Early efficacy data from a pooled analysis of Alpha DaRT (diffusing alpha-emitters radiation therapy) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma demonstrated strong local tumor response, according to Philip Blumenfeld, MD. Among 19 evaluable patients analyzed using modified RECIST criteria, the investigative modality achieved a 100% local disease control rate at the treated tumor site.
Furthermore, approximately 21% of patients achieved a partial response, while the remaining patients experienced stable disease. No patients exhibited progressive disease within the primary treated lesion. Although no complete responses were reported at this early evaluation stage, Blumenfeld explained that this was expected given the patient population and the fact that the cohort received only partial tumor volume coverage. A subset of patients also experienced significant pain relief, a localized benefit that directly improved quality of life.
Beyond local efficacy, the analysis revealed a notable systemic signal in one patient with metastatic disease who had previously progressed on second-line chemotherapy. Following the introduction of Alpha DaRT to the patient’s regimen, clinicians observed control of the primary pancreatic lesion and the complete resolution of distant metastatic lesions on PET-CT imaging. While it is unclear whether this systemic clearance is the result of a direct abscopal effect or localized immune priming, Blumenfeld emphasized that it represents a promising therapeutic signal that warrants further investigation. These findings highlight the potential of Alpha DaRT to provide both local stability and systemic anti-tumor activity in a historically recalcitrant disease.
Blumenfeld, the presenting study author and the director of the Advanced Radiotherapy Unit at the Sharett Institute of Oncology at Hadassah Medical Center, about the findings, spoke with CancerNetwork® about these findings following a presentation at the Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2026.
Transcript:
Across 19 patients, we observed 100% disease control at the locally treated tumor using modified RECIST criteria. Of note, approximately 21% of patients had partial responses, and the remaining had stable disease, but we did not note any patients who had progressive disease in the primary lesion. There were no complete responses at this early stage, which is not unexpected in this population, especially since in this particular cohort, we had a partial tumor volume coverage. In the absence of local progression, we believe that this is quite clinically meaningful. We also observed significant pain relief in a subset of patients, which tends to get underreported. This can definitely matter significantly for quality of life.
We did even note in a single patient—which was quite interesting—[who] had metastatic disease and did not have a good response to second-line chemotherapy, [that] not only…did he have good control of his primary lesion, but he also achieved the complete resolution of other lesions on his PET-CT after the Alpha DaRT was introduced to the regimen. Whether this reflects what we refer to as a direct abscopal effect or some form of immune priming, we cannot say, but it’s a signal that is worth pursuing.
Reference
Blumenfeld P. Updated results of feasibility, safety, and tumor control in two first-in-human trials of a novel alpha-emitting radionuclide for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Presented at: Digestive Disease Week 2026; May 2-5, 2026; Chicago, IL.
