Bassett Cancer Institute Launches Alpha DaRT Clinical Trial for Inoperable Pancreatic Cancer
Key Insights
Bassett Cancer Institute (search) in Cooperstown becomes one of the first U.S. cancer centers to participate in an international clinical trial testing Alpha DaRT (search) radiation therapy for inoperable pancreatic cancer (search).
The innovative treatment involves implanting radioactive seeds directly into tumors to deliver targeted alpha particle radiation from inside the cancer.
Only 30 patients will be enrolled across participating sites in the United States, Canada, and Israel before the trial closes to new participants.
Bassett Cancer Institute (search) in Cooperstown has become one of the first cancer centers in the United States to participate in an international clinical trial testing Alpha Tau Medical's Alpha DaRT (search) (Alpha Diffusing Alpha-emitters Radiation Therapy) for patients with inoperable, advanced, or metastatic pancreatic cancer (search). The highly targeted radiation therapy is implanted directly into tumors to deliver treatment from inside the cancer.
Dr. Timothy Korytko, Chief Radiation Oncologist at Bassett Healthcare Network, recently completed treatment for the facility's first patient under the pancreatic cancer (search) trial, who was also the second patient enrolled nationwide. "We are pleased to continue our years-long collaboration with Alpha Tau by taking part in this clinical trial," Korytko said. "Bassett Cancer Institute (search) is always looking to bring emerging, innovative therapies to our local region."
Revolutionary Radiation Delivery Method
The Alpha DaRT (search) system represents a significant departure from conventional radiation therapy approaches. Rather than delivering radiation externally, the treatment involves implanting radioactive sources directly into the tumor using established endoscopic procedures.
"This trial uses that same system, where they use that camera and we can put the needle into the pancreas," Korytko explained, referring to the standard biopsy procedure. "Through that needle, we can posit this radioactive seed or this cylinder that has radiation on it. That cylinder is within the tumor, and then it gives off the radiation from the inside."
The radioactive seeds remain permanently in place, unlike previous skin cancer (search) trials where the sources were removed. "After two weeks, the radiation that is in there has been effectively given off, and the patient gets their treatment from inside over those two weeks," Korytko noted. "The main difference between the two is that in the pancreatic trial, they stay in place, we don't go in there to take them out."
Limited Enrollment and Patient Criteria
The clinical trial is highly selective, with only 30 patients to be enrolled across participating sites in the United States, Canada, and Israel before closing to new participants. Patients are potentially eligible if they are newly diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer (search) and have completed up to four cycles of standard chemotherapy.
Throughout the study, patients continue to receive chemotherapy as determined in their treatment plan, in addition to the Alpha DaRT (search) therapy. The Alpha DaRT sources deliver radioactive alpha particles, known to be destructive to tumor cells, directly to the primary tumor.
Addressing Critical Medical Need
The trial addresses a significant medical challenge, as pancreatic cancer (search) remains one of the most difficult cancers to treat. According to New York State Department of Health data, over 3,700 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year in New York, with approximately 2,800 dying from the disease annually. Over 90 percent of state residents diagnosed are 55 years old or older.
"Pancreatic cancer (search) has many potential treatment options but still has a lot of room for improvement," Korytko said. "It is a difficult disease to control."
Rural Access to Advanced Care
Cooperstown is likely the only rural site participating in this particular study, providing significant benefits for patients in central New York who might otherwise need to travel to metropolitan areas for experimental treatments.
"This level of research and options for advanced therapy in a rural region is extremely rare," Korytko emphasized. "Bassett Cancer Institute (search) is truly on the cutting edge, providing treatments often only seen at large metropolitan hospitals."
The trial is expected to continue for six to nine months, with Korytko noting that at least once a week, potential participants reach out to determine their eligibility. While it is too early to assess the treatment's efficacy, Korytko confirmed that the first patient's treatment "went well and met the criteria for the study."
Building on Previous Experience
Bassett Cancer Institute (search)'s participation builds on previous collaboration with Alpha Tau Medical. In 2023, the institute was selected as a clinical trial site for Alpha DaRT (search) as an investigational treatment for recurrent skin cancers, making it the only site in New York State outside of New York City to receive regulatory approval for that trial.
"It is very early in the clinical trial timeline," Korytko acknowledged, emphasizing that the primary focus remains on assessing the treatment's safety and efficacy. The study represents part of ongoing efforts to bring innovative cancer treatments closer to patients in underserved rural communities.