Intra-arterial PSMA injection using hepatic arterial infusion pump in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a proof-of-concept study - European Radiology Experimental

Abstract Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) targeted tracers show increased uptake in several malignancies, indicating a potential for peptide radioligand therapy. Intra-arterial injection of radiotracers can increase the therapeutic window. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of intra-arterial injection of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and compare tracer uptake after intrahepatic arterial injection and intravenous injection. Three patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma received [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 through a hepatic arterial infusion pump, followed by positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). Two-three days later, patients underwent PET/CT after intravenous [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 injection. All tumours showed higher uptake on the intra-arterial scan compared with the intravenous scan: the intra-arterial / intravenous standardised uptake value normalised by lean body mass ratios were 1.40, 1.46, and 1.54. Local intra-arterial PSMA injection is possible in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Local injection increases tumour-to-normal tissue ratios, increasing the therapeutic window for theranostic applications. Relevance statement Intra-arterial Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) injection increases the therapeutic window for potential theranostic application in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Key Points Three patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma underwent PET/CT after intra-arterial and intravenous injection of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11. Intra-arterial injection showed higher uptake than intravenous injection. PSMA-targeted imaging could be valuable for a subset of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients. Graphical Abstract