Canadian Medical Breakthrough: INITIO Medical Group Launches Advanced Prostate Cancer Treatment with Novel Lu-177-PSMA Therapy
VANCOUVER, BC, March 7, 2023 /CNW/ - INITIO Medical Group has become the pioneering private nuclear medicine center in Canada to receive a therapeutic license for administering Lutetium-177-PSMA, a treatment targeting advanced prostate cancer, specifically termed "metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer" (mCRPC).
This innovative therapy, Lu-177-PSMA, represents a breakthrough in cancer treatment, known as radioligand therapy (RLT). It marks a significant advancement for Canadian men, as prostate cancer is not only the most prevalent cancer among them but also the third leading cause of cancer deaths.
What distinguishes Lu-177-PSMA and upcoming RLT therapies is their ability to accurately target and eliminate cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. This precision often results in fewer side effects compared to conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.
Dr. Kalevi Kairemo, President-Elect of the World Association of Radiopharmaceutical and Molecular Therapy (WARMTH) and Senior Scientific Advisor for INITIO Medical Group, emphasized that this license will enable them to provide this innovative treatment to patients who previously had limited access.
Recently, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission granted INITIO this license, and patient treatments are set to commence post-March 15. INITIO will be the first private Canadian clinic to offer Lu-177-PSMA treatment, following Health Canada's approval of the compound in September 2022.
The treatment involves a quick intravenous administration of the compound, which binds to cancer cells and eradicates them using "beta particles" emitted from the lutetium nucleus. These particles have a maximum range of 2 mm, ensuring targeted action on cancer cells while minimizing impact on healthy tissues. Excess compound is primarily eliminated through the kidneys.
Dr. Rob Tarzwell, Medical Director at INITIO Medical Group and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Medicine, noted that Lutetium-177 has shown promise in significantly extending life in the international VISION trial, which included patients with advanced cancer.
Dr. Philip Cohen, INITIO Director and Division Head of Nuclear Medicine at Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver, credited the approval of this license to the dedicated efforts of their team in collaborating with regulatory bodies and stakeholders. He mentioned ongoing plans to seek similar licenses across Canada.
Although Lu-177-PSMA is approved by Health Canada and is an effective treatment for prostate cancer, it currently lacks public funding.
ABOUT INITIO
As the sole private PET/CT scan facility in Western Canada, INITIO boasts over two decades of experience. They offer prompt PET/CT and CT scans, nuclear medicine treatments without wait times, and have capabilities in diagnosing cancer, cognitive impairments, and cardiac sarcoidosis. The introduction of prostate cancer therapy further solidifies INITIO Medical Group's dedication to delivering top-tier, innovative treatments. They take pride in offering Lu-177 PSMA therapy and are optimistic about its impact on those battling prostate cancer.
SOURCE INITIO Medical Group
For additional details and media inquiries, contact: (604) 678-9274, info@initiomedical.ca, www.Initiomedical.ca