Objectives: 177Lu-PSMA-617 is a medical radioligand treatment for therapeutic use in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). This study’s purpose is to educate the community about the potential benefits and toxicity grades of 177Lu-PSMA-617 for patients if it is FDA approved.

Methods: A literature review of 177Lu-PSMA-617 was performed.

Results: Studies of 177Lu-PSMA-617 have shown toxicity to be fairly low. This is mainly due to the fact that 177Lu has a long half-life and is a beta emitter, which destroys cells. It attaches to cancerous cells, so destruction of normal cells is minimal. Patients in clinical trials reported toxicities. Toxicity is monitored by a blood panel test before and after each treatment. Several studies showed a reduction in toxicities after the patients started this drug compared to typical chemotherapy. 177Lu-PSMA-617 has no reported heart toxicities compared to chemotherapy drugs. 177Lu-PSMA-617 offers men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) a higher survival rate than the basic standard of care. The group that had the basic standard of care were all deceased before 40 weeks of therapy. In the 177Lu-PSMA-617 group, 30% of the patients were still alive at 50 weeks post therapy.

Conclusion: The results from clinical trials give hope to those suffering with mCRPC. 177Lu-PSMA-617 shows minimal toxicity to the human body and is highly effective at targeting mCRPC. Patients with mCRPC have a better response to treatment and can live longer than those who are receiving basic standard of care.

Sarah has been instrumental in the development of this research project. All the way from planning, down to the final editing aspects. Her attention to detail from her own research is highly beneficial not only for this current project but it is also a great learning experience. She always strives her students to do their absolute best and she has pushed this student to do the same.