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Updated: Oct 29, 2025
Detection and Isolation of Cancer in Prostate Biopsies Using Stimulated Raman Histology and Artificial Intelligence
Published on: June 10, 2025
The application of theranostics in different stages of prostate cancer
Omar Alghazo1,2,3,4, Renu Eapen1,2,3, Samantha Koschel1
1Division of Cancer Surgery, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne 3000, Australia.
Abstract:
Despite the remarkable achievements in treating metastatic prostate cancer over the last two decades, castrate-resistant status is still considered the lethal stage of the disease. Theranostics combines a targeting compound (ligand) with a therapeutic radioisotope (radioactive particle) injected into the blood to target the cancer cells. The most studied radioligand is 177Lu-PSMA-617, which targets PSMA, a protein found in prostate cancer cells. This new approach has shown promising results in treating metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Currently, many trials are using PSMA-targeting radioligands in combination with conventional therapies in advanced prostate cancer or even in the earlier stages of the disease. Other preclinical trials are exploring the possibility of using newer ligands or radioisotopes to treat prostate cancer to increase the specificity and efficacy of this treatment.
Insights
Theranostics using lutetium-177 prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) radioligands show promise for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Research is exploring new ligands and radioisotopes to improve treatment efficacy and specificity.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Radiopharmaceutical Therapy
Background:
- Metastatic prostate cancer, particularly castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), remains a lethal disease despite advances.
- Theranostics offers a novel approach by combining targeting ligands with therapeutic radioisotopes.
- Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a key target expressed on prostate cancer cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of PSMA-targeting radioligands in treating advanced prostate cancer.
- To explore the potential of novel ligands and radioisotopes for enhanced prostate cancer therapy.
- To investigate combination therapies involving PSMA-targeting radioligands and conventional treatments.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing 177Lu-PSMA-617, a well-studied PSMA-targeting radioligand.
- Conducting clinical trials for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
- Exploring preclinical studies with new ligands and radioisotopes.
- Investigating combination strategies with conventional therapies.
Main Results:
- 177Lu-PSMA-617 has demonstrated promising results in treating metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
- Ongoing trials are evaluating PSMA-targeting radioligands in various stages of prostate cancer.
- Preclinical research aims to develop more specific and effective radioligands.
Conclusions:
- PSMA-targeting theranostics represent a significant advancement in prostate cancer treatment.
- Combination therapies and novel radioligands hold potential for further improving outcomes.
- Continued research is crucial for optimizing radioligand therapy in oncology.
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