The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a number of new radiopharmaceuticals specially targeting cancerous lesions and is in the process of commercialising them with the support of some pharma companies.

The new radiopharmaceuticals have the twin potential for either imaging or therapy of the cancerous lesions using conventional nuclear medicine, radionuclides. The radiopharmaceuticals targeting primary lesions are usually based on antibodies or receptors, while those targeting bone secondary are phosphonate derivatives with affinity towards abnormal bone, according to an official of the DRDO.

“Some of the antibody-based radiopharmaceuticals developed by DRDO are anti-EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) antibody for EGFR-related to DOTA-Ph-AI derivative that acts as bi-functional chelate, and radiopharmaceutical Tc-99m CDTMP for targeting the abnormal bone,” he said.

Apart from these new radiopharmaceuticals targeting cancer in vivo, DRDO has evolved certain techniques for accurate diagnosis of brain cancer recurrence in post-operative patients. Recurrence of such tumours is difficult to differentiate from normal post-operative fibrosis on conventional imaging. DRDO has formulated certain nuclear medicine and MR spectroscopy protocols to diagnose these difficult cases in a cost-effective way. A data bank of more than 60 cases suggests sensitivity of detection of more than 90 per cent.

In the oncology related area also, the 2-deoxy D-Glucose is another product in advanced stage. “Detailed molecular biology and cellular studies on radio-modifying action of the molecule were instrumental in realising its therapeutic potential for enhancing the effect of radiotherapy and making it effective in cancers having poor response to radiotherapy. Examples of such cancers include brain tumour and sarcomas. As this is a frequent clinical problem, the effect of 2-DG on non-surgical treatment of cancers has just being realised and is expected to be very significant,” the official said.

The technology has been transferred to Dr Reddy’s Laboratories after regulatory approvals. A new formulation, containing 2-DG and 6-AN in a fixed proportion is a new development in the area. The formulation is likely to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy-radiotherapy for cancer cure while reducing the adverse-effects substantially.