Promising Results for Alpha Particle Radiation Therapy

Rituximab is used to reduce the numbers of circulating B cells in patients who have B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).

A study published in the May 29, 2007, issue of the journal Blood reported that 227Th-rituximab killed lymphoma cells in vitro at low dosages in the Bq /ml range. A single injection of 227Th-rituximab induced complete tumor regression in up to 60% of nude mice bearing macroscopic human B-lymphoma xenografts at Bq/g levels without apparent toxicity. Therapy with 227Th-rituximab was significantly more effective than the control radioimmunoconjugate 227Th-trastuzumab, which does not bind CD20, and the standard beta-emitting radioimmunoconjugate for CD20-positive lymphoma, 90Y-tiuxetan-ibritumomab.

Dr. Thomas Ramdahl, president and CEO of Algeta said, "This important paper provides more evidence of the potential of alpha particle-based molecules for targeted cancer therapy. We are working with collaborators to validate our TH-1 technology and are looking for further partnering opportunities with companies that have interesting cancer-targeting molecules that would benefit from this approach.”


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Norwegian Radium Hospital