Targeted Radiation Shows Promise for Blood Cancer Patients
A new trial suggests an alternative treatment could help adults with Waldenström macroglobulinemia.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Cancer
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Cellectar Biosciences reported positive Phase 2b clinical trial results for iopofosine I 131 in patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia. This targeted radiation therapy may provide a new option for those who have exhausted standard BTK inhibitor treatments.
Why it matters
Patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia who have progressed on BTK inhibitors face limited treatment options, making these findings particularly relevant. The study provides an early look at how this targeted approach could address refractory disease.
A Phase 2b trial subgroup of 24 patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia showed an 87.5% overall response rate and 100% clinical benefit rate. While these findings are preliminary, the median duration of response reached 16 months.
The players
Cellectar Biosciences
A biotechnology company headquartered in Florham Park, N.J., focused on developing targeted radiation therapies for cancer.
The details
Iopofosine I 131 functions by delivering targeted radiation directly to malignant cells, allowing the therapy to work independently of the BTK pathway. Patients in the study received a fixed course of the treatment after their BTK inhibitor therapy failed. The preliminary data indicated that treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in less than 10% of participants.
Timeline
October 14-16, 2026: The data was presented at the International Workshop for Waldenström Macroglobulinemia.
First quarter 2027: The company expects to begin dosing the first patients in a Phase 3 clinical trial.
First half 2027: The company plans to submit a New Drug Application for accelerated approval to the FDA.
Health Landscape
Waldenström macroglobulinemia treatment currently relies heavily on BTK inhibitors, which can lead to refractory disease. This study explores an alternative approach that targets cells independently of those pathways.
For patients currently managing Waldenström macroglobulinemia after failing BTK inhibitor therapy, this drug represents a potential future treatment. Discussing available clinical trials and the significance of these results with an oncologist is a valuable step for informed care.
The takeaway
This preliminary study suggests that targeted radiation may provide a durable response for patients with resistant forms of Waldenström macroglobulinemia. Patients should consult their oncologist about active clinical trials that might provide access to emerging therapies for refractory disease.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research and standard of care in the Cancer section.
More information
For more information on the trial, visit the Cellectar Biosciences company information page.
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Should the FDA accelerate approval for new cancer drugs that show promise in clinical trials?
