Has the doctor told you or someone you know that you have prostate cancer? Also, when talking about a new treatment for it, did you feel a little scared and confused when you heard its name? That's normal. Anyone can get a little nervous when they hear a long name like Lutetium Lu 177 Vipivotide Tetraxetan. But don't worry. Today we will talk about this modern treatment method in a very simple way, in a way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is this medicine called Lutetium Lu 177 (Pluvicto)?
This is a special drug that is given to target and destroy prostate cancer cells. To be precise, this is Targeted Radiotherapy . Imagine, don't we have a special force in our army that finds enemies and attacks them? In the same way, this drug also finds cancer cells throughout the body, attaches itself to them, releases radiation and destroys those cells.
The advantage of this method is that it does not harm healthy cells like regular chemotherapy. Because it only targets cancer cells. This drug is most commonly available on the market under the name ``Pluvicto''. The primary goal of this treatment is to control or stop the growth of cancer cells.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
It's important for your medical team to know your complete health history before deciding if this treatment is right for you. So, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following:
- Kidney disease: If you have pre-existing kidney disease or weakness.
- Low blood cell count: If you have a low number of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets in your blood.
- Allergies: If you are allergic to this medicine `(Lutetium Lu 177)` or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby in the near future.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are breastfeeding your baby.
Don't hide this information because it's a little private. It's very important for your safety and the success of your treatment.
How the treatment is given and what you need to know
This medicine is given as an injection into a vein . This is not something you can do at home. This treatment is done in a hospital or clinic, under the supervision of trained medical staff. So you don't have to worry about the dosage being wrong or about storing the medicine.
It is very important that you receive your treatment on your scheduled dates. If for some reason you are unable to attend your scheduled date, please call your medical team immediately and let them know.
What if too much of the medicine is taken?
Since this is given in a hospital, the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you suspect that something like this has happened in any way, immediately inform the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
Things you should be especially careful about during treatment
Because this is a radiation treatment, there are some special instructions to follow for the safety of you and your family.
About general health and infections
- Physical discomfort: It is normal to feel a little tired or uncomfortable after treatment. This is because this is a cancer treatment and can affect healthy cells. However, do not stop treatment until your doctor tells you to.
- Risk of infection: Your immunity may be slightly reduced during this time. Therefore, if you experience symptoms such as fever, cold, sore throat, or cough , do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately. Try to stay away from people who are sick.
- Painkillers: Unless your doctor advises you to, do not take painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen, as these can suppress your fever.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth is a common occurrence during this time. Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on unsweetened candy, and drinking plenty of water can help.
Special safety measures to be followed due to radioactivity
This section is very important . Since a small amount of radioactivity will be released from your body after treatment, you must follow these instructions carefully to protect your loved ones.
| Security system | Time and description to follow |
|---|---|
| Sleeping separately |
|
| Limiting close contact | |
| Sexual health | |
| Fertility | This treatment may affect the ability of children to have zeugma. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor. |
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, this can cause side effects. Not everyone gets them, but it's important to be aware.
| Side effects and symptoms | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Increased potassium levels in the blood | Muscle weakness, rapid or irregular heartbeat. |
| Infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat. |
| Kidney Injury | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Liver Injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual tiredness. |
| Unusual bruising or bleeding | Even a small bump can cause a large bruise or bleeding gums. |
| Low Red Blood Cell Count | Unusual fatigue, dizziness, headache, difficulty breathing. |
| 🙂 Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist. | |
| Constipation | Difficulty going to the toilet. |
| Dry Mouth | Feeling as if saliva has dried up in the mouth. |
| Loss of Appetite | Loss of appetite. |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
Take-Home Message
- Lutetium Lu 177 (Pluvicto) is a modern, targeted therapy for prostate cancer. It targets and destroys only cancer cells.
- Before starting treatment, it is imperative that you tell your doctor all your health information (especially kidney disease, allergies).
- Since this is a radiation treatment, strictly follow the instructions given to protect your family (such as sleeping separately, staying apart, etc.).
- If you experience any serious side effects such as fever, body aches, or unusual bleeding, inform your doctor immediately.
- If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask your doctor. You are not on this journey alone.
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