Frederick Health Brings Breakthrough Therapy for Advanced Prostate Cancer to Frederick County

Frederick Health is now offering the first FDA-approved targeted radioligand therapy for PSMA-positive metastatic prostate cancer patients. The life-extending therapy has been shown to slow the progression of cancer and can even make tumors shrink or disappear entirely. 

“Before this year, patients in Frederick County had to travel as far as Baltimore every six weeks for the treatment,” said Dr. Gregory Gagnon, a radiation oncologist and the director of radiation medicine at Frederick Health. “This therapy improves quality of life in many ways, and being able to treat patients in their home county is now one of them.” 

Unlike traditional chemotherapy, the targeted radioligand therapy spares healthy cells by only targeting a specific protein found on the surface of most prostate cancer cells (PSMA). By only damaging cancerous cells, patients experience an enhanced quality of life. 

For patient William Snyder, the availability of the treatment locally means he can receive care for his prostate cancer without leaving Frederick County, which is a huge benefit to his lifestyle. Whether volunteering through church, the Francis Scott Key Lions Club, or as a voting judge, his thirteen-year battle with cancer has not stopped him from being active in his community. 

Diagnosed in 2013, he initially underwent radiation and CyberKnife treatments before his cancer recurred years later and spread to his chest, ribs, and lymph nodes. After his cancer became resistant to medication, his doctors determined that the targeted radioligand therapy was an appropriate next treatment. 

After receiving the first of the six planned treatments, Snyder's prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level has already decreased by 66%, reflecting an encouraging early response to the targeted radioligand therapy. 

“A buddy of mine had to travel up to Baltimore to get the same treatment I'm getting here,” Snyder said. "I've been working with Dr. Gagnon for a long time. It's nice to stay close to home and to still work with the people I know." 

To find out more about targeted radioligand therapy for prostate cancer at Frederick Health, contact Communications & Public Relations Specialist Isabella Maxey using the information below.

Contact: Isabella Maxey 
Communications & Public Relations Specialist  
240-608-7431 | imaxey@Frederick.Health 

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