Project PSMA-TTC

Offentlig prosjektsammendrag

The power of alpha Chemotherapy is often ineffective against refractory tumors. Bayer scientists are now working to overcome the defenses of the cancer cells in these tumors using radiation. A radioactive ingredient is guided through the body until it reaches its site of action and then releases targeted tumor-destroying radiation at that specific location. This novel radioimmunotherapy approach could be a source of new hope for patients with prostate cancer. Paradoxically, the invisible energy used to save lives does so by inducing a destructive effect as it passes through the tissue. Some forms of radiation penetrate deep through the body tissue and can be used to treat tumors. However, they often also damage healthy cells at the same time. Bayer scientists are now working to channel this destructive energy so that it can be directed more effectively against tumors. This requires precise calculation of the radiation dose and targeted delivery to the desired site of action. The scientists are working with the radioactive element thorium-227, an alpha-particle emitting radionuclide which is complexed to a chelator linked to a tumor specific antibody. The alpha radiation is extremely localized; it only penetrates a maximum of two to ten cell layers. Preclinical trials in cell cultures and animal models of prostate cancer have already produced promising results demonstrating highly significant inhibition of tumor growth. The scientists are now testing the active substance in initial clinical trials with patients who have prostate tumors expressing prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA). PSMA is present in almost all tumors and is therefore a highly desirable target for development of targeted alpha therapies.