Israeli Hospital Pioneers Alpha DaRT Therapy for Recurrent Aggressive Brain Tumors

A 77-year-old man diagnosed with recurrent glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive primary brain cancer in adults, became the first patient in Israel to receive treatment using Alpha DaRT technology. This innovative therapy was administered as part of a clinical trial at Hadassah Medical Center in Ein Kerem. Recurrent glioblastoma typically offers very limited treatment options, with most patients experiencing tumor return despite surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, and a median survival of only 15 to 16 months with about a 10% five-year survival rate.

The surgery was led by Professor Yigal Shoshan, head of the Neuro-Oncology and Stereotactic Radiosurgery Unit, alongside a multidisciplinary team. The new technology was integrated with the hospital's routine neurosurgical navigation systems. After confirming active disease via biopsy, tiny radiation sources emitting alpha particles were precisely implanted into the tumor's core. These particles have a very short range, concentrating radiation on the tumor while minimizing damage to healthy brain tissue. Additionally, the treatment may stimulate the immune system to attack tumor cells in other brain areas.

Uzi Sofer, CEO of Alpha Tau, the company behind Alpha DaRT, described the treatment as a significant milestone and a Zionist mission for the Israeli firm operating in global medical centers. Concurrently, a U.S.-based REGAIN trial reported interim results showing complete local tumor control in three patients, with two exhibiting no tumor signs on MRI scans. Researchers emphasize that these are early-stage safety and feasibility studies, but preparations are underway to expand clinical trials to patients with localized brain metastases.