In a small study reported in JAMA Network Open, D’Andrea et al found that diffusing alpha-emitter radiation therapy—a novel solid tumor management strategy using alpha-particle interstitial brachytherapy—appeared to be safe and showed activity in patients with recurrent or unresectable skin cancers. The study included 10 patients with tumors located on the nose, chin, eyelid, scalp, neck, trunk, and extremities who underwent a 2- to 3-week treatment course and were followed for 24 weeks after treatment in 2021 and 2022 at two U.S. sites. An implanted diffusing alpha-emitter radiation therapy device was used to deliver a physical dose of 10 Gy to the tumor; devices were removed after 2 to 3 weeks. Median tumor volume prior to treatment was 2.1 cm3. All 10 patients were successfully treated with diffusing alpha-emitter radiation therapy. At 12 weeks after treatment, complete response was observed in all 10 patients (100%) at the site of device implant. Computed tomography at 24 weeks post-treatment showed no evidence of recurrent disease in any of the patients. The mean prescription dose coverage of the gross tumor volume was 91%, with all tumors having coverage of ≥ 85%. The median duration of diffusing alpha-emitter radiation therapy was 15 days. Overall, nine adverse events related to procedure/treatment were observed, with no grade ≥ 3 adverse events reported.
June 01, 2023