First experiences with 177Lu-PSMA-617 therapy for recurrent or metastatic salivary gland cancer

Abstract

Abstract Background Advanced salivary gland cancers become difficult to treat when they are technically irresectable and radiotherapy limits are exceeded. There is also an unmet need to improve palliative systemic therapy. Salivary glands depict the Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) on 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT, a transmembrane protein that is targeted for diagnosis and treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Some salivary gland carcinomas also express PSMA. Methods This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the effectiveness of 177Lu-PSMA-617 therapy for recurrent or metastatic salivary gland cancers, as a last resort treatment. Patients with serious tumour-related discomfort for whom no regular option was available were selected and critically re-assessed by the tumour board. Radionuclide therapy eligibility was confirmed when tumour targeting was greater than liver SUVmax on 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT. The protocol aimed at four cycles of 6.0–7.4 GBq 177Lu-PSMA-617 every 6–8 weeks. Clinical response was evaluated by questionnaires and radiological response by 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT. Results Six patients were treated with 177Lu-PSMA: four adenoid cystic carcinomas, one adenocarcinoma NOS and one acinic cell carcinoma. In two patients, radiological response was observed, showing either stable disease or a partial response, and four patients reported immediate relief of tumour-related symptoms. Most reported side effects were grade 1–2 fatigue, nausea, bone pain and xerostomia. Four patients prematurely discontinued therapy: three due to disease progression and one due to demotivating (grade 1) side-effects. Conclusions Palliative 177Lu-PSMA therapy for salivary gland cancer may lead to rapid relief of tumour-associated discomfort and may even induce disease stabilization. It is safe, relatively well tolerated and can be considered when regular treatment options fail.