Bacterial delivery of cancer-killing viruses to fight solid tumors
Official title: Overcoming tumor heterogeneity with bacterial delivery of oncolytic viruses
Funded at University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-11422184 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to use a friendly bacterial carrier to bring oncolytic viruses directly to tumors to help treat cancers, including breast metastases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $551,403 |
| NIH project number | 1P01CA300738-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11422184 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with internal solid tumors, including breast metastases, who may benefit from virus-delivery cancer therapy and eligibility for related trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers not accessible to bacterial delivery or who cannot tolerate viral therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores a living bacterial delivery system that can bring virus-based cancer therapies into solid tumors. By using a Salmonella vector to carry an oncolytic virus, the approach seeks to improve delivery and maximize tumor-killing effects while minimizing viral loss in the bloodstream. If successful, the therapy could trigger immune responses that help clear cancer cells throughout the body. The work builds on prior findings showing that the bacterial carrier can reach tumors, protect the virus, and generate tumor-destroying activity within the cancer environment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with internal solid tumors may experience better delivery of virus-based therapies and stronger anti-tumor immune responses.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work demonstrated tumor targeting by the bacterial carrier and production of functional viral particles within tumors, supporting potential success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Forbes, Neil S. — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Forbes, Neil S.
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.