Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): In a major development, the Alberta government is improving access to treatment for advanced prostate cancer by making a new, leading-edge drug available to Albertans.
In Alberta, about 2,500 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, with one in six men in the province being diagnosed during their lifetime.
Albertans living with cancer need the most effective treatments available, which is why Alberta’s government is committed to funding innovative new therapies to improve both cancer care and prevention. To support these efforts, Alberta’s government has made Pluvicto, a new radiopharmaceutical treatment for advanced prostate cancer, available to Albertans.
“We know that Albertans living with advanced prostate cancer and their health providers have been awaiting access to this new treatment. Bringing Pluvicto to our province has been a priority for the government, and I’m pleased we can now offer this leading therapy to Albertans.”Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health
As soon as a national pricing agreement was reached in December 2024, Alberta worked quickly to add Pluvicto to the Schedule of Outpatient Cancer Drugs, becoming the third province to do so, alongside Ontario and Nova Scotia. Alberta Health Services is now finalizing a contract with the manufacturer to ensure this treatment is accessible to patients. The Outpatient Cancer Drug Benefit Program provides access to cancer medications included on the Schedule of Outpatient Cancer Drugs to patients at no cost.
Prior to offering this treatment, the province arranged for the special handling, administration and medical imaging required, as well as to provide training to health providers. It is anticipated that the administration of this intravenous radioligand therapy to Albertans will begin later this month.
“When we partnered with Alberta Health to bring PSMA-PET imaging technology to Alberta in 2021, we knew it would be transformative. We are thrilled it’s led to this emerging new treatment being offered – a breakthrough moment and incredible news for men with advanced prostate cancer.” Wendy Beauchesne, CEO, Alberta Cancer Foundation
The drug will be administered at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton to start and will become available at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre later this year.
“Cancer Care Alberta is very pleased that Pluvicto is now publicly funded in Alberta, allowing us to bring this new innovation in treatment to Albertans living with advanced prostate cancer.” Brenda Hubley, chief program officer, Cancer Care Alberta
Pluvicto is an intravenous treatment given in a cancer centre. It contains a radioligand – a substance that combines a targeting molecule with a small amount of radiation. This radioligand binds to a specific receptor expression on prostate cancer cells, delivering targeted radiation to kill them. Before receiving treatment, patients undergo a PET-CT scan to confirm they have the receptor expression, ensuring the treatment will be effective. It’s estimated that about 200 advanced prostate cancer patients in Alberta have the specific receptor needed to benefit from this treatment each year.
In March 2024, Alberta’s government provided $5 million for the provision of prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scans to eligible Albertans to help accurately diagnose advanced prostate cancer and assist with administering the Pluvicto treatment.
“The Government of Alberta’s decision to publicly fund Pluvicto offers renewed hope for Albertans facing advanced prostate cancer with limited options. This important step demonstrates a shared commitment from government, healthcare providers and industry to address the unmet needs of these patients. We applaud Alberta’s leadership in advancing cancer care and remain committed to ensuring Canadians in all provinces have access to this innovative treatment.”Mark Vineis, CEO, Novartis Canada
