Treatment can significantly extend survival for prostate-specific membrane antigen-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
GONZALES, La. – Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Gonzales has announced the availability of a new radiation treatment option, PLUVICTO, for patients with an advanced prostate cancer diagnosis – prostate-specific membrane antigen-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (PSMA-positive mCRPC). The Cancer Center is the first provider in the region to offer this radiation treatment.
“With the introduction of this targeted therapy, we’re giving patients yet another reason they can stay close to home for their treatment,” said Ryan Houston, cancer program administrator, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Gonzales. “This is just the latest example of Mary Bird Perkins providing innovative cancer care in a convenient and comfortable setting.”
The treatment consists of an injection, six total, every six weeks. To be eligible for PLUVICTO, patients must have a confirmed PSMA-positive PET scan, previously received chemotherapy or another anticancer treatment, and had the cancer metastasized. PLUVICTO works by targeting PSMA-positive cancer cells and being absorbed by those cells. Once absorbed, PLUVICTO releases radiation to damage and kill those cancerous cells.
“Historically, prostate cancer patients have had limited treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, and traditional radiation,” said Konstantin “Kos” Kovtun, M.D., radiation oncologist, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “Through this injectable form of radiation, we can target cancer cells with even more precision, leaving healthy cells intact. Through this novel approach, we can improve the quality of life for advanced prostate cancer patients.”
This new treatment option is the latest service announcement at the Gonzales location. Last year, the center began offering on-site infusion services, adding to the convenience for Ascension Parish patients.
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center opened its Gonzales location 16 years ago, offering radiation oncology services. Over the years, thanks to major support from the Gonzales Area Foundation and community stakeholders from across Ascension Parish, Mary Bird Perkins has served thousands of residents – ensuring that patients have access to high-quality treatment and technology – without having to leave their community.
To learn more about PLUVCITO or to find out if you are eligible, call the Cancer Center’s Gonzales location at (225) 644-1205.
About Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is a regional cancer care organization that has been fighting cancer for more than 50 years. The cancer care organization provides care at 10 centers in Baton Rouge, Covington, Gonzales, Hammond, Houma, Opelousas, Slidell, and Natchez, Mississippi, and its service area encompasses southeast Louisiana and southwest Mississippi regions. Mary Bird Perkins has a strategic affiliation with OneOncology and the largest radiation and medical oncology groups from across the area including exclusive partnerships with Southeastern Louisiana Radiation Oncology Group, which provides radiation therapy throughout Mary Bird Perkins’ service areas, Northshore Oncology Associates, serving St. Tammany and Washington Parishes, specifically the communities of Covington and Slidell and Louisiana Hematology Oncology Associates, which services the Greater Baton Rouge area. For more information, please visit www.marybird.org.