In 2015 J-A-C-K were delighted to provide funding for a trial to be conducted at University College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The Trust has specific and specialised facilities and staff for using molecular radiotherapy in order to help treat Neuroblastoma.
JACK provided for a grant in order to employ a research scientist who could explore aspects of dosage, [‘dosimetry’], associated with the use of 177-Lutetium DOTATATE, (LuDO), involving children being treated for Neuroblastoma. In January 2016 Dr Matthew Aldridge was appointed to conduct the research. This trial followed funding for Dr Jenny Gains during the years 2010 – 2013 in relation to molecular radiotherapy for children with Neuroblastoma.
The current phase II a trial of 177 Lutetium DOTATATE in children with primary refractory or relapsed high risk Neuroblastoma seeks to implement and clarify understanding in relation to:
- Continued support of the trial
- Administration of 177 Lu-Dotatate to patients and practical aspects of data production.
- Accurate calculation of Dosimetry data, (tumour sites and organs at risk).
- Completion of relevant CRFs, (response assessment/ 123 I-mIBG scoring / administration details / dosimetry).
- Publication of dosimetry methodology
- Design of next trial incorporating 117 Lu-DOTATATE with 131 I-mIBG and radiosensitisers. Subject to regular review J-A-C-K will continue to support this trial throughout 2017/18.This process of molecular radiotherapy can help to destroy the cancer cells but it can have unwanted effects on healthy tissue. Dosimetry studies may help refine the ability to define an individual’s effective dosage. To align dosage with a patient’s cells characteristics may make it possible to optimise the effective properties of the deployment of the treatment and whilst minimising the prospect for unwanted secondary effects.
- In simple terms and considering the question, ‘why is it helpful to consider dosimetry when employing molecular radiotherapy?’ UCHL indicates. ‘Molecular radiotherapy employs delivery of radiation to malignant tissue via the interaction of a radiopharmaceutical with molecular sites and receptors’. Please see their website for more detailed comments: www.ucl.ac.uk/nuclearmedicine/research/researchabstracts/molecularradiotherapy.
