Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States. In recent years, a number of treatments have emerged to help treat prostate cancer – which, on average, affects one in every eight men – more effectively than ever.
For advanced prostate cancer, chief among these is Pluvicto, a targeted radiation therapy that delivers radiation directly to affected cancer cells. Delivered through an IV infusion, Pluvicto allows for precise targeting and results in improved quality of life and increased rates of survival.
While he lives in Baton Rouge, Valluzzo drives down to Gonzales to take in Pluvicto’s six infusions. Mary Bird Perkins’ 100th treatment treatment was Valluzzo’s third. Three down, three to go.
“I’ve got plenty of family in Gonzales, so (travelling from Baton Rouge) been fine,” he said. “The people there have been very nice, positive, upbeat. I get in, do my deal, then get out.”
Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in Louisiana and Mississippi. If caught early its survival rate is one of the highest of all cancers, while treatments like Pluvicto help during its more advanced stages as well.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed an expansion in the use of Pluvicto, tripling its eligible patient population. It can now be used after one androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI) treatment – effectively meaning it can now be utilized before traditional chemotherapy treatment.
Ryan Houston, Mary Bird Perkins’ cancer program administrator, community sites, called Pluvicto “another tool in the fight” against advanced prostate cancer.
“It’s really about prolonging life and giving people a better quality of life,” he said.
Houston said the Gonzales location provided a perfect spot to provide Pluvicto, given its close proximity to the Cancer Center’s other locations in South Louisiana. The Cancer Center’s early adoption of the treatment also demonstrated its commitment to providing the latest, leading-edge technology to people in Ascension Parish and beyond.
“(Bringing in Pluvicto) signifies our commitment to constantly be looking for the newest and updated treatment options for our patients,” he said. “We don’t just settle for the same old.”
To find out more about Pluvicto, and Mary Bird Perkins’ Gonzales location, please visit our website at marybird.org/gonzales