Lutetium-177-prostate-specific membrane antigen therapy for prostate cancer: current status and future prospects

Lutetium-177-prostate-specific membrane antigen (Lu 177-PSMA) radioligand therapy has emerged as a promising novel strategy for advanced prostate cancer. With its increasing importance alongside with a plethora of exciting results from latest trials, we would like to summarize current evidence and advancements in Lu 177-PSMA therapy across different stages of prostate cancer.

In metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), early studies like the LuPSMA trial and TheraP trial demonstrated promising PSA response rates. The landmark VISION trial had established the oncological efficacy of Lu 177-PSMA as salvage therapy and demonstrated its benefit on survival outcomes. Explorations into earlier treatment settings have also been encouraging. Studies like that the PSMAfore trial, Enza-P trial and the UpFrontPSMA trial explored an earlier role of Lu 177-PSMA in mCRPC, and showed benefits when used in solitary or in junction with Docetaxel or androgen receptor pathway inhibitor. Finally, the potential use of Lu 177-PSMA as neoadjuvant therapy in localized prostate cancer is also under consideration, whose safety was demonstrated in the recent LuTectomy trial.

Lu 177-PSMA therapy represents a significant advancement in prostate cancer treatment, offering selective and targeted delivery of radiation to prostate cancer cells in patients across various disease stages. Ongoing research and collaborative efforts are essential to overcome existing challenges, optimize patient selection and integrate this therapy into standard clinical practice, ultimately improving outcomes for patients with advanced prostate cancer.