UCLA Health has made extraordinary advancements in the field of theranostics within a short span, particularly noted through the establishment of its Outpatient Theranostics Center in Westwood. Since opening in February 2024, this facility has dedicated itself to the treatment of advanced prostate, thyroid, and neuroendocrine cancers utilizing cutting-edge technology and robust research methodologies. By providing precise tumor targeting through advanced imaging techniques and state-of-the-art radiopharmaceuticals, the center continues UCLA’s decade-long commitment to pioneering theranostics. This forward-thinking approach uniquely combines therapeutic and diagnostic imaging to deliver radiation directly to cancer cells while sparing the healthy tissue surrounding them.
The Significance of Theranostics
The field of theranostics has garnered substantial attention and investment from pharmaceutical companies in recent years, leading to a significant number of clinical trials at UCLA. Jeremie Calais, MD, PhD, director of the clinical research program at the Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division, highlighted the rapid growth and evolution within this field. A notable success story is UCLA’s role in the phase II clinical trial for Lutetium-177 vipivotide tetraxetan (Pluvicto), a cutting-edge radionuclide therapy now approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating advanced metastatic prostate cancer. This treatment has shown unprecedented results, with approximately 10 to 15 percent of patients experiencing nearly complete responses.
Theranostic medicines like Pluvicto are uniquely administered in two distinct stages. Initially, a diagnostic component involves the use of a companion radiotracer that binds to cancer cells, making them visible on a PET scan. Following this, a therapeutic component targets these illuminated cancer cells based on the diagnostic imaging, delivering radiation to effectively disrupt and destroy their DNA. UCLA’s Outpatient Theranostics Center is equipped to treat up to 16 patients daily with Pluvicto and other comparable therapies. Additionally, the center is supported by a dedicated clinical research team that is actively conducting over a dozen ongoing theranostics clinical trials.
Historical Context and Early Successes
The history of theranostics at UCLA dates back to the mid-2010s when Dr. Johannes Czernin established the Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division. Bringing essential expertise from Europe, Dr. Czernin integrated knowledge from German researchers and initiated collaborations with other prominent institutions, such as UCSF. These collaborative efforts propelled UCLA to become a leader in theranostic applications. One significant collaboration with UCSF led to the development of PSMA PET, a comprehensive imaging technique for diagnosing prostate cancer. This groundbreaking technique significantly improved the detection of prostate lesions compared to previous methodologies, gaining FDA approval in 2020.
Building on these initial successes, the UCLA theranostics team contributed to the phase II clinical trial for Lutetium-177-PSMA. This trial was subsequently taken over by Novartis and further developed into the phase II randomized VISION trial. UCLA’s contributions were instrumental in the eventual FDA approval of Pluvicto in March 2022. Throughout this journey, UCLA physicians enhanced their skills in interpreting complex scans, comparing treatment effects systematically, and refining the administration processes for various theranostics therapies. These advancements have significantly shaped the field and set new standards for future research and clinical applications.
Recognition and Impact
The achievements of the Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division have been widely recognized, culminating in its designation as a Comprehensive Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Center of Excellence by the Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging. This prestigious acknowledgment underscores UCLA’s leadership in both theranostics research and clinical application. Dr. Czernin emphasized the profound impact of these advancements, particularly in offering new hope and effective treatments for patients in advanced stages of cancer. The ability to positively impact the lives of severely ill and pained patients marks a significant milestone in cancer care, a testament to the tangible success stories driven by theranostic innovations.
The recognition further solidifies the importance of continued investment and research in theranostics. By acknowledging the advancements made, it emphasizes the potential for future breakthroughs that could redefine cancer treatment paradigms. The dedication to continuously improving patient care through innovative therapies ensures that the possibilities for future developments remain vast and promising.
Future Directions and Expansion
UCLA Health has achieved remarkable progress in theranostics within a short timeframe, notably through the establishment of the Outpatient Theranostics Center in Westwood. Since its launch in February 2024, this facility has focused on treating advanced prostate, thyroid, and neuroendocrine cancers, harnessing cutting-edge technology and advanced research methods. This center employs precise tumor targeting through sophisticated imaging techniques and state-of-the-art radiopharmaceuticals, continuing UCLA’s more than ten-year dedication to pioneering theranostics. This innovative approach seamlessly blends therapeutic and diagnostic imaging, enabling targeted radiation delivery directly to cancer cells while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. UCLA Health’s commitment to integrating pioneering research and advanced technology demonstrates its ongoing leadership in the evolving field of theranostics, striving to enhance patient outcomes and providing a model for future advancements in cancer treatment.
