Simple Summary
Breast cancer (BC) remains a major global health challenge and finding new ways to improve its detection and treatment is essential. This study explores the potential of a protein called prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), which is widely used in prostate cancer (PCa) imaging and therapy, for use in BC. While PSMA was initially believed to be exclusive to PCa, researchers have found that PSMA is also present in the blood vessels supplying BC, particularly in more aggressive types such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This study reviews existing research and clinical trials investigating how PSMA-targeting techniques, such as advanced imaging and radiotherapy, could enhance BC diagnosis and treatment. Early findings suggest that PSMA-based imaging may help detect BC more accurately, and PSMA-targeted therapies could offer a more focused approach to treating the disease while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. However, further studies are needed to confirm these benefits and determine how best to integrate PSMA into BC care. Ongoing research and clinical trials will be crucial in understanding whether PSMA can become a valuable tool in improving outcomes for BC patients.
Abstract
Background. In recent years, the role of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in the imaging and treatment of prostate cancer (PCa) has been extensively investigated. However, despite its name, PSMA is not exclusively specific to PCa. It has been found to be expressed in the neo-vasculature of various solid tumors, including breast cancer (BC), in which it is associated with tumor angiogenesis. Methods. This review aims to assess the potential of PSMA-based radiopharmaceuticals for BC diagnosis and treatment. It explores the current landscape by analyzing preclinical and clinical studies, as well as ongoing clinical trials, to provide insights into the PSMA-targeted approaches in BC management. Results. Early studies suggest PSMA-based imaging could improve BC lesion detection, especially in TNBC. The available data remains too preliminary to conclusively assess whether PSMA-based imaging or therapy will offer a significant advantage in BC. However, some preclinical findings suggest that this approach may hold promise as a novel strategy for managing this widespread malignancy. Conclusions. PSMA-based strategies show potential for BC diagnosis and treatment, but further research is needed. Ongoing and future clinical trials are expected to provide deeper insights into the potential utility of this approach.