The Oxford Translational Myeloma Centre (OTMC) at NDORMS has recruited its first patient to trial a new type of bone imaging scan.
The Magneto study, sponsored by Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and funded by GSK, is testing an innovative approach that uses a small dose of a radioactive antibody - known as a radiotracer - to target myeloma cells. The radiotracer, made from belantamab (a drug already used to treat myeloma), is designed to bind to the surface of myeloma cells. Once injected, it 'lights up' on a PET-CT scanner, potentially revealing disease activity with unprecedented precision.
Led by Karthik Ramasamy, Professor of Haematology and Co-Director of the OTMC, the Magneto study hopes to refine diagnosis for myeloma patients and use the technology to develop a response tailored to each patient.
Karthik said: ‘Myeloma is a cancer that mainly targets the blood and damages bone. While traditional scans such a CT scan, X ray or MRI will show up damage to a patient’s bones, they can only give us limited information about disease stage - especially in early or low-level ‘smouldering’ myeloma. Cell infiltration is a key marker in active disease, so if we are able to see that happening through these scans, in future we can better tailor treatment. Some patients currently diagnosed as having smouldering myeloma may, in fact, have active disease based on what we see in these scans.’
The study is being delivered at the Experimental Medicine Clinical Research Facility (EMCRF) at NDORMS, with extensive collaboration between radiology, pharmacy, imaging, and safety teams across Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Oxford.
Cushla Cooper, Clinical Operational Lead for the Oxford Clinical Research Facility said: ‘To deliver the treatment safely at the EMCRF was a real team effort and everyone worked really well together. Our nurses received training in radiotherapy protection and are looking forward to welcoming additional patients as part of the Magneto study. It’s another example of how we are expanding our support for clinical trials across Oxford and beyond.’
The patient Rachel Fletcher said: ‘Having lived with myeloma for nine years now, I was very willing to take part in a study that has the potential to make diagnosis and disease staging more specific for myeloma patients. As a scientist in my previous life, it’s interesting on an additional level to be part of the research. Everyone on the team was so pleased to have their first participant. I hope that more people are recruited soon and that this exciting method becomes a diagnostic test in the near future.’
Up to 19 patients will be recruited to the Magneto trial. They will be injected with the radiotracer twice and scanned up to 12 times over the course of 14-21 days to help determine to what degree and how quickly the radiotracer accumulates in the myeloma tumours.
Karthik said: ‘While the procedure is not therapeutic, I hope it will help refine diagnosis, guide treatment decisions, and give patients a more personalised approach to their care.’