With nearly 60,000 new cases each year in France, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in humans and the 3rd cause of cancer death in men with 9,228 deaths in 2022. In the majority of cases, it evolves slowly and can be taken care of effectively. But in some patients, the disease becomes aggressive, spreads to other parts of the body – we then speak of metastatic prostate cancer – and ends up resisting conventional treatments such as hormone therapy, chemotherapy or external radiotherapy.
Alternatives after standard treatments
When the disease evolves despite first -line treatments, there are still solutions. Targeted therapies, in particular: certain specific genetic mutations can orient towards personalized treatments. A major innovation in the field of therapeutic nuclear medicine, vectorized internal radiotherapy, a new approach that makes it possible to treat metastases more precisely, while limiting side effects.
These latest generation treatments use a radimarked molecule capable of recognizing and fixing on the prostate cancer cells. These radiopharmaceutical drugs are administered intravenously: once in the body, the product will directly target tumor cells, sparing healthy tissues as much as possible.
This approach is reserved for men with prostate cancer resistant to metastatic castration, progressing after second generation chemotherapy and hormone therapy.
What benefits?
Clinical studies have shown a reduction in the progression of the disease, an improvement in symptoms, and in some cases an extension of life. This treatment can also allow better comfort of daily life.
It is generally administered as an outpatient, by cycles spaced several weeks spaced. These “break time” allow patients to recover between each injection, and to continue some of their activities.
Vectorized internal radiotherapy is now available in an increasing number of health establishments, within specialized nuclear medicine services.
A message of hope
Metastatic prostate cancer remains a difficult fight, but it is no longer synonymous with resignation. Thanks to research progress, it is now possible to prolong life and preserve its quality, even when the disease progresses. “Do not hesitate to speak with his oncologist about all these options,” explains Professor Nadine Houede, oncologist and director of the Grand South West Cancerople. “Vectorized internal radiotherapy today offers new possibilities, with good quality of life for patients who are eligible for it. »»