The project, titled ‘DLL3-Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals: A New Strategy to Improve Imaging and Treatment of Small Cell Lung Cancer’, has received a grant of 318,716.18 euros from the Generalitat Valenciana. This funding comes from the scientific excellence grants for junior researchers (JIGENT), of which only nine have been awarded across the Valencian Community, with one in the Biomedicine area for this project.
Small cell lung cancer is an aggressive cancer type with a poor prognosis. It accounts for approximately 13% to 15% of lung cancer cases and is often diagnosed at advanced stages. Up to 85% of these tumors express the DLL3 protein, making it a promising target for new diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
The radiopharmaceuticals to be developed will be designed to specifically recognize tumor cells expressing DLL3. Initially, they will allow tumor visualization through positron emission tomography (PET) and later, their use for directly delivering radiation to cancer cells will be studied.
The project, starting next September and lasting four years, will combine chemistry, molecular imaging, nuclear medicine, oncology, and advanced computational tools. Isotopes such as gallium-68 or fluorine-18 will be used for imaging, and lutetium-177 for therapeutic evaluation.
Dr. Javier Hernández Gil, the principal investigator, highlighted that PET molecular imaging offers a non-invasive alternative for real-time disease visualization and better patient selection for personalized treatments. The main innovation is the concept of ‘seeing what will be treated’, applying theranostics, already used in other cancers.
This JIGENT grant will help consolidate a strategic research line in radiopharmaceuticals at INCLIVA, aiming to create a platform for developing innovative tools applicable to various oncological diseases and strengthen the position of the Valencian Community in this field.
