Robert Dreicer, MD, MS, MACP, FASCO

Sumanta K. Pal, MD

“This is an intriguing agent,” said ASCO expert Robert Dreicer, MD, MS, MACP, FASCO, of the University of Virginia Cancer Center and moderator of a press briefing where these data were discussed. “Survival rates are low for patients with metastatic castration--resistant prostate cancer, and the need for new, effective treatments is critical. As we move many of our most effective current therapy options earlier in the disease process, we have an acute need for new agents for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.”

“There is a strong mechanistic rationale for targeting PSMA as a viable strategy,” commented Sumanta K. Pal, MD, of City of Hope. “There are several classes of compounds for advanced prostate cancer—two of them include radioemitters, such as radium-223, which targets bone, not tumors, and androgen receptor–directed therapy such as enzalutamide and abiraterone. This new compound, LuPSMA, gives you the best of both worlds. It is focused on prostate cancer and also a radiation emitter. This study provides proof of principle, and we will await larger datasets.” ■

DISCLOSURE: Dr. Dreicer is a consultant/advisor for Astellas Pharma, AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genentech/Roche, EMD Serono, Incyte, and Pfizer and has received institutional research funding from Genentech, Seattle Genetics, BioClin Therapeutics, Janssen Oncology, and Merck. Dr. Pal is a consultant for Pfizer, Novartis, Aveo, Genentech, Exelixis, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Astellas Pharma, Roche, Ipsen, and Eisai.