Imagine a future where cutting-edge cancer treatments are developed and tested right on a university campus, offering new hope to patients. That future is here, and it's happening at the University of Missouri. In a groundbreaking move, the University of Missouri has launched its first on-campus radiopharmaceutical clinical trial, marking a significant milestone in the fight against cancer. But here's where it gets even more exciting: this trial is not just about treating cancer; it's about showcasing the university's unparalleled research capabilities, from development to human testing, all under one roof.
The School of Medicine and MU Health Care, in collaboration with ABK Biomedical, have enrolled their first patient in a clinical trial using Eye90 microspheres®, a revolutionary therapy manufactured on campus at the university's research reactor. Treatment began on February 9 at MU Health Care's Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, signaling a major step forward in Mizzou's expansion into radiopharmaceutical clinical trials, supported by the NextGen Precision Health initiative.
This trial is a big deal for Mizzou, as it highlights the university's unique strengths. With the nation's largest university research reactor and state-of-the-art facilities in veterinary medicine, the School of Medicine, and NextGen Precision Health, Mizzou is a powerhouse in research and innovation. As University President Mun Choi puts it, 'This allows our faculty and researchers to partner with industry to develop and test groundbreaking treatments and get them to patients faster, all from one campus.'
But what exactly are Eye90 microspheres, and why are they so special? These tiny radiopaque glass beads are embedded with yttrium-90 (Y-90), a radioisotope used to treat unresectable liver tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic colorectal cancer. Here's the controversial part: the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) is the only domestic source of Y-90, giving Mizzou a unique edge in this field. This exclusivity raises questions about accessibility and collaboration—should such critical resources be centralized, or is there a need for more decentralized production?
Ryan Davis, associate professor of clinical radiology and on-site study coordinator, emphasizes the trial's importance: 'Studies like this provide early availability of therapies for our patients and continue our leadership in translational research. We are excited to be part of this study because we recognize the growing significance of targeted radiotherapy for metastatic tumors.' What sets Eye90 apart is its precision. Designed for accurate visualization during delivery, it allows interventional radiologists and oncologists to target liver tumors with localized radiation therapy, potentially improving efficacy while sparing healthy tissue.
But here's the part most people miss: Mizzou's role in this field isn't new. Since the 1980s, the university has been a pioneer in developing and producing glass microspheres for Y-90 therapy. The first microsphere treatment, TheraSphere, was born from a collaboration between Delbert Day of Missouri University of Science & Technology and Gary Ehrhardt of MURR. TheraSphere received full FDA approval in 2021, and MURR remains the sole U.S. producer. This history underscores Mizzou's long-standing commitment to innovation in nuclear medicine.
For the Eye90 project, ABK Biomedical partnered with MURR to irradiate and process the microspheres on-site, ensuring a reliable supply for preclinical and clinical trials. Mizzou researchers also conducted the critical effectiveness and safety studies that paved the way for the human clinical trial. Jeffrey Bryan, professor of oncology in Mizzou's College of Veterinary Medicine, led initial small animal model studies and a clinical trial in dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma, demonstrating the treatment's potential.
Looking ahead, this trial is part of a broader effort to evaluate Eye90's safety and effectiveness in patients with unresectable liver tumors. The study involves a single administration of the microspheres, followed by a year-long monitoring period to assess tumor response and quality of life. ABK Biomedical has already initiated similar studies, with the first patient treated at Auckland Hospital in New Zealand, aiming to gather data for regulatory approvals and wider clinical adoption.
So, here's the question for you: As Mizzou continues to lead in radiopharmaceutical research, how can we ensure that these innovative treatments become accessible to all patients, regardless of location or resources? Share your thoughts in the comments—let's spark a conversation about the future of cancer care.
