Creating specialized micelles to enhance light-based cancer treatment for breast cancer
Official title: Developing cancer-specific, H2O2-activatable, and O2-evolving micelles encapsulating near-IR photosensitizers for phototherapy of breast cancer
Funded at University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa · NIH-10753659 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to improve light-based treatments for breast cancer by using special tiny carriers that help activate a new medicine with light, aiming to make the treatment more effective and easier on your body, all while allowing you to receive care in a comfortable outpatient setting.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tuscaloosa, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $431,850 |
| NIH project number | 7R15CA264016-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10753659 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly those with tumors that are difficult to treat with conventional methods.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose breast cancer is not amenable to phototherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving phototherapy techniques, specifically photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT), for breast cancer treatment. The approach involves developing micelles that can encapsulate a new type of photosensitizer, which becomes active when exposed to near-infrared light and can generate reactive oxygen species in low-oxygen environments typical of solid tumors. By targeting cancer cells specifically and activating the treatment with hydrogen peroxide, the goal is to enhance the effectiveness of these therapies while minimizing side effects. Patients may receive this treatment in an outpatient setting, making it a convenient option.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and less invasive treatment options for breast cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: While phototherapy has been explored in various forms, this specific approach using H2O2-activatable micelles with near-IR photosensitizers is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Wenfang — University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa
- Study coordinator: Sun, Wenfang
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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.