Sharp Memorial Has Offered New Prostate Cancer Therapy
San Diego residents with advanced prostate cancer now have access to targeted radiation treatments.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Cancer
Sharp Memorial Hospital has expanded its cancer care services to include Pluvicto, a targeted radioactive treatment for patients with stage 4 prostate cancer. This therapy offers a new path for men in San Diego when traditional hormone treatments are no longer effective.
Why it matters
The treatment provides a critical option for patients facing advanced metastatic prostate cancer, a condition affecting thousands of men annually in the U.S. By delivering radiation directly to malignant cells, it helps address cases where standard hormonal approaches fail.
Pluvicto utilizes radioactive particles to target cancer cells during a six-week injection series. While FDA approval for broader use was granted in 2026, the real-world clinical outcomes for patients like those at Sharp Memorial are still being tracked.
The players
Sharp Memorial Hospital
A San Diego-based healthcare facility currently administering advanced radioligand therapies for metastatic cancer.
Food and Drug Administration
The federal regulatory agency responsible for evaluating the safety and efficacy of new cancer therapies and expanding their approved use.
The details
The treatment works by seeking out and attaching to cancer cells throughout the body to deliver localized radiation. This targeted approach is designed to destroy malignant cells while minimizing the impact on surrounding healthy tissue. Each infusion session at the facility lasts approximately two minutes, fitting into a comprehensive six-week injection regimen.
Timeline
Sharp Memorial Hospital initiated its Pluvicto program in 2025.
The FDA approved an expanded use for the drug on July 31, 2026.
Patients like Harry Chilton began preparing for treatments in September 2026.
Health Landscape
This development reflects the broader integration of targeted radioligand therapies into mainstream oncology, moving beyond traditional systemic treatments. It represents a significant advancement in the historical arc of prostate cancer care, which has long relied on hormonal approaches.
Patients with advanced prostate cancer should consult with their physician to determine if they meet the criteria for targeted radioactive treatments. Those with concerns about current hormone therapy efficacy should initiate a conversation about whether this new clinical option is appropriate for their care.
The takeaway
Targeted radiation therapies offer a new avenue for managing advanced cancer when other methods fail. Patients should track their symptoms and speak with their oncologist about whether targeted therapies fit into their current treatment plan.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Cancer care in our specialized health section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC 7 San Diego.
