Depression and Pluvicto Therapy in Prostate Cancer Patients
Introduction to Depression in Prostate Cancer
- The American Cancer Society recommends that prostate cancer patients, including those on Pluvicto, should be screened for depression due to the high prevalence of depression in this population, affecting up to 30% with clinically relevant distress and nearly 10% with major depressive disorder 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Risk Factors for Depression
- Advanced disease stage is a key risk factor for depression in prostate cancer patients, which characterizes Pluvicto candidates 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- History of prior depression is a significant risk factor, as men with depression history on ADT are more likely to develop major depressive disorder 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Being single or unmarried is also a risk factor for depression in prostate cancer patients 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Low educational level and medical comorbidities are additional risk factors for depression in this population 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Younger age is also a risk factor for depression in prostate cancer patients 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Clinical Management
- The American Cancer Society suggests that all prostate cancer patients, including those on Pluvicto, should be routinely screened for distress using a simple tool like the Distress Thermometer 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Positive screens warrant referral for further evaluation and/or treatment if office-based counseling is insufficient 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Routine distress screening with resource referral is effective in relieving distress over time 1, 2, 3, 4, 5