Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, in collaboration with the Russian Scientific Center for Radiological and Surgical Technologies named after Academician AM. Granov, is advancing a domestic platform technology for combined radiotherapy targeting cancer. The project has been highlighted in communications from the Priority 2030 program of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia via socialbites.ca.
The core idea is to deliver a radioactive isotope with a therapeutic effect directly to the malignant tumor. Nanoparticles serve as the delivery system, enabling concentrated radiation at the tumor site while minimizing exposure to the rest of the body. This targeted approach holds promise for improving treatment outcomes and reducing collateral damage often associated with conventional radiotherapy.
Within this framework, Saint Petersburg is developing a platform technology that supports the creation of radiopharmaceuticals adaptable to existing production facilities operated by medical institutions. This flexibility is meant to streamline translation from research to clinical use and to help establish a robust domestic supply chain for radiopharmaceuticals.
According to researchers, the technology stands out because it is platform-based. It allows treatment of a broad range of diseases by adjusting the therapeutic task. By swapping not only the radioactive isotope but also the nanoparticle carrier, scientists can tailor solutions to specific clinical needs. Albert Muslimov, a researcher in the Laboratory of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology, explained that microencapsulation and controlled delivery of biologically active compounds are integral to the approach.
The platform enables rapid assembly of the necessary pharmaceutical product for a given diagnostic or therapeutic objective. Its design supports both imaging and treatment applications, potentially expanding its utility beyond oncology to conditions such as inflammatory joint diseases like synovitis. This versatility aligns with a modern move toward multifunctional radiopharmaceuticals that combine diagnostic insight with therapeutic action in a single platform.
Researchers emphasize that Russia currently lacks a comparable domestically developed radiopharmaceutical platform. A successful domestic program could reduce reliance on imported analogues and lower costs, potentially making these advanced therapies more affordable for patients. In addition, the domestic production base would enhance national capabilities in radiopharmaceutical science, clinical translation, and regulatory maturation, contributing to a more resilient healthcare system.