Radiopharmaceutical research to combat cancer
Tap into our knowledge now. It’s waiting for you.
With more than 70 years of experience in various nuclear fields, SCK CEN is a strong ally for partners active in the development of radiopharmaceuticals. Our focus is on all phases prior to clinical research. This includes:
- in vitro testing
- in-vivo and ex-vivo testing
- pharmacokinetic studies and radiotoxicology
- dosimetry
Our goal? To gather all the necessary data from preclinical studies and pass it on to pharmaceutical partners so that they can initiate the next phase - specifically phase 1 of clinical trials.
Get a headstart on your breakthrough project
SCK CEN is currently buzzing with activity. Multiple ongoing projects are continuously pushing the boundaries of medical research related to radiochemistry, radiobiology, radiopharmacy and dosimetry. Our experts are allocating their time and energy on the areas of research that we believe will have the biggest impact on society and bring greatest benefits to research partners.
SCK CEN’s expertise is constantly increasing – and with it, your ability to develop new, innovative treatments and get a flying start to your next breakthrough project.
Exploring a better tomorrow
In four critical areas, we are gaining ever deeper insights and answering all-important questions:
Radiochemistry
How are we going to produce the next generation of radiopharmaceuticals for cancer treatments? Our scientists are currently looking for ways to produce promising radioisotopes and to incorporate them in target-specific radiopharmaceuticals. Current research focuses on 177Lu, 161Tb, 225Ac, and generator-tech based radioisotopes.
Radiobiology
What are the (side) effects of radiopharmaceuticals in the body? We evaluate the interaction between radioisotopes, cancer and the body through pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. By studying the biological mechanisms underpinning the therapeutic and cytotoxic effects of radiopharmaceuticals, we can help you optimise the effectiveness of radiotherapy and minimise its side effects.
Radiopharmacy
Is my radiopharmaceutical a candidate for clinical trials? Since 2018, we have strong expertise in radiopharmaceuticals and the preparation of preclinical blueprints. These preclinical blueprints ensure that new treatments are carefully assessed for feasibility, safety and efficacy before being tested in clinical trials. With our expertise, we ensure a smooth transition from laboratory studies to clinical trials, which is essential for the success of innovative therapies.
Dosimetry
How is the dose of my radiopharmaceutical distributed in the body? We are improving our knowledge and quantification techniques to move from organ-based dosimetry to small-scale dosimetry, by determining the dose distributions on sub-organ level and even cellular/DNA level. By calculating the deposited energy (absorbed dose) on this scale, there is a new opportunity to predict and optimise the effectiveness and safety of treatments.