Delivering RNA to Tumors for Cancer Treatment
Systemic RNA Delivery to Tumors
This work explores new ways to deliver special RNA molecules directly to cancer cells to help fight different types of tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11115666 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are working to create tiny particles that can safely carry RNA, a type of genetic material, into tumor cells throughout the body. The goal is to use these RNA molecules to correct genetic problems in cancer cells, such as restoring important tumor-fighting proteins like PTEN. This approach aims to trigger the body's own immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. If successful, these RNA nanomedicines could offer a new treatment option for various cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is currently in early stages, but future clinical applications would likely focus on patients with solid tumors that have specific genetic alterations, such as PTEN-null or mutated cancers.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not have the specific genetic alterations targeted by these RNA therapies may not receive direct benefit from this particular approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new and more effective treatments for various cancers by directly targeting tumor cells and boosting the body's immune response.
How similar studies have performed: While RNA technologies for cancer treatment are a rapidly advancing field, this specific method of using lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles to restore tumor suppressors and induce immunogenic cell death is a novel and promising area of exploration.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shi, Jinjun — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Shi, Jinjun
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 below.