Osaka University to Pioneer the First Alpha-Ray Therapy Trial for Refractory Prostate Cancer

A research team at Osaka University is launching an investigator-initiated clinical trial for patients with refractory prostate cancer, following the successful development and animal model efficacy confirmation of a new alpha-ray therapeutic agent, [At-211] PSMA-5. This will mark the world’s first in-human clinical trial using [At-211] PSMA-5.

Prostate cancer is increasing globally and is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men in Japan. While various treatments exist, the prognosis is dire for cases resistant to standard treatments and involving multiple metastases.

Recently, theranostics—a method that involves switching the radionuclide labeled to a compound targeting cancer—has gained attention for its integrated approach from diagnostic imaging to therapy.

Advancements in Prostate Cancer Theranostics

Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) is emerging as a promising target for theranostics, facilitating the transition from PET (positron emission tomography) imaging for lesion detection to targeted radionuclide therapy. Additionally, alpha irradiation administered intravenously allows for the treatment of metastases throughout the body.

Additionally, astatine (At-211) is a nuclide that emits alpha rays with greater energy than conventional radiation, making it potentially effective for patients resistant to beta-ray treatments.

Domestic Production of Astatine and Infrastructure Development

Producing astatine domestically using an accelerator eliminates the need for importing the radionuclide.Osaka University, with financial support from the Ministry of Economy and Industry, will install a new cyclotron dedicated to producing astatine, ensuring a large-scale supply.

Patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer with multiple metastases typically undergo chemotherapy and other therapies, which often cause significant side effects and can lead to treatment resistance in a short period.

In contrast, targeted radionuclide therapy seldom results in severe side effects, and treatments using short-range alpha radiation do not require hospitalization in specialized rooms.

In summary, domestically producing astatine using an accelerator will enable many patients to receive treatment without hospitalization.

This establishes a manufacturing base, paving the way for astatine to potentially emerge as a therapy for prostate cancer patients globally in the future, originating from Japan.

Read the original article on: News Medical

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