January 14, 2025
On Friday, December 27, 2024, Frederick (Fred) Harrison from Swinton Park, Ontario was the first patient in Canada to receive publicly-funded Novartis PLUVICTOTM treatment for prostate cancer at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). This new therapy targeting cancerous cells was researched and trialed globally, including at LHSC. It is now funded through Ontario’s Ministry of Health as a standard treatment option for patients with advanced-stage prostate cancer.
“Our government is giving people access to more treatment options by expanding public access to new medications and treatments,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “We are excited to celebrate the administration of the first dose of PLUVICTOTM in partnership with London Health Sciences Centre, as one more way our government is connecting more people to the care they need when they need it.”
The therapy, which takes roughly 30 minutes per session once every six weeks for a total of six sessions, uses a radiopharmaceutical that selectively targets cancerous cells, while leaving other cells alone. Dr. David Laidley, a nuclear medicine physician at LHSC and a scientist at London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI), is excited to be able to offer this treatment as a standard of care to patients, as it has fewer side effects than chemotherapy and improves survival rates.
“Testing new treatments through research and then making them available to patients is how we improve care,” says Dr. Narinder Paul, Department Head, Medical Imaging, LHSC. “With PLUVICTOTM, we’re offering new hope to prostate cancer patients.”
Diagnosed with prostate cancer over a decade ago, Harrison’s cancer returned last year. He was referred by his oncologist to LHSC in late 2024, after it was determined chemotherapy was no longer effective for his treatment.
“Chemo doesn’t just kill the cancer, it kills everything,” says 69-year-old Harrison. “Other than a few days of pain and feeling lazy, this stuff is better.”
A former journeyman carpenter who is used to an active lifestyle, he is looking forward to being more energetic.
Patients go through a specific evaluation process prior to receiving their first dose to ensure they are eligible for the treatment. They receive a PSMA PET scan (a specialized PET scan that identifies prostate cancer cells), undergo a consultation with a physician and then have their case discussed and confirmed if eligible for treatment by a multidisciplinary tumour board.
“Getting the call from London was quick,” recalls Harrison. “The team was excellent and professional. They treat you like a human being.”
Harrison received his PET-CT scan, and treatment was scheduled shortly after the results were reviewed by the multidisciplinary tumor board. After being given the treatment, patients are generally discharged and able to return home. For Harrison, this was a two and half-hour drive.
As for being the first patient in Canada to receive the publicly funded treatment as a standard of care, Harrison feels grateful, but is also happy to help.
“Anything I can do to help somebody else,” he says.
LHSC’s Molecular Imaging and Theranostics team is currently expanding its capacity with a goal of treating 100 patients in 2025.
“It was a team effort to make this a reality,” says Dr. Laidley. “We expect new patient referrals to grow quickly based on physician and patient awareness.”
LHSC is currently exploring how to incorporate other radiopharmaceutical therapies (theranostics) for application in different cancers and pursuing additional research studies.
“This area of care is growing exponentially,” explains Dr. Laidley. "LHSC’s Molecular Imaging and Theranostics team is a leader in this area and well-positioned to drive forward new innovations to treat and eventually cure patients.”