Rechallenge and Extended [177Lu]Lu-Psma Therapy in Metastatic Prostate Cancer Publisher Pubmed



Mirshahvalad SA ; Iravani A ; Fendler WP ; Maurer T ; Eiber M ; Sharifian F ; Manoochehry S ; Rendl G ; Schweighoferzwink G ; Pirich C ; Sathekge M ; Beheshti M
Source: Journal of Nuclear Medicine Published:2026

Abstract

Continuation of effective and well-tolerated systemic treatment is often performed in care for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Likewise, continued administration of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA radiopharmaceutical therapy beyond the approved number of cycles holds promising potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Rechallenge therapy involves readministration of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA cycles after a break, whereas extended therapy continues treatment beyond the standard 6 cycles without interruption. Both approaches aim to improve disease control and prolong survival in patients with metastatic castrationresistant prostate cancer. However, practices vary: some clinicians continue treatment in patients with early favorable responses, whereas others recommend pausing therapy after significant prostate-specific antigen declines, even after a few cycles. In this narrative review, we show that safety profiles for continued [177Lu]Lu-PSMA radiopharmaceutical therapy are generally favorable, and most adverse events are mild to moderate in severity. Hematotoxicity, particularly anemia and thrombocytopenia, is the most significant concern, with few patients experiencing high-grade adverse events. In addition, cumulative irradiation, particularly during extended therapy, necessitates careful monitoring of hematologic and renal function. Biochemical responses to rechallenge and extended [177Lu]Lu-PSMA therapy are promising, with at least 50% reductions in prostate-specific antigen levels observed in a significant proportion of highly selected patients. Moreover, survival outcomes are encouraging, showing the extension of overall and progression-free survival beyond the known data for standard therapy. Despite these advances, challenges remain in optimizing patient selection, managing cumulative toxicities, and harmonizing treatment protocols. In addition, variability in trial designs, influenced by international regulatory differences, limits the current evidence and necessitates consideration of each treatment approach within its regulatory context. Prospective studies are needed to refine therapeutic strategies, implement consistent clinical and imaging response criteria, and identify predictive biomarkers to improve both efficacy and safety. Copyright © 2026 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.