AdvanCell generator brings groundbreaking cancer treatment technology to AIBN

A novel cutting-edge technology is accelerating the development of next-generation cancer treatments, with The University of Queensland’s (UQ) Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) now home to an AdvanCell Lead-212 generator.

With the ability to locate and damage cancer cells, potentially beyond repair, with minimal damage to healthy tissue, radiopharmaceuticals incorporating Lead-212 have emerged over the past few years as a promising and highly effective treatment for cancer, particularly prostate cancer.

Now, with AdvanCell’s innovative generator producing Lead-212Pb on-site, AIBN researchers have direct access to this critical isotope, enhancing the institute’s ability to discover and develop potentially life-saving breakthroughs.

AIBN Director of Research, Professor Kristofer Thurecht, said that the partnership between AIBN and AdvanCell is shaping the future of medical innovation.

“This new capability means our researchers aren’t just thinking about the future of medicine, they’re exploring it right there at the lab bench,” Professor Thurecht said.

“It opens the door for us to discover more targeted treatments for aggressive cancers, develop strategies to mitigate side effects for patients, and creates an environment that leads to faster breakthroughs.”

Targeted Alpha Therapy is a highly precise treatment that represents the cutting edge of cancer-fighting innovations, with AdvanCell leading global efforts to bring it into clinical use.

AdvanCell Chief Scientific Officer, Simon Puttick, said the very high dose rate of Lead-212, coupled with highly targeted ligands, makes it an ideal candidate for future patient therapies.

“The shorter half-life of Lead-212 leads to a very high dose rate, which is ideal for rapid tumour cell killing.

“We’re proud to partner with AIBN to drive the next generation of cancer therapies.”

While exploring the mechanisms Lead-212 can be used to deliver more effective cancer treatment is a key focus of the collaboration, AIBN researchers will also investigate broader applications through various discovery projects to better understand the capabilities of Lead-212.

“The potential for how we can harness the power of this radioisotope is enormous,” Professor Thurecht said.

“Now, thanks to our collaboration with AdvanCell, we have the tech to unlock it and are excited to explore how combining this radioligand therapy with other treatments could lead to more effective ways to tackle cancer and other diseases.”

The partnership underscores AIBN’s ongoing commitment to discovery and innovation, establishing the groundwork for next-generation therapies to be developed right here in Queensland.

This milestone builds on strong momentum to establish a vibrant radiotherapeutic ecosystem in Queensland, with AdvanCell recently securing an $18 million grant from the federal Medical Research Future Fund, in collaboration with UQ, to accelerate its pioneering research and development.

This follows the launch of the $15M Australian Research Council Research Hub for Advanced Manufacture of Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals, led by Professor Kristofer Thurecht, which provides the expertise and equipment biotech firms need to design, test, and deliver groundbreaking precision cancer treatments.