Gallium molecule makes new cancer treatments possible
A biomolecule loaded with radioactive gallium specifically targets cancer cells. The concept for this “Terminator of Radiation Medicine” originated from a Radeberg-based company that is working to improve the treatment and diagnosis of particularly aggressive cancer types.
Tumor cells are destroyed, healthy tissue is spared
“Ga-68-Trivehexin” is the name of the biomolecule loaded with a slightly radioactive gallium isotope. The molecule preferentially binds to a cell surface protein found on more than 80% of tumor cells in pancreatic, lung, esophageal, cervical, ovarian, breast, uterine, and head and neck cancers. The radiopharmaceutical first helps to visualize the tumor cells and then to destroy them. Healthy tissue is spared in the process.
Useful even with brain metastasis
Scientists at TU Dresden were able to demonstrate that this technology could also be useful in clinically challenging situations, such as the metastasis of cancer in the brain. Without gallium, this form of treatment would not be conceivable. We eagerly and hopefully await further exciting insights into this metal from materials research.