Radiopharmaceuticals (aka Theranostics) with Ravi Patel, MD, PhD

On this episode of Oncology Unscripted, patient advocates Julie Johnson and Katie Coleman and radiation oncologist Dr. Matt Spraker host Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Ravi Patel, MD, PhD.

Ravi is Director of Radiopharmaceuticals at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and a translational researcher at the University of Pittsburgh Department of Radiation Oncology.

We discuss the emerging treatment strategy of radiopharmaceuticals (RPT), a.k.a. theranostics! 

We first review what these therapies are, a targeting molecule, such as an antibody, linked to an imaging or therapy radioisotope. RPT is an older therapy, but new agents are being discovered at a rapid pace. 

Our discussion then focuses on Lutetium-177 PSMA, Pluvicto, and how this has improved outcomes in patients with prostate cancer. 

We also review the logistics and risks for how patients get treated with RPTs.

Here are some other things we discussed during the show:

• VISION Trial of Pluvicto (Lutetium-177 PSMA) for metastatic, castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)
• PSMAfore Trial of Pluvicto for mCRPC after treatment with androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI)
• PSMAddition Trial of Pluvicto added to androgen deprivation therapy plus ARPI in up front treatment of mCRPC
• AlphaBet Trial Protocol of Radium-223 plus Lutetium-177 in prostate cancer
• Beta decay (Wikipedia)
• SPECT scan (Wikipedia)

Oncology Unscripted is a Photon Media production. Intro and Outro music by Emmy-award winning artist Lucas Cantor Santiago. Audio-only versions of our podcast are available on most podcast platforms.

Additional content from Matt Spraker can be found on his website, https://www.sprakermd.com/.

Additional content from Katie Coleman can be found at her website, https://www.katiekickscancer.com/. 

This show and our opinions are meant for general informational purposes and are not medical advice. We encourage you to reach out to your doctors to discuss your individual case.