CUF pioneers clinical trial in head and neck cancer

On December 19, CUF Descobertas Hospital marked a major milestone in Portuguese cancer research by conducting the country’s first procedure in the ‘NANORAY-312’ clinical trial. This innovative study evaluates the efficacy and safety of a state-of-the-art nanopharmaceutical, administered directly into the tumour to enhance the effects of radiotherapy.

Dr Diogo Alpuim Costa, medical oncologist and principal investigator of this phase III clinical trial highlights the relevance of this study, which represents a significant advance in cancer treatment. The drug, JNJ-1900 (NBTXR3), is made up of functional hafnium oxide (HfO2) nanoparticles which, when activated by ionizing radiation, intensify the deposition of radioactive energy inside tumor cells, maximizing cell destruction and increasing the effectiveness of radiotherapy compared to conventional treatments.

The procedure was successfully performed in the operating theatre under the expert leadership of Dr. Pedro Montalvão (Otorhinolaryngology), showcasing his skills and the outstanding multidisciplinary teamwork involved. The Clinical Trials team, led by Prof. Ingrid Gouveia, played a key role in managing the study and ensuring strict adherence to the protocol. The involvement of the different medical specialties was decisive, with essential contributions from Dr. Gonçalo Fernandez (Radioncology) and Dr. Carlos Oliveira (Imaging), as well as the Hospital Pharmacy team, which consistently adhered to the highest safety and quality standards required for a clinical trial of this scale.

This breakthrough reinforces CUF Oncology and CUF Academic Center's commitment to scientific innovation and the continuous improvement of cancer treatments, unlocking new perspectives for personalizing and optimizing the therapies available to cancer patients in Portugal.