Animal models and tissue studies to help develop alpha-particle cancer treatments
Core 1: Animal Models, Pathology and Tissue
This project uses animal experiments and human tumor tissue to improve alpha-particle radiopharmaceutical treatments for people with metastatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180193 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use animal models alongside analyses of human tumor and normal tissue to learn how alpha-particle drugs deliver radiation inside the body. They will combine detailed imaging and dosimetry (measuring absorbed radiation) with studies of how DNA damage from alpha particles leads to cancer cell death. The core provides pathology, tissue handling, and experimental support for multiple projects working to personalize dosing and reduce side effects. Findings aim to guide safer, more effective use of alpha-emitter therapies in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with metastatic cancers who are candidates for alpha-emitter radiopharmaceuticals or who can donate tumor tissue for research would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancers not treated with systemic radiopharmaceuticals or with tumor types not targeted by these therapies are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could make alpha-particle cancer therapies more precise and safer, allowing stronger tumor-killing doses with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Some alpha-emitter treatments have shown promising clinical responses in specific cancers, but many questions about dosing, biology, and personalized planning remain to be solved.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gabrielson, Kathleen Louise — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Gabrielson, Kathleen Louise
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.