Althera Medical will conduct a human study of its alpha radiation treatment for head and neck, colon, pancreatic, sarcoma, brain, melanoma, and lung cancers.
Benjamin Corn, MD, chairman of radiation oncology at the Sourasky Medical Center in Israel and Althera's chief medical officer, and Aron Popovtzer, MD, chief of the head and neck tumor service at Beilinson Hospital, also in Israel, will lead the study, according to the company.
Alpha radiation causes double-stranded DNA breaks, hindering cancer cells from repairing themselves and reducing the possibility of radiation-resistance in tumors.
Althera's approach delivers alpha radiation using tiny needles called DaRT (diffusing alpha-emitters radiation therapy) that is expected to have minimal side effects, according to the company. It is also expected to be more effective, affordable, and easier to administer than traditional radiation therapy; it does not require heavy equipment, specially shielded rooms, or lead vests, and the entire dosage can be delivered in a single session.
Althera is now trying to get regulatory approval to treat recurrent head and neck cancer.
