Dr Mehta on Radiation Oncology Innovations in Prostate Cancer

Minesh Mehta, MD, deputy director, chief, Radiation Oncology, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health, discusses recent advancements in in radiation therapy for patients with prostate cancer, particularly noting the benefits and significance of lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan (Pluvicto; formerly 177Lu-PSMA-617) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in modern radiation oncology practice.

Innovations in radiation treatment have improved personalized medicine and patient outcomes in prostate cancer, Mehta begins. One such development is the introduction of liquid radiation therapy which utilizes radioisotopes like lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan, for patients with metastatic and refractory prostate cancer, Mehta states. Lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan belongs to a novel drug class known as theragnostic agents. These agents are tagged with radioisotopes, allowing them to accurately identify and treat disease in a personalized manner, he explains. Mehta reports that this "seek, find, and kill" strategy holds promise for tailoring treatment to the specific biology of each patient's tumor, potentially leading to more effective and targeted therapies. Accordingly, lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan has shown high efficacy in treating metastatic disease, offering hope and improved outcomes for patients facing advanced stages of prostate cancer, he adds.

Another notable advancement is in the management of oligometastatic prostate cancer, where SBRT has emerged as a key treatment approach, Mehta continues. SBRT techniques have demonstrated improvements in progression-free survival and, in some cases, overall survival, Mehta states. This approach more precisely targets isolated metastatic lesions, offering patients a chance for prolonged disease control, as well as potentially extending survival, he says.

Overall, the introduction of lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan and advancements in SBRT techniques underscore the evolving landscape of prostate cancer treatment. These innovations not only improve therapeutic options but also pave the way for more personalized and precise approaches to managing this complex disease, Mehta concludes.