Measuring alpha-particle radiation doses to improve targeted treatment for children's neuroblastoma
Radiation dosimetry for alpha-particle radiopharmaceutical therapy and application to pediatric neuroblastoma
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11159448
This project develops better ways to measure how much alpha-particle radiation tumors and nearby tissues receive to help guide targeted treatment for children with high-risk neuroblastoma.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11159448 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team is studying how alpha-particle radiopharmaceuticals deposit energy in tumors and normal tissues so doctors can predict effects more accurately. They focus on a targeted drug called [211At]MM4 that binds PARP-1, a protein often high in neuroblastoma cells, and will use lab studies and animal models to track where the drug goes and how much radiation cells receive. The work includes detailed biodistribution measurements, dosimetry calculations, and biological-effect studies to link absorbed dose with damage. Findings aim to inform safer dosing and design of future clinical trials for children with neuroblastoma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal future candidates would be children with high-risk or relapsed neuroblastoma whose tumors express PARP-1 and who are eligible for radiopharmaceutical therapy trials.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not express PARP-1 or with conditions unrelated to neuroblastoma are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could make alpha-particle treatments for neuroblastoma safer and more effective by matching doses to where the radiation actually goes.
How similar studies have performed: Alpha-particle therapies like radium-223 have worked for other cancers (bone metastases), but applying [211At]MM4 to pediatric neuroblastoma is largely preclinical and fairly novel.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BERTOLET REINA, ALEJANDRO — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: BERTOLET REINA, ALEJANDRO
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 below.
Conditions: Anti-Cancer Agents