Innovative Internal Radiation Clinical Trial for Kidney Cancer Treatment
A groundbreaking Phase II clinical trial is exploring internal radiation therapy for kidney cancer, utilizing tiny radioactive beads to target tumors directly and improve treatment outcomes for inoperable cases.
Researchers at the London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute have initiated a Phase II clinical trial exploring a novel approach to treating renal cell carcinoma, commonly known as kidney cancer. This innovative method involves inserting tiny, radioactive beads directly into the blood vessels surrounding the tumor, aiming to deliver targeted internal radiation therapy. The goal is to improve treatment outcomes, especially for patients who are ineligible for surgery due to age or other health conditions.
Kidney cancer develops when kidney cells become malignantly abnormal, with approximately 9,000 new cases diagnosed in Canada in 2024. Traditionally, if contained within the kidney, the cancer can be surgically removed, but this option isn't feasible for all patients. For those unable to undergo surgery, options are limited because kidney cancer often exhibits resistance to chemotherapy and external radiation.
The trial employs TheraSphere Glass Microspheres, produced by Boston Scientific, which contain radioactive Yttrium (Y-90). These beads are proven effective in treating liver cancer and are now being investigated for effectiveness against kidney tumors. The advantage of this internal radiation approach is the potential to deliver about ten times the radiation dose compared to external radiotherapy, directly targeting cancer cells while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissue.
Dr. Derek Cool from LHSCRI explains that this method aims to destroy cancer cells more efficiently by focusing radiation inside the tumor. Preserving kidney function is crucial, as the kidneys play an essential role in filtering toxins through blood, and avoiding kidney failure remains a priority.
The study involves up to 16 patients who have localized kidney cancer and are not suitable candidates for surgery. Researchers will evaluate tumor size reduction and disease progression to determine the treatment's effectiveness. Positive outcomes could lead to larger, multicenter trials, further advancing kidney cancer care.
Overall, this research represents a significant step toward more targeted, less invasive treatments for kidney cancer, with the potential to improve patient survival and quality of life.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-clinical-trial-kidney-cancer-internal.html
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