Alpha Tau Reports Promising Results in Pancreatic Cancer Study Ahead of ASCO GI 2026
Company Symbol: DRTS | Date: January 6, 2026 | Source: GlobeNewsWire
Significant Findings from the Montreal Study
Alpha Tau Medical Ltd. (Nasdaq: DRTS), a leader in alpha-radiation cancer therapy, has announced the final results of its pioneering study on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) conducted in Montreal, Canada. This study demonstrated an impressive 81% disease control rate (DCR), with the figure rising to 87% when excluding the first two patients who received low dosages solely for safety assessments. The findings will be showcased as two abstracts at the upcoming 2026 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium in San Francisco from January 8-10, 2026.
Key Study Outcomes and Clinical Implications
The clinical trial, led by Dr. Corey Miller, MD, MSc, evaluated the administration of Alpha DaRT therapy to 32 patients across all stages of PDAC, many of whom had undergone previous chemotherapy. Key results include:
- Objective Response Rate (ORR): 22% across all patients, increasing to 23% when excluding initial low-dose patients
- Disease Control Rate (DCR): 81% overall, rising to 87% without the first two patients
These results indicate that the Alpha DaRT therapy exhibits promising potential in treating advanced pancreatic cancers, underlining its viability as a treatment option moving forward.
Further Exploration in the IMPACT Trial
Alpha Tau is set to expand its research on Alpha DaRT in a multi-center pilot study in the U.S., known as the IMPACT trial (Intratumoral Pancreatic Alpha Combination Trial). This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of combining Alpha DaRT with chemotherapy for patients diagnosed with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic PDAC. For detailed information on the IMPACT trial, visit clinicaltrials.gov.
Immune Response Insights from the Study
In a complementary presentation by Dr. Kim Anh Ma, findings on the immune-preserving dynamics of Alpha DaRT revealed no significant change in critical immune markers after treatment. Importantly, this study included:
- 23 PDAC patients with complete laboratory data following treatment
- No significant variations in immune response metrics such as Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and C-Reactive Protein levels
- A dramatic reduction in IL-6 cytokine levels, indicating a potential anti-inflammatory effect
Dr. Ma expressed optimism, noting, “Finding a radiation therapy that combines effective tumor destruction with an immune profile showing preservation is quite unique. This opens avenues for integrating systemic therapies like immunotherapy.”
Future Directions for Alpha Tau
Uzi Sofer, CEO of Alpha Tau, stated, “The exploration of pancreatic cancer treatments is a critical component of our strategy for Alpha DaRT. We are keen on generating additional data through varied clinical trials in 2026 while aiming for potential regulatory approvals.”
About Alpha Tau Medical Ltd.
Founded in 2016, Alpha Tau Medical Ltd. focuses on developing innovative therapies for solid tumors using its revolutionary Alpha DaRT (Diffusing Alpha-emitters Radiation Therapy) technology. This approach allows for targeted alpha-irradiation directly to the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Looking Ahead: Forward-Looking Statements
This release includes forward-looking statements as outlined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve inherent uncertainties and assumptions that may not hold true in the future. Factors affecting the outcomes include regulatory approvals, trial success, and market conditions affecting Alpha Tau’s strategy and operations concerning its technology, including Alpha DaRT.