Radiopharm’s RAD 101 Shows Promise in Detecting Brain Metastases

New Imaging Breakthrough Targets Growing Brain Metastases Challenge

Brain metastases are becoming increasingly prevalent due to improved cancer treatments extending patient survival. However, accurate detection remains a major clinical challenge. A new study highlights promising results for Radiopharm Theranostics’ (ASX:RAD, NASDAQ: RADX) novel imaging agent, RAD 101 (18F-Pivalate), in detecting brain metastases with high precision.

Executive Insights: A Step Forward in Cancer Imaging

“This is the first clinical study with 18F-RAD101 PET-mpMRI that demonstrates potentially more sensitive detection of brain metastases compared to the current standard of care,” said Riccardo Canevari, CEO and Managing Director of Radiopharm Theranostics. “It offers strong potential to improve diagnostic accuracy for suspected recurrent brain metastases.”

Clinical Study Shows High Detection Accuracy 

A recently published clinical study in the European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging explored the imaging performance of RAD 101 in 22 patients. The study combined Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (mpMRI) to assess tumour visibility.

Crucially, the study found that RAD 101 successfully detected all brain metastases, regardless of prior radiotherapy or the tumour’s origin. It also demonstrated a high tumour-to-background ratio, making it a strong candidate for improved brain metastases imaging.

How RAD 101 Works: Targeting Fatty Acid Metabolism

Unlike traditional imaging methods that rely on glucose metabolism, RAD 101 works by targeting fatty acid metabolism, which is often elevated in cancerous cells. This unique mechanism allows for more precise identification of metastatic tumours in the brain.

“Our work affirms the understanding of how cancers of diverse origins utilize simple short-chain fatty acids,” said Dr. Eric Aboagye, lead inventor of RAD 101 and co-author of the study. “18F-RAD101 PET provides opportunities to improve detection while also opening doors for future therapeutic applications.”

Phase 2b Trial Now Recruiting in the U.S.

Building on these promising findings, Radiopharm Theranostics is currently recruiting patients for a Phase 2b clinical trial in the United States. The study aims to further evaluate the diagnostic performance of RAD 101 in individuals with suspected recurrent brain metastases from solid tumours.

A Market Opportunity in Precision Oncology

With intracranial metastases occurring four times more frequently than primary brain tumours, the demand for accurate detection tools is growing. Current methods, such as Contrast-Enhanced MRI, have limitations in distinguishing between treatment effects and disease progression. The introduction of RAD 101 PET-mpMRI could enhance diagnostic accuracy and offer clinicians a powerful new tool in managing brain metastases.

Radiopharm Theranostics remains focused on expanding its radiopharmaceutical pipeline, with ongoing trials targeting various cancers, including lung, breast, and pancreatic tumours. As the company advances its clinical programs, RAD 101 stands out as a potential game-changer in the detection and management of brain metastases.

With recruitment for the Phase 2b trial underway, investors and the medical community will be closely watching how this technology develops in the coming months.

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Gracen Moore

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