Tumorad

Tumor selectivity – with potential to be used in several types of cancer, and multiple tumors or metastases simultaneously Local radiation of tumors and reduced side effects by minimizing radiation to non-tumor tissue

In the development project Tumorad, nanoparticles are loaded with radionuclides (radioactive isotopes) and thereby allow for internal radiotherapy, so called radionuclide therapy. Like SpagoPix, the Tumorad nanomaterial is designed to utilize the EPR-effect to achieve tumor selectivity, that is, a higher concentration of nanomaterial in tumors than in healthy tissues.

Surgery is the standard treatment for primary solid tumors. In cases where surgery alone is not curative, e.g. because of remaining microscopic disease which leads to cancer recurrence, alternative treatments such as external beam radiation, chemotherapy or immunotherapy, are used. Although these treatments are often successful initially, resistant cells with potential to grow secondary tumors are frequently left after treatment, leading to worsened prognosis for the patient. Treatment resistance is a significant challenge in cancer care, and there is a clear clinical need of novel treatment options.

Spago Nanomedical’s Tumorad-particles are loaded with radioactive isotopes and thereby enable internal radiation treatment, so called radionuclide therapy. The advantage of radionuclide therapy over external beam radiation treatment is the possibility to selectively deliver the radioactive substance to tumors and thereby irradiate several soft tissue tumors or metastases simultaneously. The mechanism of action for Tumorad is based on passive accumulation according to the EPR-effect, and Tumorad is thereby applicable in several tumor types. Since the radionuclide is locally accumulated in tumors, a lower total radiation dose is needed to achieve a therapeutic effect. Furthermore, radiation to non-tumor tissue can be minimized. Thus, Tumorad enables for an advantageous balance between efficacy and adverse effects, allowing for the cancer to be treated with minimal effects on the quality of life of the patient.