DaRT Seeds for Skin Cancer

(DaRT Trial)

This trial tests a new treatment called DaRT, which stands for Diffusing Alpha-Emitters Radiation Therapy, designed for skin cancer patients with compromised immune systems. The goal is to evaluate DaRT's effectiveness in shrinking tumors and preventing cancer spread. Researchers also examine how long patients live without their cancer worsening. Individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer) who are willing to undergo multiple CT scans might be suitable candidates for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers patients the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research and potentially benefit from a novel treatment approach.

The trial requires that you stop taking certain treatments, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy, at least 4 weeks before joining. If you're on these treatments, you would need to stop them before participating.

A previous study with 10 patients found that DaRT (Diffusing Alpha-Emitters Radiation Therapy) was well tolerated, causing few unwanted reactions. Another review confirmed this, showing DaRT successfully treated squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, and was generally safe for patients. These findings suggest that DaRT is safe for human use, with few reports of serious issues. This is promising for those considering joining a trial with DaRT.¹²³⁴⁵

Unlike the standard treatments for skin cancer, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, DaRT (Diffusing Alpha emitters Radiation Therapy) introduces a new way of targeting cancer cells. Researchers are excited about DaRT because it uses tiny radioactive seeds to deliver alpha radiation directly into the tumor, which can potentially minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This targeted method could be particularly beneficial for immunocompromised patients, offering a more precise approach to treating malignant cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. By focusing the radiation in this way, DaRT might reduce side effects and improve outcomes compared to traditional radiation methods.

Research has shown that DaRT (Diffusing Alpha-Emitters Radiation Therapy), which participants in this trial will receive, holds promise for treating skin cancer. Studies have found that many patients with squamous cell carcinoma experienced complete tumor disappearance. This treatment has been tested on over 6,000 solid tumors, demonstrating both safety and effectiveness. Data from various studies also indicate that DaRT is a safe option for managing difficult-to-treat or recurrent skin cancers. Overall, these findings support DaRT as a potentially effective treatment for skin cancer.²³⁶⁷⁸