Georgia Hospital Brings Advanced Prostate Cancer Drug Home

Wayne McAteer thought he'd have to travel hours for his best shot at beating stage four prostate cancer. Instead, he drives just 12 minutes from his Fayette County home to receive Pluvicto, a targeted radioactive treatment now available at Piedmont Fayette Hospital.

The 86-year-old businessman and former avid golfer discovered his cancer four years ago after a golf cart accident sent him to the hospital. For two years, hormone therapy kept the disease at bay, but when his cancer became resistant, he faced difficult choices.

That's when his son Shawn stepped in as his medical advocate and suggested Pluvicto to local doctors. The treatment uses radioactive molecules that attach directly to cancer cells while leaving healthy tissue unharmed, offering hope where traditional chemotherapy delivers mixed results.

Dr. Geetha Rao calls Pluvicto the biggest advancement for metastatic prostate cancer patients in quite some time. "The radioactive molecule is directed just where it needs to go, which is right at the cancer cells and not the normal cells," she explained.

McAteer started his treatments in May and is now halfway through his therapy plan. The side effects have been remarkably mild for such powerful medicine.

"Probably the next day I have a little fatigue," McAteer said. "After that one day, it's gone. As far as any other symptoms, very minimal. I feel great today, right now."

The timing couldn't be better for Georgia patients. Prostate cancer rates are rising across the state, making local access to advanced treatments critical for men who need them.

The Ripple Effect

McAteer's story represents something bigger than one patient's journey. By bringing Pluvicto to Fayette County, Piedmont Fayette Hospital has opened doors for countless men facing advanced prostate cancer who might have skipped treatment rather than face long drives to Atlanta or other major cities.

Shawn McAteer sees the value extending beyond his father. "It is great to drive just 12 minutes from where my dad lives and not have to go a much farther distance or into a big city to get this type of treatment," he said. "The access and availability in Fayette County and at this hospital is a real gift."

Doctors will evaluate McAteer's progress through testing in January to determine if Pluvicto successfully eliminated his cancer cells. For now, he's living proof that cutting-edge cancer care is reaching communities that need it most.