New Medical Code Unlocks Path for Novel Brain Cancer Therapy

HOUSTON, TX – February 25, 2026 – In a move that could reshape the treatment landscape for some of the most aggressive brain cancers, Plus Therapeutics has secured a key procedural code from the American Medical Association (AMA) for its novel therapy, REYOBIQ™. The company announced today that the AMA’s CPT® Editorial Panel approved a new Category III Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code for the specialized delivery method used to administer the drug.

This development, while technical in nature, represents a significant leap forward in the journey to bring REYOBIQ™ to patients battling recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM) and pediatric brain cancer (PBC). The new code provides a formal mechanism for tracking the use of Convection-Enhanced Delivery (CED), a sophisticated technique that delivers the radiopharmaceutical directly to the tumor.

“The approved Category III CPT code for convection-enhanced delivery of REYOBIQ in recurrent glioblastoma and pediatric brain cancer – the most prevalent malignant tumors of the brain and central nervous system – marks a major step in bringing market access for an innovative treatment targeting an aggressive and deadly disease resistant to conventional treatments,” said Marc Hedrick MD, Plus Therapeutics President and CEO. He added that the milestone “represents an important advancement in our path to commercialization and reimbursement.”

A New Weapon Against a Formidable Foe

Glioblastoma is the most common and lethal primary brain tumor in adults. Despite a standard of care that includes surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, the prognosis remains grim, with a median survival of just 15 to 20 months. For patients whose cancer returns—a near certainty with this disease—the outlook is even more dire, as treatment options are limited and offer only modest benefits. Similarly, pediatric brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children, and survivors often suffer lifelong side effects from aggressive treatments.

It is within this challenging landscape that Plus Therapeutics is developing REYOBIQ™ (rhenium Re186 obisbemeda). The therapy is a novel injectable radiopharmaceutical designed to deliver a high, targeted dose of radiation directly into the tumor. By using the radioisotope Rhenium-186, which has a short half-life and emits both tissue-destroying beta particles and imageable gamma rays, the approach aims to maximize cancer cell death while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy brain tissue.

Early clinical data from the ReSPECT-GBM trial has been promising, showing a median overall survival that compares favorably to historical outcomes for recurrent glioblastoma patients. The company reports it is on track to complete enrollment for its Phase 2 trial in 2026 and expects to enroll the first patient in its Phase 1 pediatric brain cancer trial this year.

The Unsung Hero: Decoding the CPT Milestone

For many outside the healthcare industry, the approval of a medical code may seem like a minor administrative step. However, in the U.S. healthcare system, it is a critical gateway to patient access. CPT codes are the universal language used by clinicians, hospitals, and payers to report and bill for medical procedures.

The new code, X566T, is designated as a Category III code. These temporary codes are specifically created for emerging technologies and procedures that do not yet have the long-term data required for a permanent Category I designation. The primary purpose of a Category III code is not immediate, guaranteed reimbursement; rather, it is to facilitate data collection. By providing a specific code for the procedure—Stereotactic placement of infusion catheter(s), brain, for delivery of therapeutic agent(s)—the AMA enables the healthcare system to track how, when, and where this innovative procedure is being used.

This data is invaluable. It will allow Plus Therapeutics, physicians, and insurance payers to evaluate the real-world utilization of REYOBIQ™ delivered via CED. This information is essential for demonstrating the clinical utility and safety profile necessary to eventually transition to a permanent Category I code, which is typically associated with established reimbursement pathways. Scheduled to be published on July 1, 2026, and becoming effective for reporting on January 1, 2027, this code acts as a foundational bridge between clinical trials and standard medical practice.

Bypassing the Brain's Defenses

The new CPT code applies specifically to Convection-Enhanced Delivery (CED), the advanced neurosurgical technique required to administer REYOBIQ™. A major challenge in treating brain cancer is the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a protective membrane that prevents most systemically administered drugs from reaching the brain in effective concentrations.

CED bypasses this barrier entirely. The procedure involves the precise, stereotactically-guided placement of a thin catheter directly into the brain tumor. The therapeutic agent is then slowly infused under a positive pressure gradient, allowing it to “convect” or flow through the spaces between brain cells, distributing it over a larger volume than simple diffusion would allow. This enables the delivery of a high concentration of REYOBIQ™ directly where it is needed most, while minimizing the systemic toxicity that often accompanies conventional chemotherapy.

While the technique is technically demanding and requires specialized neurosurgical expertise, its potential to deliver potent therapies past the BBB makes it a focal point of innovation in neuro-oncology. The new CPT code gives this complex procedure official recognition, a crucial step in standardizing its application and evaluation.

A Strategic Step Toward Commercial Viability

From a business perspective, securing the Category III CPT code is a calculated and essential move for Plus Therapeutics. For a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company, the path to commercialization is fraught with clinical, regulatory, and financial hurdles. Establishing a clear route for procedural tracking and eventual reimbursement is paramount to attracting investment and building a viable market.

According to healthcare policy experts, while Category III codes do not guarantee payment, they provide a legitimate basis for providers to bill for the procedure and engage in coverage discussions with payers. For hospitals and clinics, the existence of a code simplifies administrative processes and provides a pathway, albeit a long one, toward financial viability for offering the cutting-edge treatment.

This milestone, combined with ongoing progress in its clinical trials, positions Plus Therapeutics more strongly in a competitive oncology market. It signals to investors, partners, and the medical community that the company is not only focused on clinical efficacy but is also strategically navigating the complex reimbursement landscape. As the company moves toward a potential pivotal trial for REYOBIQ™, this procedural validation will be a key component of its overall value proposition, underpinning the potential for this therapy to one day become an accessible option for patients in desperate need of new hope.