Using targeted alpha-emitter therapy to treat osteosarcoma in young patients

Alpha-Emitter Therapy of Osteosarcoma

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11093461

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11093461 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 20 who are diagnosed with recurrent or metastatic osteosarcoma.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.