ALTOONA, Pa. - UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Altoona has launched Pluvicto, an advanced targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy for patients with metastatic prostate cancer, a treatment typically available only at major cancer centers. UPMC Hillman is expanding access to this highly specialized, life-extending cancer treatment beginning at UPMC Altoona in April, the first UPMC satellite location within the UPMC Hillman network.
Pluvicto is a precision therapy designed for patients with castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer and works by targeting cancer cells that express prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). Before treatment begins, patients undergo specialized imaging to confirm PSMA uptake and eligibility, helping ensure the therapy is appropriate for their individual disease.
Previously, many patients from Blair County and surrounding communities traveled to Pittsburgh to receive Pluvicto treatment. By offering the therapy locally, UPMC Altoona is helping reduce travel, time away from family and the physical and emotional strain often associated with ongoing cancer care.
"Pluvicto has been a breakthrough therapy for prostate cancer and has shown a survival benefit for patients who have limited additional treatment options," said Ravi Patel, M.D., PhD, radiation oncologist and director of Radiopharmaceutical Therapy at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. "Offering this therapy in Altoona allows patients to receive advanced, life-extending care closer to home, without the added burden of frequent, long-distance travel."
Patients receiving Pluvicto at UPMC Altoona are treated once every six weeks through a brief intravenous infusion, typically lasting one to 10 minutes. Dr. Patel will travel regularly to Altoona to personally provide treatment, and follow-up care is provided through telemedicine visits, allowing patients to remain connected with their trusted care team in a coordinated and efficient manner centered on their quality of life.
"Our focus is not just on treating the cancer, but on supporting the whole patient," said Michael Corso, president, UPMC Altoona and UPMC Bedford. "By bringing this therapy to Altoona and offering virtual follow-ups, we're making care more accessible while maintaining the highest standards of clinical excellence."
Learn more about cancer care services at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Altoona.
