Catch up on a recent study that found that the 225Ac-J591 radiopharmaceutical can be used to treat patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have progressed on standard treatments.
The introduction of the 225Ac-J591 radiopharmaceutical has the potential to significantly change the treatment paradigm for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Traditionally, the therapeutic options for patients with mCRPC have been limited, and the prognosis has been poor.
However, a study conducted at Cornell University investigated the impact of this radiopharmaceutical on those who have progressed on standard treatments, and based on the results, this could offer new hope for patients with mCRPC.
An Overview of the 225Ac-J591 Radiopharmaceutical
The 225Ac-J591 radiopharmaceutical is a targeted alpha therapy that delivers potent alpha radiation to prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-expressing cells. This targeted approach minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissue while effectively destroying cancerous cells.
PSMA is highly expressed in mCRPC, making it a suitable target for this novel treatment.
A Review of the Study’s Findings
The study, led by Dr. Scott T. Tagawa who’s a Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine and Attending Physician at New York-Presbyterian, involved 32 patients with mCRPC who received a single injection of 225Ac-J591.
The radiopharmaceutical was well-tolerated, and patients who had exhausted standard treatment options, such as chemotherapy and androgen receptor-targeted therapy, demonstrated disease stabilization or tumor regression.
The results showed good antitumor activity, with 47 percent of patients experiencing a decrease of at least 50 percent in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, indicating disease severity.
The findings also demonstrated responses across metastatic sites, including bone, lymph node, and visceral lesions, with a high rate of response in visceral lesions. This is particularly significant as bone metastases are a common and challenging aspect of advanced prostate cancer. The ability of the radiopharmaceutical to effectively target these metastatic sites showcases a major advancement in the management of this disease.
A Look at the Potential Paradigm Shift
The study's results support the consideration of 225Ac-J591 as a viable treatment option in the later stages of the disease, where limited alternatives currently exist, as it could potentially improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with mCRPC.
However, understanding the mechanism of action, patient selection criteria, and management of associated side effects are essential for integrating this novel therapy into clinical practice. Additionally, staying informed about ongoing research and developments in the field of targeted alpha therapy is crucial for providing the best possible care to patients with mCRPC.
References:
Furlow, Bryant. “Suo 2023: Advances in Prostate Cancer.” Cancer Therapy Advisor, 15 Dec. 2023, www.cancertherapyadvisor.com/home/news/conference-coverage/suo-2023-prostate-cancer-in-depth/suo-2023-advances-prostate-cancer/.
“New Radiopharmaceutical Shows Antitumor Activity in Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer.” WCM Newsroom, news.weill.cornell.edu/news/2023/11/new-radiopharmaceutical-shows-antitumor-activity-in-patients-with-advanced-prostate.
“Phase I/II Dose-Escalation Study of Fractionated and Multiple Dose 225AC-J591 for Progressive Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer.” Joint Clinical Trials Office, jcto.weill.cornell.edu/open_clinical_trials/phase-iii-dose-escalation-study-of-fractionated-and-multiple-dose-225ac-j591-for-progressive-metastatic-castration-resistant-prostate-cancer.
Sartor O, Baghian A. Prostate specific membrane antigen binding radiopharmaceuticals: Current data and new concepts. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022 Dec 6;9:1060922. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1060922. PMID: 36561718; PMCID: PMC9763319.
Tagawa, Scott T., et al. “Prostate-specific membrane antigen–targeting alpha emitter via antibody delivery for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: A phase I dose-escalation study of 225ac-J591.” Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1200/jco.23.00573.
Tagawa ST; Thomas C; Sartor AO; Sun M; Stangl-Kremser J; Bissassar M; Vallabhajosula S; Castellanos SH; Nauseef JT; Sternberg CN; Molina A; Ballman K; Nanus DM; Osborne JR; Bander NH; “Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen-Targeting Alpha Emitter via Antibody Delivery for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: A Phase I Dose-Escalation Study of 225AC-J591.” Journal of Clinical Oncology : Official Journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37922438/.