Alpha-Emitters and Targeted Alpha Therapy in Oncology: from Basic Science to Clinical Investigations

AbstractAlpha-emitters are radionuclides that decay through the emission of high linear energy transfer α-particles and possess favorable pharmacologic profiles for cancer treatment. When coupled with monoclonal antibodies, peptides, small molecules, or nanoparticles, the excellent cytotoxic capability of α-particle emissions has generated a strong interest in exploring targeted α-therapy in the pr e-clinical setting and more recently in clinical trials in oncology. Multiple obstacles have been overcome by researchers and clinicians to accelerate the development of targeted α-therapies, especially with the recent improvement in isotope production and purification, but also with the developmen t of innovative strategies for optimized targeting. Numerous studies have demonstrated the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of the targeted α-therapy. Radium-223 (223Ra) dichloride (Xofigo ®) is the first α-emitter to have received FDA approval for the treatment of prostate cancer with metastatic bone lesions. There is a significant increase in the number of clinical trials in oncology using several radionuclides such as Actinium-225 (225Ac), Bismuth-213 (213Bi), Lead-212 (212Pb), Astatine (211At) or Radium-223 (223Ra) assessing their safety and preliminary activity. This review will cover their therapeutic application as well as summarize the investigations that provide the foundation for further clinical development.
Source: Targeted Oncology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research