image: Dr. David Laidley, Researcher at London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI) and Nuclear Oncologist at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC).
Credit: London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI)
LONDON, ON – A team at London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI) is the first in Canada to treat a patient with neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) – a rare form of cancer – using a radioisotope (an atom that releases radiation) called actinium-225 DOTATATE. The treatment is a type of therapy called theranostics, which combines advanced diagnostic imaging technologies and radioisotopes to precisely locate tumours and then eradicate them by releasing radioactive energy.
The treatment, called actinium-225 DOTATATE therapy, is being offered as part of an international clinical trial that is assessing whether this specific isotope can treat NETs and enhance patient outcomes. LHSC is one of only three centres in Canada where patients are participating in the trial.
The trial will compare actinium-225 DOTATATE to standard-of-care therapies (called everolimus, Sutent or increased somatostatin therapy) in patients who have progressed in the disease following conventional therapy with lutieum-177 DOTATATE. The study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of actinium-225 DOTATATE which uses a more potent form of radiation called alpha particles. These alpha particles are highly energetic and deposit much of their energy within a short distance, making them potentially highly suited to destroying cancer cells.
“Introducing a new treatment option to patients is a big win in the fight against cancer,” said Dr. David Laidley, Researcher at LHSCRI and Nuclear Oncologist at LHSC. “While the study is still in its early phase and requires more assessment, we’re seeing patients tolerate the therapy well with little to no side effects and we are hopeful this treatment may extend patients’ quality of life and life expectancy.”
Neuroendocrine tumours are rare and occur in endocrine cells that help regulate functions in the body like growth, metabolism and reproduction. They can be found anywhere in the body, but the most common places are in the small bowel, pancreas, and lungs. Depending on the stage of cancer and progression, some patients have exhausted all their cancer treatment options. With actinium-225 DOTATATE, patients could have a new form of treatment.
“Given the significant clinical need for new therapies in the treatment of patients with progressive NETs, LHSCRI has been extremely active in recruiting patients to the research trial,” said Dr. Laidley. “It’s our hope that we can show the treatment to be effective in improving patient outcomes.”
The study is estimated to be complete in 2026. There are currently five patients from across Ontario participating in this trial at LHSCRI and more are being recruited.
While the team is studying actinium-225 DOTATATE for neuroendocrine tumours, they also see potential for using this form of therapy to treat other cancers like prostate cancer, breast cancer and lymphoma. The team is also exploring several other multicentre trials that will evaluate novel theranostic therapies.
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About London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute: At London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI), our teams pioneer discoveries that transform the health of adult and paediatric patients around the world. As the research institute of London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), we conduct research where patient care is delivered, working alongside patients, families, health-care providers and academic partners like Western University. We are leaders in advancing the understanding, diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases and health conditions through a diverse research program that ranges from laboratory-based science to clinical trials. Our research has a global impact as we build on LHSC’s 150-year legacy of health innovation and drive forward medical breakthroughs that make a difference in the lives of patients and their families. Find us online at www.lhscri.ca and on social media @LHSCRI.
For more information, please contact:
Celine Zadorsky
Senior Media Relations Consultant
Communications & Public Engagement
T: 519-685-8500 ext. 73502
celine.zadorsky@lhsc.on.ca
Subject of Research
People