1st patient dosed with new radiopharmaceutical targeting cancer bone pain
A clinical trial testing new radiopharmaceuticals for treating pain stemming from bone metastases has officially dosed its first patient.
Melbourne, Australia-based Telix announced the first human subject for its therapeutic TLX090 (153Samarium (Sm)-DOTMP) on Wednesday. TLX090 was developed to deliver targeted radiation to bone tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.
The radiopharmaceutical is currently being tested in Phase 1 of the SOLACE (Samarium Optimized for Long-lasting Analgesia in Cancerous End-stage bone pain) clinical trial. Researchers intend to test up to 33 patients with bone metastases to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, dosimetry, safety and efficacy of a single dose of the drug.
Researchers hope the treatment can fill care gaps in pain cancer pain management. Current options rely heavily on opioids, which come with significant drawbacks, including long-term dependency. TLX090 may offer a more potent, cost-effective alternative that will provide long-lasting (potentially 3-4 months) relief.
Julio A. Peguero, MD, medical director of research at Oncology Consultants, which is assisting with the trial, expressed optimism about commercialization of TLX090.
“We are proud to support the SOLACE trial, which brings new hope to patients living with metastatic bone pain. Existing treatments often fall short—whether through limited effectiveness, incomplete pain relief, or burdensome side effects,” Peguero said in a statement. “TLX090 offers the potential for a better tolerated and more effective approach to pain management, with the goal of meaningfully improving patients’ quality of life.”
Telix Group Chief Medical Officer David N. Cade, MD, also commented, referring to the research as “a major clinical opportunity.”
“Even with the introduction of new treatments, including targeted radiation therapy, most metastatic cancer patients will eventually progress and need treatment for bone pain. TLX090 has the potential to bridge cancer treatment and quality-of-life care by offering a single-dose, systemic option for these patients addressing the significant unmet need across multiple cancer types,” Cade said. “This presents a major clinical opportunity, aligned with our commitment to prostate cancer, and a potential commercial entry point into the therapeutic market."
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In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She began covering the medical imaging industry for Innovate Healthcare in 2021.