Curasight's uTRACE imaging technology, utilizing uPAR-PET, has demonstrated promising results in a Phase II trial involving glioblastoma patients. The full data, published in the peer-reviewed journal EJNMMI Research, supports the continued development of both uTRACE for imaging and uTREAT for therapeutic applications.
The investigator-initiated trial assessed the efficacy of uTRACE in visualizing and characterizing glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. The results indicated that uPAR-PET imaging could effectively identify tumors with high levels of urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), a marker associated with tumor aggressiveness. This visualization can potentially aid in more precise diagnosis and treatment planning.
Clinical Implications
The ability to visualize uPAR expression levels within glioblastoma tumors could have significant clinical implications. High uPAR expression is often correlated with increased tumor invasiveness and poorer patient outcomes. By using uTRACE to identify these aggressive tumors, clinicians may be able to tailor treatment strategies more effectively.
"The data supports the strategy to develop uTRACE and the therapeutic uTREAT in parallel," stated a Curasight representative. This parallel development aims to create a theranostic approach, where the same molecular target (uPAR) is used for both imaging and therapy.
uPAR-PET Technology
uPAR-PET imaging involves using a radioactive tracer that binds specifically to uPAR. This allows for non-invasive visualization of uPAR expression throughout the tumor. The Phase II trial demonstrated the feasibility and potential clinical utility of this approach in glioblastoma.
Further studies are planned to explore the use of uTRACE in guiding surgical resection, radiation therapy, and targeted drug delivery. The ultimate goal is to improve outcomes for patients with glioblastoma by providing more personalized and effective treatment strategies.
