GlioblastomaNCT07488754
Local, Targeted Therapy With Alpha Emitter [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP (TAT) In Newly Diagnosed Glioma (WHO G3-G4)
A study testing Radiation: Local, targeted therapy with alpha emitter [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP (TAT) in people with Glioblastoma and High-Grade Glioma (WHO III-IV), run by Medical University of Warsaw at 2 sites in Poland.
Trial summary
Brain tumors account for 1.35% of all cancers and cause 2.2% of cancer-related deaths. Gliomas are the most common type, comprising 40-90% of central nervous system tumors in different age groups. The incidence of malignant gliomas is approximately 0.5-2 per 100,000 people annually. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 80 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Glioblastoma, High-Grade Glioma (WHO III-IV), Glioblastoma (GBM)
- What is being tested?
- Radiation: Local, targeted therapy with alpha emitter [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP (TAT)
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 35 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesPoland
- Study dates
- 1 Oct 2025to Sep 2028
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 80 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- age 18-80;
- histologically confirmed diffuse glioma (CNS WHO G3-G4);
- after standard treatment with biopsy or resection, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy;
- no sign of progression or radiation necrosis;
- functional state >70 according to Karnofsky's performance scale (KPS);
- ability to give informed consent to participate in the study.
Who cannot join
- low-grade glioma;
- progression or recurrence defined as: deterioration of the patient's condition according to the Karnofsky Performance Scale, worsening of neurological function, progressive neurological deficit, need to initiate or increase corticosteroid dose by >50%, progression or recurrence assessed on MRI (RANO criteria);
- radiation-induced necrosis secondary to radiotherapy; may occur within the first 3 months after radiotherapy (exception: a patient after resection of radiation necrosis - not earlier than 4 weeks post-surgery, after a follow-up MRI);
- need for emergency surgery (e.g., acute increase in intracranial pressure);
- significant postoperative complications, e.g., KPS < 70, wound infection, cerebrospinal fluid leak;
- leak into the ventricular system >10% during the catheter patency check;
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- open/ventricle-connected resection cavity;
- catheter obstruction;
- estimated life expectancy under 3 months;
- patients without preserved logical/verbal contact;
- lack of cooperation from the patient;
- inability to give informed, voluntary consent to participate in the study;
- patients enrolled in another medical trial;
- patients who received any other investigational drug within 1 month prior to the first dose;
- prior treatment with [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP;
- breastfeeding or pregnant women;
- severe comorbid organ diseases that, in the Investigator's opinion, significantly increase the procedural risk.
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Poland2 sites, 2 recruiting
- Recruiting
Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1a
Warsaw, Poland, 02-097
Przemysław Kunert, Professor MD PhD, +48 22 599 2575 ext. +48, przemyslaw.kunert@wum.edu.pl
Kacper Koczyk, MD, +48 22 599 2575 ext. +48, kacper.koczyk@wum.edu.pl
- Recruiting
Department of Neurosurgery, National Instiute of Oncology, W.K. Roentgena 5
Warsaw, Poland, 02-781
Henryk Koziara, MD PhD, +48 22 546 29 59 ext. +48, neurochirurgia@nio.gov.pl
About this study
Official title: Medical Experiment - Assessment of Efficacy & Safety of Local, Targeted Therapy With Neuropeptide Labelled With Alpha Emitter [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP (TAT) as Supplementary Therapy Following Standard Treatment Of Glioma (WHO G3-G4)
Brain tumors account for 1.35% of all cancers and cause 2.2% of cancer-related deaths. Gliomas are the most common type, comprising 40-90% of central nervous system tumors in different age groups. The incidence of malignant gliomas is approximately 0.5-2 per 100,000 people annually. Standard treatments include surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, yet overall survival remains low, typically 1-3 years post-diagnosis. The study highlights the pressing need for novel treatment strategies, particularly given the infiltrative nature of gliomas and the potential for targeted therapies using neuropeptides.The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of local targeted therapy with [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP in newly diagnosed glioblastoma following standard treatment.It is an interventional study without a control group, initiated by the researcher. Patients included are aged 18-80 with WHO G3-G4 glioma post-first-line treatment, not requiring immediate surgery and meeting specific MRI criteria.Patients will receive a maximum of six cycles of [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP, involving pre-treatment assessments, local administration of the agent after ensuring catheter patency, and continuous monitoring. Blood tests and neurological evaluations will be performed regularly.Outcome will be assessed by measuring overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The study anticipates improvements in both OS and PFS when compared to current treatments, contributing to critical insights into targeted alpha therapy's effectiveness in glioblastoma.Treatment with [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP previously indicated few significant side effects, primarily transient issues like seizures. Patients will be closely monitored throughout the study to identify any adverse effects promptly.The estimated study duration is three years, with biological material collected for histopathological and genetic analysis during surgical reoperation.Data will be anonymized to protect patient confidentiality, stored securely, and made available only for the scope of the study.Led by Prof. Przemysław Kunert, the research team includes multiple co-investigators from neurosurgery and nuclear medicine departments.
Read the detailed description
- Background Brain tumors account for approximately 1.35% of all cancers and are responsible for 2.2% of cancer-related deaths. Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors and, depending on age group, represent 40%-90% of central nervous system tumors. The incidence of malignant gliomas is estimated at 0.5-2 cases per 100,000 persons per year. These tumors occur more frequently in men, most often in the fifth and sixth decades of life. In Poland, approximately 1,300 patients are diagnosed with gliomas annually, including about 600 with malignant disease. Current standard treatment consists of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Nevertheless, prognosis remains poor, with median survival ranging from 1 to 3 years depending on tumor type. Despite treatment, disease progression commonly occurs, and chemotherapy provides only a modest extension of survival. These limitations underscore the need for novel therapeutic strategies. Given the infiltrative nature of gliomas, an effective treatment should diffuse throughout the tumor and selectively bind to neoplastic cells. Peptide-based targeted therapy appears particularly promising in this context. Many tumors express membrane receptors at high levels, allowing the use of radioisotope-labeled peptides for diagnosis and therapy. This approach is already applied in selected lymphomas and neuroendocrine tumors. In gliomas, particularly WHO grade II-IV, increased expression of neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptors has been observed. Substance P, the natural ligand for NK-1 receptors, demonstrates rapid diffusion and binding to glioma cells. A derivative of substance P developed at the Institute of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Basel, showed that more than 95% of gliomas exhibit elevated NK-1 receptor expression, confirming its potential for targeted therapy. Substance P may be labeled with beta-emitting isotopes such as 90Y and 177Lu. However, due to their longer tissue range, these isotopes may pose a risk to adjacent critical brain structures. This limitation prompted interest in alpha emitters such as 213Bi and 225Ac, which have high energy but very short tissue penetration. Within the project "Use of Radioisotope-Labeled Substance P in Treating Patients with Brain Tumors" (KB/204/A/201), local treatment with alpha-emitter-labeled substance P was administered in patients with recurrent glioma. Treatment with [213Bi]Bi-DOTA-SP was well tolerated and not associated with clinically significant adverse effects. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 2.7 months, median overall survival (OS) after recurrence was 10.9 months, and median OS from diagnosis was 23.6 months. Because of the short half-life of 213Bi (46 minutes), subsequent studies focused on 225Ac. In a dose-escalation study of [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP at activities of 10, 20, and 30 MBq, treatment was also well tolerated. The maximum tolerated dose was determined to be 20 MBq. Median OS from diagnosis was 35 months, median OS from recurrence was 13.2 months, and median PFS from treatment initiation was 2.4 months. On the basis of these encouraging findings, the present project proposes radioisotope therapy beginning 2 months after standard treatment in patients with newly diagnosed WHO grade G3-G4 glioma, with the aim of assessing whether [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP improves survival and delays disease progression.
- Main Objective To evaluate the efficacy of local targeted therapy with the alpha-emitter-labeled neuropeptide [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP, administered using the forced diffusion method, in patients with newly diagnosed WHO grade G3-G4 glioma after first-line treatment. Secondary Objective To assess the safety of local targeted therapy with [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP.
- Study Design This is an interventional, investigator-initiated study without a control group. 225Ac will be supplied through a cooperation agreement between the Medical University of Warsaw (WUM) and the Institute for Transuranium Elements in Karlsruhe. The sponsoring institution is the Medical University of Warsaw (WUM).
- Study Procedures
- Qualification Visit A screening visit will include collection of medical history and review of prior diagnostics and treatment. Relevant medical documentation, including imaging studies (CT and/or MRI), must be provided. The study physician will explain the protocol and answer any questions.
- Reoperation and Catheter Placement
- [68Ga]Ga-PSMA PET/CT will be performed to determine the site for biopsy and catheter placement.
- Tumor resection with biopsy, or biopsy alone, will be performed.
- Catheters will be placed, with up to three catheters permitted for lesions larger than 2 cm.
- This procedure will be carried out in the Departments of Neurosurgery at either the University Clinical Centre (UCK) or the National Oncology Institute (NIO) and will require several days of hospitalization.
- Local Treatment with [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP
- Treatment may begin no earlier than 2 months after completion of radiotherapy.
- Chemotherapy may continue according to the treating oncologist's recommendation.
- Catheter patency will be assessed approximately one week before the planned treatment.
- Local administration of 5 MBq of 68Ga in a volume of 1-3 ml will be followed by PET/CT imaging 30 minutes later.
- Therapy Administration Patients may receive up to four cycles of [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP.
- Radiopharmaceutical preparation:
- Labeling will be performed in the Nuclear Medicine Department at WUM.
- 68Ga is available from the department's registered 68Ge/68Ga generator.
- The radiopharmacy team is qualified and experienced in 68Ga labeling.
- 225Ac will be supplied under the cooperation agreement with the Institute for Transuranium Elements in Karlsruhe.
- Quality control will be performed to confirm labeling efficiency and radiopharmaceutical purity.
- If labeling efficiency is below 90%, the product will not be administered. Therapeutic administration:
- Administered activity of [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP: 20 MBq
- Volume: 10%-20% of the resection cavity volume
- Maximum total amount of substance P: 200 μg combined for 68Ga and 225Ac formulations Pre-treatment medication:
- 250 ml of 15% mannitol
- 500 ml of 0.9% NaCl
- 8 mg dexamethasone intravenously
- These will be administered 20-30 minutes prior to treatment Post-administration imaging and monitoring:
- Immediate brain imaging after administration of [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP with 5-10 MBq of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-SP
- Saline infusion via pump at 0.5 ml/hour for 2-4 hours
- Repeat brain imaging 2-4 hours after administration, followed by whole-body scanning
- Blood and urine testing at 1, 2, 4, and 24 hours after treatment SPECT/CT assessment of distribution:
- SPECT/CT imaging will be performed at 4 hours and 24 hours after administration
- Imaging will follow a quantitative protocol developed at the Nuclear Medicine Department of UCK, based on phantom studies
- The protocol includes approximately 30 minutes of SPECT acquisition using multiple energy windows and about 3 minutes of low-dose CT for attenuation correction and anatomical localization Treatment will be conducted at UCK during neurosurgical hospitalization. Based on prior experience, hospitalization has typically lasted 3 days. Previous treatment experience showed good tolerability, with transient facial flushing being the only reported side effect, and seizures occurring in some patients who had a history of seizures before therapy. For this reason, patients will remain hospitalized for 24 hours after therapy in the Department of Neurosurgery (UCK). If treatment is poorly tolerated, it will not be continued. Steroid therapy will be initiated if not already in place, and seizures will be managed according to standard anticonvulsant protocols. Monitoring Before Each Subsequent Cycle and 2-4 Weeks After Administration
- Hematology
- AST, ALT
- Sodium, potassium
- Creatinine, urea
- CRP
- INR
- D-dimers
- Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS)
- Barthel Index
- Assessment of adverse events Follow-Up
- MRI with contrast will be performed every 2 months to assess treatment efficacy and approximately 2 weeks before each administration of [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP.
- Follow-up visits, including telemedicine if needed, will be conducted every 2 months during the first 18 months, or more frequently if clinically indicated.
- After 18 months, follow-up will occur every 3 months or more often as required.
- Discontinuation of Therapy Therapy will be discontinued in the event of:
- serious adverse events
- concomitant illness preventing further treatment
- disease progression
- withdrawal of consent by the patient
- changes in the patient's condition that, in the investigator's opinion, preclude continued treatment The investigator may also withdraw a patient for safety reasons if unforeseen circumstances arise.
- Sample Size The target sample size is 25 patients. To account for possible dropout, up to 35 patients may be enrolled. Participants will be recruited from the neurosurgical departments of UCK and NIO.
- Study Endpoints Primary Endpoint Progression-free survival (PFS), defined as the time to progression based on:
- Clinical progression: deterioration in Karnofsky Performance Status, worsening neurological function, or need for initiation/increase of corticosteroids by more than 50%
- Radiological progression on MRI: local progression within 4 cm of the margin of the primary lesion after resection, appearance of a new lesion, or increase in lesion size by more than 25% between consecutive imaging studies Radiation necrosis will be considered in the differential diagnosis, with MRI perfusion and/or biopsy performed as needed. Secondary Endpoints
- Overall survival (OS) from the date of diagnosis
- Safety assessment of the treatment
- Expected Benefits The study is intended to evaluate the efficacy and safety of [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP as an adjunct to standard therapy. It is anticipated that this approach may prolong survival and delay disease progression compared with currently available treatment methods.
- Risks and Discomforts Based on current experience, treatment with [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP has not been associated with clinically significant adverse effects. The most frequently reported adverse event has been seizures, although these were present before treatment in all affected patients. No clinically significant abnormalities have been observed in laboratory tests. At present, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that the local radioactivity used in this treatment increases the risk of secondary malignancy or hereditary defects. However, efficacy as supplementary treatment after standard therapy has not yet been definitively established.
- Study Duration The estimated duration of the study is 3 years. Patients who remain alive at the end of the study will continue to be followed until death is reported.
- Biological Material During reoperation and catheter placement, tissue will be collected for histopathological and genetic analyses in accordance with standard clinical procedures.
- Data Anonymization No directly identifiable patient data will be stored with the medical data used for analysis. All data will be analyzed anonymously, with each patient assigned an individual study number corresponding to the anonymization list.
- Being tested
- Radiation: Local, targeted therapy with alpha emitter [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP (TAT)
- Keywords
- alpha emitter, glioblastoma, local therapy, 225-Ac, high-grade glioma
- Medical subject headings
- Glioblastoma, Glioma
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Radiation: Local, targeted therapy with alpha emitter [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP (TAT)Radiation
Local, targeted therapy with alpha emitter [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP (TAT) administered to the post-resection cavity or tumour via Rickham reservoir using induced diffusion.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental : HGG treated with alpha emitter [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP (TAT) after standard therapy | Experimental | Patients with high-grade gliomas (WHO G3-G4) after standard therapy who are treated with local, targeted therapy with alpha emitter [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP (TAT) Receives: Radiation: Radiation: Local, targeted therapy with alpha emitter [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP (TAT) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
1. Number of patients experiencing clinical progression (as defined below)
Clinical progression defined by:
- reduction in Karnofsky Performance Scale result below 70% OR
- new focal neurological deficit or exacerbation of existing deficit OR
- necessity to use or increase dexamethasone dose by 50% or more.
Measured: From enrollment to 18 months
Secondary outcomes (2)
2. Number of patients experiencing radiological progression (as defined below)
Radiological progression assessed on contrast-enhanced cerebral MRI:
- any new contrast-enhanced lesion OR
- 25% or more increase in contrast-enhancing lesions despite stable or increasing steroid dose OR
- significant increase in non-enhancing FLAIR/T2W lesions, not attributable to other non-tumour causes.
Measured: From enrollment to 18 months
3. Number of patients experiencing local radiological progression (as defined below)
Local radiological progression assessed on contrast-enhanced cerebral MRI:
- any new contrast-enhanced lesion within 4 cm from resection cavity OR
- 25% or more increase in contrast-enhancing lesions within 4 cm from resection cavity despite stable or increasing steroid dose.
Measured: From enrollment to 18 months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted23 Mar 2026
- Study start1 Oct 2025
- Primary completionSep 2027 (estimated)
- Study completionSep 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (7)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for GlioblastomaStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Medical University of WarsawThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 35 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Medical University of Warsaw
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Przemysław Kunert, Professor MD PhD, Principal investigator, Medical University of WarsawJoanna Kunikowska, Professor MD PhD, Study director, Medical University of Warsaw
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07488754
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- KB/108/2024
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 17 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 6 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Study protocol and anonymised clinical, radiological and molecular data regarding individual patients will be made available as supplementary materials to published articles.
Publications
Krolicki L, Kunikowska J, Bruchertseifer F, Kulinski R, Pawlak D, Koziara H, Rola R, Morgenstern A, Merlo A. Locoregional Treatment of Glioblastoma With Targeted alpha Therapy: [ 213 Bi]Bi-DOTA-Substance P Versus [ 225 Ac]Ac-DOTA-Substance P-Analysis of Influence Parameters. Clin Nucl Med. 2023 May 1;48(5):387-392. doi: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000004608. Epub 2023 Mar 1.
PubMed 36854309Krolicki L, Bruchertseifer F, Kunikowska J, Koziara H, Krolicki B, Jakucinski M, Pawlak D, Apostolidis C, Mirzadeh S, Rola R, Merlo A, Morgenstern A. Safety and efficacy of targeted alpha therapy with 213Bi-DOTA-substance P in recurrent glioblastoma. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2019 Mar;46(3):614-622. doi: 10.1007/s00259-018-4225-7. Epub 2018 Nov 29.
PubMed 30498897Krolicki L, Bruchertseifer F, Kunikowska J, Koziara H, Pawlak D, Kulinski R, Rola R, Merlo A, Morgenstern A. Dose escalation study of targeted alpha therapy with [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-substance P in recurrence glioblastoma - safety and efficacy. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2021 Oct;48(11):3595-3605. doi: 10.1007/s00259-021-05350-y. Epub 2021 Apr 15.
PubMed 33860346Cordier D, Forrer F, Kneifel S, Sailer M, Mariani L, Macke H, Muller-Brand J, Merlo A. Neoadjuvant targeting of glioblastoma multiforme with radiolabeled DOTAGA-substance P--results from a phase I study. J Neurooncol. 2010 Oct;100(1):129-36. doi: 10.1007/s11060-010-0153-5. Epub 2010 Mar 10.
PubMed 20217458Cordier D, Forrer F, Bruchertseifer F, Morgenstern A, Apostolidis C, Good S, Muller-Brand J, Macke H, Reubi JC, Merlo A. Targeted alpha-radionuclide therapy of functionally critically located gliomas with 213Bi-DOTA-[Thi8,Met(O2)11]-substance P: a pilot trial. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2010 Jul;37(7):1335-44. doi: 10.1007/s00259-010-1385-5. Epub 2010 Feb 16.
PubMed 20157707Sykova E, Nicholson C. Diffusion in brain extracellular space. Physiol Rev. 2008 Oct;88(4):1277-340. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00027.2007.
PubMed 18923183Hilario A, Ramos A, Perez-Nunez A, Salvador E, Millan JM, Lagares A, Sepulveda JM, Gonzalez-Leon P, Hernandez-Lain A, Ricoy JR. The added value of apparent diffusion coefficient to cerebral blood volume in the preoperative grading of diffuse gliomas. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2012 Apr;33(4):701-7. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A2846. Epub 2011 Dec 29.
PubMed 22207304
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Medical Experiment - Assessment of Efficacy & Safety of Local, Targeted Therapy With Neuropeptide Labelled With Alpha Emitter [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP (TAT) as Supplementary Therapy Following Standard Treatment Of Glioma (WHO G3-G4)
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07488754
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- KB/108/2024
- Keywords
- alpha emitter, glioblastoma, local therapy, 225-Ac, high-grade glioma
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 35 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Medical University of WarsawUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Sep 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Sep 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 23 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Brain tumors account for 1.35% of all cancers and cause 2.2% of cancer-related deaths. Gliomas are the most common type, comprising 40-90% of central nervous system tumors in different age groups. The incidence of malignant gliomas is approximately 0.5-2 per 100,000 people annually. Standard treatments include surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, yet overall survival remains low, typically 1-3 years post-diagnosis. The study highlights the pressing need for novel treatment strategies, particularly given the infiltrative nature of gliomas and the potential for targeted therapies using neuropeptides.The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of local targeted therapy with [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP in newly diagnosed glioblastoma following standard treatment.It is an interventional study without a control group, initiated by the researcher. Patients included are aged 18-80 with WHO G3-G4 glioma post-first-line treatment, not requiring immediate surgery and meeting specific MRI criteria.Patients will receive a maximum of six cycles of [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP, involving pre-treatment assessments, local administration of the agent after ensuring catheter patency, and continuous monitoring. Blood tests and neurological evaluations will be performed regularly.Outcome will be assessed by measuring overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The study anticipates improvements in both OS and PFS when compared to current treatments, contributing to critical insights into targeted alpha therapy's effectiveness in glioblastoma.Treatment with [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP previously indicated few significant side effects, primarily transient issues like seizures. Patients will be closely monitored throughout the study to identify any adverse effects promptly.The estimated study duration is three years, with biological material collected for histopathological and genetic analysis during surgical reoperation.Data will be anonymized to protect patient confidentiality, stored securely, and made available only for the scope of the study.Led by Prof. Przemysław Kunert, the research team includes multiple co-investigators from neurosurgery and nuclear medicine departments.
Detailed description
- Background Brain tumors account for approximately 1.35% of all cancers and are responsible for 2.2% of cancer-related deaths. Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors and, depending on age group, represent 40%-90% of central nervous system tumors. The incidence of malignant gliomas is estimated at 0.5-2 cases per 100,000 persons per year. These tumors occur more frequently in men, most often in the fifth and sixth decades of life. In Poland, approximately 1,300 patients are diagnosed with gliomas annually, including about 600 with malignant disease. Current standard treatment consists of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Nevertheless, prognosis remains poor, with median survival ranging from 1 to 3 years depending on tumor type. Despite treatment, disease progression commonly occurs, and chemotherapy provides only a modest extension of survival. These limitations underscore the need for novel therapeutic strategies. Given the infiltrative nature of gliomas, an effective treatment should diffuse throughout the tumor and selectively bind to neoplastic cells. Peptide-based targeted therapy appears particularly promising in this context. Many tumors express membrane receptors at high levels, allowing the use of radioisotope-labeled peptides for diagnosis and therapy. This approach is already applied in selected lymphomas and neuroendocrine tumors. In gliomas, particularly WHO grade II-IV, increased expression of neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptors has been observed. Substance P, the natural ligand for NK-1 receptors, demonstrates rapid diffusion and binding to glioma cells. A derivative of substance P developed at the Institute of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Basel, showed that more than 95% of gliomas exhibit elevated NK-1 receptor expression, confirming its potential for targeted therapy. Substance P may be labeled with beta-emitting isotopes such as 90Y and 177Lu. However, due to their longer tissue range, these isotopes may pose a risk to adjacent critical brain structures. This limitation prompted interest in alpha emitters such as 213Bi and 225Ac, which have high energy but very short tissue penetration. Within the project "Use of Radioisotope-Labeled Substance P in Treating Patients with Brain Tumors" (KB/204/A/201), local treatment with alpha-emitter-labeled substance P was administered in patients with recurrent glioma. Treatment with [213Bi]Bi-DOTA-SP was well tolerated and not associated with clinically significant adverse effects. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 2.7 months, median overall survival (OS) after recurrence was 10.9 months, and median OS from diagnosis was 23.6 months. Because of the short half-life of 213Bi (46 minutes), subsequent studies focused on 225Ac. In a dose-escalation study of [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP at activities of 10, 20, and 30 MBq, treatment was also well tolerated. The maximum tolerated dose was determined to be 20 MBq. Median OS from diagnosis was 35 months, median OS from recurrence was 13.2 months, and median PFS from treatment initiation was 2.4 months. On the basis of these encouraging findings, the present project proposes radioisotope therapy beginning 2 months after standard treatment in patients with newly diagnosed WHO grade G3-G4 glioma, with the aim of assessing whether [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP improves survival and delays disease progression.
- Main Objective To evaluate the efficacy of local targeted therapy with the alpha-emitter-labeled neuropeptide [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP, administered using the forced diffusion method, in patients with newly diagnosed WHO grade G3-G4 glioma after first-line treatment. Secondary Objective To assess the safety of local targeted therapy with [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP.
- Study Design This is an interventional, investigator-initiated study without a control group. 225Ac will be supplied through a cooperation agreement between the Medical University of Warsaw (WUM) and the Institute for Transuranium Elements in Karlsruhe. The sponsoring institution is the Medical University of Warsaw (WUM).
- Study Procedures
- Qualification Visit A screening visit will include collection of medical history and review of prior diagnostics and treatment. Relevant medical documentation, including imaging studies (CT and/or MRI), must be provided. The study physician will explain the protocol and answer any questions.
- Reoperation and Catheter Placement
- [68Ga]Ga-PSMA PET/CT will be performed to determine the site for biopsy and catheter placement.
- Tumor resection with biopsy, or biopsy alone, will be performed.
- Catheters will be placed, with up to three catheters permitted for lesions larger than 2 cm.
- This procedure will be carried out in the Departments of Neurosurgery at either the University Clinical Centre (UCK) or the National Oncology Institute (NIO) and will require several days of hospitalization.
- Local Treatment with [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP
- Treatment may begin no earlier than 2 months after completion of radiotherapy.
- Chemotherapy may continue according to the treating oncologist's recommendation.
- Catheter patency will be assessed approximately one week before the planned treatment.
- Local administration of 5 MBq of 68Ga in a volume of 1-3 ml will be followed by PET/CT imaging 30 minutes later.
- Therapy Administration Patients may receive up to four cycles of [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP.
- Radiopharmaceutical preparation:
- Labeling will be performed in the Nuclear Medicine Department at WUM.
- 68Ga is available from the department's registered 68Ge/68Ga generator.
- The radiopharmacy team is qualified and experienced in 68Ga labeling.
- 225Ac will be supplied under the cooperation agreement with the Institute for Transuranium Elements in Karlsruhe.
- Quality control will be performed to confirm labeling efficiency and radiopharmaceutical purity.
- If labeling efficiency is below 90%, the product will not be administered. Therapeutic administration:
- Administered activity of [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP: 20 MBq
- Volume: 10%-20% of the resection cavity volume
- Maximum total amount of substance P: 200 μg combined for 68Ga and 225Ac formulations Pre-treatment medication:
- 250 ml of 15% mannitol
- 500 ml of 0.9% NaCl
- 8 mg dexamethasone intravenously
- These will be administered 20-30 minutes prior to treatment Post-administration imaging and monitoring:
- Immediate brain imaging after administration of [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP with 5-10 MBq of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-SP
- Saline infusion via pump at 0.5 ml/hour for 2-4 hours
- Repeat brain imaging 2-4 hours after administration, followed by whole-body scanning
- Blood and urine testing at 1, 2, 4, and 24 hours after treatment SPECT/CT assessment of distribution:
- SPECT/CT imaging will be performed at 4 hours and 24 hours after administration
- Imaging will follow a quantitative protocol developed at the Nuclear Medicine Department of UCK, based on phantom studies
- The protocol includes approximately 30 minutes of SPECT acquisition using multiple energy windows and about 3 minutes of low-dose CT for attenuation correction and anatomical localization Treatment will be conducted at UCK during neurosurgical hospitalization. Based on prior experience, hospitalization has typically lasted 3 days. Previous treatment experience showed good tolerability, with transient facial flushing being the only reported side effect, and seizures occurring in some patients who had a history of seizures before therapy. For this reason, patients will remain hospitalized for 24 hours after therapy in the Department of Neurosurgery (UCK). If treatment is poorly tolerated, it will not be continued. Steroid therapy will be initiated if not already in place, and seizures will be managed according to standard anticonvulsant protocols. Monitoring Before Each Subsequent Cycle and 2-4 Weeks After Administration
- Hematology
- AST, ALT
- Sodium, potassium
- Creatinine, urea
- CRP
- INR
- D-dimers
- Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS)
- Barthel Index
- Assessment of adverse events Follow-Up
- MRI with contrast will be performed every 2 months to assess treatment efficacy and approximately 2 weeks before each administration of [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP.
- Follow-up visits, including telemedicine if needed, will be conducted every 2 months during the first 18 months, or more frequently if clinically indicated.
- After 18 months, follow-up will occur every 3 months or more often as required.
- Discontinuation of Therapy Therapy will be discontinued in the event of:
- serious adverse events
- concomitant illness preventing further treatment
- disease progression
- withdrawal of consent by the patient
- changes in the patient's condition that, in the investigator's opinion, preclude continued treatment The investigator may also withdraw a patient for safety reasons if unforeseen circumstances arise.
- Sample Size The target sample size is 25 patients. To account for possible dropout, up to 35 patients may be enrolled. Participants will be recruited from the neurosurgical departments of UCK and NIO.
- Study Endpoints Primary Endpoint Progression-free survival (PFS), defined as the time to progression based on:
- Clinical progression: deterioration in Karnofsky Performance Status, worsening neurological function, or need for initiation/increase of corticosteroids by more than 50%
- Radiological progression on MRI: local progression within 4 cm of the margin of the primary lesion after resection, appearance of a new lesion, or increase in lesion size by more than 25% between consecutive imaging studies Radiation necrosis will be considered in the differential diagnosis, with MRI perfusion and/or biopsy performed as needed. Secondary Endpoints
- Overall survival (OS) from the date of diagnosis
- Safety assessment of the treatment
- Expected Benefits The study is intended to evaluate the efficacy and safety of [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP as an adjunct to standard therapy. It is anticipated that this approach may prolong survival and delay disease progression compared with currently available treatment methods.
- Risks and Discomforts Based on current experience, treatment with [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP has not been associated with clinically significant adverse effects. The most frequently reported adverse event has been seizures, although these were present before treatment in all affected patients. No clinically significant abnormalities have been observed in laboratory tests. At present, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that the local radioactivity used in this treatment increases the risk of secondary malignancy or hereditary defects. However, efficacy as supplementary treatment after standard therapy has not yet been definitively established.
- Study Duration The estimated duration of the study is 3 years. Patients who remain alive at the end of the study will continue to be followed until death is reported.
- Biological Material During reoperation and catheter placement, tissue will be collected for histopathological and genetic analyses in accordance with standard clinical procedures.
- Data Anonymization No directly identifiable patient data will be stored with the medical data used for analysis. All data will be analyzed anonymously, with each patient assigned an individual study number corresponding to the anonymization list.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental : HGG treated with alpha emitter [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP (TAT) after standard therapy | Experimental | Radiation: Radiation: Local, targeted therapy with alpha emitter [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP (TAT)Patients with high-grade gliomas (WHO G3-G4) after standard therapy who are treated with local, targeted therapy with alpha emitter [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP (TAT) |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- age 18-80;
- histologically confirmed diffuse glioma (CNS WHO G3-G4);
- after standard treatment with biopsy or resection, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy;
- no sign of progression or radiation necrosis;
- functional state >70 according to Karnofsky's performance scale (KPS);
Key exclusion criteria (17 listed)
- low-grade glioma;
- progression or recurrence defined as: deterioration of the patient's condition according to the Karnofsky Performance Scale, worsening of neurological function, progressive neurological deficit, need to initiate or increase corticosteroid dose by >50%, progression or recurrence assessed on MRI (RANO criteria);
- radiation-induced necrosis secondary to radiotherapy; may occur within the first 3 months after radiotherapy (exception: a patient after resection of radiation necrosis - not earlier than 4 weeks post-surgery, after a follow-up MRI);
- need for emergency surgery (e.g., acute increase in intracranial pressure);
- significant postoperative complications, e.g., KPS < 70, wound infection, cerebrospinal fluid leak;
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Radiation: Local, targeted therapy with alpha emitter [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP (TAT)Local, targeted therapy with alpha emitter [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP (TAT) administered to the post-resection cavity or tumour via Rickham reservoir using induced diffusion. | Radiation | Experimental : HGG treated with alpha emitter [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP (TAT) after standard therapy |
Primary outcome
1. Number of patients experiencing clinical progression (as defined below)
Time frame: From enrollment to 18 months
Clinical progression defined by: * reduction in Karnofsky Performance Scale result below 70% OR * new focal neurological deficit or exacerbation of existing deficit OR * necessity to use or increase dexamethasone dose by 50% or more.
2 secondary outcomes
2. Number of patients experiencing radiological progression (as defined below)
Time frame: From enrollment to 18 months
3. Number of patients experiencing local radiological progression (as defined below)
Time frame: From enrollment to 18 months
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 6 Apr 2026.
- Background: PubMed 36854309Krolicki L, Kunikowska J, Bruchertseifer F, Kulinski R, Pawlak D, Koziara H, Rola R, Morgenstern A, Merlo A. Locoregional Treatment of Glioblastoma With Targeted alpha Therapy: [ 213 Bi]Bi-DOTA-Substance P Versus [ 225 Ac]Ac-DOTA-Substance P-Analysis of Influence Parameters. Clin Nucl Med. 2023 May 1;48(5):387-392. doi: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000004608. Epub 2023 Mar 1.
- Background: PubMed 30498897Krolicki L, Bruchertseifer F, Kunikowska J, Koziara H, Krolicki B, Jakucinski M, Pawlak D, Apostolidis C, Mirzadeh S, Rola R, Merlo A, Morgenstern A. Safety and efficacy of targeted alpha therapy with 213Bi-DOTA-substance P in recurrent glioblastoma. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2019 Mar;46(3):614-622. doi: 10.1007/s00259-018-4225-7. Epub 2018 Nov 29.
- Background: PubMed 33860346Krolicki L, Bruchertseifer F, Kunikowska J, Koziara H, Pawlak D, Kulinski R, Rola R, Merlo A, Morgenstern A. Dose escalation study of targeted alpha therapy with [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-substance P in recurrence glioblastoma - safety and efficacy. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2021 Oct;48(11):3595-3605. doi: 10.1007/s00259-021-05350-y. Epub 2021 Apr 15.
- Background: PubMed 20217458Cordier D, Forrer F, Kneifel S, Sailer M, Mariani L, Macke H, Muller-Brand J, Merlo A. Neoadjuvant targeting of glioblastoma multiforme with radiolabeled DOTAGA-substance P--results from a phase I study. J Neurooncol. 2010 Oct;100(1):129-36. doi: 10.1007/s11060-010-0153-5. Epub 2010 Mar 10.
- Background: PubMed 20157707Cordier D, Forrer F, Bruchertseifer F, Morgenstern A, Apostolidis C, Good S, Muller-Brand J, Macke H, Reubi JC, Merlo A. Targeted alpha-radionuclide therapy of functionally critically located gliomas with 213Bi-DOTA-[Thi8,Met(O2)11]-substance P: a pilot trial. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2010 Jul;37(7):1335-44. doi: 10.1007/s00259-010-1385-5. Epub 2010 Feb 16.
- Background: PubMed 18923183Sykova E, Nicholson C. Diffusion in brain extracellular space. Physiol Rev. 2008 Oct;88(4):1277-340. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00027.2007.
- Background: PubMed 22207304Hilario A, Ramos A, Perez-Nunez A, Salvador E, Millan JM, Lagares A, Sepulveda JM, Gonzalez-Leon P, Hernandez-Lain A, Ricoy JR. The added value of apparent diffusion coefficient to cerebral blood volume in the preoperative grading of diffuse gliomas. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2012 Apr;33(4):701-7. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A2846. Epub 2011 Dec 29.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Study protocol and anonymised clinical, radiological and molecular data regarding individual patients will be made available as supplementary materials to published articles.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Przemysław Kunert, Professor MD PhD principal investigator
Medical University of Warsaw
Joanna Kunikowska, Professor MD PhD study director
Medical University of Warsaw
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Radiation: Local, targeted therapy with alpha emitter [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-SP (TAT) in people with Glioblastoma and High-Grade Glioma (WHO III-IV), run by Medical University of Warsaw at 2 sites in Poland.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 17 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in Poland. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Przemysław Kunert, Professor MD PhD (+48 22 599 2575 ext. +48, przemyslaw.kunert@wum.edu.pl), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
1. Number of patients experiencing clinical progression (as defined below) (time frame: From enrollment to 18 months). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07488754, which also lists 7 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 6 Apr 2026.