Andrei Gafita, MD, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich in Germany, discusses key takeaways from a retrospective analysis evaluating lutetium-177 PSMA-617 (

Lu-PSMA-617) in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). 

, Gafita presented findings from the study, revealing that 

Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT derived parameters served as critical prognostic markers for progression-free survival and overall survival in men with mCRPC.

These indicate that PSMA expression within the tumor is predictive of survival and treatment response, says Gafita.

Additionally, these prognostic models may inform the clinical utility, outcomes, and clinical trial designs with 

Lu-PSMA-617 therapy in mCRPC, concludes Gafita.

Videos

Andrei Gafita, MD, discusses key takeaways from a retrospective analysis evaluating lutetium-177 PSMA-617 in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.  


Dr. Gafita on Prognostic Models for Treatment With 177Lu-PSMA-617 in mCRPC 

Andrei Gafita, MD, of the Department of Nuclear Medicine at Klinikum Rechts der Isar at the Technical University Munich, discusses available therapies for men with advanced castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

Multiple retrospective, large series studies, as well as phase 2 data  have led to the ongoing, phase 3 VISION trial, which is now aiming to result in the FDA approval of 

Lutetium-prostate-specific membrane antigen (LuPSMA), says Gafita. Men with prostate cancer are initially treated with an androgen deprivation therapy and hormone treatment, although most of them eventually progress. They then enter into a lethal phenotype of disease for metastatic CRPC.

For those with this advanced, late-stage prostate cancer, several treatments have been approved. Chemotherapy agents, such as docetaxel and cabazitaxel, are available, as well as the new generation of antiandrogen treatments, such as abiraterone acetate (Zytiga) or enzalutamide (Xtandi). Radiopharmaceuticals, such as radium-223 dichloride (Xofigo), which is a nuclear medicine treatment, is also available, as well as PARP inhibitors. 

Unfortunately, in this state of disease, most patients progress on treatment and all standard treatments are exhausted. This is where LuPSMA comes into play; it can serve as an option for patients who have progressed on all other conventional treatment modalities, concludes Gafita.

Andrei Gafita, MD, discusses available therapies for men with advanced castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Dr. Gafita on the Opportunity for 177Lu-PSMA-617 in mCRPC

Andrei Gafita, MD, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich in Germany, discusses the rationale to evaluate lutetium-177 PSMA-617 (

Lu-PSMA-617) in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Prostate cancer nomograms were developed to inform prognosis, explains Gafita. However, prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted PET scans have demonstrated increased accuracy in prostate cancer lesion detection versus conventional CT or MRI scans.

Although PSMA is expressed by normal prostate cells, prostate cancer cells overexpress PSMA to a significantly higher degree, making it a good target for therapy, concludes Gafita.

Andrei Gafita, MD, discusses the rationale to evaluate lutetium-177 PSMA-617 in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.



Dr. Gafita on the Rationale to Evaluate 177Lu-PSMA-617 in mCRPC

Andrei Gafita, MD, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich in Germany, discusses sequencing lutetium-177 PSMA-617 (

Typically, men with prostate cancer are given androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) as initial treatment, says Gafita. However, the majority of patients will eventually progress on ADT.

In mCRPC, patients will likely receive chemotherapy such as docetaxel, anti-androgen agents such as abiraterone acetate (Zytiga) or enzalutamide (Xtandi), or radium-223 dichloride (Xofigo), says Gafita. Additionally, PARP inhibitors have also become available for patients with mCRPC who harbor homologous recombination repair gene mutations.

Despite this, many patients exhaust all available treatment modalities, says Gafita. As such, 

Lu-PSMA-617 may have utility in patients who have progressed on all conventional therapeutic options.

Andrei Gafita, MD, discusses sequencing lutetium-177 PSMA-617 in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.



Andrei Gafita, MD

Articles

Dr. Gafita on Prognostic Models for Treatment With 177Lu-PSMA-617 in mCRPC

Dr. Gafita on the Opportunity for 177Lu-PSMA-617 in mCRPC

Dr. Gafita on the Rationale to Evaluate 177Lu-PSMA-617 in mCRPC

Dr. Gafita on Sequencing 177Lu-PSMA-617 in mCRPC