Detection of Cancerous Lymph Nodes with Localization of a Sanctioned Radiopharmaceutical
Researchers at a knowledge-based company have successfully broken the monopoly of the U.S. by localizing the production of a radiopharmaceutical used to detect cancerous lymph nodes, a product listed among sanctioned items.
According to Mehr News Agency, Aprin Sama Pharmed, a knowledge-based company, has become the second company worldwide, after a U.S.-based firm, to produce the active ingredient of the diagnostic radiopharmaceutical Technetium Tilmanocept for identifying lymph nodes affected by cancer.
One of the primary pathways for cancer metastasis is the spread of cancer cells through the lymphatic system. Accurate and timely detection of lymph node involvement in various cancers, such as breast, lung, and reproductive cancers, often compels surgeons to remove a significant portion of the lymphatic system along with the tumor to reduce metastasis risks.
The loss of parts of the lymphatic system, a crucial component of the circulatory and immune systems, causes irreversible complications for patients. The radiopharmaceutical Tilmanocept, recognized globally as one of the most precise agents for identifying cancer-affected lymph nodes, addresses this issue by enabling accurate and timely detection.
Using this technology, surgeons can pinpoint the exact location and extent of cancerous lymph nodes before surgery by injecting this radiopharmaceutical and performing a SPECT scan.
The production technology of this product has been fully localized by relying on the expertise of Iranian specialists. After successfully completing preclinical phases, the product is now in clinical stages. Chemically, this radiopharmaceutical is a complex macromolecular polymer that, in addition to carrying the diagnostic radioisotope technetium, can bind to receptors on the surface of cancer cells.
Given that the lymphatic system is a primary pathway for metastasis in all cancers, identifying lymph node involvement is critical. Since this issue is widespread in various cancers, the consumption of this radiopharmaceutical could rival the combined usage of other radiopharmaceuticals in the country.
Unlike other radiopharmaceuticals, which are typically specific to certain tumors (e.g., prostate or breast cancer), Tilmanocept can scan the spread of cancer within the lymphatic system. Consequently, nearly 90% of cancer patients can benefit from this radiopharmaceutical for assessing lymph node involvement.
Seyed Mohammad Shahcheragh, CEO of the company, elaborated on the development of this radiopharmaceutical, stating, "The production of Tilmanocept has been achieved after 18 months of dedicated research and development. After the U.S., Iran will be the second country globally to possess the technology for this strategic product."
