Kendi, A. Tuba

Objectives Somatostatin receptor (SSTR) PET imaging is utilized with increasing frequency in the clinical management of neuroendocrine tumors. Incidental PET-avid CNS lesions are commonly noted and presumed to be meningiomas. However, SSTR PET lacks specificity for meningioma identification. This study aimed to clarify the role of SSTR-based imaging in the classification of incidental CNS lesions based on current clinical practice. Methods Patients who underwent both Ga-68-DOTATATE PET and brain MRI and had an incidental CNS lesion identified with a radiographic prediction of meningioma via one (discordant prediction) or both (concordant prediction) imaging modalities were retrospectively analyzed. Imaging indication, semiquantitative measures, and clinical history were recorded. Results Among 48 patients with a CNS lesion identified on both imaging modalities, most scans were performed for a history of neuroendocrine tumor (64.6%). Cases with concordant lesion-type prediction of meningioma between imaging modalities (N = 24) displayed a significantly higher SUV max (median 7.9 vs. 4.0; P = 0.008) and Krenning score (median 3.0 vs. 2.0; P = 0.005) on Ga-68-DOTATATE PET compared with cases with a discordant prediction of meningioma (N = 24). In cases with lower SUV max values, Ga-68-DOTATATE was more likely to discordantly predict meningioma without agreement by the corresponding MRI. Prior cranial radiation or use of somatostatin mimetics did not affect quantitative radiographic measures, and MRI-based tumor size was similar across groups. Conclusion Lesions with increased avidity may be more confidently predicted as meningioma in Ga-68-DOTATATE PET scans, whereas there is more discrepancy in prediction among low SUV cases.

Abstract Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of early PSA decline following initiation of second-generation hormone therapy (2nd HT), namely abiraterone acetate or enzalutamide, in patients with taxane-refractory metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and evaluate utility of this metric in informing intensified surveillance/imaging protocols. Methods We retrospectively identified 75 mCRPC patients treated with 2nd HT following docetaxel failure (defined as PSA rise and radiographic progression). Patients were categorized patients into two cohorts based on the first PSA within 3 months after initiation of therapy: PSA reduction ≥ 50% (Group A) and PSA reduction < 50% (Group B). The primary endpoint was cancer-specific mortality (CSM). The secondary endpoint was radiographic disease progression (rDP) on 2nd HT. In univariate and multivariate analyses, we investigated factors associated with rPD and CSM. Results We included 75 patients (52 in Group A, 23 in Group B) in the analytic cohort. Baseline clinico-demographic characteristics, including median age, primary Gleason score risk group, median pre-treatment PSA, disease burden, site of metastases, and pre-treatment ECOG score were not statistically different between the two groups. Median follow up time was 30 months and the median time to radiographic disease progression was 28.1 and 12.5 months (p = 0.002) in cohorts A and B, respectively. On univariate and multivariate analyses, both PSA reduction ≥ 50% and volume of metastatic disease were significantly associated with a decreased risk of radiographic disease progression (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.21–0.80, p = 0.0113) as well as a decreased risk of cancer-specific mortality (HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.09–0.87, p = 0.0325). Conclusion PSA reduction ≥ 50% within 3 months of starting 2nd HT was associated with significantly improved radiographic disease progression-free survival and 3-year cancer-specific mortality. This suggests using PSA 50%-decline metric in surveillance patients with on 2nd HT and identifies patients who require further evaluation with imaging.

The demand for genetic testing (GT) for prostate cancer (PCa) is expanding, but there is limited knowledge about the genetic counseling (GC) needs of men. A strong-to-moderate inherited genetic predisposition causes approximately 5–20% of prostate cancer (PCa). In men with prostate cancer, germline testing may benefit the patient by informing treatment options, and if a mutation is noticed, it may also guide screening for other cancers and have family implications for cascade genetic testing (testing of close relatives for the same germline mutation). Relatives with the same germline mutations may be eligible for early cancer detection strategies and preventive measures. Cascade family testing can be favorable for family members, but it is currently unutilized, and strategies to overcome obstacles like knowledge deficiency, family communication, lack of access to genetic services, and testing expenses are needed. In this review, we will look at the genetic factors that have been linked to prostate cancer, as well as the role of genetic counseling and testing in the early detection of advanced prostate cancer.

60 Background: Recent studies, including a post-hoc analysis of the ARCHES trial, highlight radiographic disease progression (rDP) occurring without concordant rise in prostate specific antigen (PSA). In a previous study by our group, we reported that almost 40% of patients on 2nd generation hormone therapy experience rDP with non-rising PSA and have poor survival outcomes. The current analysis more specifically focuses on the subgroup of patients with rDP occurring at low PSA (<0.5 ng/dL) and describes factors associated with poorer survival outcomes in this patient population. Methods: In a single institution study, we reviewed the prospectively maintained Mayo Clinic C-11 Choline PET registry for patients treated between 2011 and 2021, who experienced rDP at low PSA (value < 0.5 ng/mL). Disease progression on C-11 choline PET was confirmed by either tissue biopsy or subsequent response to therapy. We investigated factors associated with poor cancer-specific survival outcomes in univariable and multivariable cox regression analyses. Results: In total, 220 (16%) patients experiencing rDP at low PSA were identified. Median (IQR) age at rDP was 67.91 (61.10 – 73.87) yrs., median (IQR) primary Gleason score was 9 (7-9), and median (IQR) PSA was 0.17 (0 – 0.32) ng/ml. 75% of the patients (n=166) had CRPC disease status at time of rDP. Prior systemic treatments included 2nd generation HT in 18% (n= 40) and chemotherapy in 31% (n=70). Sites of rDP were divided into 7% local (n=16), 42% lymph nodes (n=91), 43% bone (n=95), and 8% visceral metastases (n=18). Over a median follow-up duration of 55 months, 46% of patients (n=100) reported death. Factors associated with poor survival outcomes are demonstrated in the table and include age at rDP, CRPC status, and disease location (P-value <0.05). Conclusions: We found that radiographic disease progression commonly occurs at low PSA (<0.5 ng/mL). CRPC-disease status and the development of visceral metastases are associated with particularly poor survival outcomes. To identify early progression, monitoring with imaging may be warranted, even in the patients with low PSA. [Table: see text]

59 Background: Radium-223 (Ra-223) has been approved for the treatment of metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) with predominantly osseous metastases. PSA flare phenomenon with Ra-223 limits the use of PSA as a prognostic tool to predict treatment response. Currently, there is a lack of diagnostic tools to predict treatment response to Ra-223. Therefore, we sought to investigate the role of mid-treatment C-11 choline PET/CT scan in predicting overall response to Ra-223. Methods: In a single institute retrospective study, we identified 32 patients who were treated with a full course of 4-6 cycles of Ra-223 and were evaluated with both PSA and C-11 choline PET scan before treatment, at mid-treatment, and after a complete course of Ra-223 between 2013 – 2018. Ra-223 was used as salvage therapy for their predominant bone disease after failing chemotherapy and 2nd generation hormone therapy. Blind repeat radiographic evaluation of patients’ scans was performed by a radiologist specialized in nuclear radiology. Favorable response was defined by achieving partial response or stable disease on imaging, while unfavorable response was defined by showing progressive disease on imaging. Results: Mean age (±SD) at starting Radium223 was 67.6 (±7.1) years, median (IQR) primary Gleason score was 9 (8-9), and median (IQR) pretreatment PSA was 13.5 (5.4-39.6) ng/ml. 78% of the patients (n=25) completed 6 cycles of Ra-223, 15% of the patients (n=5) completed 5 cycles, and 6% (n=2) received only 4 cycles. At mid-treatment scanning, 25% of the patients (n=8) showed favorable response (Group A), while 75% of the patients (n=24) showed unfavorable response (B). After a complete course of treatment, 62.5% of patients (n=5) in Group (A) continued to show favorable response, while only 8.3% of patients (n=2) in Group (B) showed favorable response (p-value= 0.0023). Conclusions: Mid-treatment evaluation with C-11 choline PET/CT scan can predict overall response to Radium 223. Patients with progressive disease at mid-treatment evaluation are very likely not going to respond to further treatment. Further studies and clinical trials are warranted.

269 Background: Metastatic visceral involvement in prostate cancer patients conveys a poor prognosis. Survival patterns of site-specific visceral metastasis are poorly understood. Here, we sought to investigate survival patterns in prostate cancer patients according to their first detected site of visceral metastasis. Methods: Retrospectively, we identified 200 patients with visceral metastatic prostate cancer. Patients were divided into three groups according to first site detected with visceral metastases; first-site lung metastases, first-site brain metastases, and first-site liver metastases. Visceral metastases were detected on either conventional imaging (CT/MRI), metabolic imaging (C-11 choline), or PSMA PET-CT scan. Follow up duration of our study was 80 months. Results: Clinicopathological variables are shown. The K-M curve of overall survival of the entire cohort suggests better survival patterns in patients with first-site lung metastases compared to patients with first-site brain or liver metastases (p<0.0001). In subset analysis of patients with CRPC, the K-M curve of overall survival, which demonstrates better survival outcomes in patients with first-site lung metastases in comparison with patients with first-site brain or liver metastases (p<0.0001). Conclusions: Our data suggests that prostate cancer patients with visceral metastatic disease have different survival patterns according to the first site detected with visceral metastasis. In our cohort, patients with first-site lung metastasis demonstrated better survival outcomes than patients with first-site brain or liver metastasis. Further studies are warranted. [Table: see text]

192 Background: In the setting of disease progression of metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) on docetaxel, abiraterone acetate (AA) and enzalutamide are two commonly used second line therapies with data demonstrating survival benefits. Less is known about patient specific factors that contribute to success with these therapies. The objective of this study is to improve patient selection for post-docetaxel second generation hormone therapy (AA or enzalutamide) by evaluating whether overall metastatic burden is associated with treatment response in this setting. Methods: By retrospective chart review, patients with mCRPC treated with AA or enzalutamide following docetaxel failure (defined as PSA rise and radiographic progression) were identified. Patients were categorized into low volume and high volume metastatic disease based on the number of pre-treatment metastatic lesions; where low volume disease describes patients with ≤ 5 metastatic lesions (e.g. oligometastatic disease), and high volume disease represents patients with > 5 individual lesions. The primary endpoint was cancer-specific mortality and the secondary endpoint was radiographic progression free survival. Median follow-up time was 29.5 months. Results: 75 patients were identified and included in our analysis: 39 with high volume metastatic disease, and 36 with low volume metastatic disease. Baseline characteristics of age and pre-treatment ECOG were not statistically different between these groups. Pre-treatment high-volume disease burden was significantly associated with increased risk of radiographic disease progression (HR 4.21, 95%CI 1.97-8.99, p < 0.0001) and cancer specific mortality (HR 5.84, 95% CI 1.58-21.53, p = 0.0026) during treatment with second generation androgen deprivation therapy. Conclusions: High volume metastatic disease burden is associated with significantly increased cancer specific mortality and decreased progression free survival for patients on second line therapy with AA or enzalutamide following docetaxel treatment failure.

189 Background: The objective of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value of early PSA decline following initiation of second-generation hormone therapy (2nd HT), namely abiraterone acetate or enzalutamide, in the post-chemotherapy setting in patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Methods: We retrospectively identified 75 m-CRPC patients treated with 2nd HT following docetaxel failure (defined as PSA rise and radiographic progression). Patients were categorized into two groups based on first PSA within 3 months after initiation of therapy: PSA reduction ≥ 50% (Group A) and PSA reduction < 50% (Group B). The primary endpoint was cancer-specific mortality and the secondary endpoint was radiographic progression free survival. Results: There were 75 patients (52 in group A, 23 in group B) in the analytic cohort. Baseline clinical and demographic characteristics, including median age, primary Gleason score risk group, median pre-treatment PSA, disease burden, site of metastases, and pre-treatment ECOG score were not statistically different between the two groups. PSA reduction ≥50% was significantly associated with decreased risk of radiographic disease progression (HR 0.41, 95%CI 0.21-0.80, p = 0.0113) as well as decreased risk of cancer-specific mortality (HR 0.29, 95%CI 0.09-0.87, p = 0.0325). Conclusions: PSA reduction ≥50% within 3 months of starting 2nd HT for patients with mCRPC who have failed first-line docetaxel is associated with significantly improved 3-year cancer-specific mortality and progression free survival. Our data supports the use of PSA as an early prognosticating marker for patient outcomes on this second line therapy. [Table: see text]

Metastatic prostate cancer continues to be an incurable disease. Despite all the novel therapies approved in the past two decades, overall patient outcomes remain relatively poor, and these patients die on a regular basis. Clearly, improvements in current therapies are needed. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a target for prostate cancer given its increased expression on the surface of the prostate cancer cells. PSMA small molecule binders include PSMA-617 and PSMA-I&T and monoclonal antibodies such as J591. These agents have been linked to different radionuclides including beta-emitters such as lutetium-177 and alpha-emitters such as actinium-225. The only regulatory-approved PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy (PSMA-RLT) to date is lutetium-177–PSMA-617 in the setting of PSMA-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer that has failed androgen receptor pathway inhibitors and taxane chemotherapy. This approval was based on the phase III VISION trial. Many other clinical trials are evaluating PSMA-RLT in various settings. Both monotherapy and combination studies are underway. This article summarizes pertinent data from recent studies and provides an overview of human clinical trials in progress. The field of PSMA-RLT is rapidly evolving, and this therapeutic approach will likely play an increasingly important role in the years to come.

641 Background: Tumors of neuroendocrine origin are a rare, heterogenous group of neoplasms. Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are categorized by site of origin, differentiation status, and by grade (Ki-67 expression and/or mitotic rate), with prognostic variability accordingly. These tumors frequently metastasize to bone, with reported incidence between 6-12% by older SSTR imaging. Our study evaluates patients with well-differentiated tumors of neuroendocrine origin to determine the incidence of osseous metastases when evaluated with higher-sensitivity Ga68 DOTATATE PET scans. The study characterizes the clinical features. Methods: This study was performed at a single, 3-site, US tertiary-care institution. IRB approval was obtained. An automated data extraction tool was used to mine the electronic medical record by searching all positron emission tomography (PET) studies for keywords. Identified scans had to include a combination of the following keywords: “Dotatate” AND “met*” or “lesion” AND “bone” or “osse*” or “skel*”. The individual medical records from the generated report were reviewed to include only patients with 1) well-differentiated NETs of GI and pancreatic origin, lung carcinoid, paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma, or other/unknown primary site, and 2) patients with confirmed osseous metastatic disease. Patient data was entered into a database and evaluated in aggregate. Results: 1,948 PET scans of 1,473 patients were extracted from the EMR, from which 424 patients were identified for inclusion; scans were performed between 5/2018 and 5/2021. Calculated incidence of bone metastasis by Ga68 DOTATATE PET was 28.8%. Median age of included population was 61 years (range 14-92), 49.5% being male. Site of origin was 47.2% bowel NET, 18.9% pancreatic NET, 10.8% lung carcinoid, 10.6% paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma, 2.1% other site, and 10.4% unknown primary. Majority of patients were asymptomatic (64.0%), had sclerotic appearance (76.7%), Krenning 4 (71.4%), and >3 sites (68.3%) of osseous disease. 94.6% of the population had disease of the axial skeleton; 65.6% appendicular. Only 57 patients (13.4%) with osseous disease suffered a fracture, despite metastases at high-risk sites. Fracture occurred at disproportionately low rates in NETs originating in bowel (22.8% of fractures), with proportionately higher rates among pancreatic NETS and paragangliomas/pheochromocytomas (31.6% and 22.8%, respectively). Fractures occurred at proportionately higher rates in higher-grade disease compared to low-grade. Conclusions: Osseous metastatic disease in well-differentiated NENs is evident at much higher rates when imaging with Ga68 DOTATATE PET compared with previously reported data. Nevertheless, fracture occurred at a low rate, suggesting that these patients are at a relatively low risk for skeletal-related events.