[68Ga]Ga-PSMA PET/MRI, histological PSMA expression and preliminary experience with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA therapy in relapsing high-grade glioma

Abstract

Purpose High-grade gliomas (HGG) are still associated with a dismal prognosis. Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is discussed as a theranostic target for PSMA-directed radioligand therapy ([ 177 Lu]Lu-PSMA RLT). Here, we report on the correlation of [ 68 Ga]Ga-PSMA uptake with histological PSMA expression and on our preliminary experience with [ 177 Lu]Lu-PSMA RLT in relapsing HGG. Methods Patients with relapsing HGG underwent [ 68 Ga]Ga-PSMA PET/MRI to evaluate eligibility for an individualized treatment approach with [ 177 Lu]Lu-PSMA. Standard uptake values (SUV) for tumor and liver and respective tumor-to-background ratios (compared to the liver) (TBR) on [ 68 Ga]Ga-PSMA PET/MRI were assessed. Eligibility criteria for [ 177 Lu]Lu-PSMA therapy were exhaustion of all standard treatment options available and TBR max >1.0. In 11 samples, immunohistochemical PSMA expression was determined, quantified using the H-score and correlated with uptake on [ 68 Ga]Ga-PSMA PET/MRI. Results We included 20 patients with a median age of 53 years (IQR 42-57). The median SUV on [ 68 Ga]Ga-PSMA PET/MRI was 4.5 (3.7-6.2) for SUV max and 1.4 (1.1-1.7) for SUV mean . The respective TBR was maximum 0.6 (0.4-0.8) and mean 0.3 (0.2-0.4). High TBR max correlated with increased endothelial PSMA expression [H-score of 65 (62.5-77.5)]. Three patients (15%) presented a TBR max >1.0 and qualified for [ 177 Lu]Lu-PSMA RLT. No treatment related toxicity was observed. Conclusion Only a minority of patients with relapsing HGG qualified for [ 177 Lu]Lu-PSMA RLT. Our data demonstrates that PSMA expression in the neo-vasculature corresponds to PSMA uptake on [ 68 Ga]Ga-PSMA PET/MRI and might be used as a screening tool for patient selection. Future prospective studies need to focus the debate on TBR max thresholds as inclusion criteria for PSMA RLT.

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