Scientists at Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) have developed and patented Russia’s first theranostic pair original radiopharmaceuticals designed for both the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. According to the TPU press service, the initial phase of pilot clinical trials has been successfully completed, marking a significant advancement in Russian oncology research.
The development is part of a growing field known as theranostics, which combines diagnostic and therapeutic applications into a single approach to cancer treatment. Until now, only two theranostic molecules have been available globally, both developed by foreign companies, targeting neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer.
The Tomsk scientists‘ achievement establishes Russia’s first domestically developed alternative in this field. Roman Zelchan, senior researcher at the Oncoteranostics Research Centre at TPU’s Research School of Chemical and Biomedical Technologies, emphasized the significance of this breakthrough. “We can safely say that Tomsk Polytechnic University has developed the first domestic theranostic pair,” he stated.
Understanding theranostics: The future of cancer treatment
Zelchan is also a leading research associate at the Department of Radionuclide Therapy and Diagnostics at the Tomsk Research Institute of Oncology, part of the Tomsk Medical Research Centre. The newly developed radiopharmaceuticals are based on the BQ-PSMA compound, enabling both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. When combined with the diagnostic radioactive isotope technetium-99m, the compound functions as a “signal beacon” that identifies tumor cells.
The therapeutic version, incorporating lutetium-177, enhances the compound’s ability to target and destroy cancer cells effectively. Prostate cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide, affecting approximately one in eight men during their lifetime. The introduction of this Russian theranostic technology could expand treatment options and improve outcomes for patients.
The researchers at TPU believe their development represents a major step in advancing personalized cancer treatment within Russia and beyond. With further clinical trials and regulatory approvals, the theranostic pair could potentially become an integral part of modern oncology protocols. This breakthrough aligns with a broader push in Russia to advance domestic pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors, reducing reliance on foreign innovations. – By Eurasian Newswire News Desk.