Actinium 225: A Promising Isotope for Cancer Treatment

Scientists at Los Angeles National Laboratory (LANL) are increasing the production of the isotope actinium 225, a promising advancement in the treatment of prostate cancer and other malignancies. This isotope emits strong radiation that can damage cancer cells without causing significant harm to healthy ones. The production of actinium 225 was previously dependent on the slow decay of thorium, but now, significant efforts are being made to accelerate this process in order to meet the potential demand for cancer treatments.

Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment

Actinium 225 is a radioactive isotope with strong emissions that are potentially potent in the fight against prostate cancer. The Department of Energy created a program in 2015 to develop new, bigger batch production methods for actinium 225. This involved the collaboration of LANL, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Brookhaven National Laboratory. The isotope has a half-life of just under 10 days, which is enough time to reach the right cells without emitting too much radioactivity for too long.

Researchers have developed FDA approved treatments that can home in on a molecule on the surface of prostate cancer cells and deliver radiation to the problem area. This targeted alpha therapy has been used in around a dozen clinical trials, which have shown promising results in treating not just prostate cancer but also conditions such as leukemia, solid tumors, and carcinomas.

Increasing Demand and Supply

The initial development of a targeted alpha compound involving actinium 225 back in 2013 not only provided a new treatment option for prostate cancer but also demonstrated the potential of the technology for treatment of cancer in general. This has resulted in a significant rise in demand for actinium 225. The Department of Energy is now working to increase the supply to meet future needs.

In addition, companies such as ITM Isotope Technologies Munich are developing therapeutic candidates like ITM-22, which comprises of a tumor-targeting molecule conjugated to radioligand actinium-225. Similarly, Convergent Therapeutics is developing CONV 01-alpha, a radio-labeled humanized monoclonal antibody that targets prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). Both these drugs are showing promise in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Challenges in Production

While the potential of actinium 225 is clear, there are challenges to overcome. One of the main issues is the impurity with actinium 227, which requires further investigation. Nonetheless, the National Isotope Development Center is managing the distribution of actinium 225 for medical and other industrial uses, aiming to reduce dependency on foreign supply and ensure availability within the United States.

Looking Forward

Other isotopes, such as lutetium-177 and terbium 149, are also being used in cancer treatment therapies. SHINE Technologies, for instance, has signed a long-term supply agreement with Nucleus RadioPharma for the supply of lutetium-177. Terbium 149 is another radionuclide that shows potential for targeted alpha therapy.

The progress in isotope technology and the development of targeted alpha therapy are ushering in a new era in cancer treatment. The efforts to increase the production of actinium 225 and other isotopes are a testament to the potential of this technology in saving countless lives.