for metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer after other treatments have stopped working
Treatments are given once every 6 weeks
Targeted therapy, so it works in a more specific way than traditional chemotherapy

Cons

Often causes fatigue, nausea, and dry mouth
Need to receive the infusion in a specialized clinic by those trained in giving radiopharmaceuticals
Radioactive treatment, so extra safety precautions are needed after treatment

Pharmacist tips for Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan)

Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) is a radiation treatment. At the treatment center, you’ll likely be in a separate area to prevent others from radiation exposure. Your treatment team will wear protective equipment and give you instructions on radiation safety after you leave the clinic.
For the first few days after each Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) dose, you’ll still have radiation in your body that could be harmful to others. Try to stay at least 3 ft away from others for the first 2 days after your Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) dose, and avoid sexual activity with others for 7 days after the dose.
Radiation can be especially harmful to children and unborn babies. Limit close contact (closer than 3 feet) with children and pregnant women for 7 days after your Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) dose. You should also sleep in a separate room from children for 7 days, and from pregnant women for 15 days after each treatment.
Drink plenty of water and urinate frequently before and after treatment with Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan). This helps prevent potential kidney damage from the radiation.
Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) can lower blood cell counts, which can raise your risk for infections and bleeding. Let your provider know if you have signs of unusual bleeding or bruising, or signs of an infection, like weakness, trouble breathing, fever, chills, sore throat, or mouth sores.
Dry mouth is a common side effect of Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) . If you’re feeling dryness in your mouth or throat, make sure to stay well-hydrated. You can also try over-the-counter saliva substitutes, sugar-free gum, or lozenges to help relieve your symptoms.
Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) can harm unborn babies and affect fertility. Talk with your provider before starting treatment if you plan on having children. If you have a partner who can become pregnant, continue using effective birth control while on treatment and for 14 weeks after your last dose.

Common questions about Pluvicto

In a clinical trial, people with prostate cancer who received Pluvicto were found to live 4 months longer compared to those who received traditional treatment. But this can be different for you since everyone reacts to medications in various ways. Talk to your provider if you have questions about how well this medication might work for you.

No, Pluvicto is a radiopharmaceutical, not chemotherapy. It targets prostate cancer cells that have a special protein called prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on their surface, and delivers radiation to those cells. Traditional chemotherapy doesn’t target any specific types of cells, and works against any rapidly growing and dividing cells in the body.

Pluvicto is approved for metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer that has the PSMA protein. And it’s typically given to those who have already received treatment with androgen receptor pathway blockers like abiraterone (Zytiga) or enzalutamide (Xtandi), as well as taxane chemotherapy such as docetaxel (Taxotere). To check if your cancer has PSMA on tumor cells, your provider will have you do a specific PET scan with another medication called Locametz (gallium Ga 68 gozetotide). If your cancer does show high amounts of PSMA, Pluvicto might be an option for you.

Usually, a Pluvicto treatment course consists of a dose every 6 weeks for up to 6 doses. Your schedule and dose might be different depending on if you have side effects from the medication, like low blood counts or signs of kidney damage. Your provider might also have you stop treatment if they see signs that Pluvicto isn’t working based on lab tests, scans, or symptoms of your cancer.

Following a dose of Pluvicto, radioactivity will remain in your body for several days after the treatment. For the first few days to a week, you’ll need to keep your distance (about 3 feet) away from others, sleep separately, and avoid sexual activity. This is especially important if you’re around someone who’s pregnant. Talk with your provider about any activities you have planned after your Pluvicto treatments to make sure they’re safe for you and those around you.

How to save using GoodRx

1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.

2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.

3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.

Get free coupon Learn more

Risks and warnings for Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan)

Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Radiation exposure

Since Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) is a radiation-based treatment, it can add to your overall radiation exposure over time. And higher total amounts of radiation exposure can raise risk for cancer. Talk with your provider if you’re concerned about radiation exposure, and precautions you can take to protect yourself and others during Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) treatment.

Low blood cell counts (bone marrow suppression)

Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) affects your bone marrow and causes your body to make fewer blood cells. Low amounts of blood cells can raise your chance of bleeding and make you more likely to get infections. Your provider will monitor your blood work before each treatment to make sure that your blood cell levels are safe. And if needed, they might make changes to your dosing schedule or dose of Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan). Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you suddenly have unusual bleeding or bruising, muscle weakness, changes in your speech and vision, or develop a fever.

Kidney problems

Risk factors: History of kidney problems Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) can harm the kidneys, especially if you’ve had previous kidney problems. Your treatment team will do a blood test to check that your kidneys are healthy before each treatment. It’s a good idea to stay well-hydrated and urinate frequently before and after treatment to keep your kidneys working well. Let your provider know if you have little or no urine. That could be a sign of kidney problems, and you might have to temporarily delay treatment while your kidneys recover.

Harm to the unborn baby

Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) can harm unborn babies. If you have a partner who’s able to become pregnant, continue using effective birth control while taking Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) and for at least 14 weeks after the last dose.

Fertility problems

Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) can lead to infertility. Before starting treatment, talk with your provider if you are planning on having children.

Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) dosage

The average cost for 1 vial of 30ml of 1000mbq/ml of Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) is $0.00 with a free GoodRx coupon.

Vial

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
30ml of 1000mbq/ml	1 vial	$0.00	$0.00

Typical dosage for Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan)

The typical dose is 7.4 GBq as an injection through the vein about every 6 weeks for up to 6 doses.

Your dose might be different if you develop certain side effects to the medication.

Note: GBq is a unit of radioactivity. Since this medication works by delivering radiation, the dose is described using units that measure radioactivity.

How much does Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) cost?

To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.

Pluvicto (brand)

GoodRx lowest price

$0.00

View prices and coupons

What are alternatives to Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan). Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan)

Used for:

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer that’s positive for PSMA, after using androgen receptor pathway blocker and taxane chemotherapy treatments

$0.00Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Jevtana (cabazitaxel)

Used for:

Prostate cancer that has spread to other areas of the body (used in combination with prednisone)

View prices

Pluvicto (lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) images

This medicine is Yellow Vial.yellow - PLUVICTO 1000MBq/mL Solution for Injection

References

Best studies we found

Advanced Accelerator Applications USA, Inc. (2024). Pluvicto- lutetium lu 177 vipivotide textrazetan injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

American Cancer Society. (2019). Radiation therapy safety.

American Cancer Society. (2023). Radiation therapy for prostate cancer.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

Pluvicto