Early phase 211At-MIBG trials for children with neuroblastoma and adults with neuroendocrine cancers
Official title: Early phase clinical trials of 211At-meta-astatobenzylguanidine for children with neuroblastoma and adults with advanced neuroendocrine cancers
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11336905 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A phase 1/2 study tests a new radioactive therapy (211At-MIBG) for kids with neuroblastoma and adults with advanced neuroendocrine cancers to see if it can improve tumor control with acceptable safety.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $679,710 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA300202-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11336905 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children with relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma and adults with advanced pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma or other neuroendocrine cancers who express NET and can tolerate radiopharmaceutical therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not uptake MIBG or who have contraindications to radiopharmaceutical therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on using a targeted radiopharmaceutical that relies on the norepinephrine transporter to deliver radiation directly to cancer cells. It builds on the approved MIBG approach but replaces iodine with astatine-211 to potentially increase tumor-killing energy while aiming to limit toxicity. Researchers will enroll patients across pediatric and adult populations with neuroblastoma or pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma and assess safety, dosing, and preliminary efficacy. The study leverages imaging and clinical monitoring to understand biodistribution, uptake in tumors, and possible marrow involvement. The goal is to determine whether this radiopharmaceutical can achieve better responses with manageable side effects compared with current therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience better tumor control and potentially longer survival with a therapy that targets cancer cells more effectively.
How similar studies have gone: Prior MIBG uses have shown activity in NB/PPGL, with 131I-MIBG approved for therapy; 211At may offer improved efficacy, making this a promising but exploratory step.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Narayan, Vivek — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Narayan, Vivek
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.