Final results of a phase I/II dose-escalation study of fractionated dose 177Lu-PSMA-617 for progressive metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
Authors: Tagawa Scott T. , Thomas Charlene , Nauseef Jones T. , Sartor A. Oliver , Sun Michael Philip , Huicochea Castellanos Sandra , Ricaurte Fajardo Andres , Beltran Himisha , Demichelis Francesca , Sigouros Michael , Orlando Francesco , Molina Ana M. , Davidson Zachary , Patel Amie , Lewis Brian E. , Nanus David M. , Vallabhajosula Shankar , Bander Neil Harrison , Osborne Joseph 
Published: June 2024

5074 Background: PC commonly expresses PSMA and has dose-responsive radiosensitivity. 177Lu-based radioligands usually use an empiric dosing regimen. This 1st dose-escalation study of 177Lu-PSMA-617 employed a dose-dense fractionation schedule intended to allow delivery of higher total doses to overcome radioresistance due to repopulation. Here, we report mature results of the study. Methods: Progressive mCRPC following > 1 potent ARPI (e.g., abi/enza) and chemo (or unfit/refuse taxane) without limit of # prior therapies provided adequate organ function and ECOG PS 0-2. Treatment: single cycle of fractionated dose 177Lu-PSMA-617 on D1 and D15. In Ph I dose-escalation, patients (pts) received one cycle of 7.4 - 22 GBq followed by Simon 2-stage Ph II at 22.2 GBq. PSMA expression was not required for treatment, but pre- and post-treatment 68Ga-PSMA11 PET/CT and/or 177Lu-PSMA-617 SPECT done. Primary efficacy by PSA changes with 2ndary outcomes with CT/bone scans, PSMA PET, circulating tumor cell (CTC; CellSearch) counts, plasma DNA (PCF_SELECT), and survival. Results: Between 1/2017 – 2/2021, 50 pts treated with median PSA 164.3, 35 (70%) CALGB (Halabi) poor risk. 47 (94%) bone, 38 (76%) nodal, 12 (24%) lung, 5 (10%) liver mets (4 additional pts with PSMA PET+ liver mets not apparent on CT). 29 (58%) with prior >2 ARPI, 29 (58%) with >1 chemo, 14 (28%) with Ra-223, 2 (4%) with 177Lu-J591. 27 (54%) treated at 22 GBq. No dose-limiting toxicity during Ph I. 38 (76%) with any PSA decline, 27 (54%) with >50% PSA. Median rPFS 8.3 mo [5.6-16.7], and OS 15.7 mo [10.9-20.6]. Of 17 RECIST measurable, 6 (35.3%) responded, 7 (41.2%) stable, 4 (23.5%) progressed. Of 31 with paired CTC counts, 16 (52%) decreased, 5 (16%) were stable; 10 (32.3%) converted to favorable/undetectable. Plasma DNA with high allele-specific ploidy and ARcopy number gain associated with OS (univariate). Treatment emergent adverse events (TEAE): 32 (64%) dry mouth, 22 (44%) pain flare, 22 (44%) fatigue, 19 (38%) nausea, 15 (30%) anemia, 15 (28%) thrombocytopenia (plts), 9 (18%) neutropenia (ANC). All TEAEs restricted to grade (Gr) 1-2 except 6 (12%) with Gr 3 anemia, 2 (4%) Gr 3/4 plts, 1 (2%) Gr 3 ANC. TEAE incidence and Gr were not related to dose. On multivariable analysis, 177Lu dose administered (p=0.09), CALGB risk (p=0.04), prior chemo (p=0.009), associated with OS; dose (p=0.1), CALGB risk (p=0.2), and AR copy number (p=0.2) associated with PSA50 decline. Baseline PSMA imaging (by imaging score or SUVmax) was not associated with OS or response. Conclusions: A single-cycle of fractionated-dose 177Lu-PSMA-617 is safe. Despite no pre-selection for PSMA expression, most had PSA decline with favorable PFS and OS compared to historical controls and similar to PSMA-selected targeted radionuclide studies administering multiple cycles in a less dose-intense approach. Clinical trial information: NCT03042468 .