Preclinical research at SCK CEN
Are we cracking the code of radioligand therapy?
SCK CEN is not only a global player in the production of medical radioisotopes. We are also accelerating the development of radioligand therapy by conducting our own preclinical research. The aim of this research is to unravel the biological mechanisms behind radioligand therapy and to validate the precision and effectiveness of radiopharmaceuticals. This is vitally important, as this treatment can significantly improve the life expectancy and quality of life of cancer patients.
Focus on three types of cancer
Given the wide variety of cancers, we need to set priorities. We are focusing on types of cancer that will allow us to create the biggest social impact.
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Ovarian cancer
The silent killer
Ovarian cancer often shows vague symptoms and is usually not detected until an advanced stage. As a result, the five-year survival rate is only 50%.
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Colon cancer
Colon cancer is the most common cancer around the world. If detected late, the five-year survival rate is only 65%.
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Glioblastoma
Aggressive brain tumour
Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive brain tumour. The cancer often recurs and is invasive. The result is a bleak prognosis, with a median survival rate of 14.6 months.
All expertise under one roof
Radioligand therapy is promising, but complex. Biology, chemistry and physics all come together here in one complex puzzle. It therefore requires expertise from various fields to develop, improve and deploy the therapy on a wide scale. And this multidisciplinary expertise can be found under one roof at SCK CEN. Since its inception, researchers have developed in-depth knowledge in various nuclear fields.
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Biotechnology
We design biological carrier molecules and study how our microbiome – the micro-organisms in our intestines – influences the response to therapy. In this way, we want to ensure that the treatment works better and spares healthy tissue as much as possible.
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Radiochemistry
Radiochemistry is one of our core competencies. We draw on this expertise to produce pure radioisotopes and recycle useful raw materials in the production process.
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Radiobiology
We have extensive expertise in understanding the effects of radiation on the human body. This knowledge is essential for innovation in radioligand therapy.
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Radiopharmacy
We are experts in drawing up preclinical blueprints. These blueprints ensure that new treatments are carefully assessed for feasibility, safety and effectiveness before being tested in clinical studies.
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Dosimetry & metrology
We have leading expertise in measuring, calculating and translating radiation doses to organ level. We also provide support in accurately calibrating equipment so that patients receive exactly the right dose.
With our multidisciplinary expertise, we can guide others through all phases of preclinical research:
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We design carrier molecules that easily bind to a radioisotope and specifically recognise cancer cells. For this, we use small protein fragments (peptides) or chemically designed structures, depending on what we need to reach.
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We attach these molecules to a radioisotope using a kind of 'trailer' (the chelator). This is called radiolabelling. The main objective here is to test whether the carrier molecule delivers everything to the tumour and that the 'trailer' does not lose its load along the way.
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In the laboratory, we study how well the cancer cells absorb the radioisotope. We analyse how the cells respond and look at DNA damage and cell death.
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We examine how radiopharmaceuticals behave in the body: how are they absorbed, distributed, broken down and excreted?
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We measure how much radiation different organs and tissues are exposed to. The aim is to refine the therapeutic effect, optimise safety and limit radiotoxicity in other organs.
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We evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment, also in combination with other cancer treatments. We determine the optimal dose with the aim of minimising side effects and maximising survival rates.
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After the preclinical phase, we prepare for the transition to clinical phase 1. Safety is paramount in this phase. We draw on our expertise in dosimetry and radiobiology to determine the correct dosages, use realistic models and carefully assess potential risks to patients.
What components do you need for radiopharmaceuticals?
Radiopharmaceuticals consist of three essential components:
- a radioisotope to irradiate the cancer cell
- a carrier molecule to reach the cancer
- a chelator to connect the first two components
In our preclinical research, we study how these three components interact with tumours.
SCK CEN is both a producer and a developer
We are accelerating the development of radioligand therapy, but access to radioisotopes is crucial in this regard. Thanks to its BR2 research reactor, SCK CEN plays an indispensable role in the production of medical radioisotopes worldwide: a role that we will strengthen with the arrival of CRF.
Would you like to find out more?