Promising New Treatment for Prostate Cancer
A new study from UCLA researchers shines a light on a hopeful treatment for men dealing with prostate cancer that has returned after initial therapies. This innovative approach may also postpone the need for hormone therapy, which often comes with challenging side effects.
At a recent conference held by the American Society for Radiation Oncology, the researchers shared that combining a targeted radioactive medication with standard radiation therapy more than doubled the time patients stayed free from disease progression.
The study concentrated on men whose prostate cancer had recurred in a few isolated areas. Typically, this situation is treated with a focused type of radiation known as stereotactic body radiation therapy. The UCLA team aimed to find out if adding a PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy—a radioactive drug specifically designed to target cancer cells—would be more effective.
A total of 92 men with recurring prostate cancer participated in the trial. Half of the participants received just radiation, while the other half received the new drug alongside radiation. The results were promising; those who underwent the combination treatment were cancer-free for a median time of nearly 18 months, compared to about seven months for those who received only radiation.
Dr. Amar Kishan, a lead researcher at UCLA, explained, “This is the first randomized trial to show that PSMA-targeting radioligand can significantly delay progression when added to metastasis-directed radiation.”
One significant advantage of this new treatment is the potential to delay the start of hormone therapy. While such therapy is a common follow-up, it often results in side effects like fatigue, bone density loss, and changes in mood. As Dr. Kishan noted, “It gives patients more time before needing hormonal therapy. Avoiding or delaying hormone treatment can greatly improve quality of life.”
Although the results are encouraging, many patients still faced cancer recurrence. Dr. Kishan acknowledged this, stating, “There is always room for improvement, and we may find ways to enhance the treatment further.”
The new drug, named 177Lu-PNT2002, has not yet received FDA approval for use in this particular stage of the disease. Dr. Kishan suggests that men experiencing a spread of prostate cancer should consult a radiation oncologist to explore various treatment options.
This research represents a significant advancement in prostate cancer treatment, bringing new hope to patients and their families.
