Ontario has announced it will become the first province in Canada to publicly fund Pluvicto, a breakthrough treatment for advanced-stage prostate cancer. Health Minister Sylvia Jones confirmed the move, which will provide eligible patients with access to the therapy at most cancer treatment centers in the province within the next few months.
Approved by Health Canada in August 2022, Pluvicto is a targeted radioligand therapy that delivers radioactive drugs to kill specific cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy cells. The treatment uses a medical isotope produced in Ontario, making it a significant innovation in cancer care.
Experts highlight that radioligand therapy has fewer side effects compared to traditional radiation methods, offering patients a safer and more targeted approach to treatment.
“Ontario is the first Canadian jurisdiction to publicly fund and administer this treatment,” said Health Minister Jones. The province is now working closely with hospitals to make Pluvicto a standard treatment for patients with advanced prostate cancer.
The announcement comes as patients and advocates have been awaiting provincial coverage since Health Canada’s approval of the therapy nearly two years ago.
Ontario’s decision to fund Pluvicto is seen as a major step forward in providing cutting-edge treatments for cancer patients. With cancer centers across the province preparing to implement the therapy, the move underscores Ontario’s commitment to advancing cancer care and improving patient outcomes.
“This treatment represents a promising new option for patients with advanced prostate cancer, offering both precision and reduced side effects,” experts say.
By becoming the first province to fund this innovative therapy, Ontario is setting a precedent for other provinces to follow.