Huntsman Cancer Institute to Pioneer Manufacturing of New Prostate Cancer Imaging Drug
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah is set to become the first academic medical center in the United States to produce a newly approved prostate cancer imaging agent, flotufolastat F 18 (POSLUMA). Developed by Blue Earth Diagnostics, this innovative radiopharmaceutical marks a significant advancement in precision diagnostic technology, aiming to enhance prostate cancer detection and treatment strategies for patients in the Mountain West region.
The introduction of flotufolastat F 18 is part of Huntsman Cancer Institute’s ongoing leadership in molecular imaging and theranostics. These fields utilize radiopharmaceuticals that specifically target cancer cells, offering improved diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic options. The new drug enhances the detection and staging of prostate cancer by binding to the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a marker present in many prostate cancer tumors. As a radiohybrid drug, it not only aids in imaging but also has potential therapeutic applications through attachment to a more potent radioisotope.
Prostate cancer, aside from skin cancers, is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the United States with approximately 300,000 new cases each year. Accurate diagnosis and staging are crucial, necessitating advanced imaging technologies to inform clinical decisions and reduce unnecessary interventions. This new drug promises to fulfill these needs by enabling earlier and more precise cancer diagnoses, ultimately supporting personalized treatment planning.
“This milestone highlights our research and development in cancer imaging and theranostics, which enables our patients in the Mountain West to have access to the most innovative diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals,” states Jeffrey Yap, PhD, director of the Center for Quantitative Cancer Imaging and Theranostics (CQCIT) at Huntsman Cancer Institute and professor of radiology and imaging sciences at the University of Utah. “We are honored to help advance this work. It is one of many examples of how our commitment to research directly translates into new clinical procedures for the people we serve in the community.”
The production of flotufolastat F 18 is facilitated by Huntsman Cancer Institute’s CQCIT, a facility renowned for its expertise in radiopharmaceuticals and imaging technologies. This development underscores Huntsman Cancer Institute’s dedication to cutting-edge research and patient care, supported by the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute along with the Huntsman Cancer Foundation.
This advancement aligns with Huntsman Cancer Institute’s mission to transform cancer treatment through research and innovation. As the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the region, Huntsman Cancer Institute remains at the forefront of molecular imaging, ultimately improving outcomes for patients with prostate cancer and other malignancies.