Safety and Efficacy of Lutetium-177 PSMA Therapy for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Publication Type
Original research
Authors

Abstract

Background and aim

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted radioligand therapy using lutetium-177 has emerged as a promising treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the safety and efficacy of PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy (PRLT) using lutetium-177 ([177Lu]Lu-PSMA) were assessed.

Methods

This meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A detailed searches were conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Scopus for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on [177Lu]Lu-PSMA radioligand therapy in mCRPC. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) responses, toxicity profiles, and outcomes including radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) and overall survival were assessed. Quantitative analyses with Review Manager 5.4 software, using Risk estimates (hazard ratios, RR and OR) and 95% confidence intervals for outcomes in random effects were performed.

Results

Six RCTs involving 2113 patients with mCRPC were included in the meta-analysis. Patients treated with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA had a significantly higher response to therapy compared to controls based on ≥50% PSA decrease (OR = 4.27; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.59-7.06; P < .00001) and objective response rate (ORR) (RR=2.93; 95% CI, 1.62-5.30; P = .0004). [177Lu]Lu-PSMA reduced the risk of rPFS (HR=0.57; 95% CI, 0.46-0.70; P < .00001). However, no significant impact on overall survival was observed (HR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.62-1.06; P = .13). No significant difference in grade ≥3 adverse events was reported (RR = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.63-1.15; P = .32).

Conclusion

These findings support the use of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, demonstrating both safety profile and efficacy. The potential of this therapeutic approach warrants further investigative efforts to optimize treatment methodologies and improve the quality of patient care and the criteria for patient selection.

Journal
Title
Clinical Genitourinary Cancer
Publisher
Elsevier
Publisher Country
United Kingdom
Indexing
Scopus
Impact Factor
2.7
Publication Type
Prtinted only
Volume
--
Year
2025
Pages
--