Destroying cancer cells with radioactivity
UiT.no: When conventional cancer treatments are no longer effective, radioactivity may in the future offer a life-saving alternative. This is particularly good news for patients whose cancer has spread.
The THERACAN project at UiT The Arctic University of Norway and the University Hospital of North Norway (UNN) is developing a new and highly targeted form of cancer treatment using radioactive molecules. The approach combines PET imaging to locate cancer cells with radioactive substances designed to deliver radiation directly to the same cells, while limiting damage to healthy tissue.
The treatment could be particularly important for patients with metastatic cancer who no longer respond to chemotherapy, conventional radiotherapy or immunotherapy. Researchers in Tromsø have worked on the technology since 2019 and expect to begin clinical trials in humans within the next few years. The project builds on the advanced expertise and infrastructure at the PET Imaging Center in Tromsø and is supported by major investments from Trond Mohn, the Tromsø Research Foundation and the Norwegian Cancer Society.