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Image-guided Focal Brachytherapy with Combined 18F-DCFPyl PET/​CT for the Treatment of Patients with Localized Prostate Cancer

Trial Status: active

This phase I trial tests how well the combination of focal brachytherapy with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) - positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) imaging works in treating patients with prostate cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body (localized). PSMA is a cell surface antigen which is highly expressed in prostate cancer. PET is an established imaging technique that utilizes small amounts of radioactivity attached to very minimal amounts of tracer, in this case fluorine F 18 Piflufolastat (18F-DCFPYL). Because some cancers take up 18F-DCFPYL it can be seen with PET. CT utilizes x-rays that traverse body from the outside. CT images provide an exact outline of organs and potential inflammatory tissue where it occurs in patient’s body. Upon administration, 18F-DCFPYL binds to PSMA expressed on tumor cells allowing the exact location of the tumor cells to be seen through PET. Brachytherapy, also known as internal radiation therapy, uses radioactive seeds placed directly into or near a tumor to kill tumor cells. Currently, treatment for prostate cancer involves treating the entire prostate due to concerns about not knowing where the cancer is exactly located. Brachytherapy with 18F-DCFPYL PET/CT can be used to target seeds only to the areas where cancer is known to be present to reduce toxicity to nearby healthy tissues. Undergoing focal brachytherapy with 18F-DCFPyl PET/CT may kill more tumor cells and be safe and tolerable in patients with localized prostate cancer.