Atonco is proud to announce that the results of preclinical and clinical studies have been published in the journal Cancers (MDPI), highlighting the promising potential of its radiopharmaceutical ATO-101™ ([211At]At-girentuximab) in the treatment of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) refractory to standard therapies including BCG, using astatine-211 alpha-immunotherapy.
Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer represents a major medical challenge, with a growing need for new therapeutic options. A promising approach in this field is radioimmunotherapy targeting the CA-IX antigen (Carbonic Anhydrase IX), particularly the use of alpha-particle-emitting radionuclides such as astatine-211. The aim of our preclinical and clinical studies was to evaluate the potential of ATO-101™ in treating patients who no longer respond to conventional therapies.
Preclinical studies showed that ATO-101™ binds extremely effectively to the CA-IX antigen, with high binding affinity, and induces significant targeted cytotoxicity compared to other treatments such as [177Lu]Lu-girentuximab. Additionally, biodistribution studies conducted in healthy mice revealed low systemic spread of radioactivity, demonstrating the safety of the treatment. After intravesical instillation of ATO-101™, no histological abnormalities were observed in the bladder wall, further supporting the safety of the approach.
Within the PERTINENCE study (NCT04897763), promoted by the Institut de Cancérologie de l’Ouest (ICO) in Nantes, PET/CT imaging with [89Zr]Zr-girentuximab (provided by Telix Pharmaceuticals) performed on 6 NMIBC patients showed no extravesical leakage, indicating that the approach is localized and effectively targeted. Radioactive foci in the bladder wall were associated with areas of recurrence or inflammatory reaction, suggesting that this treatment could effectively target tumor residues.
Furthermore, a dosimetric study suggested that intravesical astatine-211 alpha-immunotherapy with ATO-101™ could offer enhanced efficacy and safety for the treatment of NMIBC. Both clinical and preclinical data confirm the therapeutic potential of this approach and highlight its promising role in the management of NMIBC.
With this new targeted therapy, we are paving the way for a more selective, less toxic, and more effective treatment for patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, particularly those whose tumors are refractory to traditional treatments including BCG.
🔗 Learn more about this study: Link to the full study on MDPI
About ATONCO
ATONCO is a French private company developing targeted molecular radiation products for oncological applications. Originating from the world-renowned nuclear medicine centre in Nantes, ATONCO and its partners are committed to the clinical use of alpha-emitting radionuclides, particularly astatine-211 (211At).
For more information, please visit www.atonco-pharma.com