Basic principles of Alpha Radiotherapy
A Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT) drug consists in an alpha particle emitting radionuclide (i.e Ac-225, Pb-212, At-211) coupled to a carrier molecule, such as an antibody, a peptide, a small molecule or an ADC. The emitted Alpha particles are a type of ionizing radiation with high linear energy transfer (LET) deposited within a short range of tissue, making them effective in single cell killing level while triggering a prominent abscopal effect. The carrier molecules have the ability to selectively target tumor cells following systemic administration.
Current advancements or new technologies in drug discovery use alpha-emitting radionuclides in the development of radioligand therapy (RLT) agents dedicated to TAT. Radiolabeled compounds with alpha-emitting radionuclides could potentially enhance the precision of drug delivery and improve the therapeutic efficacy for certain existing drugs.
Specific biomarkers present in a patient’s tumor can be identified by diagnostic tests such as pharmaco-imaging tools where the biomarker is conjugated to a γ (gamma) or β+(positron) emitter radionuclide (SPECT or PET scan, respectively).
The same biomarkers, can be used for personalized treatment when a β– (beta), α (alpha) or auger emitter radionuclide is conjugated and we can provide a personalized targeted treatments options (I.e radioimmunotherapies, molecular targeted therapies) relevant to the molecular properties of the tumor.
Moreover, we can monitor the response to treatment using the imaging theranostic counterpart allowing for timely adjustments to the therapeutic scheme, if necessary.
Through our bioconjugation and radiochemistry platform, a wide range of alpha, beta and gamma emitter isotopes are supported. The molecular imaging platform primarily uses PET and SPECT as modalities.
