Key Takeaways
- Haswitha Sabbineni is researching a targeted prostate cancer treatment using rhenium-188 (Re-188) from a new generator built at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
- ORNL has resumed producing Re-188 generators, enhancing domestic supply chains for medical isotopes.
- Preliminary results from mouse models show promise for Re-188 in treating prostate cancer without harming surrounding healthy tissues.
Researching Targeted Treatments
Haswitha Sabbineni, a graduate student at Vanderbilt University, is advancing a targeted treatment approach for prostate cancer by utilizing rhenium-188 (Re-188), an isotope capable of treating various cancers. To acquire the required radioactive perrhenate for her research, she collaborated with the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), known for its specialized isotope production.
This research builds on the foundational work of her mentor Nancy Carrasco and colleague Alejandro Llorente-Esteban, who have previously developed a sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) molecule that effectively delivers radioactive treatments to thyroid cancer cells. Sabbineni is keen to explore if this approach could be adapted to treat prostate cancer.
To facilitate her research, ORNL produces tungsten-188 (W-188), which decays to yield Re-188. Although the facility last manufactured a tungsten-rhenium generator in 2011, Becca Hoerres, a radiochemist at ORNL, has taken on the challenge to modernize and revive this technology after joining the lab.
Re-188 is already effective for treating nonmelanoma skin cancers, and ongoing research aims to broaden its applications across various cancer types. ORNL’s collaboration with industry facilitates the distribution of W-188 to enhance medical isotope availability.
Hoerres has modified the generator’s design, improving its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This new version is easier to ship globally, allowing wider access to U.S.-produced medical isotopes. The design is user-friendly for researchers and clinicians, enabling them to focus on their studies rather than complex technical processes.
While continuing her work at ORNL, Hoerres has engaged in scaling up production to meet the growing demand for Re-188 generators. This resurgence may allow researchers to explore further applications of Re-188 domestically, decreasing reliance on foreign sources.
Research Utilizing the Updated Generators
The initial users of the updated generators are Sabbineni and Carrasco, who aim to leverage their extended experience in thyroid cancer treatments for prostate cancer studies. Historically, thyroid cancer has seen significant treatment success through radioiodide therapy. The approach of employing NIS for gene transfer continues to open avenues for broader cancer treatment.
Using nanoparticles called polyplexes, Sabbineni aims to target prostate tumors by delivering Re-188 through the engineered NIS molecule. Initial experiments with mice demonstrated that intravenous injections of Re-188 effectively destroyed tumors, showing minimal side effects on adjacent healthy tissues.
With encouraging preliminary outcomes, the generator received by the researchers allows for ongoing studies to refine their methods. If successful, this could lead to expanded clinical trials and further applications for Re-188 in treating other cancers.
Hoerres expresses excitement about the impacts that developing and distributing these generators could have on cancer research. With ORNL set to revive its production, radiopharmaceutical researchers are optimistic about exploring new opportunities with Re-188, fundamentally enhancing treatment options available in clinical settings.
Overall, this collaboration illustrates a significant advance in cancer treatment research, highlighting the potential of U.S.-manufactured isotopes to contribute to effective medical solutions.
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