Tumor-Intrinsic Blood and Imaging Correlatives in Advanced Prostate Cancer Treated with Combination...

The PRINCE trial showed the clinical activity for ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA-617 in combination with pembrolizumab for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. To refine patient selection and improve response monitoring strategies to this combination, we investigated candidate tumor-intrinsic biomarkers of treatment response and resistance. Methods: We performed circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cell (CTC), and PET imaging analyses at baseline, 12 wk on-treatment, and disease progression in participants enrolled in PRINCE (n = 37). We performed targeted sequencing for ctDNA quantification and genomic analysis of more than 70 prostate cancer genes. CTC enumeration was performed on the EpicSciences platform and was combined with selective single-cell whole-genome sequencing. PET imaging included serial PSMA PET as well as ¹⁸F-FDG PET imaging at baseline. Results: A low baseline ctDNA fraction and high PSMA avidity in metastatic lesions were linked to superior treatment responses and may have composite biomarker value. Genomic alterations in tumor suppressor genes TP53, RB1, or PTEN were associated with higher ¹⁸F-FDG avidity and metabolic tumor volume on ¹⁸F-FDG PET imaging and worse prognosis. At 12-wk on-treatment, both ctDNA detection and PSMA PET imaging were strong indicators of response depth and durability. At disease progression, PSMA expression on PET imaging was lower compared with baseline and supported by subclonal remodeling of ctDNA and CTC copy number profiles and by clonal expansions of tumor suppressor gene mutations. Conclusion: We provide the first integrated molecular and imaging insights into determinants of response and resistance to combined radiopharmaceutical therapy and immunotherapy in prostate cancer and propose biomarker strategies to inform future clinical development.