Creating a new biomaterial to enhance immunotherapy for liver cancer treatment

Development of polymeric synthetic biomaterial IP-001 to potentiate asystemic immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma via thermal ablation

NIH-funded research Immunophotonics, INC. · NIH-10930125

This study is testing a new treatment called IP-001 that could help boost the immune system's fight against liver cancer after it’s been treated with heat therapy, and it’s aimed at giving hope to patients with this condition by potentially lowering the chances of the cancer coming back.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionImmunophotonics, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (St. Louis, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10930125 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a synthetic biopolymer called IP-001, which is designed to improve the effectiveness of systemic immunotherapy following microwave thermal ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The approach involves injecting this biomaterial into tumors immediately after they are treated with thermal ablation, which helps to enhance the immune response against cancer cells. The research aims to complete preclinical safety and efficacy testing to support future clinical trials. By targeting local tumors and potentially reducing recurrence rates, this innovative treatment could offer new hope for patients with HCC.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma who are undergoing microwave thermal ablation.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced liver cancer who are not candidates for thermal ablation or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for liver cancer, potentially improving survival rates and reducing recurrence.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using IP-001 is novel, similar strategies involving immunotherapy and thermal ablation have shown promise in other studies.

Where this research is happening

St. Louis, 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.