Immune-checkpoint blockade enhances 225Ac-PSMA617 efficacy in a mouse model of prostate cancer

Abstract

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted radionuclide therapy (RNT) may increase tumor immunogenicity. We aimed at exploiting this effect by combining RNT with immunotherapy in a mouse model of prostate cancer (PC). Methods: C57BL/6-mice bearing syngeneic RM1-PGLS tumors were treated with 225Ac-PSMA617, an anti-PD-1 antibody, or both. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed by tumor volume measurements (CT), time to progression (TTP), and survival. Results: PSMA RNT or anti-PD-1 alone tended to prolong TTP (isotype control, 25 d; anti-PD-1, 33.5 d [P 5 0.0153]; RNT, 30 d [P 5 0.1038]) and survival (control, 28 d; anti-PD-1, 37 d [P 5 0.0098]; RNT, 32 d [P 5 0.1018]). Combining PSMA RNT and anti-PD-1 significantly improved disease control compared with either monotherapy. TTP was extended to 47.5 d (P # 0.0199 vs. monotherapies), and survival to 51.5 d (P # 0.0251 vs. monotherapies). Conclusion: PSMA RNT and PD-1 blockade synergistically improve therapeutic outcomes in our PC model, supporting the evaluation of RNT and immunotherapy combinations for PC patients.