Japan develops targeted therapy for metastatic melanoma treatment

Researchers in Japan have developed a new treatment for metastatic melanoma using targeted alpha therapy (TAT). This method employs a drug labeled with astatine-211, which shows promise in specifically targeting cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. The study, published in January 2025, demonstrated that the new drug, [211At]NpG-GGN4c, effectively accumulates in tumors and suppresses their growth in mouse models. This approach offers a more precise alternative to traditional therapies, which often have limited effectiveness. The team aims to advance this treatment into human trials, potentially providing a new option for patients with advanced melanoma. The findings suggest that this method could also be applicable to other difficult-to-treat cancers.