Cancer Detection offers New Hope
A pioneering radioactive treatment is showing remarkable results in reducing glioblastoma, a highly aggressive form of brain cancer known for its low survival rates. This experimental approach, developed and trialed by University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH), has shown significant early success, shrinking one participant’s tumor by half in only a few weeks.
About Glioblastoma and the New Approach
Glioblastoma is notorious for its fast growth and poor prognosis, with only 25 percent of patients surviving beyond a year after diagnosis, and less than five percent reaching five years. Unlike conventional treatments, which often have limited effectiveness, this trial focusses on delivering targeted radioactivity directly into the tumour.
How the Therapy Works
The innovative treatment uses a small device called an Ommaya reservoir, surgically placed under the patient’s scalp and connected directly to the tumour. Through this reservoir, doctors administer a drug labelled with iodine-123, a radioactive compound that specifically targets cancer cells while minimising impact on surrounding healthy tissue. The drug, ATT001, is a PARP inhibitor, which is given weekly over four to six weeks to intensify its effect on the tumor.
Dr. Paul Mulholland, UCLH consultant and lead investigator of the study, shared that initial results have been “remarkable,” with the first patient experiencing a 50 percent reduction in tumour size. This early success points toward the potential for highly targeted therapies to manage or even reduce aggressive tumours like glioblastoma.
Expanding the Trial and Future Prospects
Currently in its first phase, this trial involves a single patient, but plans are underway to increase patient enrolment and gradually raise the radiation dosage. The research team intends to expand treatment to as many as 40 patients and explore combining this therapy with immunotherapy to further enhance outcomes.
This study, sponsored by Ariceum Therapeutics, represents a hopeful step forward in glioblastoma treatment, offering a new avenue for patients facing limited options. Early findings from this trial underscore the potential of targeted radioactive therapies in treating complex cancers, paving the way for more personalised and effective treatment approaches in the future.
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Delayed Cancer Diagnosis and Compensation
Recent advancements in cancer detection are providing earlier, more accurate diagnoses, improving survival rates and patient outcomes significantly. These technologies, such as advanced imaging and biomarker testing, allow many cancers to be identified at much earlier stages than was previously possible. Early detection is critical, especially for aggressive cancers like glioblastoma, where prompt treatment can make a substantial difference.
But things can go wrong. The treating doctors may miss vital signs causing the cancer to progress. If you or a loved one have experienced a delayed diagnosis of cancer, leading to more extensive treatment or impacting the chances of successful recovery, you may be entitled to compensation. Our team can provide guidance and support to help you understand your rights and pursue a claim.
Further Reading on Missed Cancer Diagnosis
