EU research develops cancer-killing isotopes
The latest results from EU research trials indicate that alpha-emitting radioisotopes may be a useful weapon in the fight against cancer. Preliminary clinical trials carried out by researchers at the European Commission's Joint Research Centre in Karslruhe, Germany and the German Cancer Research Centre in Heidelberg, show that alpha-emitting radioisotopes can kill cancer cells. This may be useful in combating cancers such as leukaemia, ovarian cancer and skin cancer. The Commission says the findings show that alpha-immunotherapy has the potential to develop into an effective treatment over the next few years and find new methods of healing patients. The work was funded with a 1.4 million euro contribution from the European Commission, under the 'Treatment of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma' project which began in January 1999 and will end this month. 'More research is needed, but experts tell us that the results from pre-clinical and first clinical trials are promising,' said Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin. 'Multi-disciplinary cooperation between Europe's best teams is needed to advance this innovative approach. Cancer is a key priority in the EU's next research programme [FP6], to be launched later this year.' The cancer-killing mechanism works by connecting a vehicle which targets cancer cells, such as a monoclonal antibody or a peptide, to a powerful radioactive isotope. As it decays, the isotopes emit particles that kill any cancer cells they encounter. More than 1 billion euro is earmarked for fighting major diseases under the European Commission's Sixth Framework programme for research and development, of which 400 million euro should go towards cancer research.