MUHC launches Canada’s first clinical trial of radioligand therapy for advanced cancers, offering new hope.
Montreal Hospital Pioneers Cancer Therapy Trial With Precision Radioligand Treatment
In a major step forward for cancer treatment in Canada, the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) is launching a clinical trial offering radioligand therapy (RLT) to patients with advanced pancreatic, lung, and breast cancers. The initiative positions MUHC as a national leader in nuclear precision medicine and follows successful global trials involving metastatic prostate cancer.
What Makes This Trial Different
Unlike traditional chemotherapy or immunotherapy, radioligand therapy uses a unique approach: it combines radioactive isotopes with ligands—molecules that bind specifically to cancer cells—enabling targeted treatment with minimal damage to healthy tissue.
“This is a major milestone,” said Dr. Ramy Saleh, medical director of oncology clinical trials at MUHC’s Centre for Innovative Medicine. “We aim to bring new hope to patients who have exhausted conventional therapies.”
How the Therapy Works
Participants will receive injections of [177Lu] Lu FAP 2286, a drug that targets fibroblast activating proteins (FAPs)—markers commonly found in several aggressive cancers. Before joining the trial, patients must undergo PET scans to confirm FAP presence.
- Injection Frequency: Every 4 weeks
- Maximum Treatments: 4 to 6 doses
- Elimination: Radioligands are naturally expelled by the body
Dr. Farzad Abbaspour, head of Nuclear Medicine at MUHC, explained the precision advantage: “This treatment targets cancer cells directly, sparing healthy tissue—something chemotherapy cannot guarantee.”
Who Can Participate
Eligible patients include those diagnosed with:
- Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
- Breast cancer
This marks the second phase of the LuMIERE clinical trial, building on positive phase-one outcomes and promising preclinical data showing significant anti-tumor activity.
Why It Matters
Unlike conventional treatments that often last years or indefinitely, this trial could offer shorter, more precise care with fewer side effects and better quality of life. Though a cure for advanced cancers remains elusive, the MUHC trial represents a critical evolution in treatment strategy.
“This is the future of oncology,” said Dr. Saleh. “We’re proud to bring it to Canadian patients.”
