Beyond PSMA: Next Generation Imaging in Prostate Cancer

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a transmembrane protein that is highly expressed in prostate cancer cells. PSMA-based imaging and therapy have revolutionized prostate cancer management. The imaging counterpart has now replaced conventional imaging methods such as CT scans and bone scans, while the therapeutic approach has shifted to the pre-chemotherapy setting. However, approximately 10% of prostate cancer patients may not express PSMA. This rate increases following androgen deprivation therapy and in certain aggressive phenotypes, such as neuroendocrine prostate cancer.



There is an unmet need to identify other key molecular targets involved in prostate cancer biology that could serve as effective targets for tumors lacking PSMA expression. The ideal target would be a theranostic agent capable of being labeled with radiopharmaceuticals and also adaptable for bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) therapy.



Many agents are currently under development and early testing in the post-PSMA era. For clinicians, our goal is to summarize key advances and highlight the most promising agents in the pipeline. For researchers, we aim to promote a focused dissemination of the latest knowledge on this emerging subfield.



Specifically, submissions that address the following themes are highly welcome:

• Systematic or narrative reviews evaluating all radiotracers for imaging PSMA-negative prostate cancer.

• Original research articles on theranostic agents or vaccines targeting the PSMA-negative phenotype.

• Dosimetry studies or preclinical research focusing on imaging techniques for PSMA-negative tumors using tracers other than FDG or PSMA.

• Editorials (by invitation only) where experts share insights and visions regarding these emerging agents.

• Case reports documenting real-world clinical experiences with investigational agents used for imaging or treating PSMA-negative prostate cancer.



Please note: Manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics, computational analysis, or predictions of public databases which are not accompanied by validation (independent clinical or patient cohort, or biological validation in vitro or in vivo, which are not based on public databases) are not suitable for publication in this journal.