Jerusalem hospital performs first-ever alpha radiation treatment for recurring brain tumors

Hadassah-University Medical Center in Jerusalem performed the world's first alpha radiation treatment for recurrent aggressive brain tumors using Alpha DaRT technology. A 77-year-old man with recurrent glioblastoma became the first patient in Israel to receive the treatment, which delivers concentrated radiation to the tumor with minimal damage to nearby tissue. The procedure was led by Professor Yigal Shoshan and developed with the Sharett Institute of Oncology and ALPHA Tau. Preliminary US results showed full local control in three patients.

Hadassah-University Medical Center in Jerusalem's Ein Kerem campus performed the world's first alpha radiation treatment for patients with recurrent aggressive brain tumors, the hospital announced earlier this month. A 77-year-old man diagnosed with a recurrence of glioblastoma after surgery, radiation, and drug treatments became the first patient in Israel to be treated with the newly developed Alpha DaRT technology. Developed in collaboration with the Sharett Institute of Oncology and ALPHA Tau, the technology emits highly bioefficient alpha particles that deliver radiation concentrated in the tumor area with minimal damage to nearby brain tissue. During the procedure, radiation sources are injected into the brain tumor from two different pathways simultaneously, allowing for optimal coverage while maintaining maximum accuracy. Professor Yigal Shoshan, Director of the Neurosurgery, Oncology, and Stereotactic Radiosurgery Unit, led the surgery alongside a multidisciplinary team. Preliminary results published in the US have garnered interest among the neuro-oncology community. About 150-250 new patients are diagnosed with glioblastoma in Israel each year, and the median survival is only about 15-16 months. A US study titled REGAIN found full local control of the disease in the three patients studied. Alpha Tau CEO Uzi Sofer called the first treatment in Israel a significant milestone for the company.