Journal Article

DKFZ-2026-01205

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Meets Radiobiology: Implications for Trial Design and DNA Repair Inhibitor Combinations.

Lückerath, K.DKFZ* ; Mínguez Gabiña, P. ; Eberlein, U. ; Kurth, J. ; Konijnenberg, M. ; Deandreis, D. ; Taieb, D. ; Herrmann, K.DKFZ* ; Lassmann, M. ; Pouget, J.-P.

2026
Soc. New York, NY

Abstract: Radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) delivers protracted, low absorbed dose rate radiation over time, with cellular DNA repair capacity potentially limiting its efficacy. This article explores how lessons from radiobiology-particularly regarding DNA damage response (DDR)-inform the rational design of 177Lu-labeled RPT (177Lu-RPT)-based clinical trials, with emphasis on combinations with DDR inhibitors and replication stress response (RSR) inhibitors. Methods: We integrate preclinical and clinical data on both the induction and repair of DNA damage in the context of 177Lu-RPT and on their combination with inhibitors of DDR/RSR pathways. Results: At the low absorbed dose rates typical of 177Lu-RPT (<0.1 Gy/h), sublethal DNA damage is largely repaired during exposure, minimizing the quadratic component (β) of the linear quadratic model and making intrinsic radiosensitivity (α) the main determinant of cell killing. This raises questions regarding the biologic factors underlying intrinsic radiation sensitivity, as well as the influence of the activity administered per cycle and the number of treatment cycles. Conclusion: Despite the attenuated β-component, the efficacy of 177Lu-RPT could be improved by combining it with DDR and RSR inhibitors to disrupt the DNA repair processes that occur simultaneously with irradiation, provided that such combinations are rationally designed and sequenced. Optimal combinations will require integration of tumor- and patient-specific radiosensitivity profiles and incorporation of dosimetry and biomarker endpoints into trial designs.

Keyword(s): DNA damage repair ; biomarkers ; combination therapy ; linear quadratic model ; radiobiology ; radiopharmaceutical therapy

Note: epub

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. DKTK Koordinierungsstelle Essen/Düsseldorf (ED01)

Research Program(s):

1. 899 - ohne Topic (POF4-899) (POF4-899)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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Database coverage:
; BIOSIS Previews ; Biological Abstracts ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Clinical Medicine ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; PubMed Central ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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