BC Cancer Advances Prostate Cancer Care with New Technology, Treatment

People with prostate cancer in B.C. will benefit from improved diagnostics and new treatment options as the province rolls out cutting-edge medical imaging and a new precision cancer treatment that delivers radiation directly to cancer cells.

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) scan is more effective than conventional medical imaging at finding prostate cancer – even if it has spread to other parts of the body – giving physicians the accurate and detailed information they need to guide treatment decisions and help patients experience the best-possible outcomes. This advanced imaging technique uses radioactive tracers to target a specific protein that is overexpressed on the surface of prostate cancer cells. Currently available in the Lower Mainland, this imaging technology will be available to more patients closer to home with the addition of PSMA PET in Kelowna, starting May 2025, and Victoria in June.

Pluvicto (lutetium vipivotide tetraxetan) is a new cancer treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. This radiopharmaceutical treatment finds and binds to cancer cells, targeting them with high-energy radiation and delivering more effective treatment with less damage to surrounding healthy tissues. The treatment is being rolled out throughout the province, starting in the Lower Mainland and Victoria in June, with expanded access within Fraser Health, Vancouver Coastal and Interior Health later this year.

This year, an estimated 4,165 people in British Columbia will be diagnosed with prostate cancer,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “The expansion of cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment options to more regions of the province means that we can better deliver lifesaving treatment to people who need it, ensuring that they are able to live long, healthy lives with and beyond cancer.”

“Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in our province,” said Dr. Kim Chi, chief medical officer and executive vice president, BC Cancer. “Through these investments, made possible by B.C.’s 10-Year Cancer Action Plan, we’re helping people with prostate cancer access life-saving and life preserving technologies and treatment tailored to their unique needs.”

Launched in 2023, B.C.’s 10-Year Cancer Action Plan includes immediate steps to better prevent, detect and treat cancers, delivering improved care for people now while preparing for the growing needs of the future. A key goal within this plan is the improvement of cancer survival, cure rates and quality of life. This includes improving access to leading, evidence-based treatment and state-of-the-art diagnostics.

Improved diagnosis with PSMA PET

Using a special imaging agent, PSMA-PET can detect the PSMA protein with high accuracy. This offers a more reliable and targeted approach than traditional imaging methods for staging high-risk disease, early-stage detection, relapse monitoring and informing treatment decisions, including guiding precision radiation.

Previously only available at BC Cancer – Vancouver under clinical trials since 2017, and in a limited capacity in Kelowna, PSMA-PET became standard of care in November 2024.

BC Cancer Foundation launched a fundraising campaign in 2021 to fully fund the expansions to Kelowna and Victoria, foreseeing the transformational potential of this technology. Over 1,000 donors raised $6.4 million for the purchase of equipment, renovations and start-up costs.

“Access to PSMA-PET will be lifesaving for patients facing prostate cancer,” says Sarah Roth, President & CEO, BC Cancer Foundation. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors, people across the province will benefit from more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans – bringing hope closer to home.”

New treatment options with Pluvicto

Approved by Health Canada and recently recommended for funding by Canadian Drug Agency (CDA-AMC), Pluvicto is radioactive therapy that must be delivered intravenously by nuclear medicine clinicians.

Provincial rollout will start in June with the administering of this treatment through the INITIO Medical Group facility in Burnaby and at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. This will be followed by Vancouver General Hospital and hospitals in Fraser Health as well as Interior Health later this year. It is estimated that between 250 and 300 patients annually will be eligible for treatment with Pluvicto, which typically requires up to six doses.

BC Cancer Foundation also provided funding for the BC Cancer-led clinical trials to bring Pluvicto to standard of care.