Prostate cancer affects millions, with 1 in 8 men diagnosed in their lifetime. For advanced cases, treatments like Pluvicto bring hope, but the high cost of Pluvicto in the U.S.—ranging from $42,500 to $50,000 per dose—can be a barrier. In Turkey, Pluvicto costs between $5,000 and $12,000 per dose, while in Mexico, it ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 for the entire treatment course. These treatments are offered in accredited clinics that meet global standards from organizations lik the Joint Commission International (JCI) and the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua). Bookimed has prepared this guide to help families find affordable, high-quality Pluvicto options abroad.
Key Takeaways:
💲Lutetium 177 treatment cost savings per dose. Each Pluvicto dose costs $5,000–$12,000 in Turkey, $5,500–$10,000 in Mexico, and $6,500–$10,500 in Thailand, compared to $42,500–$50,000 in the U.S.—saving up to 80-90% per dose.
💲Full treatment cost savings. For 6 doses, patients pay $10,000–$30,000 in Turkey, $30,000–$50,000 in Mexico, and $30,000–$60,000 in Thailand, versus $255,000–$300,000 in the U.S.
🌐 Accredited clinics. Clinics in Turkey, Mexico, and Thailand meet global standards, with JCI and ISQua certifications.
💲 All-inclusive packages. Comprehensive packages cover consultations, scans, accommodations, and transfers, making treatment abroad more affordable and convenient.
🛡️ Insurance & financial help. Options include partial reimbursements, manufacturer assistance, medical loans, and crowdfunding.
Table of Contents:
What Is Pluvicto?
Pluvicto, also known as lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan, is a type of radiopharmaceutical used for prostate cancer. It works by attaching to cancer cells that express PSMA, a specific type of protein often found in advanced prostate cancer. Pluvicto binds to these cells and releases radiation directly into them, aiming to kill cancer cells and reduce the spread of tumors throughout the body.
🔹 The recommended Pluvicto dosage is 7.4 GBq administered intravenously every six weeks for up to six doses, or until disease progression or unacceptable side effects occur.
Lutetium-177 therapies are emerging as promising options for treating advanced prostate cancer, particularly for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). There are multiple kinds of this treatment.
| Therapy | Mechanism | Indication | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pluvicto (Lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) | Targets prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on prostate cancer cells | Used for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) | FDA-approved for certain patients with mCRPC |
| Lu-177 PSMA I&T (Investigational) | Binds to PSMA on prostate cancer cells, similar to Pluvicto | Primarily used in clinical trials to evaluate its effectiveness and safety | Investigational, ongoing research for potential standard care |
| Lu-177 PSMA-617 (Investigational/Off-Label) | Another PSMA-targeting therapy using Lu-177, similar to Pluvicto and PSMA I&T | Used in clinical trials or off-label for advanced prostate cancer with limited response to other treatments | Not FDA-approved, promising results in trials for mCR |
❕The recent lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan FDA approval marks a significant advancement in targeted treatments.
What patients can benefit from the treatment?
A suitable candidate for Pluvicto (Lutetium-177) therapy is typically a patient with PSMA-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Key criteria include:
PSMA-positive status. Confirmed through a specialized PET scan, as Pluvicto targets PSMA proteins on cancer cells.
Advanced cancer stage. Ideal for patients whose cancer has spread and no longer responds to hormone therapy.
Prior treatments. Candidates usually have tried androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPI) like abiraterone or enzalutamide and taxane-based chemotherapy.
Overall health. Patients need sufficient kidney and function to manage possible side effects like fatigue and nausea.
Preference to avoid chemotherapy. Suitable for those looking to delay or avoid additional chemotherapy due to its lower burden of side effects.
Is Lutetium-177 PSMA Therapy Worth It?
For many people with advanced prostate cancer, Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy can be a game-changer, especially when other treatments have not worked.
Targeting cancer cells precisely. Lutetium-177 PSMA therapy targets prostate cancer cells directly by attaching to PSMA, delivering radiation right to the tumor while sparing healthy tissue. This means fewer side effects like fatigue and nausea, joint with more general treatments.
Proven survival benefits. Clinical studies, such as the VISION trial, show that this therapy can help patients live longer, offering several extra months of life when other treatment options are limited.
🔹The VISION trial, with over 800 patients, showed that those on Lutetium-177 therapy lived longer, with cancer progression delayed by 8.7 months versus 3.4 months for others. They also lived about four months longer, with most managing side effects well.
Improved quality of life. In addition to slowing tumor growth, the therapy can help ease painful symptoms like bone pain, making daily life more manageable.
Affordable options abroad. While this treatment is expensive in the U.S., countries like Turkey and Mexico offer it at a fraction of the cost, often half of what patients would pay in the U.S., with quality assured by JCI and ISQua accreditations.
These offers might interst you:
- Dr. Kezban Berberoglu is a nuclear medicine specialist performing advanced Lutetium-177 therapy.
- Anadolu Medical Center is among the top 10 hospitals globally by the Medical Travel Quality Alliance.
- Included Services: Preoperative tests, blood tests, follow-up examination, PET/CT, histopathology revision, follow-up visit, 4* hotel, transfer airport-clinic-airport.
- Stay Info: 2 days in the hospital, 5 days in a hotel, included in the price.
- Dr. Gonca Civi received his nuclear medicine specialization from Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine.
- Istanbul Oncology Hospital serves 11,640 patients annually from Russian-speaking countries, Europe, and the Balkans.
- Included services: 5* hotel, transfer airport-hotel-clinic-airport.
- Stay info: 2 days stay in the hotel, no hospital stay, included in the price.
- Treatment method: Lutetium-177 therapy.
How Much Does Pluvicto Cost?
Pluvicto price changes based on the country where it’s given. Here’s a quick look at the average cost per dose in different countries:
For patients exploring pluvicto treatment cost options, substantial savings can be found outside the United States, where the price of Pluvicto in the US can range from $42,500 to $50,000 per dose.
In Turkey, Pluvicto costs between $5,000 and $12,000 per dose, making it one of the cheapest places for this treatment. Compared to the U.S., patients could save up to $38,000 or more per dose by going to Turkey. This means that Pluvicto in Turkey can be 4 to 10 times cheaper than in the United States.
The costs are lower in countries across Europe. For example, Pluvicto price in Germany ranges between $10,000 and $25,000r. Pluvicto COST in Canada also presents savings, with treatments priced at $18,000–$30,000 per dose.
For those interested explicitly in Pluvicto price in Europe, options in countries such as Austria and the United Kingdom offer prices from $15,000 to $25,000, achieving up to 75% savings compared to U.S. costs.
How much does pluvicto cost per dose?
| Country | Cost for 1 dose (USD) |
|---|---|
| Turkey | $5,000 - $12,000 |
| Germany | $10,000 - $25,000 |
| Mexico | $5,500 - $10,000 |
| Thailand | $6,500 - $10,500 |
| Australia | $6,000 - $8,000 |
| Canada | $18,000 - $30,000 |
| Austria | $20,000 - $25,000 |
| United Kingdom | $15,000 - $20,000 |
| United States | $42,500 - $50,000 |
Most patients need several doses of Pluvicto, so the total cost can be high. Patients also often need scans, like PET scans, to monitor whether the treatment is working, which can add to the overall expense. Bookimed offers multiple comprehensive offers that cover some of the diagnostic procedures at a fixed price.
✅These countries offer high-quality treatments at much lower prices due to reduced operating costs, such as lower labor and facility expenses, while still adhering to strict medical standards.
Full Pluvicto Treatment Abroad: Major Savings
Most patients need more than one dose of Pluvicto for it to work well. The usual treatment plan includes about 6 doses, given over a few weeks or months, based on how the patient responds to the therapy.
In the United States, each dose of Pluvicto costs between $42,500 and $50,000. So, the total for six doses can be about $255,000 to $300,000. This can be a huge cost for many families. Fortunately, the full treatment is much more affordable in some other countries.
Mexico and Thailand offer more affordable Pluvicto treatment, with costs between $30,000 and $60,000. This means patients could save up to 80-90%. In Australia, the cost ranges from $39,120 to $50,000, which can help patients save about 85% compared to U.S. prices.
In Turkey, the full cost of Pluvicto treatment ranges from $10,000 to $30,000 for all doses. However, the cost is much higher in the UK, ranging from $95,400 to $118,840. This means that patients could save between $65,000 and $108,000 by choosing Turkey compared to getting the same treatment in the UK.
| Country | Cost for Full Treatment (USD) |
|---|---|
| Turkey | $10,000 - $30,000 |
| Germany | $60,000 - $130,000 |
| Mexico | $30,000 - $50,000 |
| Thailand | $30,000 - $60,000 |
| Australia | $39,120 - $50,000 |
| Canada | $120,000 - $180,000 |
| Austria | $120,000 - $150,000 |
| Finland | $90,000 - $120,000 |
| United Kingdom | $95,400 - $118,840 |
| United States | $255,000 - $300,000 |
All-Inclusive Pluvicto Packages
Bookimed’s partner clinics provide these packages at prices lower than those found directly, with exclusive offers and limited-time deals.
Pluvicto (Lutetium-177) treatment packages are designed to ease the treatment process for patients, bundling necessary services for a seamless experience.
- Dr. Murat Binbay is an internationally certified robotic surgery specialist with over 600 surgeries performed.
- Memorial Şişli Hospital is the 1st hospital in Turkey accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI).
- Included Services: Consultation with a urologist.
- Dr. David Sarid is a reputable specialist in chemotherapy and radiotherapy for prostate cancer.
- Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) treats over 400,000 patients annually with a 90% oncology success rate.
- Included services: 3 days stay in hotel.
- Stay info: Accommodation and transfers are not included.
- Treatment method: Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, biological cancer therapy.
- Dr. Selami Albayrak has performed numerous successful prostate cancer diagnoses and treatments.
- Medipol Mega Hastaneler Kompleksi serves over 1,200 patients daily with advanced technologies like the Da Vinci Surgical System.
- Included Services: Consultation with an oncologist, Consultation with a urologist, PET-CT with 68(PSMA), MRI of one area, Transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy, PSA test, Extended analysis of blood.
- Stay Info: Includes hotel accommodation, duration of stay in Turkey varies based on treatment plan.
- Technique: Advanced diagnostic techniques including PET-CT with 68(PSMA) and MRI.
- Dr. Orhan Tanriverdi is a specialist in modern thyroidology and laparoscopic surgery.
- LIV Hospital in Istanbul uses innovative medical technologies like the da Vinci robot-assisted system.
- Included Services: Consultation with a urologist, PSA test, MRI of one area, transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy, robotic da Vinci prostatectomy.
- Stay Info: Accommodation in a hotel, duration of stay included in the price.
- Technique: Robotic da Vinci prostatectomy.
✅Benefits of all-inclusive packages
These all-inclusive packages provide everything needed from initial consultation to post-treatment care, offering peace of mind and predictable costs. They typically cover medical procedures, accommodations, transportation, and ongoing support, making the journey smoother and more organized for patients and families.
What is included in a typical comprehansive deal?
Most Pluvicto treatment packages offer:
The therapy and initial consultations
Pre-treatment tests and blood work, plus follow-up exams like PET/CT scans.
Hospital stay (1-2 days) and several nights in a hotel.
Transportation services (VIP or standard transfers).
24/7 assistance with a dedicated medical coordinator.
*Important to double-check what services are included into a specific deal.
| Typically Included | Important to Clarify |
|---|---|
| Pluvicto therapy and consultations | Accommodation quality and specifics |
| Preoperative tests and blood work | Type of transportation (VIP or standard) |
| Follow-up imaging (e.g., PET/CT) | Scope of included procedures |
| Hospital stay and hotel nights | Duration of hospital/hotel stay |
| Transportation services | Special services (e.g., priority access) |
| 24/7 assistance with a medical coordinator | Potential additional costs |
❕Package offers can differ by country. Turkey is known for comprehensive and affordable Pluvicto packages, offering bundles of servises.
Regulatory Environment for Pluvicto and Lutetium-177 Therapies
Pluvicto, a Lutetium-177 radiopharmaceutical, is tightly regulated because it uses radioactive materials to target prostate cancer cells. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Pluvicto in the U.S. in 2022, particularly for treating advanced prostate cancer that shows PSMA when other treatments aren’t effective. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) oversees its use in Europe, focusing on strict safety and quality to protect healthy cells while targeting cancer cells.
➕ Radiopharmaceuticals like Pluvicto are also being explored for treating neuroendocrine tumors.
Based on findings from the VISION trial, Pluvicto, a targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy, has shown a meaningful improvement in overall survival (OS). In the trial, the median OS for the Pluvicto group was 15.3 months, compared to 11.3 months in the control group.
In the PSMAfore trial, patients treated with Pluvicto lived about 6 months longer before their cancer worsened compared to those on androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPI). Additionally, Pluvicto improved their quality of life and helped reduce symptoms, which likely positively impacted their mental well-being by providing relief and better overall comfort. This was measured through better physical functioning, reduced cancer-related symptoms, and less pain. Fatigue and other common side effects were less severe than patients on androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPI).
What Makes PSMA-Targeted Therapy So Expensive?
Pluvicto is expensive because of several important factors related to its advanced technology, specialized care, and strict safety standards. Here's a closer look at why the cost is so high:
Advanced targeting technology
Pluvicto is a radiopharmaceutical drug that combines radioactive molecules with specific compounds that bind to cancer cells. Creating this precise targeting mechanism requires complex and costly production processes, sophisticated laboratory equipment, and highly trained staff, all of which contribute to the cost of Pluvicto.
Specialized medical staff and equipment
Pluvicto is administered through infusions that require special care, facilities, and handling. The process needs highly specialized medical equipment, like controlled infusion systems, to ensure accurate delivery and monitoring of radioactive materials. Additionally, medical staff administering Pluvicto require advanced training in nuclear medicine.
High Cost of radioactive materials
Pluvicto relies on Lutetium 177, a radioactive isotope used for targeted cancer treatment. This material is expensive to produce and obtain, partly due to limited supply and isolating complexity. Handling Lutetium 177 requires strict safety measures to protect patients, staff, and the environment from radiation exposure.
Stringent regulatory standards and safety protocols
Because Pluvicto uses radioactive materials, it is subject to rigorous regulations by health and safety authorities, including organizations like the FDA for use in the U.S. and similar bodies in other countries. Meeting these regulatory requirements requires additional time, resources, and documentation, all impacting the Pluvicto cost.
Limited availability and high demand
As a newer and highly effective option for treating advanced prostate cancer, Pluvicto is highly demanded, especially in cases where other treatments have been ineffective. Its unique formulation and limited production capacity can create supply challenges, which also drive up the cost of Pluvicto. Some countries, such as the U.S., experience even higher prices due to increased demand and limited alternative options.
These offers might interst you:
- Dr. Ahmet Bilici is a renowned oncologist specializing in sarcoma and lung cancer treatments in Turkey.
- Medipol Mega University Hospital serves over 1,200 patients daily and uses advanced technologies like the Da Vinci Surgical System.
- Included Services: Consultation with an oncologist.
- Stay Info: 0 days stay in the hotel, accommodation not included.
- Treatment Method: Lutetium-177 therapy.
How to Manage Pluvicto Costs with Insurance
Knowing that financial help may be available through insurance and other support options can bring some relief.
Insurance coverage for Pluvicto
In the United States, some insurance plans, including Medicare, may help cover Pluvicto, which is FDA-approved for advanced prostate cancer. However, insurance policies can differ widely; not every plan covers the total cost.
🔹It’s helpful to contact your insurance provider and ask about Pluvicto coverage.
International health insurance companies like Cigna Global and GeoBlue offer plans that cover treatments like Pluvicto in foreign countries.
Reimbursement options
In many cases, patients pay for treatments upfront and seek reimbursement later. To facilitate this process with your insurer, ensure you obtain detailed invoices and medical records from the foreign healthcare provider.
Medical tourism facilitators: Organizations such as the Medical Tourism Association assist with understanding insurance and pluvicto reimbursement processes.
💚 Keep in mind that a personal Bookimed medical coordinator is there to help you answer any questions you may have and provide all the necessary information.
Steps to secure insurance approval and reimbursement
Pre-authorization. Before traveling, secure a pre-authorization letter from your insurer confirming coverage for lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan therapy. This letter is essential to claim reimbursement for the Pluvicto cost and associated treatments later.
Documentation. Gather all medical records, treatment plans, and detailed billing statements from your foreign healthcare provider. These documents should clearly outline the doses and specifics of the nuclear medicine treatment. This thorough documentation is critical to prove the costs and necessity of the treatment.
Post-treatment claims. After treatment, promptly submit all documents to your insurance provider. This includes evidence of PET scans or molecular imaging used to monitor treatment progress, a vital part of managing cancer therapy.
❗Clinical trials and newer radiopharmaceuticals like Pluvicto can require extra verification.
Ways to Finance Pluvicto Treatment
Several financing options are available to help make this promising therapy more accessible.
Insurance coverage options. Insurance can help cover a portion of Pluvicto’s costs. Some private insurers, like Blue Cross Blue Shield Global and Aetna International, may offer partial coverage for treatments received abroad, depending on the policy. In the United States, Medicare may also cover Pluvicto for eligible patients.
Manufacturer assistance programs. Another helpful resource comes directly from Pluvicto’s manufacturer, Novartis, which offers financial assistance programs to qualifying patients. These programs can reduce or even cover the cost of Pluvicto for those in need.
Charities and cancer foundations. Various cancer-focused organizations provide financial support for patients undergoing costly treatments. For example, CancerCare and the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) help cover lutetium lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan for prostate cancer expenses, while NeedyMeds offers a database of resources for those requiring help with high-cost medications.
Clinical trials. Patients may access Pluvicto at little to no cost by participating in clinical trials, which cover treatment expenses as part of the research study. Clinical trials are available at select hospitals and research centers, though they come with specific eligibility requirements.
Medical loans and credit options. Companies like CareCredit and Prosper Healthcare Lending provide loans tailored to medical expenses.
Crowdfunding for support. For those seeking community support, crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe and FundRazr enable families to raise funds for Pluvicto treatment by sharing their story with friends, family, and a broader network.
Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). Can be used to pay for medical expenses, including Pluvicto, using pre-tax dollars, which can reduce the overall financial burden.
Related Articles:
- FDA Approval Summary: lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer / J. Fallah et al. Clinical Cancer Research. 2022. URL: https://doi.org/10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-2875 (date of access: 13.11.2024).
- Novartis Pluvicto™ shows clinically meaningful and highly statistically significant rPFS benefit in patients with PSMA-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in the pre-taxane setting. Novartis. URL: https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-pluvictotm-shows-clinically-meaningful-and-highly-statistically-significant-rpfs-benefit-patients-psma-positive-metastatic-castration-resistant-prostate-cancer-pre-taxane-setting (date of access: 13.11.2024).
- Lutetium-177–PSMA-617 for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer / O. Sartor et al. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021. Vol. 385, no. 12. P. 1091–1103. URL: https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2107322 (date of access: 13.11.2024).