Clinical Trial: Myeloma Cell-Targeted Ionizing Radiation Using I-131-CLR1404 in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma

The radiosensitivity of multiple myeloma is well documented. A new drug in clinical trials called I-131-CLR1404 is designed to allow for targeted delivery of ionizing radiation to myeloma which kills the cancerous cells regardless of where they are located in the body.

"We are excited to be developing a new treatment option for this difficult disease. Because of its unique mechanism of action, I-131-CLR1404 may represent an entirely different treatment approach for patients that are no longer responding to currently available therapies," commented Dr. Natalie Callander, principal investigator of Cellectar's I-131-CLR1404 multiple myeloma trial, Associate Professor of Medicine, and Director, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center Myeloma Clinical Program.

This is a Phase I trial at three myeloma centers testing the best dose, safety and tolerability of I-131-CLR1404, with and without concurrent weekly dexamethasone. Myeloma patients must have been previously treated with (or have become intolerant to) an immunomodulator and a proteasome inhibitor. The study will also help identify the proper Phase II study dose and watch for the impact of treatment. The study is open at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, Loyola University Medical Center, and the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. I-131-CLR1404 is a small-molecule, cancer-targeted radiopharmaceutical which uses a cancer-targeted delivery and retention vehicle combined with iodine-131, a cancer-killing radioisotope that is already commonly used to treat thyroid and other cancer types. The drug has been granted orphan drug designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of multiple myeloma.