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Do Pluvicto patients live like those in the TV ad?

Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Aug 26, 2025 | Replies (30)

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Here is what I found doing a quick AI search:

Residual radiation: The radioactive isotope (lutetium-177) in Pluvicto has a half-life of 6.647 days. This means the radioactivity in the patient's body decreases over time, but it may still be present at the time of death, potentially posing a risk during cremation.
Radiation exposure during cremation: During cremation, the radiopharmaceutical can volatilize and be inhaled by workers or released into the environment, potentially causing greater exposure than from a living patient. Studies have shown that crematorium equipment, including the oven, can be contaminated with low levels of radiation after the cremation of a patient who has received Pluvicto.
Regulations: While regulations for handling radioactive materials in living patients are well-established, postmortem regulations are less developed and vary by state and internationally. There are no federal regulations at the United States level regarding the cremation of patients treated with radiopharmaceuticals.
Risk mitigation: To minimize the risk of radiation exposure to crematorium staff and the public, certain precautions may be necessary when cremating a patient who has received Pluvicto. These include:
Notifying the crematorium about the recent Pluvicto treatment.
Waiting a period of time after the last treatment before cremation (the recommended timeframe may vary, depending on the individual case and institutional guidelines).
Following radiation safety principles, including the use of protective equipment (e.g., respirators, gloves, and clothing) by crematorium staff.
Performing radiation surveys of the crematorium equipment and staff after the cremation.
Recommendations
Open communication: Patients, their families, and medical professionals should communicate openly with the chosen crematorium regarding the Pluvicto treatment to ensure they are aware of the potential risks and can take appropriate precautions.
Follow institutional guidelines: Individual hospitals and treatment centers will have specific guidelines and protocols for handling the remains of patients who have received Pluvicto. These guidelines should be followed carefully.
Consult with a radiation safety officer: In cases of uncertainty or concern, consultation with a radiation safety officer or medical physicist is recommended to ensure the safe handling and disposition of the deceased.
In summary
While cremation is a common practice, the radioactive nature of Pluvicto necessitates careful consideration and adherence to safety protocols when cremating a patient who has received this therapy. Open communication and consultation with medical professionals and crematorium staff are crucial to ensure a safe and respectful process.

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Have Novartis put our a statement in writing