Sydney, Australia (CU)_ The University of South Australia and the Australian cancer diagnostic business Ferronova are developing a breakthrough technology to accurately image aggressive brain tumors and guide therapy, which might benefit thousands of patients diagnosed with the fatal disease each year.
The novel MRI nanotechnology targets a particular marker present in over 90% of solid tumors, including high-grade brain malignancies. With previous excellent preclinical findings in a prostate cancer model, the novel MRI technique also has the potential to have a major impact on severe brain malignancies. The additional money will help progress the technology towards a clinical study on humans. The Honorable Greg Hunt MP announced that the research will be led by Dr. Nicole Dmochowska of UniSA, with support from the REDI Fellowship.
According to Dr. Dmochowska, improved imaging of high-grade brain tumors is urgently required. Dr Nicole Dmochowska of UniSA said, “The prognosis for high-grade brain tumors such as glioblastoma remains abysmal, so it’s vital that we progress new technologies that can potentially enable more precise targeting of tumors.” He added, “This research will advance a cutting-edge imaging technology developed in collaboration with Ferronova and with the support of the NeuroSurgical Research Foundation designed to more accurately image and therefore treat brain tumors with no additional neurotoxicity”.
According to Dr. Hien Le, a radiation oncologist at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and a prominent Chief Investigators in the seed funding for this study, this research has the potential to enhance cancer therapies. According to Le, “As someone who specializes in the management of brain cancer, I understand the importance of accurate tumor delineation”. He added, “Better imaging means we can more confidently define the tumor target, facilitating precise treatment delivery, whilst minimizing damage to normal healthy tissues.” Around 1896 new cases of brain cancer were diagnosed in 2021, with 1191 male patients and 725 female patients. Glioblastoma is the most prevalent form of brain cancer, with only 5% having a five-year survival rate.
According to Dr. Melanie Nelson, R&D Manager at Ferronova, the study will simplify preclinical validation of the technology for brain tumors in preparation for a phase 1 first in human clinical trial. She said, “Ferronova is determined to transform the precision of cancer imaging, surgery and therapy to ensure that everyone diagnosed with cancer is given the best possible care”. She added, “The new technology builds on Ferronova’s cancer staging technology FerroTrace currently undergoing clinical trials in several cancer types. By bringing together the best minds in chemistry, bioengineering and oncology we’re continuing to push the boundaries to help make sure no one dies unnecessarily because a cancer was missed.”
