The study showed the effectiveness of the use of alpha particles in the treatment of cancer
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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Scientists from the UK have conducted research on a new cancer remedy, which is based on the action of alpha particles. The results of treatment were so effective, one hundred studies decided to terminate early.
The study involved 992 people with prostate cancer in advanced stages. In 90% of cases, prostate cancer leads to the spread of metastases to bone tissue, so there are no effective methods for treating such patients today.
Half of the patients received a new drug with a source of alpha particles-radium-223, the other half-received traditional treatment-chemotherapy in a combination of a placebo-tablet.
The result of the study showed that in a group of patients taking radium-223, mortality decreased by 30%, and life expectancy was 14 months, compared with another group, where the life expectancy was 11 months.
Radiation radiation in the treatment of cancer diseases has been used for about 100 years. The mechanism of action is the destruction of the genetic code of cancer cells. The principle of alpha particles is the same as that of beta, but their number is much larger, so the damage to the tumors is much greater.
One of the authors of the study, said: "They are more destructive. To kill a cancer cell, one to three strokes are needed, while beta particles need several thousand strokes. " With all this, it turned out that the new treatment is safe. So in the group of people who were exposed to alpha particles, side effects were observed less than in people who took a placebo. This is due to the fact that alpha particles less destroy the surrounding healthy tissue, due to the smaller area of exposure.
Scientists hope that this study will be an important addition to the existing methods of treating prostate cancer.