VISION, TheraP, LuTectomy and beyond - is there a role for lutetium therapy in biochemical recurrence?

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review synthesizes current evidence and recommendations for the use of lutetium-177 prostate-specific membrane antigen (LuPSMA) radioligand therapy across the spectrum of prostate cancer, focusing on its established use in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), and evolving role in metastatic hormone-sensitive disease (mHSPC) and in neoadjuvant treatment of high-risk localized disease. We explore the potential for its use in biochemical recurrence (BCR) highlighting its limitations, and areas for future research.

Recent findings: LuPSMA has demonstrated oncological efficacy and tolerability over standard of care treatments in mCRPC, supported by landmark trials such as VISION, TheraP, and PSMAfore. In mHSPC, the UpFront PSMA and PSMAddition trials have demonstrated promising improvements in undetectable PSA rates and progression-free survival when LuPSMA was combined with standard therapies. Furthermore, the LuTectomy trial has shown that neoadjuvant LuPSMA prior to radical prostatectomy in high risk localised prostate cancer can deliver high but variable doses of targeted radiation to PSMA expressing cells, and is surgically safe and tolerated well.

Summary: LuPSMA radioligand therapy is a form of targeted therapy that has been shown to improve outcomes and quality of life in advanced disease with limited toxicity. While its use is well established in mCRPC, ongoing trials are exploring its efficacy in earlier disease stages and in combination with other therapies. Continued research and guideline development are essential to optimize LuPSMA's application across the prostate cancer disease spectrum, particularly in the BCR setting.