The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) has launched a pioneering clinical trial to explore a new treatment for metastatic prostate cancer, utilizing the radioactive isotope Actinium-225. This trial marks the first of its kind globally and represents a significant advancement in the treatment of this prevalent disease.
Dr. Ramy Saleh, Medical Oncologist at the MUHC’s Cedars Cancer Centre and Medical Director of Oncology at the Centre for Innovative Medicine at the RI-MUHC, expressed enthusiasm about the trial. “We are thrilled to test Actinium-225 and spearhead this global initiative. This trial is a testament to our team’s dedication to integrating the latest therapeutic advances for our patients,” he said.
The clinical study will assess the efficacy of Actinium-225 in targeting the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), prevalent in 80% of metastatic prostate cancer cases. This antigen is abundantly found in prostate tumor cells but is rarely present elsewhere in the body, making it an ideal target for this treatment. Actinium-225 connects to PSMA receptors, seeks out cancer cells, and delivers radiation to destroy their DNA, effectively killing the cancer cells.
The trial aims to determine the drug’s tolerability, how it interacts with tumors and healthy organs, and to establish the correct dosage for future research.
Dr. Saleh, who also serves as the Medical Director of the Phase 1 Research Unit at the CIM and Investigator in the Cancer Research Program at the RI-MUHC, highlighted the potential based on past clinical trials using similar PSMA-targeting drugs. “Previous trials have demonstrated a reduction in tumor burden and potentially improved prognosis with PSMA-targeted treatments. While the outcome of our current study remains to be seen, we are hopeful about its potential to enhance patient health,” he added.
Developed by POINT Biopharma, the treatment will be administered through intravenous injections to 50 patients diagnosed with metastatic castration-resistant or biochemically recurrent prostate cancer, who have not responded to standard treatments. The trial will test various doses and monitor patients over a five-year period to evaluate any side effects.
Dr. Louise Pilote, interim Director of the CIM and Deputy Director of the RI-MUHC, noted the significance of this trial for the institute. “This trial reaffirms RI-MUHC’s leadership in Canada’s clinical trial landscape, fostering collaboration between researchers and industry experts, and attracting leading pharmaceutical companies globally,” she stated.
Prostate cancer is a major health concern, affecting approximately one in eight Canadian men and being the third leading cause of cancer-related death among men, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.
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