The real-world outcomes of Lutetium-177 PSMA-617 radioligand therapy in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: Turkish Oncology Group multicenter study

Int J Cancer. 2024 Feb 15;154(4):692-700. doi: 10.1002/ijc.34749. Epub 2023 Oct 11.

Abstract

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) remains a challenging condition to treat despite recent advancements. This retrospective study aimed to assess the activity and tolerability of Lutetium-177 (Lu-177) PSMA-617 radioligand therapy (RLT) in mCRPC patients across multiple cancer centers in Turkey. The study included 165 patients who received at least one cycle of Lu-177 PSMA-617 RLT, with the majority having bone metastases and undergone prior treatments. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were assessed before each treatment cycle, and the biochemical response was evaluated in accordance with the Prostate Cancer Work Group 3 Criteria. The PSA decline of ≥50% was classified as a response, while an increase of ≥25% in PSA levels was indicative of progressive disease. Neither response nor progression was considered as stable disease. The Lu-177 PSMA-617 RLT led to a significant PSA response, with 50.6% of patients achieving a >50% decrease in PSA levels. Median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival were 13.5 and 8.2 months, respectively. Patients receiving Lu-177 PSMA-617 RLT in combination with androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) had a higher OS compared to those receiving Lu-177 PSMA-617 RLT alone (18.2 vs 12.3 months, P = .265). The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with manageable side effects such as anemia and thrombocytopenia. This study provides real-world evidence supporting the effectiveness and safety of Lu-177 PSMA-617 RLT in mCRPC patients, particularly when used in combination with ARPIs. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence on the potential benefits of PSMA-targeted therapies in advanced prostate cancer.

Keywords: PSMA-617; lutetium-177; prostate cancer; radioligand therapy.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Dipeptides
  • Heterocyclic Compounds, 1-Ring / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Lutetium / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant* / drug therapy
  • Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant* / metabolism
  • Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant* / radiotherapy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Turkey

Substances

  • Lutetium-177
  • PSMA-617
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen
  • Dipeptides
  • Heterocyclic Compounds, 1-Ring
  • Lutetium