PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen) marker shows promise for kidney cancer applications
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Cytogen says that evidence is available that potentially expands the use of the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) tumour marker beyond prostate cancer assessment. According to the company, which markets a PSMA-targeting molecular imaging agent - PROSTASCINT - for detecting the extent and spread of prostate cancer, a new study has shown that the marker may provide a target for both imaging and therapeutic applications in kidney cancer. The findings, by US investigators from the Cleveland Clinic, in Ohio, demonstrated the expression of PSMA in cancer of the kidney; the study was presented last month at the American Urological Association annual meeting, in Atlanta, Georgia. The findings may help differentiate renal tumours and also evaluate possible recurrence in patients who undergo renal ablative procedures or partial nephrectomy for malignancy, said the Princeton, New Jersey firm.