A groundbreaking clinical trial conducted in Australia has revealed that a novel combination of therapies could significantly slow the progression of advanced prostate cancers. The EVOLUTION Phase II Clinical Trial, a world-first study, demonstrated that combining the radiopharmaceutical Lutetium-177-PSMA (LuPSMA) with immunotherapy agents nivolumab and ipilimumab is more effective than using LuPSMA alone.
The trial was spearheaded by the Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group (ANZUP) in partnership with the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre at the University of Sydney, with co-funding from the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. After one year, 33 percent of patients receiving the combination therapy remained progression-free, measured by their Prostate Specific Antigen levels, compared to just 17 percent of those treated with LuPSMA alone.
Innovative Approach in Cancer Treatment
Professor Shahneen Sandhu, the lead investigator and a Medical Oncologist, expressed optimism about the trial’s results, suggesting it could mark a significant advancement in treating advanced prostate cancer. “We are pushing the needle in terms of developing new treatment options for the deadliest forms of prostate cancer,” she stated.
Professor Sandhu highlighted the importance of translational research in identifying which patients are most likely to benefit from this therapy. “Nearly 10 years ago, we discovered that targeted radiation therapy LuPSMA is an effective treatment for advanced prostate cancer, slowing the spread of disease and improving quality of life. However, many patients still experience disease progression, necessitating further research to combat treatment resistance,” she explained.
“Until now, there hadn’t been a way to make immunotherapy work well for prostate cancer. The EVOLUTION clinical trial has shown that adding nuclear medicine treatment can help immunotherapy work better, offering new hope for people with advanced prostate cancer.” — Prof Shahneen Sandhu
Impact on Prostate Cancer Statistics
Anne Savage, CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, welcomed the findings, emphasizing the potential impact on prostate cancer statistics in the country. “Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with over 26,000 men diagnosed annually,” she noted.
Ms. Savage pointed out that approximately 10-20 percent of these men will develop metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, one of the most challenging forms to treat. “The findings from the EVOLUTION Trial provide new hope for improved outcomes and could potentially save the lives of nearly 4,000 Australian men who die from the disease each year,” she added.
Global Implications and Future Research
Adjunct Professor Samantha Oakes, CEO of ANZUP, remarked on the global significance of the trial. “Without a doubt, these findings have the potential to transform how we treat a subset of people with advanced prostate cancer,” she said.
Professor Oakes highlighted the progress made in survival rates for prostate cancer patients, attributed to ongoing research and clinical trials. “We have seen an enormous improvement in survival rates over the years, thanks to ongoing donations towards medical research, but we still have a way to go yet,” she commented.
“Clinical trials and new treatments like this will continue to change the future and save many more lives.” — Adj. Prof Samantha Oakes
Researchers are now focused on understanding why some patients respond to the treatment while others do not, with the aim of refining and personalizing future therapies. This ongoing research could pave the way for more targeted and effective treatments, offering renewed hope to patients globally.
The announcement comes as a significant step forward in the fight against prostate cancer, highlighting the importance of innovative research and collaboration in developing new treatment strategies. As researchers continue to explore the potential of combination therapies, the future of prostate cancer treatment looks increasingly promising.
