67Ga-PSMA I&T for Radioguided Surgery of Lymph Node Metastases in Patients With Biochemical Recurrence of Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Purpose Radioguided lymph node dissection in patients with prostate cancer, and suffering from biochemical recurrence has been described thoroughly during the past few years. Several prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)–directed ligands labeled with 111In, 99mTc, and 68Ga have been published; however, limitations regarding availability, short half-life, high costs, and unfavorable high energy might restrict frequent use. This study aims at introducing 67Ga as a promising radionuclide for radioguided surgery. Methods Retrospective analysis was performed on 6 patients with 7 PSMA-positive lymph node metastases. 67Ga-PSMA I&T (imaging and therapy) was synthesized in-house and intravenously applied according to §13 2b of the German Medicinal Products Act. Radioguided surgery was performed 24 hours after injection of 67Ga-PSMA I&T using a gamma probe. Patient urine samples were collected. Occupational and waste dosimetry was performed to describe hazards arising from radiation. Results 67Ga-PSMA application was tolerated without adverse effects. Five of 7 lymph nodes were detected on 22-hour SPECT/CT in 4 of 6 patients. During surgery, all 7 lymph node metastases were identified by positive gamma probe signal. Relevant accumulation of 67Ga was observed in lymph node metastases (32.1 ± 15.1 kBq). Histology analysis of near-field lymph node dissection revealed more lymph node metastases than PET/CT (and gamma probe measurements) identified. Waste produced during inpatient stay required decay time of up to 11 days before reaching exemption limits according to German regulations. Conclusions Radioguided surgery using 67Ga-PSMA I&T is a safe and feasible option for patients suffering from biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer. 67Ga-PSMA I&T was successfully synthesized according to Good Manufacturing Practice guidelines. Radioguided surgery with 67Ga-PSMA I&T does not lead to relevant radiation burden to urology surgeons and represents a novel interdisciplinary approach in nuclear medicine and urology.