177Lu-PSMA-617 for Kidney Cancer

(LASER Trial)

This trial tests a new treatment called 177Lu-PSMA-617, a type of radioligand therapy, for individuals with advanced kidney cancer that shows a clear cell component. The main goal is to determine the treatment's effectiveness and safety for patients with this specific cancer type. The treatment is administered in cycles, with regular imaging to monitor progress. Suitable candidates include those with advanced kidney cancer measurable on scans, who have previously tried other cancer treatments like immune therapies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and have a PSMA-positive result on a special PET scan. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on assessing the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of participants.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot participate if you have received any anti-neoplastic therapy within 14 days before starting the study treatment.

Research has shown that 177Lu-PSMA-617, a type of radioligand therapy, is generally safe for people. Studies have found that it can be administered in up to six cycles without harming the kidneys, addressing a common concern with such treatments. In other patients, it demonstrated a good overall safety profile, with serious side effects being rare.

The studies also included individuals with kidney problems and found no increase in side effects compared to those with normal kidney function. This suggests that the treatment is well-tolerated even in patients with existing kidney issues.

Unlike the standard treatments for kidney cancer, which often involve surgery, targeted therapies, or immunotherapy, 177Lu-PSMA-617 introduces a novel approach by using a radioactive compound to target prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) found on cancer cells. This targeted radiation therapy delivers radiation directly to the cancer cells, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Researchers are excited about 177Lu-PSMA-617 because it offers a more precise treatment option, potentially leading to better outcomes with fewer side effects compared to more conventional therapies.

Studies have shown that 177Lu-PSMA-617 can help treat certain cancers. This treatment uses radioligand therapy, which combines a radioactive substance with a molecule that specifically targets cancer cells. Research indicates that patients with advanced PSMA-positive cancers, such as clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), might benefit from this treatment. Specifically, one study found that patients with favorable-risk disease lived longer. In this trial, participants will receive 177Lu-PSMA-617 to evaluate its effectiveness for ccRCC. These promising results suggest that 177Lu-PSMA-617 could be a valuable option for patients with ccRCC.⁵⁶⁷⁸⁹