PhD Defense | Nathalie Heynickx | Unravelling Radiobiological Mechanisms of Therapeutic and Toxic Responses of Prostate Cancer Radionuclide Therapy

Unravelling Radiobiological Mechanisms of Therapeutic and Toxic Responses of Prostate Cancer Radionuclide Therapy

Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) emerged as an effective treatment strategy for patients with metastatic castration-resistant disease. In this treatment strategy, ionizing radiation is specifically delivered to diseased cells by utilizing targeting vectors. Therefore, key differences exist between the conventional external beam radiotherapy and TRT. Additionally, salivary gland toxicity following PSMA-TRT severely impacts the quality of life of patients undergoing this treatment. Currently, mechanisms underlying the uptake and retention of PSMA-TRT compounds in the salivary glands remain elusive. Therefore, the aim of this research was to characterize non-specific uptake and retention mechanisms of PSMA-TRT in the salivary glands and to characterize the therapeutic and toxic responses of both prostate cancer and salivary gland cells to PSMA-TRT. By unraveling these underlying radiobiological mechanisms, we aimed at gaining a better understanding of how PSMA-TRT works on cellular level and contribute to making this treatment more safe and effective to use in patients.
 

Promotor:

• Sarah Baatout (UGent)

SCK CEN mentors:

• Koen Vermeulen (SCK CEN)

Click here for a list of obtained PhD degrees.