Leland Rogers
The use of low dose radiation has shown early and long lasting responses in non CNS sites. The ROAD consortium has been studying the effect of similar doses on genetically altered animal models. Based on the success in the reduction in both amyloid burden, Tau pathologies and statistical improvement in neurocognitive testing , we elected to develop a Ph 1 trial , initially with the approval of the FDA and then expanded to include a larger patient population, using the same low dose schedule. We were initially encouraged to do this protocol based on 4 individuals with AD who also had been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer and underwent PCI. We followed these patients using MMSE and we encouraged that the MMSE had worsened by 2 point or less at up to 24 months To date at 3 centers 13 patients have been treated using the lowest dose we intend to use, 5 x 200 cGy. We have also obtained Amyvid PET scans at designated times along with MMSE and ADAG-COG neurocognitive testing. We have also collected toxicity data using CTCAE v 4.0 CNS criteria. To date we have not experienced any acute toxicity and subjective evaluation from patient families have been very positive We will review updated MMSE / ADAS-COG and Amyvid PET scan results along with toxicity associated with this treatment ROAD will update our experience with this potential treatment option for AD. To date we have not identified any acute toxicity associated with this treatment regimen. We continue to accrue patients and are planning on expanding ROAD to 2 new centers in the next 6 months.
