Nova Scotia makes Pluvicto injections avaialable to eligible patients

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Ward Carson didn’t think twice when asked by his doctor to participate in a clinical trial for a treatment for prostate cancer.

The 82-year-old retired chartered accountant was diagnosed in 2003 with prostate cancer and knew firsthand the importance of finding a treatment to fight the deadly disease.

“That was the purpose of the research, whether it would help me as an individual, nobody was in a position to say, but from my perspective, if it helped me, that’s great, but if it helps others and in the medical research, that’s a good thing, too,” said Carson of the clinical trial.

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On Feb. 1, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. announced that the Nova Scotia government is funding Pluvicto injections for eligible patients in the province.

“Ensuring Nova Scotians have access to the latest advancements in cancer treatment is a priority for our government. By publicly reimbursing Pluvicto, we are making substantial progress toward providing innovative care options for those facing advanced prostate cancer,” said Premier Tim Houston in a news release.

Pluvicto is a targeted therapy for adult patients with what is called prostate-specific membrane antigen positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

“This is an important milestone for Nova Scotians with advanced prostate cancer who are eligible for Pluvicto,” said Dr. Ricardo Rendon, a Halifax urological oncologist and president of the Canadian Urological Association.

“It brings me joy to see that Nova Scotia is the second province to provide public access to this treatment for Canadians facing this challenging disease. We worked part of this clinical trial, exploring for the last 10 years, and we have more than tripled the life expectancy. This has been an amazing addition.”

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Rendon said the new treatment targets the prostate cancer cells specifically.

“When the prostate cancer has spread outside of the prostate, that’s called metastasized, so it is called metastatic prostate cancer. We treat those cancer cells with chemotherapy or hormone therapy. The thing with those treatments is that they attack the bad cells but also affect the rest of the body, and the problem is those treatments don’t work forever. They work for a period of time and then they stop working. So now we have this treatment where it actually can be directed specifically to the prostate cancer cells. You get treatment for the prostate cancer cells while preserving the good cells, the rest of the body.”

Carson said that during the trial he had to isolate from his wife and family for brief periods of time, but it was a small sacrifice for the important research.

“It was an infusion of this drug every four weeks,” recalled Carson. “I would be radioactive for a week, which meant staying away from other humans and pets. Yes, it imposed some restrictions on my life but not impossible to deal with. In view of the potential benefits to me and the medical community and other patients, it was a small price to pay.”

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Unfortunately for Carson, he discovered recently that treatments were no longer an option for him.

“I’m circling the drain,” said Carson. “Dr. Rendon, who is just absolutely wonderful, has run out of treatments for me, so I have been transferred to palliative care.”

Carson faces his mortality with the grace and humour of someone with a well-lived life. He considers himself lucky to have lived 22 years through the ravages of prostate cancer.

“My wife thinks that I am due for a record,” he joked. “She has looked at me and said, ‘I can’t believe you’re sick,’ to which I say, ‘Believe it, honey.’”

Carson said his daughters, his second wife Hetty and her family have been his rocks throughout his illness.

“I hit the jackpot,” said Carson. “With my wife of 20 years, her son and his family. He is the best son I never had. His wife and boys are very close to me. I’m the luckiest guy on the planet.”

Carson encourages men to be vigilant in testing for prostate cancer. He said his cancer was identified at a random doctor’s appointment.

“Once you get to 40, you should get your PSA level checked and you should get a digital exam every few years.”

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