Combining immune therapy with targeted radiation for liver cancer treatment

Local Tumoral Delivered Immune Checkpoint Blockades Immunotherapy and Radioembolization Combination Therapy

NIH-funded research Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10915561

This study is testing a new way to treat liver cancer by combining a special type of immune therapy with targeted radiation to help make the treatment more effective, and it's for patients who are looking for better options to fight their cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-10915561 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a new treatment approach for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common and deadly liver cancer. It combines immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) immunotherapy with 90Y-radioembolization, a targeted radiation therapy that delivers high doses of radiation directly to the tumor while sparing healthy tissue. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness of the immune therapy by using the radiation to induce cell death in the tumor, potentially leading to better patient outcomes. Patients will be monitored closely to assess the treatment's impact on tumor response and overall health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma who are not eligible for surgical resection or transplantation.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those who have already undergone extensive treatment for HCC may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective treatment option for patients with liver cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous clinical trials have shown promise in combining immunotherapy with targeted therapies, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.