Using targeted alpha-emitter therapy to treat osteosarcoma in young patients
Official title: Alpha-Emitter Therapy of Osteosarcoma
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11093461 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to treat osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that mainly affects teens and young adults, by using a special therapy that targets cancer cells directly while protecting healthy tissue, and it's being done first in dogs to make sure it's safe and effective before trying it in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $666,045 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA285588-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093461 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 20 who are diagnosed with recurrent or metastatic osteosarcoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with osteosarcoma who are not within the age range of 12 to 20 or those who have not responded to previous treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new treatment approach for osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that primarily affects adolescents and young adults. The study focuses on using targeted alpha-particle radiopharmaceutical therapy, which aims to deliver radiation directly to cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. By utilizing an antibody that targets a specific receptor on osteosarcoma cells, the therapy seeks to improve treatment outcomes for patients who currently have limited options. The research will be conducted in a large animal model, specifically client-owned dogs, to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this innovative therapy before considering human trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective treatment option for young patients with osteosarcoma, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While targeted alpha-emitter therapy is a novel approach for osteosarcoma, similar targeted therapies have shown promise in other cancers, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sgouros, George — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Sgouros, George
Related research
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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.