NEW YORK (Reuters Health), Jun 18 - The alpha particle-emitting radiopeptide 213 Bi-DOTA-PESIN is effective for treating prostate cancer in mice, according to research presented at the SNM's annual meeting in Toronto this week.
"Our study shows that this novel form of treatment has the potential to target and destroy cancer cells with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue," Dr. Damian Wild of University Hospital Basel in Switzerland and lead author of the study noted in a statement from the meeting.
"Alpha-particle emitting radiopeptides could treat cancers more effectively with fewer side effects than beta treatments," Dr. Peter Conti, past president of SNM, said at a press conference showcasing Wild's study.
Unlike beta particles, alpha particles kill cancer cells without damaging surrounding healthy tissue, the researchers explain.
In the study, mice with prostate cancer were injected with alpha-particle emitting 213 Bi-DOTA-PESIN or beta-emitting 177 Lu-DOTA-PESIN. A third group of mice received no treatment.
"Seventy percent of prostate cancer-bearing mice that received the maximum tolerated dose of 213 Bi-DOTA-PESIN showed a complete response to the treatment," Conti reported.
213 Bi-DOTA-PESIN radiotherapy was significantly more effective than beta therapy in the prostate cancer animal model, tripling the survival rate of the mice that received this therapy.
"The study also showed that the mice experienced minimal toxicity to the kidneys," Conti noted.
This alpha-emitting radiopeptide, the researchers conclude, could provide a new approach to treating prostate cancer as well as other types of cancer, such as breast cancer, that have an overabundance of gastrin-releasing peptide receptors.
Last Updated: 2009-06-17 16:38:32 -0400 (Reuters Health)
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