December 11, 2024 — Science Translational Medicine has published a new research article showcasing the promise of a fibrin-targeted theranostic approach for treating gastric cancer. The study was co-authored by Lumina co-founder Peter Caravan.
The publication outlines a two-part strategy for targeting fibrin deposits in the tumor extracellular matrix. First, a copper-64-labeled, fibrin-specific PET imaging probe was used for precise tumor visualization. This was followed by a yttrium-90-labeled fibrin-specific therapeutic agent to deliver targeted treatment to gastric tumors. Advanced gastric cancer remains a challenging disease with limited treatment options.
In a clinical imaging study involving seven patients with advanced gastric cancer, fibrin PET/MR imaging demonstrated uptake in all primary tumors and metastatic lesions (52 out of 52), showing high tumor-to-background contrast. Therapeutic studies in two mouse models of gastric cancer, using the same fibrin-targeting peptide labeled with the beta-emitter yttrium-90 (90Y-CM600), revealed suppressed tumor growth and extended survival following both single and fractionated dosing regimens.
“These results highlight the potential for a fibrin-targeted theranostic that may expand options for patients with advanced gastric cancer and other fibrin-rich cancers,” said Dr. Gregory Sorensen, Lumina co-founder. “We look forward to advancing this research to further the development of a fibrin-targeted therapeutic.”
Gastric cancer is currently the fifth most common malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Despite progress in treatment, prognosis remains poor — with median survival of only 12–14 months, even with combination chemotherapy.
Lumina’s theranostic platform is designed to advance precision medicine in solid tumors with high unmet needs, including gastric cancer. The approach combines a diagnostic imaging agent for patient selection with a targeted radioligand therapy for personalized treatment.