Combining radiation and immune cells to enhance treatment for liver cancer

Radiation and dendritic cell combination to improve immunotherapy response in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

NIH-funded research Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-10998056

This study is testing a new way to help people with a tough type of liver cancer by using strong radiation along with special immune cells from their own body to boost their immune system and help them live longer without the cancer getting worse.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-10998056 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a new treatment approach for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), a challenging form of liver cancer. It combines high-dose radiation therapy with injections of the patient's own immune cells, known as dendritic cells, to improve the effectiveness of existing immunotherapy. By using radiation to stimulate the immune response and then enhancing it with dendritic cells, the goal is to increase the body's ability to fight the cancer. This innovative method aims to extend the time patients can live without disease progression.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who have not responded adequately to standard treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with resectable iCCA or those who have already undergone extensive treatment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for patients with unresectable iCCA.

How similar studies have performed: Previous pilot studies using similar approaches have shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this novel treatment strategy.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, 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 2026-06-10 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.