Astatine-211: Pioneering Nuclear Solutions in Cancer Treatment

Astatine-211 (At-211) is emerging as a groundbreaking element in the fight against cancer, thanks to innovative advances made by researchers at Texas A&M University. The rare and highly unstable element, which naturally occurs in minimal quantities on Earth and has a short half-life of 7.2 hours, has historically been difficult to produce and handle. However, using specialized cyclotron beams and novel chemical techniques, Texas A&M scientists have developed a new method to produce, separate, and ship At-211 efficiently.

This isotope is considered a 'perfect' or 'goldilocks' candidate for targeted alpha therapy due to its ability to deliver potent radiation doses directly to cancer cells with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue. When At-211 decays, it emits alpha particles—helium nuclei—that are highly effective in destroying cancer cells within a very short travel range, thereby enabling precise treatment with fewer side effects.

Currently produced in-house at the Texas A&M Cyclotron Institute using the K150 cyclotron and supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, At-211 shows promise in treating blood cancers, ovarian cancer, and certain brain cancers. Texas A&M is among the few U.S. centers capable of routinely manufacturing this isotope in quantities relevant for medical use, actively supplying it for clinical and research purposes through the National Isotope Development Center.

A major breakthrough is the development of an automated system for separating and shipping At-211. This patent-pending technology allows for quicker purification from the target material, enabling larger shipments with less radioactive decay, and facilitating broader access for clinical research. Texas A&M has already been able to deliver significant quantities to collaborators and prestigious cancer centers like MD Anderson.

Expertise at Texas A&M also extends to collaborative efforts such as the 'Texas Two-Step' presentation, focusing on the chemical and medical progress of At-211, and participation in international symposiums. Despite early-stage clinical trials and ongoing research worldwide, challenges remain mainly in ramping up production and distribution.

Moving forward, the research community is optimistic that these technological advancements will help unlock the full potential of At-211 in nuclear medicine, offering a powerful new weapon in cancer therapy and beyond, including exploratory uses in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. The ongoing efforts at Texas A&M are poised to significantly influence the future landscape of targeted radiotherapy.

[source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-astatine-nuclear-cancer.html]