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ILLUMINATE
ILLUMINATE aims to transform theranostics-based advanced cancer treatment by enhancing metabolic imaging and increasing the sustainable production of the radioisotope lutetium.
ILLUMINATE (Increasing Lutetium Production While Leveraging Metabolic Imaging to Enhance Theranostics Effectiveness) is a collaborative research project focused on improving the effectiveness of theranostics—a combined diagnostic and therapeutic approach—by integrating innovative Metabolic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MeMRI) techniques and enhancing the production and availability of lutetium-177, a critical radioisotope used in targeted cancer treatments. This initiative seeks to personalise treatment strategies for patients with advanced-stage cancers, particularly castrate-resistant metastatic prostate cancer, and ensure a sustainable supply of essential medical isotopes.
15
European partners in consortium
€21 million
Budget (including in-kind contributions from industry)
4.5 years
Project duration, started on October 1, 2024.
About ILLUMINATE
Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in Europe. While treatments like Lutetium-177-Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (Lu-177-PSMA) have shown promise in extending patient survival, challenges remain. Approximately 30% of patients do not respond to Lu-177-PSMA therapy and may experience adverse side effects. Additionally, the rising demand for Lu-177 has led to concerns about its sustainable production and supply.
ILLUMINATE addresses these challenges by introducing Metabolic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MeMRI) to assess tumour metabolism and predict treatment responses more accurately. This could result in a more personalised treatment of castrate-resistant metastatic prostate cancer. Concurrently, the project focuses on developing sustainable and scalable production methods for Lu-177 to meet the growing clinical demand and reduce Europe's dependency on external suppliers.
By integrating advanced imaging techniques with improved isotope production, ILLUMINATE aspires to set new standards in theranostic cancer care, enhancing patient outcomes and ensuring the availability of critical treatment components. To ensure that the needs of patients are adequately addressed, patient involvement has been weaved into the project. To understand the regulatory requirements for adoption of the developed technologies, a regulatory strategy has been included. To facilitate wide uptake and learning across relevant communities, various communication and dissemination activities will take place, both for the scientific community as well as for the general public.
Learn more about ILLUMINATE on their website.
Lygature in ILLUMINATE
Lygature played a pivotal role in establishing the ILLUMINATE consortium by coordinating the application process and facilitating contractual negotiations among partners. Within the project, Lygature provides program&partnership management and communication support. Lygature is also contributing via its expertise in regulatory science to navigate the complex landscape of theranostic innovations, and via its expertise in patient and public involvement to support the UMCU in their patient involvement activities.
Lygature together with
University Medical Centre Utrecht (NL); EURO-BIOIMAGING ERIC (FIN); Philips Medical Systems Nederland BV (NL); Philips Gmbh Innovative Technologies (DE); Synlab Sdn Spa (IT); Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (IT); Universita Degli Studi Di Torino (IT); Bracco Imaging Spa (IT); Tesla Dynamic Coils BV (NL); Wavetronica BV (NL); Lunds Universitet (SE); Nuclear Research & Consultancy Group (NL); Amsterdam University Medical Centre (NL); Universitätsklinikum Essen (DE); Stichting Lygature (NL).
Acknowledgement of support
This project is supported by the Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking (IHI JU) under grant agreement No 101172722. The JU receives support from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme and COCIR, EFPIA, Europa Bío, MedTech Europe, and Vaccines Europe and Bracco, Synlab, NRG Pallas, Tesla DC and Wavetronica B.V.
