Barts patients among first in UK to receive experimental prostate cancer therapy
Barts Health patients are among the first in the UK to receive an experimental treatment for advanced prostate cancer that no longer responds to hormone therapy, as part of an ongoing phase 2 clinical trial.
The therapy, called Lutetium (177Lu) rhPSMA-10.1 Injection, is a targeted radioactive treatment designed to seek out prostate cancer cells.
It has been given for the first time at the Barts Cancer Centre at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London and at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.
The treatment aims to deliver radiation directly to cancer cells while reducing damage to healthy organs, using a more precise approach that seeks to attack the disease more effectively than conventional therapies.
Early studies suggest the therapy could be effective. The ongoing trial will now assess how safe the treatment is, how well it works, and the most effective dosing schedule. Some patients will receive higher doses earlier or more frequent treatments to see whether this improves outcomes.
Doctors will monitor patients using PSA levels, a marker of prostate cancer activity, alongside imaging to track responses.
Dr Kenrick Ng, consultant in medical oncology at Barts Cancer Centre, said: "Treating one of the first UK patients in this Phase 2 study is an important milestone.
"Radiopharmaceuticals are a promising approach for men with advanced prostate cancer, and our team is proud to help generate the clinical evidence needed to understand its potential."
Dr Ewa Nowosinska, consultant in nuclear medicine at St Bartholomew's, added: "We’re proud to offer this new therapy to patients in East London.
"As radioligand treatments become more important in prostate cancer care, teamwork across specialties will be key to bringing the latest studies and treatments to patients."
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and survival rates drop significantly once the disease has spread. While early diagnosis often leads to excellent outcomes, treatment options for advanced disease remain limited.
Researchers hope targeted radioactive therapies like this could offer new options for patients and shape the future of prostate cancer care.
The therapy is being developed by Oxford-based Blue Earth Therapeutics, a company specialising in radioactive cancer treatments.
I’m grateful to be given this opportunity
Frank Murphy, 60, a former vending machine engineer from east London, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023.
After undergoing treatment including chemotherapy, he became one of the first patients in the UK to receive the experimental Lutetium (177Lu) rhPSMA-10.1 Injection at Barts Cancer Centre.
Frank received the treatment earlier this week and returned to the hospital over the next two days for scans. He experienced slight discomfort but no major side effects. Although travelling to the hospital each day was tiring, Frank felt it was worth it if the treatment proves effective.
Reflecting on his experience, he said: "I hope it will help me. It’s a bit daunting, but I’m just grateful to be given this opportunity and to be part of something that could help others too."
Frank’s story highlights the courage of patients trying new treatments and the important role they play in advancing care for others.
Pictured top: Frank; and below: the treatment team at Barts Cancer Centre including oncology and nucleur medicine colleagues.
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