New PET imaging agent alters prostate cancer plan for more than 40% of patients

A recently developed PET imaging agent is earning praise following positive clinical trial results in men with high-risk prostate cancer.

North Billerica, Massachusetts-based Lantheus presented early findings from the OSPREY study at the recent American Urological Association virtual meeting. The PSMA-targeted agent—piflufolastat F-18—detected disease that had spread outside the prostate in nearly one-third of men.

Additionally, an independent, retrospective review showed the imaging agent led to possible changes in care management strategy for 43.6% of patients, including decisions regarding surgery or radiation therapy.

“Proper patient selection for any therapy is critical,” Vice President of Medical Affairs at Lantheus Bela Denes, MD, said Sept. 10. “This analysis of the OSPREY data further supports the utility of piflufolastat F-18 in men with suspected metastasis prior to definitive therapy and its potential impact on treatment recommendations.”

The OSPREY trial assessed patients with high-risk prostate cancer in their pelvic lymph nodes. In total, 268 men received a single dose of piflufolastat F-18 and subsequent PET/CT 1-2 hours later.

After an exam, 72 patients had regional lymph node and/or distant metastases identified and were radiographically staged with N1/M0 disease (39 patients; 14.6% ) or N0/M1 or N1/M1 disease (33; 12.3%).

Out of the 155 participants who saw their plans adjusted, 103 (39%) were recommended for a change in surgery while 68 (25.8%) had their radiation therapy plan altered.

“These results suggest that PSMA imaging may have a substantial impact on management decisions at the time of initial assessment in men at risk for metastasis,” Peter Carroll, MD, MPH, professor of Urology at the University of California, San Francisco, added Friday.

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Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.

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