SCK CEN Received Terbium-161 Chloride Supply from TerThera
SCK CEN (ENS Corporate Member) received Terbium-161 (Tb-161) Chloride from the Dutch company TerThera, the world’s largest producer of this radioisotope, in the framework of the ongoing collaboration initiated in 2023 to ensure its stable supply.
Terbium-161 is an extremely promising isotope for targeted cancer therapy because of its distinctive radiation properties, which include the release of both Auger electrons and short-range beta particles.
Once emitted, those electrons, like alpha particles, do not travel far. That means a higher dose can accumulate – very locally near the cancer cell – per injection. In theory, a higher local dose translates into a higher therapeutic effect, sparing healthy tissue in the process.
Early research suggests that those Terbium-161 characteristics result in improved anti-tumor capabilities for primary and (micro)metastasized cancers, but further preclinical tests are necessary.
The non-carrier-added (NCA) Terbium-161 is produced by neutron irradiation of highly enriched Gadolinium-160 targets. Gadolinium comes from the series of rare earth metals.
Tb-161 has demonstrated strong bioequivalence, showing a biodistribution similar to that of radiolanthanides currently in use.
This novel therapeutic isotope holds the potential to become a first-in-class radioligand therapy, offering expanded treatment options for patients living with cancer. Therefore, we are proud of our collaboration with TerThera. Over the past two years, this partnership has not only allowed us to work alongside them but also to source Terbium-161 from them. This enables us to make significant contributions to both production and pioneering preclinical research at our site, driving forward clinical studies and the future of cancer treatment
said Koen Hasaers, Director Nuclear Medical Applications – SCK CEN.
Read the full SCK CEN Press Release.
Several projects are currently focusing on this promising radioisotope.
TerThera signed also an agreement with NRG (ENS Corporate Member) for irradiation services in the High Flux Reactor in Petten, to produce Tb-161.
Last year, the University Hospital Basel (Switzerland) successfully tested for the first time in patients the radiopharmaceutical 161Tb-DOTA-LM3 against metastatic neuroendocrine tumours. The radionuclide was developed at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI, ENS Corporate Member).
Medical isotopes benefit thousands of patients every day in current clinical practice and have great potential for future clinical challenges.
In April 2023, ENS, together with Euratom Supply Agency (ENS Member), organised the event Beating Cancer – turning the tide with medical isotopes, which gave us the opportunity to learn more about those amazing developments and to discuss the challenges ahead.
You can find its recording and all materials in our Special Newsletter.
