Through a process patented by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), an ultra pure form of the medical isotope yttrium 90 is being extracted from waste stores for treatment of a variety of cancers. In this Phase 1 clinical trial of a brain cancer therapy called beta radiopeptide-brachytherapy, patients receive an injection of yttrium 90 linked to specially engineered peptides. Once inside the tumor, peptides seek and bind to brain tumor cells, delivering a high dose of radiation to cancerous cells while minimizing impact to surrounding healthy tissue. The treatment causes few side effects and can be administered on an outpatient basis. Final trial results are expected by summer 1999. Article courtesy of "PNNL TechNotes" Contact: Marv Clement at (509) 375-2789