Two new molecular imaging and therapy trials are underway that are expected to play an outsized role in the future of cancer detection.
The statement comes by way of Hoag Family Cancer Institute, which is testing a PET tracer for myeloma and prostate-specific membrane antigen radioligand therapy for prostate cancer.
Hoag is using the radioactive tracer 89Zr-DFO-Daratumumab to perform PET/CT scans in patients with myeloma. The Newport Beach, California, oncology specialists said it is the first in the U.S. to offer a phase 2 study testing CD38-targeted ImmunoPET for individuals with this rare form of cancer.
Gary Ulaner, MD, PhD, who was recently hired as director of Hoag’s Molecular Imaging and Therapy Program, brought the trial over after completing phase 1 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. It is funded through the National Institutes of Health.
The other trial involves testing PSMA I-131 therapy in patients with high-risk and biochemically recurrent prostate cancer.
“Agents like the one in this trial, have been incredibly successful in prolonging patient’s lives and improving their quality of life,” Ulaner explained in an email statement. “We are very excited to offer this to our community.”
Ulaner said he expects many of the cancer imaging and therapy investigations to ultimately become standard of care in the future.
Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.